Sailing the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays provide terrific sailing conditions, with consistent South Easterly breezes and many calm water anchorages nestled among the islands, making overnight stopovers comfortable. For the Adventure Market, 18-35’s plus the young at heart we have a fleet of ex racing yachts, designed to ensure your Whitsundays sailing adventure is one you will remember for a lifetime. During our sailing tours guests can get involved and learn the sailing basics and still there is time to snorkel and swim on the island coral fringing reefs. Vessels are also available for Corporate or Private Charter Groups, including Whitsunday Weddings or special occasions. Southern Cross Sailing Adventure Cruise Options Maxi Boomerang - 2 Day 2 Night Whitsunday Sailing Cruise Maxi Siska - 2 Day 1 Night Whitsunday Sailing Cruise Maxi British Defender - 2 Day 2 Night Sailing Cruise Southern Cross - 3 Day 2 Night Sailing Cruise Tours Ragamuffin ll - 3 Day 2 Night Sailing Tour Maxi and Tall Ship Package - Siska and Solway Lass - 4 or 5 Nights

Depart from Abel Point Marina - a typical voyage will be......
1. Cross the Whitsunday Passage to Blue Pearl Bay on Hayman Island.
2. Go along the western coast of Hook Island to Nara Inlet.
3. Around the south side of Hook Island, through Hook Passage to Cataran Bay on Border Island.
4. South along the north eastern side of Whitsunday Island to Whitehaven Beach.
5. Through Solway Passage, past Hamilton Island Resort and stop at Cid Harbour on the western side of Whitsunday Island.
6. Along western coast of Whitsunday Island, through Hook Passage and follow the eastern coast of Hook Island to Mantaray Bay.
7. To the northern coast of Hook Island to Langford Reef near Black Island.
8. Back to Airlie Beach passing the Molle Islands. Itineraries are flexible, and this itinerary is an example only. Trips will differ depending on the prevailing breezes and tidal conditions. Itineraries are planned by the Captain considering the safety and well being of guests and crew. If you have a special place that you would like to visit, we'll see what can be done. Please note that in the unlikely event of a mechanical problem, tour itineraries may need to be changed.

Adventure Highlights - the Adventure Sailing yachts sail around the Whitsundays. We don't sail to the Outer Reef. We believe that on a 3 day trip there is plenty to do around the Whitsunday Islands, including island visits, walking, scenic viewing, beachcombing, swimming, snorkelling the coral reefs that fringe the islands. Each 3 day trip we cover approx 90 miles, a typical day is 2 hrs sailing in the morning, 2 hrs snorkelling/swimming, 2 hrs sailing in afternoon and 1-2 hrs walking and exploring beaches.

Scuba Diving - is available during your Whitsunday sailing trip. We meet up with a dive boat. This company is independent to us. On the odd occasion the Dive Boat does not meet us, so therefore we cannot absolutely guarantee the Diving.

The staff from the Dive Boat will take you on a memorable dive on the Coral Reefs that extend from the Islands. Whether a fully certified diver or a 1st timer, you will have a terrific dive. For 1st timers you will be educated on the beach, then gradually work your way into the water. Once you feel comfortable, you will enjoy a 25 to 30 minute experience to 7 metres deep. For guest who DO NOT wish to dive, there are still plenty of activities, including snorkelling, swimming, exploring the islands, sunbaking on the beach, or just relaxing on board. Meals - we provide a feast of freshly prepared meals, catering to all tastes. Sample Menu: continental breakfast - morning tea of fruit cake, tea and coffee - lunch of quiches, breads, pasta and green tossed salads plus fresh tropical fruits - pre dinner snacks of nachos, cheese, dips and crackers - dinner of succulent chicken breast cooked on the barbecue, served with rice, satay, salad and breads-dessert of fruit and custard. And if you have special dietary needs or requirements we provision our boats based on customer needs. All you need to do is let us know when you make your booking.

Help Sail - Guests are welcome to join in and assist the crew with the sailing. The racing yachts have a myriad of winches and sailing gear that could baffle all but the most experienced crew, however, guests are welcome to learn, including hoisting and trimming sails, or taking the helm. The tallship crew likes to get guests involved as part of the fun of sailing on a square rigger. Lining the guests and crew along the deck its all hands heaving together to unfurl the huge sails. For guests who are interested the crew will spend time covering the sailing basics.

Rates Include: All meals freshly prepared, tea and coffee, snorkelling mask and fins, linen and bath towel. For 3 day 2 night or longer tours, Courtesy bus transfers from local accommodation to the Marina is included.

Rates DO NOT Include: Local Charge payable on Check-in. Local Charges cover wet suit hire, Great Barrier Reef EMC, National Parks Levy, fuel charges, admin and collection fees and GST. Charges are dependent on cruise length.

What to Bring: We appreciate that you limit the amount of luggage you take on board, and recommend soft sided luggage. We suggest: swimmers, beach towel, sunscreen (30+), hat, sunglasses, camera, spare film / batteries, sandals or joggers for island bush walk, favourite music CDs/Ipods, a sweater for cooler evenings. If you have larger luggage that you would like to store, storage facilities are available at most accommodation houses in Airlie Beach, or there is a store across the road from our check in office.

Check-in: When you Check-in we will ask you to complete a questionnaire. This procedure helps us provide a tour for you that is safe, fun and memorable. We will gather important information, like who to contact in the unlikely event of an emergency, any special diet needs, any medical conditions that can help us to help you in an emergency. We will organise wet-suit hire (optional), and provide a thorough briefing on your tour. The check-in procedure can take up to 15 minutes.

Southern Cross Sailing Adventures Location
Shop 1 / 4 The Esplanade, Airlie Beach, Queensland

Getting to Airlie Beach – Whitsundays
Flying: Airlie Beach is accessible by Virgin Blue and Jet Star from major cities.
- Via Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) located 40 km's from Airlie Beach. Whitsunday Shuttle Service meets all flights and provides coach transfers to Airlie Beach that take around 30-35 minutes. Transfers must be pre-booked.
-Via Hamilton Island is serviced by Qantas Link, Jet Star and Virgin Blue. Fantasea Cruises offer a 40 minute ferry ride to the mainland and either a taxi or the shuttle service will deliver you to the township of Airlie Beach or your accommodation.

By Road: The Bruce Highway is the major road that links 'Cairns' in the north to 'Brisbane' in the south.
Brisbane to Airlie Beach - total driving time is 12.5 hours
Brisbane to Rockhampton - 670kms takes approx 7 hours.
Rockhampton to Airlie Beach - 510kms takes approx 5.5 hours.
Cairns to Airlie Beach - total driving time is 7.5 hours.
Cairns to Townsville 350km's - takes approx 4.5 hours.
Townsville to Airlie Beach - 280km's takes approx 3 hours.

By Bus/Coach: Regular coach/bus services operate from Brisbane or Cairns to Airlie Beach. NB. Coaches stop at a number of locations- allow for this in travel times.

By Train to Proserpine Station: Tilt Train Services leave Brisbane and provide a 13 hour overnight service. From Cairns the service is in daylight hours and takes 10 hours. A coach meets the trains and transfers from Proserpine to Airlie Beach takes about 25 minutes.