Yachts  | Sailing Catamarans  |  Power Boats  |  Flybidge Cruisers

THE WHITSUNDAY
Lying in the tropics, close to 20º South and cooled by the trade winds for most of the year, the Whitsundays have an excellent climate. The waters are protected by the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef and most islands are surrounded by a fringing reef system. Seasons tend to be dictated by school holidays rather than weather, so some of the best sailing can be found in the off-peak periods. Summers are warm with frequent rain showers and winters are said by many to be the perfect climate - warm by day and cool by night. The trade winds usually blow slightly stronger from May to August. July is the coolest time, January the warmest. And cyclones, if they do occur, are most likely between February and March. Good anchorages are plentiful and varied.

THE ANCHORAGE
The Whitsundays have enough anchorages to keep you busy for months of happy cruising! So you can include some on your itinerary, here are a few of our favourites with recommended snorkelling sites either at your anchorage or just a short dinghy ride away. The seven resort islands in the Whitsunday also welcome visiting yachts. A reasonable fee includes a mooring or marina berth and the freedom to enjoy the guest facilities of the resort. Each island resort's ambience and facilities is different and that means more variety for you!

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Arrival day:
Area and boat briefing in our marina. Lunchtime departure for Nara Inlet. Explore waterfalls, Aboriginal caves and ancient rock paintings. Or just relax with a glass of champagne.

Day 2:
Sail across the Whitsunday Passage, anchoring later in Cid Harbour or Gulnare Inlet. Quiet and peaceful with wonderful wildlife, bush walks and delicious rock oysters.

Day 3:
Set sail for spectacular Whitehaven Beach and enjoy miles of soft, white silica sand beaches. Swim, windsurf and relax.

Day 4:
Cruise over to Hamilton Island for fresh supplies or to top up water tanks. Experience a change of pace in the busy marina and a choice of restaurants and bars.

Day 5:
With the tradewinds on your beam, reach up to Cataran Bay on Border Island for great snorkeling.

Day 6:
For more exploring, a short sail takes you across to Butterfly Bay on Hook Island. Use the dinghy for more snorkeling or onshore visits.

Day 7:
Take a leisurely cruise around the Hayman Island area or southwards across the Whitsunday Passage to South Molle Island or Palm Bay to celebrate the last night of a great cruise!

Day 8:
Sail back to the QYC base for your boat check in.

WHITSUNDAY MAP