Why we Love an SV Whitehaven sailing safari

SV Whitehaven is a social sailing trip for those young and adventurous travellers wanting a sustainable but fun experience.

This 17.5m ‘Beach Boat’ was designed with cruising comfort in mind. With big open decks to sunbath on, plenty of on deck seating and a spacious aft deck boasting permanent shade, she is the ideal safari boat.  

There is an emphasis on snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, eco guided island exploration and of course plenty of time enjoying Whitehaven Beach.

A feature of this cruise is a high level of reef, rainforest and wildlife eco interpretation by formally trained crew.

Your cruise will include the following highlights;

• Extensive time at Whitehaven Beach
• Hill Inlet Look out
• Bush walking
• Sea Kayaks to explore as much as possible
• Learn to Sail with exciting hands-on experience
• Sleep under the stars
• Meet like minded young travellers
• Snorkel fringing coral reefs

Departs/Returns:

Departs from Abel Point Marina;

• Sunday – Friday – Friday
• Departure Time: 8:30am
• Returns: 3:00 – 4:00pm

Notes:
Check-in: Passengers are encouraged to check in the day prior to travel between 7am-5pm at Whitsunday Sailing Adventures office in Airlie Beach.

What is Included:

• Informative Talks by officially trained crew member
• Guided island Walks
• Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuits)
• Use of Sea Kayaks
• Freshly prepared meals on-board
• Water
• Shared Accommodation on board
• Fresh Linen for each guest
• Marine Park Fees
• National Park Fees
• Best Destinations including Whitehaven Beach

What you need:

• Footwear for short hikes
• Appropriate clothing (in winter pack a hoody/jacket for evenings)
• Swim wear and beach towel
• Hat and Sunglasses
• Please consider a Re-useable/Sustainable Water Bottle
• Please use Reef/Coral Safe Sunscreen
• Camera/Phone
• Alcoholic Drinks BYO (No alcohol is sold on-board)

Please Note:
Every guest is issued with an eco-bag upon check-in at the Whitsunday Sailing Adventures office when checking in. This is to pack your belongings and these bags are permitted on board only.

SV Whitehaven Sailing Safari Itinerary:

Airlie Beach → Airlie | Departs Sunday, Wednesday and Friday

DAY 1

Once on board our friendly crew will brief you about safety and sailing, before setting sail to cross the Whitsunday passage. Get involved with sailing, and take a turn at the helm under the guidance of our skill full crew.

After morning tea, at 11am arrive at your first snorkelling destination, our crew will give you an introduction to snorkelling and take you ashore by dinghy to snorkel from the safety of a protected beach, a great way to gain confidence in the water.

After a good snorkel a scrumptious buffet lunch of cold meats, salads and rolls is served and all freshly prepared on board. 

Set sail to our overnight anchorage at Nara Inlet, enjoy kayaking activities and visit the Aboriginal Caves and learn all about the Ngaro tribe from your crew.

Enjoy a hot shower, afternoon Hor dourves, a cold beer or wine and hear our tree hugging crew tell some fascinating tales of life below and above the water on the Great Barrier Reef.

Listen out for the friendly dolphin pods which frequent the Northern islands. Enjoy a delicious dinner, and enjoy some fun on the back deck, or find a quiet spot and star gaze before falling in to bed for a good nights sleep.

DAY 2

Another early rise, you wouldn’t want to miss a thing in this neighbourhood – manta rays, dolphins, turtles, Whales (in season). 

After breakfast, enjoy a kayaking expedition, and combine a bit of exercise with some wildlife spotting. Enjoy a race back to the ship to find the champion kayaking team on board!

After morning tea, its time to hit the water, for one last snorkelling opportunity – everyone will be experts by now, recognising and identifying even more marine wonders. 

By midday its back to the ship for a rewarding lunch before setting sail back to Airlie Beach across the Whitsunday passage. Return to Airlie Beach at 3.30-4pm (depending how fast you sail!), but the fun doesn’t end here. Join your ship mates for the “After Party” were everyone gets chance to let their hair down and go a little bit wild- details provided at the end of the trip!

Note: This is an example itinerary of a typical 2 day trip

• Available Cabin and Sleeping Arrangements
  – Shared single – single bed in a dorm situation
• Meals & Allergies: Most additional Dietary Requirements can be catered for and some may incur a surcharge – Please ask upon booking

Luggage and Packing

• Every guest is issued with an eco-bag to pack their belongings. These bags are permitted on board only.
• Luggage Storage is offered at WSA’s check-in office at a one off minimal charge.
• BYO alcoholic drinks allowed on this vessel

Important Information

• Itineraries may be subject to change dependant on weather and other circumstances
• Prices are in Australian Dollars (AU$)
• Each passenger must have a clear understanding of safety directions and instructions given in English by the crew and be able to complete the required safety forms in English. A passenger is only able to participate in water activities if they have a level of swimming experience. If a passenger is unable to swim they will still be able to participate in the sailing trip, but will not but able to participate in water activities such as snorkelling. In order to meet our minimum safety standards, passengers must be able to exit the vessel unassisted in the unlikely case of an emergency. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask us.

Eco-Certification Awards

The following Eco-Accreditation from Eco Tourism Australia had been achieved.

• Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism

Australia’s leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.