Savour the spectacular white coastline draped in lush green forest and the 74 tropical isles of the Whitsundays sparkling in the crystal clear waters of The Great Barrier Reef! The islands provide some of the most stunning tropical scenery in Australia with palm trees, sandy shores and exotic flora and fauna adorning them. Many are surrounded by tropical coral reefs which are excellent for scuba diving, snorkelling or simply reef walking and observing the living natural wonder beneath your feet. Fly into Prosperine Airport which is located about 30 minutes from Airlie Beach and overnight before departing on your sailing cruise. Sail through crystal blue waters, snorkel over amazing coral reefs, or sink your feet into the pure white silica sand of the famous Whitehaven Beach. There are so many reasons why the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a World Heritage Listed Region. The professional crew will share their local knowledge of the area and satisfy appetites with freshly prepared meals and traditional Aussie dishes. Highlights include the Whitsundays, Sailing, Langford Reef, CID Harbour, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Border Island, Nara Inlet, Nara Caves, Blue Pearl Bay, and Hayman Island. This magic region will have you spellbound - pristine beaches, lush rainforests and dazzling waterways, in fact there are so many reasons why the Whitsundays is known as one of the greatest aquatic playgrounds on earth.

Enjoy this tour alone, or in combination with our other Australia & NZ itineraries. Relax knowing that our local team is available 24/7 to support your vacation.

Airlie Beach is a beach resort town and is the stepping stone to the Whitsunday Islands. It is located on the mainland of Australia, with miles of soft white sands and tranquil waters and is the focal point of activity on the mainland as well as being the gateway to The Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. Airlie Beach is a tourist destination, extremely popular with backpackers.

You will be transferred between Proserpine Airport (located about a 30 minute drive from Airlie beach) and Airlie Beach by shared shuttle. Please note that you should contact Whitsunday Shuttle Service 24 hrs prior to your arrival at: 07 4948 1515. You will be met by a driver with a signboard with your name on it for easy recognition. The driver will direct you to the luggage collection area and accompany you to the coach before brining you to your hotel in Airlie beach.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Club Crocodile Airlie Beach (3*) is a multi award winning tropical resort located in the beautiful Whitsundays. Awarded an AAA Tourism star rating of 3 ½ stars, Club Crocodile Airlie Beach guarantees a perfect Whitsunday escape at affordable prices. From the moment you step into the foyer, to the day you reluctantly leave, you'll always feel welcome with the friendly staff on hand to make your holiday memorable. Featuring filtered ocean or pool views from each of the 160 rooms, this outback oasis style resort is ideal for couples, honeymooners, families and friends. Surrounding 50 metres of stunning free-form pool and waterfalls edged with rock gardens and pandanus palms, Club Crocodile Airlie Beach boasts all the facilities and ambience of an island resort on the mainland.

Overnight at Club Crocodile (3*).

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching 3,000 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. The Queensland National Trust has named it a state icon of Queensland. A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which helps to limit the impact of human use, such as overfishing and tourism.

You will transfer between your Airlie Beach hotel and Shute harbour where you will be met for your Whitsundays Catamaran Cruise. Transfer is by shared shuttle.

Depart Abel Point Marina at 8.30 am and begin your induction to life at sea. The group will be split in to watches with a crew team leader and you will learn how to raise the sails. Enjoy the sail to Langford Reef (approximately 2 hours) and after some morning snacks, go ashore for an introduction to snorkelling from the sand spit. When your stomach begins to rumble, head back to the vessel for a buffet style lunch before setting sail for CID Harbour. Under sail, learn about setting the sails and the rudiments of sailing. On arrival, simply relax on deck or partake in a 2km guided bush walk with the crew.

Experience the romance of sailing as you overnight onboard a magnificent tallship and discover the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The magnificent handcrafted timber masterpiece, with all the modern comforts including air-conditioning and nine private cabins is ideal for couples or twin share. Leave the crowds behind for this intimate eco adventure and relax on deck or get involved and learn the skills of traditional sailing. The sailing company is the proud holder of multi award winnings for Adventure and Eco Tourism with 15 years experience of interpretive guided bushwalks, snorkelling safaris, Aboriginal culture, ecology and astronomy. Their commitment to sustainable practices helps ensure that the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef remain unharmed and one of the natural wonders of the world.

Overnight at Whitsundays ECO Tallship (3*).

After breakfast, set sail for the famous Whitehaven Beach. Whilst under sail, learn about the finer arts of rope work including knot tying and baggy winkles before arriving at Whitehaven and Hill Inlet. After morning tea and snacks, head ashore for the 1km guided walk to Whitehaven look out. Head to Whitehaven beach for touch football, swimming and volley ball. Keep vigilant for turtles, stingray and Dugong before returning to the vessel for a buffet style lunch. As you set sail once again, learn the elements of navigation and set the course to Border Island where you can spend the afternoon snorkelling over fabulous coral before heading to Nara Inlet for the evening anchorage.

Overnight at Whitsundays ECO Tallship (3*).

After breakfast, enjoy visiting the aboriginal Nara Caves and a bush walk where you will learn about the indigenous history of the area. Visit the view point overlooking the vessel and the inlet before heading to Blue Pearl Bay. Then visit Hayman Island for one last snorkel. After lunch, begin your sail back to Airlie Beach, arriving back at approximately 3.00pm.

You will be picked up from the harbour after your Whitsundays Catamaran Cruise where you will be dropped off at Proserpine airport. Transfer is by shared shuttle.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).