Whitsunday Islands Sailing Circuit
Sail between the Whitsunday Islands on a bareboat or skippered charter — the consistent 15-20 knot trade winds and sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef make this Australia's premier sailing destination.
- 1
Abel Point Marina Departure
Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach is the departure point for Whitsunday sailing charters — hundreds of vessels range from day sailers to 50-foot luxury yachts available for bareboat or skippered hire.
- 2
Nara Inlet, Hook Island
Nara Inlet on Hook Island is the most sheltered anchorage in the Whitsundays — the deep fjord-like inlet is lined with Aboriginal rock art and the still water creates perfect reflections of the surrounding hills.
- 3
Hook Island Snorkel Reef
The fringing reef around Hook Island is among the most accessible coral in the Whitsundays — giant clams, parrotfish, and reef sharks cruise the coral gardens in clear 20-metre visibility.
- 4
Haslewood Island Anchorage
Haslewood Island has a remote anchorage away from the main sailing circuit — anchoring here overnight, with no other boats and bioluminescent water glowing at the hull, is the Whitsundays at its most magical.
- 5
Cid Harbour Anchorage
Cid Harbour on Whitsunday Island is the most popular overnight anchorage — the sheltered bay has a sandy bottom for easy anchoring and walking tracks from the beach into the national park behind.
- 6
Airlie Beach Return Sail
The return sail to Airlie Beach usually involves a final beat upwind in the afternoon trade winds — the combination of strong sailing conditions and the island scenery makes the journey as memorable as the destination.