Australia · SAILING

Sailing Trips in Australia: The 15 We Would Pay For

49 tours  ·  from $41

A holiday always runs one day short. These 15 sailing trips are the ones that earn the spare day, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes rather than an evening.

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - First reef stop: two hours in the water
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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

1.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190Our pick

Take a nine-hour catamaran from Cairns to two outer Great Barrier Reef sites selected for the day’s conditions. Snorkel with turtles, fish, giant clams, and colorful coral, or try scuba with a certified instructor. Marine guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a add sharp local insight, while lunch, tea, gear, and wetsuits are included.

“Attention to detail and safety! Excellent adventure. Parker was awesome!”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - What the catamaran feels like during the nine-hour outing
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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

2.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Spend about nine hours aboard a 25-metre catamaran visiting two Outer Reef sites from Cairns. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Harry, or Parker, try introductory scuba from age 12, enjoy buffet lunch and reef talks, and expect a capable but sometimes busy boat.

“No complaints. Phoebe was very good and helpful in rough seas. Food was good. Safety review good. All crew friendly.”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure - Starting early at Port of Airlie
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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

3.Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,307 reviews · 10 hours · from $183

Spend about 10 hours aboard Cruise Whitsundays’ Camira, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You’ll get a guided walk, beach time, reef snorkeling, morning and afternoon tea, a BBQ lunch, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Guides such as Dakota, Joel, Alison, and Mossi have earned praise for friendly, careful service.

“Very nice, but the trip is 9 hours and not 10 but that’s the only minor complaint. 1 hour extra at Whitehaven wouldn’t have hurt. But overall it was a great trip.”

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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar - Why the trimaran changes the trip
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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

4.2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 771 reviews · from $466

Join a maximum of 26 people aboard Avatar, the Whitsundays’ only commercial sailing trimaran, for two nights among remote islands and calm snorkeling sites. Crew members may include Alex, Ella, Sammy, Dave, Tyler, or Casper. Expect Whitehaven Beach, Mantaray Bay, included meals, and basic sleeping quarters rather than hotel comfort.

“I will try to report the facts, without entering into personal judgment because only bad words will come out. I state, in 7 participants we interrupted halfway through the tour, due to safety and health risk problems as the extremely precarious Read moreAuto-translated”

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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef - Meeting the crew and leaving Airlie Beach at 10:30
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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

5.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 752 reviews · from $466

Spend two nights aboard OzSail’s 82-foot sailing boat, Spank Me, with Captain Alex and crew. Visit Whitehaven Beach and possible stops around Hook, Hayman, Border, and Whitsunday islands. Snorkeling gear, meals, reef and park fees, and bunk accommodation are included. Expect shared, compact quarters and an active boat-based trip.

“The OzSail team, led by Captain Alex, was fantastic! The crew was attentive, the Whitsunday Islands stories were captivating, and the food was delicious throughout the trip. Highly recommend!”

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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas - Four and a half hours around Low Isles
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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

6.Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 565 reviews · from $243

Sail from Port Douglas aboard a 33-passenger catamaran to Low Isles. Snorkel in a sheltered lagoon, join a marine biologist, ride the EV Discovery glass-bottom boat, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, and enjoy morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea. The crew, including guides such as Jake, Zara, and Anna on some departures, keeps the day active but relaxed.

“Amazing snorkelling experience with great crew who we're enthusiastic and helpful. So tranquil sailing there. A must do to see an awesome undersea world. Buffet was sumptuous and plentiful. The sail back was exciting as we had a swell.”

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Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas - Golden hour, mountains, and the Low Isles
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Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

7.Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 558 reviews · from $67

Meet at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 4:30 pm for a 90-minute sunset cruise aboard a luxury catamaran. You’ll receive a drink, hot and cold canapés, and views of the Coral Sea, Low Isles, mountains, and Port Douglas coast. Crew members including Curtis, Amy, and Captain Mark have been praised for friendly service, but rough weather can make the ride uncomfortable.

“Wonderful crew, friendly and supportive. Especially for those a bit uncertain about walking around the boat. An accessible and enjoyable night.”

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Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise - Sunset views, city lights, and realistic expectations
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Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

8.Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · from $99

Board Spirit of Cairns at Marlin Marina at 6 pm for a calm-water evening cruise along the Cairns waterfront and Trinity Inlet. You get a complimentary drink, a hot and cold buffet with seafood and local produce, air-conditioned seating, open decks, and live entertainment. Allow about three hours, and notify the operator of dietary needs at least 24 hours ahead.

“This was a beautiful and relaxing rhe food was awsome and sitting on the deck wating the lights of Cairns was magical. Would highly recommend and will be going again”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour - Snorkeling the Whitsunday reefs
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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

9.Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 452 reviews · 2 days · from $350

Spend two days and one night aboard Matador, a racing yacht sailing from Coral Sea Marina near Airlie Beach. You will snorkel reef sites, reach Whitehaven Beach early, eat fresh meals, and sleep onboard. The small-group trip has a friendly social feel, though cabins and shade are basic.

“My husband and I had an absolutely incredible time aboard Matador. Chris, Tony and Bella were a great team, keeping us entertained and pointing out all the sights. The snorkelling was amazing, and the trip to Whitehaven beach topped it off! Would highly recommend sailing with this crew, it has by far made our honeymoon an unforgettable experience!”

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Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands - Starting from Airlie Beach on the Camira
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Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

10.Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 452 reviews · from $185

Spend about 10 hours aboard the Camira catamaran from Airlie Beach, sailing to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You’ll take a guided lookout walk, swim, snorkel at a fringing reef, and enjoy breakfast, snacks, a BBQ lunch, soft drinks, and alcohol after snorkeling. The group can reach 60 people.

“It was an amazing day with a wonderful crew who looked after us beautifully. The boat glided through the seas and we enjoyed delicious food throughout the day. The snorkelling and swim were most memorable.”

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Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns - Why the 20-person limit matters
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Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

11.Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 408 reviews · from $179

Spend about nine hours sailing from Cairns to Upolu Reef and a sheltered lagoon aboard a boat limited to 20 people. Snorkel with coral, tropical fish, turtles, clams, and possibly sharks or stingrays. Equipment, guided snorkeling, morning tea, buffet lunch, snacks, and return transport are included.

“The snorkeling was beautiful but the crew alienated every passenger at the start with their aggressive management of the paperwork. It’s very difficult to undo first impressions!”

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Sydney: Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran - Why the catamaran layout helps
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Sydney: Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

12.Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 402 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

From Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour, you’ll board Fantasea Avalon for a 150-minute whale watch. The catamaran reaches open water in about 30 minutes, leaving more time to search for humpbacks. Expect indoor and outdoor viewing, live English commentary, free tea, coffee, and water, plus optional whale photos from the onboard photographer.

“we did the afternoon whale watching cruise it was thought was so two of our four people backed out preferring to go milder seas it was hard to see any whales because it was so choppy we managed to find one who put on a bit of a display for us sadly all I managed to catch on my phone was four splashes the whales were just too fast for me couldn't hear the commentary over the booming seas The boat was adequate and seemed stable enough even in the larger waves so we could go quite a way out to find the whale activity”

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Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour - Boarding at Cairns and settling into the yacht
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Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

13.Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 398 reviews · 9 hours · from $183

Spend nine hours aboard a 16-meter sailing boat with a small group of up to 25 people. Snorkel an exclusive reef site, take an optional introductory or certified scuba session, visit Green Island, and return under sail with fruit, cheese, cake, and wine. Crew members such as Blair, Anne, Ollie, Dan, and Marie help keep the day friendly and well organized.

“Amazing! Would really recommend this tour! We got some sailing done (no engine), the guides / crew were super friendly and knowledgeable! Good snacks and many places to relax on the boat. It’s not a very big boat so there is plenty of space in the water (and on the boat) and the crew helps you out snorkelling and points out all the amazing fish!”

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Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals - Meeting the crew at Coral Sea Marina
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Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

14.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 389 reviews · 3 days · from $460

Spend two nights aboard a maxi yacht from Coral Sea Marina, sailing among the Whitsunday Islands with crew such as Alex, Kate, Max, or Kayla. Snorkel several reef sites, reach Whitehaven Beach early, help with meals, and sleep in open-plan bunk rooms. This is an active, social trip with shared facilities, not a private-cabin cruise.

“Our 2 night 3 day trip around the Whitsundays was incredible! Absolutely lovely people and lovely crew! Kate was our skipper and it was the first time being a skipper for her and she did an amazing job! Food was amazing and the snorkeling stops were great !”

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Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran - The catamaran, seating, and sailing style
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Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

15.Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 342 reviews · 1h 30m · from $66

Check in at Sailaway Boathouse at 4:30pm for a 90-minute catamaran sail from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina. You will see the Coral Sea and Daintree coastline, enjoy hot and cold canapes, and receive one beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink. Skipper Guy and crew members George and Martie have led recent sailings, though staff may vary.

“Tim and the team offered a great experience the afternoon sunset sail was magic! Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would definitely do this again.”

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New in Sailing

★ 4.5Half Day Sailing and Snorkeling Tour from Coral BayFrom $13243 reviews
★ 4.5Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from CairnsFrom $22128 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing TourFrom $8523 reviews
★ 4.5Siska – 2 day 1 Night – Maxi Sailing Tour of the WhitsundaysFrom $351155 reviews
★ 4.5Prima – Overnight Sailing Experience of the WhitsundaysFrom $39337 reviews
★ 4.5Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven BeachFrom $204207 reviews
★ 5.0British Defender 3D2N Whitsunday Snorkelling Sailing AdventureFrom $53030 reviews
★ 5.02 Day & 2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure on BroomstickFrom $501207 reviews
★ 5.02 Day & 2 Night Whitsunday Sailing Adventure on HammerFrom $501163 reviews
★ 4.5Whitsundays Sailing & Snorkelling Day Tour – All InclusiveFrom $126127 reviews
★ 4.8Sydney Harbour: 2-Hour Morning Yacht Cruise with Morning TeaFrom $10242 reviews
★ 4.8Reef & Low Isles Cruise on Luxury CatamaranFrom $24096 reviews
★ 4.9Low Isles Afternoon Cruise on Luxury CatamaranFrom $24096 reviews
★ 4.6Nelson Bay: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran CruiseFrom $6347 reviews
★ 4.7Magnetic Island: Lunchtime Sailing CruiseFrom $16937 reviews

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Cruises & Boat Tours464Great Barrier Reef Tours76Snorkeling105Scuba Diving29Canoes & Kayaks67Sunset Cruises41Island Ferry Tickets21
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