Airlie Beach 2-Day 1-Night Sailing and Snorkel Whitehaven

(3 Reviews)

Departs from Airlie Beach
2 days

Highlights

Stretch out and soak up the views on a roomy sailing vessel, designed for comfort and relaxation
Two unforgettable days of sailing, snorkelling and island adventures — with time to simply chill
Freshly cooked meals served on board, packed with flavour and energy for your journey

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What to expect

Spend two days sailing through the Whitsunday Islands aboard Habibi, an 18-metre steel ketch departing from Airlie Beach. Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, snorkel at two or three fringing-reef locations and spend the night anchored among the islands. With meals, snorkelling equipment and onboard accommodation included, you can settle into the relaxed rhythm of sailing, swimming, sunsets and life on the water.

Day 1 – Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Sunset Sailing

Meet the crew at Meeting Point B in the northern village of Coral Sea Marina and check in before Habibi sets sail at 8:30am. Find a comfortable spot in the shade or out on deck as you cruise into the Whitsunday Islands. When the sails go up, you can lend the crew a hand or simply relax and enjoy the changing island scenery.

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet are among the day’s main highlights. Follow the crew through the rainforest to the Hill Inlet lookout, where the white silica sand and turquoise water create one of the Whitsundays’ most famous views. Back at the beach, enjoy time to swim, walk along the shoreline and feel the fine white sand beneath your feet.

The adventure continues with snorkelling at one of the Whitsundays’ fringing reefs. Equipment and full-length stinger suits are provided, and the crew can help first-time snorkellers become comfortable before entering the water.

Later in the afternoon, Habibi anchors among the islands for the evening. Watch the colours change across the water, enjoy an Aussie barbecue and get to know the other travellers over dinner and drinks on deck. Sleep in a shared open-plan berth or a pre-booked private double or twin cabin. When the weather is suitable, you may also have the chance to sleep on deck under the stars.

Day 2 – Morning Snorkelling and Sail Back to Airlie Beach

Wake to the first light over the Whitsundays and enjoy breakfast on the water. The morning may include another snorkelling location, a swim or a beach stop, giving you more time to explore the islands and their surrounding reefs.

After lunch, settle back on deck for the return sail across the Whitsunday Passage. Take in the final island views, share stories with your new travel companions and enjoy the last stretch of the journey before Habibi returns to Airlie Beach at around 4pm.

The skipper plans the route and activity order around the wind, tides and sea conditions to make the most of each departure.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

Kera

15 August 2025

This sailing cruise was amazing, we went during whale migration season and saw so many whales! The snorkeling was the best I’ve done on the Great Barrier Reef, Captain Sam made sure he got us to Whitehaven before the other tourist boats and the food served on abroad was good! Sleeping arrangements aren’t the comfiest but it’s a sailboat with 20 other people onboard so I already knew that going in. They could us a few more bean bags or comfy seating on deck, a lot of metal benches. But overall, this was amazing.

★★★★★

Rebecca

25 July 2025

It was amazing and so relaxing. The landscape is beautiful and the group feeling was good

What you need to know

Included in your tour

1-night accommodation
Meals for 2 days
Snorkel gear and stinger suits
Snorkel instruction and supervision
Flotation devices such as pool noodles and life jackets
Guided tour of the islands
On deck fresh water showers

Extra

Soft drinks, bottled water, or alcohol
Prescription masks and wet suits
Underwater phone cases

Time and Departure Location

Meeting point:

Meeting Point B is at the North end of Coral Sea Marina near Sorrento’s Bar. You will see a big roundabout and shaded seating with big umbrella’s. The crew will be wearing uniforms with Habibi written on them.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Know before you go

The itinerary may vary depending on the weather
You’re welcome to bring your own beer, or wine
We recommend that all guests have travel insurance in the unlikely event that you cannot make your tour
This experience is geared mainly towards the 18 to 30-year-old backpacker market
Please note that the boat is not an air-conditioned vessel
There is no Wi-Fi onboard and mobile coverage is not widely available on the islands
The boat has an on-deck fresh water shower; there is not a hot water shower in the bathrooms
Accommodation is in either a shared cabin with single beds or a private twin/double cabin. If weather permits, you can sleep under the stars on deck
Special diets can be catered. There is a small surcharge for vegan and/or gluten-free meals; Halal and Kosher diets cannot be catered for

Not suitable for

Pregnant women
Children under 18 years
People over 60 years

Not allowed

Oversize luggage
Red wine
Backpacks
Glass objects

What To Bring

Sunglasses
Hat
Swimwear
Change of clothes
Towel
Camera
Snacks
Drinks
Sunscreen
Waterproof camera
Rain gear
Comfortable clothes
Travel insurance
Beachwear
Insect repellent
Shorts
Weather-appropriate clothing
Outdoor clothing
Charged Smartphone
Personal medication
Reusable water bottle
Motion sickness prevention
Power bank

Cancellation Policy

A full refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 30 days prior to travel. Cancellations made within 29 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Habibi sailing tour best suited to?

Habibi is a great choice for solo travellers, friends and couples looking for an active and social Whitsundays adventure. With shared time on deck, group meals, snorkelling stops and an evening anchorage among the islands, it is easy to meet other travellers while experiencing Whitehaven Beach and the surrounding reefs.

Where does the tour depart from and what time should I arrive?

Check-in is at Meeting Point B in the northern village of Coral Sea Marina. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled 8:30am departure so there is plenty of time to meet the crew and prepare for boarding. Habibi is expected to return to Airlie Beach at around 4pm the following day. Check your booking confirmation for the final schedule.

What are the sleeping options on Habibi?

Guests can choose a shared open-plan berth or pre-book a private double or twin cabin. Bedding is included. When the weather is suitable, the crew may also prepare sleeping mats and blankets for guests who would like to spend the night on deck under the Whitsundays stars.

Are there toilets and showers on board?

Yes. Habibi has onboard toilet facilities and a freshwater shower on deck, making it easy to rinse off after swimming and snorkelling. Pack a towel and your personal toiletries in your overnight bag.

What meals are included?

Main meals, snacks, tea, coffee, drinking water and cordial are included across the two-day trip. Meals normally include an Aussie barbecue dinner, breakfast, lunches, fruit and snacks. Provide any dietary requirements before departure, preferably at least 24 hours in advance, so the crew has time to prepare.

Is snorkelling equipment included, and can beginners join?

Snorkelling equipment and full-length stinger suits are included. The crew provides a safety briefing and can help first-time snorkellers become familiar with the equipment before entering the water. Let the crew know about your swimming confidence so they can provide the most suitable guidance and support.

What should I bring, and can I bring my own drinks?

Pack a small overnight bag with swimwear, towels, sunscreen, a hat, practical footwear, toiletries, a reusable water bottle and a warm or waterproof layer. Guests may also bring alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and ice in cans or plastic containers. The onboard drink rules exclude glass containers and red wine. Larger luggage can be stored in Airlie Beach before check-in.

How is the itinerary planned around the weather?

The skipper plans the route around the wind, tides and sea conditions to choose the most enjoyable locations available on the day. Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and two or three snorkelling locations are the planned highlights, while the order of activities and exact reef sites may vary between departures.