Where do we board and disembark?

Departures and returns are handled at Geraldton Marina, Western Australia; check your booking confirmation for exact check-in details.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age listed for this voyage is 14; confirm any underage requirements with the operator when booking.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Provision of masks and fins varies—confirm inclusions with the operator or bring your own well-fitting set for comfort.

How rough is the 35-nautical-mile passage?

Conditions vary by season; the passage can be calm or choppy—bringing seasickness remedies and layered clothing is recommended.

Are meals included onboard?

Meals are part of the liveaboard rhythm aboard Starsand, but confirm specific meal plans and dietary accommodations with the operator before travel.

Can I land on the islands?

Small-boat landings are part of the itinerary for select islands and coves; landings depend on weather, tides and conservation restrictions.

Abrolhos Islands: 5-Day Liveaboard on S/V Starsand | Sailing | Boat Tour

On a five-day voyage from Geraldton Marina, the Abrolhos Islands reveal a coastline unlike any other on Australia’s west coast. Aboard the 20 m S/V Starsand, guests trade mainland schedules for wind, salt and a small-boat rhythm that makes coral gardens, sea caves and centuries-old shipwrecks feel close enough to touch. The archipelago—scattered low limestone and coral islands sitting on the edge of the continental shelf—offers clear water, dense seabird colonies and an uncanny mix of tropical coral and temperate marine life. The trip is designed as a liveaboard experience: evenings below deck, days punctuated by short sails between island groups, and long snorkel swims over gardens of brain and staghorn corals. Key scenes include shallow reef flats rich with reef fish, remnant shipwreck timbers where echinoderms and anemones cling, and wind-bleached island flats where nesting terns and oystercatchers claim the shore. Guides on Starsand weave maritime history and natural history together—pointing out Dutch-era wreck sites and explaining how upwellings make this a productive feeding ground for pelagics. What makes this charter stand out is its balance of traditional sailing and focused marine exploration. Starsand’s length and sail configuration allow guests to cross the 35-nautical-mile passage from Geraldton efficiently, then drift into sheltered coves that larger vessels can’t reach. The islands’ geology—low-lying coral-capped limestone reefs atop submerged shelves—creates calm lagoons perfect for snorkeling and small-boat landings. Expect encounters with curious reeffish, occasional sea lions, and churning clouds of diving boobies and terns at sunrise. Practicalities are straightforward: departures and returns are handled at Geraldton Marina, with the trip covering a five-day loop among island groups; check-in details note Geraldton as the base. The minimum age is 14, and the pace suits travelers who want active days on deck plus relaxed evenings under stars. Meals, sleep berths and traditional sailing are part of the liveaboard rhythm—ask the operator about specific inclusions and gear. For travelers planning this trip, aim for reef-safe sunscreen, basic snorkel competence, and a light layering system for cool nights offshore. The Abrolhos are a special piece of Western Australia’s maritime landscape: remote enough to feel wild, accessible enough for a single long weekend, and compelling for anyone fascinated by coral reefs, seabirds and the stories the sea keeps. Onboard, Starsand offers comfortable sleeping berths and communal deck spaces where crews share fresh-caught fish, local produce and stories beneath wide southern skies. Days mix guided snorkels with time to kayak from the yacht, wildlife watches from the rail and evenings of simple meals and stargazing. Bookings travel from the operator’s referral link or through the Geraldton check-in; confirm inclusions, baggage limits and any fitness or age requirements ahead of sailing to ensure a smooth departure and complete enjoyment.

About Adventure Sailing

Adventure Sailing is a professional sail training and charter operator based in Geographe, Western Australia. The company runs practical live‑aboard courses and day charters that combine hands‑on seamanship training with coastal cruising and recreational activities.

Signature programs include an 8‑day Coxswain Liveaboard Course that provides practical experience at sea while candidates complete requirements for Certificates of Competency. The 5‑Day Catamaran Liveaboard aboard the Queimarla gives participants a chance to join the crew, practice sailing skills, visit remote islands, and undertake fishing and swimming in the Indian Ocean. The Recreational Skipper’s Ticket is a one‑day practical course using a 5m Quintrex training boat paired with online pre‑learning, delivering a nationally recognised certificate on completion. Starsand Day Charter runs private celebrations aboard Stars, a 65ft ketch‑rigged yacht, with catered options, onboard BBQ and opportunities to spot dolphins. She Sails is a two‑day live‑aboard course exclusively for women, taught by experienced female instructors aboard Starsand to build confidence in boat handling and safety.

Courses and charters are delivered by qualified instructors with an emphasis on safety, competency and practical learning. Training follows Australian standards for recreational skipper certification and common competency pathways for commercial certificates. Operating from Geographe, Adventure Sailing focuses on immersive at‑sea learning, clear course outcomes, and well‑maintained vessels to deliver reliable, certifiable sailing experiences. Participants often enjoy camaraderie, great food and tailored itineraries while sailing Geographe Bay and nearby islands. Bookings include clear pre‑course information, safety briefings, equipment checks to ensure compliant and comfortable voyages for trainees and charter guests.

Abrolhos Islands: 5-Day Liveaboard on S/V Starsand

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