THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Set sail aboard the Solwa Lass with Explore Whitsundays on a six-day mix of hiking and sailing through the renowned Whitsunday Islands. Discover hidden trails and vibrant reefs with an intimate group experience.
Set sail aboard the Solwa Lass with Explore Whitsundays on a six-day mix of hiking and sailing through the renowned Whitsunday Islands. Discover hidden trails and vibrant reefs with an intimate group experience.
Book with Explore Whitsundays
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Explore Whitsundays · Airlie Beach, Queensland
Set against the sparkling backdrop of the Coral Sea Marina at Airlie Beach, Dive into a six-day journey with Explore Whitsundays aboard the Solwa Lass, a traditional tallship crafted to navigate the extensive Whitsunday Islands. This unique trip fuses active hiking with classic sailing, delivering fresh perspectives of Queensland’s coastal jewels.
The Whitsundays are famed for their dozen-plus islands, turquoise waters, and the vivid coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Many walking routes here thread through diverse terrain—from white silica sands on Whitehaven Beach to rugged forest trails and ancient geological sites like the five-hour Whitsunday Cairn walk, offering panoramas across the archipelago’s 74 islands. The Solwa Lass ferrying you between anchorages is intimate, hosting no more than 22 guests, making the experience both exclusive and personal.
Days blend invigorating coastal hikes with moments of tranquil sail, as you move from sunrise breakfasts under open skies to evenings dining on gourmet meals prepared aboard the ship. Walks range from short beach strolls to challenging summit hikes, revealing untouched bays and the rare fauna of the region, while the onboard guides provide historical context—especially regarding the Ngaro Sea Trail, tracing paths walked by Indigenous communities thousands of years ago.
Snorkeling gear and paddleboards boost the aquatic options, inviting discovery beneath the waves amid reefs alive with tropical fish and coral heads. This trip stands apart for those seeking active immersion in the Whitsundays beyond the usual cruise circuit, with space to unwind, breathe in salt air, and step ashore on secluded coastlines rarely visited by day-trippers. All necessary transfers, park permits, and meals are handled, letting travelers focus fully on the natural wonders and the thrill of the journey.
Whether you aim to master tallship sailing skills or simply hike iconic trails with a small group, Explore Whitsundays delivers an adventurous coastal escape made for the curious and the capable.
moderate.
2–5 hours per day for hikes.
Participants should have a reasonable fitness level to handle multi-hour hikes over varied terrain and active sailing days.
The trip includes guided hiking walks, onboard accommodation on the Solwa Lass tallship, all meals, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, park fees, and transfers from Airlie Beach.
No sailing experience is required. Guests can participate as much or as little as they like, with crew assistance available.
The walks vary from easy beach strolls to moderate summit hikes. Basic fitness is recommended, and guides adapt routes based on group ability.
The tallship accommodates a maximum of 22 passengers, ensuring an intimate and spacious experience.
Yes, snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are provided, and stops at sheltered bays offer excellent opportunities for water activities.
You may encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, various bird species, and occasionally dolphins or rays around the islands.
The Ngaro Sea Trail hikes follow paths used by the Ngaro Indigenous people for over 9,000 years, linking the islands' cultural heritage to the landscape.
Explore Whitsundays operates with strong environmental care, including all National and Marine Park fees and promoting low-impact travel to protect delicate reef and island ecosystems.
Explore Whitsundays is a touring company based in Airlie Beach, Queensland, that operates guided sailing and snorkeling experiences throughout the Whitsunday Islands and nearby Great Barrier Reef. The business offers a variety of day, overnight and multi-night cruises aboard a fleet that includes vessels such as Waltzing Matilda, Summer Jo, Whitsunday Pearl, Prima, Siska IV and the Solway Lass. Trips range from short sunset cruises and single-day sails to extended 2‑day and 3‑day itineraries, as well as a five‑day Yoga the Whitsundays retreat with private cabins and guided practice at locations like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Bookings include guided snorkeling on vibrant coral reefs, beach time on Whitehaven, scenic lookouts and freshly prepared meals on many departures. Several trips feature small group sizes—examples include the Whitsunday Pearl with eight guests and the Waltzing Matilda 2‑day cruise limited to 14—allowing for more personalized service and relaxed itineraries. Crewed catamarans and classic yachts cater to a range of traveler preferences, from family-friendly mega yachts to intimate sailing experiences. Safety, local knowledge and comfort are emphasized through experienced crews, modern safety equipment and air‑conditioned cabins on selected vessels. Operating out of Airlie Beach positions the company close to major departure points for the Southern Great Barrier Reef and iconic island sites. Guests can select from a curated collection of tours designed for snorkeling, sailing, island walks and wellness, making Explore Whitsundays a convenient option for travelers seeking authentic Whitsunday experiences. Bookings include detailed departure information and friendly onshore support in Airlie Beach.
Book with Explore Whitsundays