Cruise the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach at sunset, where vibrant skies meet clear waters in a serene evening voyage. Discover why this tranquil trip is a standout way to connect with nature.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities
Wildlife
History
The Whitsunday Islands have long been a landmark for sailors since Captain Cook charted the area in 1770.
Conservation
The cruise operator supports sustainable tourism by adhering to marine park guidelines protecting coral reefs and wildlife.
Explore Whitsundays
Cruise the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach at sunset, where vibrant skies meet clear waters in a serene evening voyage. Discover why this tranquil trip is a standout way to connect with nature.
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.
Location
Airlie Beach, QLD
Base for all Whitsunday departures
Tours Offered
13 tours
Range from day trips to multi-night cruises
Experience Types
Sailing & snorkeling
Whitehaven, reefs, and yoga retreats
Group Sizes
Small to mid-size
Select trips limited to 8–14 guests
Check availability for sunset cruises, day sails, multi-night yacht trips or the Yoga the Whitsundays retreat and secure preferred dates.
Bring a light jacket
Evenings can get cool on the water, so pack a light jacket to stay comfortable.
Arrive early at the marina
Give yourself time to find parking and enjoy Airlie Beach’s marina atmosphere before departure.
Use a camera with manual settings
Sunset lighting changes quickly; adjusting exposure helps capture the full color range.
Watch your step on wet decks
The boat’s surfaces may be slippery—move cautiously when walking around.
Camera or smartphone
To capture the vivid sunset and island scenery.
Light jacket or sweater
Evenings over the water can bring cooler temperatures.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from daylight glare during boarding.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while enjoying the cruise.