Sail the Whitsundays aboard the intimate Waltzing Matilda cruise, with snorkeling, beach strolls, and stunning island views. Discover why this trip is a standout in Queensland’s coastal adventure scene.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days, 1 night
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required for snorkeling and boat mobility; some balance needed on a moving vessel.
Wildlife
History
The Whitsunday Islands are located on sea country traditionally cared for by the Ngaro Aboriginal people, whose culture and stories are integral to the region.
Conservation
Strict regulations protect coral reefs and wildlife, including limits on visitor numbers and mandatory reef-safe practices to minimize ecological impact.
Explore Whitsundays
Sail the Whitsundays aboard the intimate Waltzing Matilda cruise, with snorkeling, beach strolls, and stunning island views. Discover why this trip is a standout in Queensland’s coastal adventure scene.
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 reef-safe sunscreen
Protect fragile coral ecosystems by using eco-friendly sunscreen while snorkeling near the reefs.
Pack a light rain jacket
Weather can change quickly; a compact waterproof layer keeps you comfortable during sea passages.
Hydrate frequently
The sun and salt air increase dehydration risk—drink plenty of water throughout the trip.
Secure your belongings on deck
Boat movement and wind can cause items to shift; keep valuables secure and protected.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protect your skin and the reef’s health while snorkeling.
summer
Snorkel gear
Essential for experiencing the vibrant coral reefs up close.
summer
Light waterproof jacket
Keeps you dry and comfortable during breezy or wet conditions on deck.
spring
Dry bag
Protects electronics and valuables from water and salt spray.
all