What it is
Whitehaven Beach is the Whitsundays' headline act: seven kilometres of 98% pure silica sand, which means it squeaks under your feet and doesn't get hot. Hill Inlet, at the northern end, is the swirling turquoise-sand shot you've seen on every Queensland tourism campaign ever made.
This is the classic day trip to both. Camira is a purple-sailed 20-metre catamaran: fast, stable, built for this run. Under sail from Airlie Beach across the Whitsunday Passage, onto the beach for two hours, up to the Hill Inlet lookout, then home with the afternoon breeze. Drinks included, which takes the sting out of the day.
Compared to the big powered catamarans, Camira is smaller (70 guests vs 150+), under sail not engine most of the way, and gets to Whitehaven faster, which means more beach time. It's the day cruise to do if you're doing only one.
Why this one
- Under sail most of the way. Actually a sailing trip, not a ferry with canapés
- 70 guests max vs 150+ on the big powered cats
- More beach time at Whitehaven because the crossing is quicker
- Drinks included (beer, wine, soft). No running tab
- Hill Inlet lookout walk included, not an add-on
Practical notes
Check-in at Port of Airlie around 8am; return 5 to 5:30pm. It's a full day with a lot of sun. Bring more sunscreen than you think you need. Reef-safe only on Whitehaven sand (it's protected).
November to May is stinger season. Irukandji in the water. Stinger suits are provided and not optional. Dry season (June to Oct) is cooler, drier, windier on the crossing. Winter mornings can be chilly on the way out; warm by the time you're on the beach.
Not the cruise for poor sea legs in swell. The Whitsunday Passage can get bumpy. Ask Serge about the slower powered option if that's you. Accessible boarding is possible but limited; message ahead.
Ask Serge
- Is this running next Wednesday?
- Is Camira better than the Reef World or Cruise Whitsundays day?
- Is it worth it in May with the stinger suits?
- Can I combine this with the snorkel day or the 2-night sail?
- Any chance of sea sickness, should I take something?
Related
- whitsundays-2-night-sailing-trip
- airlie-reef-snorkel-day
- great-barrier-reef-outer-reef-day
