7 Best Cruises to Take from Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the stunning Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef – and there’s no better way to explore the region than on one of the many sailing cruises offered from Airlie Beach.
Each Whitsunday sailing adventure offers a different experience. As local guides, here are the best cruises to take from Airlie Beach, whether you’re a solo traveller, with family and friends, or on a romantic getaway.
Best Airlie Beach Cruises
1. Atlantic Clipper and New Horizon - 2 Day 2 Night Cruise
The Atlantic Clipper and the New Horizon are two of the most popular cruises departing from Airlie Beach, known for being lively party boats. The Atlantic Clipper offers a more social and vibrant atmosphere with a total of 54 guests, while the New Horizon has a more relaxed party vibe with up to 32 guests.
Both the Atlantic Clipper and the New Horizon sail to iconic locations like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout, with plenty of water activities that include paddleboarding, snorkelling, and waterslides. Both cruises also have a BYO policy, allowing guests to bring on their favourite drinks – there is a minimum guest age of 18.
The 2-day 2-night sailing cruise on the Atlantic Clipper or the New Horizon includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as well as equipment like snorkelling gear, paddleboards, and wetsuits.
The Kiana Outer Reef Expedition caters to travellers who want to venture to the pristine outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. The Kiana Outer Reef Expedition is one of the only cruises from Airlie Beach that takes guests to Bait Reef, Elizabeth Reef, Kennedy Reef, Seagull Reef, Net Reef and Wansfell Reef.
This marine adventure includes diving expeditions that are only for experienced divers with diving certification. Divers are encouraged to bring their own gear, with some equipment such as weight belts provided on board. Dive gear can also be hired on board as an additional add-on. Guests who do not have diving certification can still come on the cruise to snorkel at the outer reefs.
Powerplay offers a 3-day, 3-night sailing cruise departing from Airlie Beach to the best spots around the Whitsunday Islands, including Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet. With 3 full days on board, guests will have ample time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Powerplay is a two-story catamaran with comfortable lounging areas, a flybridge offering 360° views of the beautiful Whitsundays, and a heated jacuzzi – a luxury sailing experience with up to 16 passengers in shared and private accommodations.
Eureka Sailing Charter offers an authentic sailing experience aboard a high-performance sailing yacht. The Eureka is unique for being a race boat with a history in the Grand Prix racing circuit 0 an opportunity to be a part of the sailing experience. Guests are invited to work with the crew to steer the boat, hoist the sails, and take a turn playing skipper.
The Eureka can host up to 12 guests – a smaller passenger group means more direct interaction with the crew and more chances to be involved in sailing the vessel. This is one of the best cruises from Airlie Beach for those who want an interactive and engaging sailing experience.
The Whitsunday Bullet Day cruise is all about seeing the best of the Whitsunday Islands in a single day. Travellers who are short on time in Airlie Beach or have an extra day for exploring can hop on the Whitsunday Bullet for a high-speed catamaran tour that covers Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and snorkelling spots in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park without the need for an overnight stay.
The Whitehaven Dreamer is a luxury catamaran cruise with four separate ensuite cabins and space for just eight guests. With only a few guests onboard, this cruise has an intimate and private feel that makes the Dreamer popular among couples and groups of friends.
The cruise visits Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and some of the best snorkelling spots which guests can have all to themselves. The 2-day 2 night tour duration also allows plenty of time to relax on board and enjoy the premium facilities of the catamaran.
Summertime is a classic timber ketch, handcrafted by master shipwrights in 1945 and restored to preserve its character while offering modern amenities. The polished timber decks and traditional rigging set the vessel apart from the sleeker modern catamarans in the region.
The Summertime cruise includes snorkelling, kayaking, and guided island walks, giving guests the chance to experience the Whitsundays from both the water and the shore. Summertime appeals to travellers looking for an experience that blends history and access to the Whitsundays region’s must-see locations.
