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Whitsundays Overnight Cruise – The Best Way to Explore the Great Barrier Reef

From AUD $665

Top attraction

All Year

Wildlife/Nature

Airlie Beach

16-99

All Year

Wildlife/Nature

Airlie Beach

16-99

What you need to Know?

Start Location:

Meeting Point B (under the white umbrellas), Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach

Departure Time:

every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 3pm (check- in 30 minutes prior)

Return Time:

every Thursday, Saturday, Monday at 12 pm

Duration:

2 days 2 nights

Free date changes:

Subject to availability

Included

  • Small group setting with only 16 passengers for a more personal adventure
  • Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout – a short, scenic hike through lush tropical forest
  • Step onto Whitehaven Beach, famous for its soft, pure silica sand that stays cool underfoot
  • Expert crew offering snorkeling tuition and guidance for all skill levels
  • High-quality snorkeling gear provided for a seamless underwater experience
  • Wet/stinger suits available for protection and comfort
  • Fresh linen and bath towels provided for extra comfort
  • USB ports onboard
  • Choice of private cabins or shared single beds
  • Air-conditioned cabins (private)
  • Heated onboard spa (jacuzzi) for ultimate relaxation under the stars
  • Hot shower
  • Wi-Fi onboard
  • 360-degree flybridge offering panoramic views of the Whitsundays
  • Stand-up paddle boards for a fun way to explore the calm lagoons
  • Delicious meals prepared onboard – 2x breakfast, 2x lunch, and 2x dinner
  • Tasty snacks throughout the day
  • Fresh drinking water and an onboard ice maker
  • All marine park fees included
  • Tax (GST)

Description

Sailing through the Whitsundays on an overnight cruise is more than just a trip. It’s an experience that stays with you long after it ends. Sunset paints the water gold. The ocean breeze carries the scent of salt and freedom. Gentle waves create the rhythm of adventure. This is where the Great Barrier Reef comes alive. Every moment is filled with discovery, relaxation, and a beauty that words can’t capture.

A Journey Through the Whitsundays – A Natural Wonder Like No Other

The Whitsundays are a breathtaking collection of 74 tropical islands, scattered across the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Did you know that most of these islands are untouched national parks, home to rare wildlife and hidden beaches? This region was shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, leaving behind dramatic landscapes, secluded coves, and some of the clearest waters on Earth.

Beneath the surface, the Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 km—the largest living structure on the planet. It’s so vast it can be seen from space. Here, coral bommies rise like underwater mountains, sheltering thousands of species of marine life. Snorkeling in these fringing reefs means swimming beside giant trevally, shimmering fusiliers, and maybe even a sea turtle or a slow-moving reef shark.

Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet – A Painter’s Palette in Motion

Walking onto Whitehaven Beach is like stepping into a dream. The silica sand, 98% pure, is so soft it never gets hot underfoot. It’s said that NASA once considered using it to make telescope lenses because of its purity. Just a short walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout. The view below is unlike anything else—the swirling sands shift and change with the tides, creating a masterpiece of turquoise, azure, and brilliant white. No two days here ever look the same.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

Diving into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is stepping into another world. Some of the best snorkeling spots in the Whitsundays include Luncheon Bay, Mantaray Bay, and Cockatoo Point, where parrotfish nibble at the coral and clownfish dart between anemones. The water is warm, visibility is perfect, and every dip beneath the surface feels like an encounter with the extraordinary.

Relax, Recharge & Play Onboard

Life on board is as exciting as the world outside. A heated jacuzzi bubbles under the open sky, the perfect place to relax with a drink after a day of adventure. Paddle boards wait on deck, ready to glide across the calm waters of hidden lagoons. And as night falls, something magical happens—underwater blue lights transform the ocean into a glowing stage where trevallies, batfish, and sometimes even dolphins put on a show. The ocean never sleeps, and neither does the adventure.

A Must-Do on a Sydney to Cairns Road Trip

For travelers making the Sydney to Cairns road trip, this cruise is a bucket-list stop, a chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef from sunrise to sunset. And if two days at sea aren’t enough? The cherry on top is a 60-minute scenic flight over Heart Reef, where nature has sculpted the ocean into a perfect heart shape.

Seen the Whitsundays from the water? Now it’s time to take to the skies! 

After sailing through turquoise waters and stunning islands, experience the Great Barrier Reef from above on a scenic flight. Witness the famous Heart Reef, a perfectly shaped natural wonder hidden within the reef’s vibrant coral formations. This breathtaking aerial view is the ultimate way to complete your Whitsundays adventure!

 Ready to see the reef from a whole new perspective? Check out The Best Scenic Flight Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef here.

Why do we love "Whitsundays Overnight Cruise – The Best Way to Explore the Great Barrier Reef"

VANZ TRAVEL team

Melinda  says: Some places just feel different, and the Whitsundays are one of them. Snorkeling through coral reefs that feel like another planet, watching the ocean glow under the blue lights at night, and sharing laughs in the jacuzzi as the Milky Way stretched above – this was the trip that defined my Australia road trip. If the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, this is the best way to see it.

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Know Before You Go

What should I bring?

For the Perfect Experience:

  • Small, soft bag (no zippers or wheels) for easy storage onboard
  • Swimwear and a change of clothes,
  • Toiletries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light raincoat, depending on the weather forecast
  • Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
  • Hat and sunglasses for sun protection during the day
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Beach towel
  • Camera or phone charger
  • Alcohol (no glass, except wine bottles—no red wine) plus any extra snacks or soft drinks for the trip

With everything packed, all that’s left is to step aboard, set sail, and soak in the beauty of the Whitsundays. This Whitsundays overnight cruise is more than just a trip—it’s an unforgettable journey through the Great Barrier Reef, filled with golden sunsets, vibrant marine life, and moments that will stay with you forever.

What is NOT included?

Plan ahead to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience as you set out on this Whitsundays overnight cruise. A little preparation goes a long way in making the most of this unforgettable journey through the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Pickup and drop-off services are not included, so guests should arrange their own transportation to the departure point.
  • Luggage storage is available in Airlie Beach, and many accommodations offer storage services. It’s best to check with your hotel or hostel before departure.
  • Alcoholic beverages are welcome onboard, but please note that glass bottles (except for wine) and red wine are not permitted. Be sure to purchase your drinks in town before setting sail.
  • Extra snacks are allowed, and soft drinks are available for purchase onboard.
  • Dietary requirements (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.) require a $20 surcharge per person, payable at check-in. Vegetarian meals are provided at no extra cost.
  • Additional snorkel equipment, such as prescription masks and fins, is not included. Guests may wish to bring their own if needed.
  • Trips scheduled during public holidays or peak holiday seasons incur a $30 surcharge, payable at check-in. Please note that these departures are subject to change based on seasonal availability.

What else should I know before I go?

The itinerary serves as a guideline and may be adjusted due to seasons, tides, and weather conditions to provide the best possible experience for all guests. Flexibility ensures that each trip makes the most of the stunning Whitsundays environment.

  • This tour is not suitable for children under 16 years of age.
  • As this experience is very water-focused, the ability to swim is essential. For safety reasons, all guests must also be able to speak English to board the boat. Guests who do not meet these requirements may not be able to book this tour.
  • Only private cabins are air-conditioned and equipped with fans. Shared saloon accommodation with single beds in a communal space has only fans.
  • To ensure a smooth check-in, guests must reconfirm their tour prior to travel as outlined on their booking voucher. We recommend doing this at least 72 hours before departure by calling 07 4940 2000.

With everything in place, it’s time to set sail, explore the Great Barrier Reef, and experience the magic of an overnight Whitsundays cruise!

What is the cancellation policy?

This adventure sailing tour operates in all weather conditions, including rain, clouds, and strong winds. The experience is designed to embrace the elements, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the Whitsundays.

In the rare event that the Tour Operator cancels the tour due to unsafe weather or unforeseen circumstances, guests will receive a full refund.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Less than 21 days before the tour date – non-refundable.
  • 21 to 28 days before the tour date – 50% fee + administration fee (as per VANZ Travel’s terms and conditions).
  • More than 28 days before the tour date – no cancellation fee + administration fee (as per VANZ Travel’s terms and conditions).

Please note that the card fee is non-refundable.

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Suppliers Terms and Conditions

We get information about experiences from independent providers. We try to make sure our offers are correct, but sometimes things might change a little. When you book, the provider will give you comprehensive details regarding each experience upon confirmation of your booking. If there are any changes later on, they’ll let you know. Participation in each experience is contingent upon your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined by the experience provider at the time of booking confirmation.

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