7 Days in the Whitsundays

Your Whitsundays escape begins at Hamilton Island, the region’s premier luxury gateway with its own airport and marina. Upon arrival, your private crew welcomes you aboard with fresh tropical juices and a personalised briefing. After settling into your cabin, enjoy a relaxed lunch on deck while taking in views of the surrounding Passage Peak and sparkling Coral Sea. Spend your first afternoon at leisure: snorkel from the yacht's swim platform, take a dip in Catseye Beach, or explore Hamilton Island’s boutiques, galleries, and spa offerings. For a bird’s-eye perspective, consider an optional helicopter ride over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. As evening falls, dine al fresco under the stars as your chef prepares a menu of modern Australian cuisine using locally sourced seafood and tropical produce.

Sail southeast toward Shaw Island, a pristine and lesser-known part of the Whitsundays. This quiet sanctuary is favoured for its calm anchorages and natural beauty. Along the way, dolphins may accompany your yacht through the deep-blue channels. Upon arrival, anchor in Billbob Bay or Neck Bay, where the surrounding rainforest hills drop into white-sand beaches. The island is part of the Lindeman Group and remains uninhabited, offering a true feeling of escape. Go ashore for beachcombing, hiking to hilltop lookouts, or a peaceful yoga session on the sand. Snorkelers will find excellent coral life off the headlands, while those preferring relaxation can enjoy a massage on the sun deck or simply lounge with a glass of wine and panoramic island views.

Cruise north toward the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, located on Whitsunday Island. With its 7 kilometres of pure white silica sand and impossibly clear waters, Whitehaven is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches on Earth. Anchor nearby and tender ashore to Hill Inlet, where swirling tides create a stunning natural pattern of aqua and sand. Hike to the lookout for breathtaking views, or enjoy stand-up paddleboarding along the shallows. The sand here is so fine it squeaks beneath your feet and stays cool even under the tropical sun. After a beach picnic prepared by your chef, swim or snorkel directly from shore before returning to your yacht for sunset cocktails and dinner. With limited overnight anchoring allowed near Whitehaven, your captain may reposition nearby for a peaceful night at sea.

Head to Dumbell Island, one of the smaller and more secluded islands in the Whitsundays. A short cruise from Whitsunday Island, this tiny gem is often overlooked and ideal for guests seeking complete privacy. Dumbbell is surrounded by coral gardens, making it an exceptional spot for snorkelling. You may spot turtles gliding past, schools of damselfish, and even a reef shark or two in the deeper drop-offs. For divers, your crew can arrange guided excursions to nearby underwater sites. On shore, the small crescent beach is perfect for a private picnic or simply soaking in the untouched beauty of the reef. With no infrastructure or visitors, Dumbell offers the rare feeling of having an entire island to yourself.

Cruise northwest toward Hook Island, known for its dramatic cliffs, marine sanctuaries, and thriving coral reefs. Stop first at Manta Ray Bay, a popular site for snorkelling with majestic manta rays and vibrant reef fish. The underwater topography includes overhangs, swim-throughs, and vibrant soft corals. Later, anchor at Butterfly Bay, a protected cove on the island’s northern side. True to its name, you may see hundreds of butterflies flitting among the coastal vegetation. This bay is one of the best spots in the Whitsundays for late-afternoon snorkelling, as sunlight filters through clear waters teeming with marine life. Adventurous guests can kayak along the island’s rocky edges, while others may choose to relax onboard and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea. Your chef may serve a themed tasting dinner this evening, featuring reef-caught fish paired with Australian wines.

Sail toward Langford Island, a long sand spit surrounded by reef and only accessible at low tide. It’s the perfect spot for a morning swim, beach games, or drone photography. The nearby coral gardens are rich in colourful species, and turtles are frequently seen feeding in the seagrass meadows just offshore. After a light onboard lunch, cruise to Stonehaven Anchorage, a picturesque bay on the northwestern side of Hook Island. Here, calm conditions make it ideal for an overnight stay. Watch the sky change colours as the sun sets behind the mainland, casting golden reflections on the water. Guests can enjoy a movie night under the stars, a soak in the on-deck jacuzzi, or a final round of snorkelling from the yacht’s swim platform.

On your final morning, enjoy a sunrise sail toward Airlie Beach, the mainland port and popular launching point for Whitsundays charters. As your yacht eases back into Port of Airlie or Coral Sea Marina, reflect on the incredible array of experiences and landscapes you've encountered over the past week. Depending on your departure time, you may wish to explore the charming town of Airlie Beach, visit the Lagoon swimming area, or enjoy brunch at a waterfront café before being transferred to Whitsunday Coast Airport or your onward destination.