Australia · SAILING

15 Sailing Trips in Australia to Build a Day Around

50 tours  ·  from $41

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 sailing trips justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - What the first reef stop is really like
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Sailing, Tour Reviews

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

1.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190Our pick

Cruise from Cairns on Passions of Paradise’s fast catamaran to two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew support, try an introductory or certified scuba session at extra cost, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, and hear marine talks from guides such as Lily and David.

“Incredible and an amazing experience with Passions of Paradise. If you ever have to do Scuba or Snorkelling, highly recommend Passions of Paradise. Everything starting from crew, to instructors, to diving sites, to food, to snacks, to washrooms, to space and to top it all - the fabulous big catamaran, you will be in good and safe hands with them. Top notch quality team and they will ensure that you will the best time of your time at Great Barrier Reef. Much Thank You to Simon (legend-1) and Roberto (legend-2) who were my guides and instructors and their communication was always a huge help while diving. Always kept the customers…”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - Two reef stops chosen for the day
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

2.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Spend about nine hours aboard Passions of Paradise’s 25-meter catamaran, visiting two Outer Reef sites selected for the day’s conditions. Snorkel with guides such as Simon or Harry, try introductory scuba from age 12, enjoy a buffet lunch, and hear a marine biologist explain the reef.

“The Passion Crew were accommodating, courteous and lots of fun to be around. Harry was very patient with me as inexperienced snorkler”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure - A 7:30 AM start from Port of Airlie
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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

3.Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,307 reviews · 10 hours · from $183

Spend about 10 hours aboard Cruise Whitsundays’ fast Camira catamaran, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and a fringing reef. Expect guided walks, swimming, snorkeling, morning and afternoon tea, a BBQ lunch, and beer, wine, cider, soft drinks, and water.

“A good day’s sailing/snorkelling in the Whitsundays although disappointing that we were not able to get to Whitehaven Beach due to tide/weather conditions. Good lunch. Excellent, knowledgeable, very helpful staff who ran the trip, particularly with the snorkelling.”

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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar - Sailing between the islands and reef waters
Airlie Beach Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews

2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

4.2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 771 reviews · from $466

Set sail from Coral Sea Marina aboard Avatar, the Whitsundays’ only commercial sailing trimaran. You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel calm reef waters, eat all meals onboard, and sleep at sea with a maximum of 26 people. Crews may include skippers such as Alex, Dave, or Sammy.

“All of it it.was the best trip ever Alex and Ella where the best ella was a awesome cook and helpfull and we had good chat Alex was very professional and nogalagble took us to all the top spot and definitely interested doing it again thank again alex and Ella from matt dillon”

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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef - Whitehaven Beach and its famous silica sand
Airlie Beach Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Airlie Beach, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Sailing Trips

2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

5.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 752 reviews · from $466

Sail from Airlie Beach aboard the 82-foot Spank Me with a crew led by Captain Alex. Over two days and two nights, visit Whitehaven Beach and selected Whitsunday snorkeling sites, with meals, bunks, park fees, and equipment included. Expect close quarters, shared facilities, and a real sailing adventure.

“The snorkelling spots were all incredible, as well as Whitehaven beach which was unreal. The food was delicious, the crew were really sociable and knowledgable. Would 100% recommend this to anyone wanting to tour the Whitsundays.”

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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas - Low Isles and the 1878 lighthouse
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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

6.Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 565 reviews · from $243

Spend 7.5 hours sailing from Port Douglas to Low Isles aboard a 33-passenger catamaran. Snorkel in a sheltered lagoon, join a marine biologist, ride the EV Discovery glass-bottom boat, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, and enjoy buffet lunch with tea included.

“Everything was wonderful. They may need to get a few bigger sized flippers as they weren’t able to provide a larger size for my brothers”

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Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas - Your welcome drink and the canapés
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

7.Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 558 reviews · from $67

Board a luxury catamaran at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina for a 1.5-hour sunset sail from Port Douglas. You’ll receive a wine, beer, sparkling, or soft drink, plus hot and cold canapés, while the captain cruises past the coast, mountains, and Low Isles. Bring a jacket and seasickness tablets if conditions look rough.

“Staff were friendly and funny, served food and made you feel welcome. Would recommend this to couples”

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Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise - The Spirit of Cairns and the first views
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

8.Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 547 reviews · from $99

Sail from Marlin Marina aboard the Spirit of Cairns for a calm 2.5-hour evening cruise through Cairns Harbour and Trinity Inlet. Enjoy a welcome drink, a buffet of seafood and local produce, sunset and city-light views, air-conditioned seating, and live entertainment.

“Thoroughly enjoyed our night, great food, wine and entertainment. 5 stars to the crew, would go again”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour - Snorkeling the coral gardens
2-Day Experiences, Airlie Beach Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

9.Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 452 reviews · 2 days · from $350

Set sail from Coral Sea Marina on Matador, an overnight racing yacht with an English-speaking crew. Expect two snorkel stops, an early Whitehaven Beach visit, fresh onboard meals, sunset music, stargazing, and simple shared sleeping quarters. Crew names vary, with Tony, Chris, Dave, Ruby, and others often leading trips.

“The cruise was amazing ! Really nice crew, really good food and insane activities !!!”

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Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands - Hill Inlet Lookout and the Ngaro connection
Airlie Beach Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

10.Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 452 reviews · from $185

Spend about 10 hours aboard Cruise Whitsundays’ Camira catamaran, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You’ll hike with a guide, snorkel a fringing reef, swim, and enjoy barbecue lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol after snorkeling. Hotel transfers are optional.

“Had a fabulous day. Crew were great, food was great, location for snorkelling was great. Couldn't fault the experience.”

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Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns - The sail to Upolu Reef
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Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

11.Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 408 reviews · from $179

Sail from Cairns aboard Reef Daytripper’s small boat for about nine hours, visiting Upolu Reef and a sheltered lagoon when weather allows. Snorkel with coral, tropical fish, turtles, clams, and possibly rays or sharks. Crew members such as Makayla and Justine provide in-water help, with lunch and equipment included.

“I had an amazing day, the spots on the outer reef were great and the staff is really nice and friendly.”

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Sydney: Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran - What the 150-Minute Itinerary Feels Like
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Sydney: Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

12.Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 402 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

You board Fantasea Avalon at Aquarium Wharf for a 150-minute cruise from Darling Harbour. The catamaran reaches open water in about 30 minutes, with an English-speaking guide, indoor and outdoor viewing, complimentary drinks, and an onboard photographer.

“Saw 4 whales - came close to a boat. Brilliant experience”

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Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour - Snorkeling at a reef site reserved for the boat
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

13.Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 398 reviews · 9 hours · from $183

Sail from Cairns on a classic 16-meter boat with a maximum of 25 people. Snorkel an exclusive reef site with marine naturalists, enjoy a seafood lunch, visit Green Island, and sail home with wine, cheese, fruit, and cake. Scuba options are available for beginners and certified participants.

“Blair, Luke and Kelly were amazing! Thank you do today!”

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Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals - Snorkeling at Luncheon Bay and beyond
Airlie Beach Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Sailing Trips

Airlie Beach: 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

14.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 389 reviews · 3 days · from $460

Spend 2 days and 2 nights sailing from Airlie Beach aboard a maxi yacht, with snorkeling at Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, and Blue Pearl Bay, an early Whitehaven Beach visit, reef wildlife, crew-cooked meals, sunsets, and stargazing. Open-plan bunks and shared bathrooms keep this a budget adventure.

“Amazing snorkeling, chilling on the boat and great time at Whitehaven beach. Our skipper Alex made sure we are the first ones on the beach which was really nice!!”

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Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran - What the catamaran ride feels like
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Port Douglas: Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

15.Sunset Sailing Cruise on Luxury Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 342 reviews · 1h 30m · from $66

Check in at 4:30pm at the Sailaway Boathouse, then spend 90 minutes sailing from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina along the Coral Sea. Expect a complimentary beer, wine, champagne, or soft drink, hot and cold canapés, music, and views toward the Daintree coast. A jacket is wise.

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the most amazing experience on the Sailaway sunset cruise in Port Douglas! The entire ride was incredibly smooth, super entertaining, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish. The atmosphere was so relaxing — perfect views, great vibes, and such a peaceful way to end the day. Highly recommend this cruise to anyone visiting Port Douglas! 🌅✨”

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New in Sailing

★ 5.0Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing AdventureFrom $78203 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast 2 hour Sunset Sailing Cruise with Drinks&Tasting PlateFrom $80131 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast Breakfast Sailing Cruise with snacks & bubblesFrom $7825 reviews
★ 5.0Gold Coast Sailing Cruise with sparkling wine & nibbles platterFrom $8552 reviews
★ 4.5Half Day Sailing and Snorkeling Tour from Coral BayFrom $13243 reviews
★ 4.5Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from CairnsFrom $22128 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Moreton Bay Sailing TourFrom $8523 reviews
★ 4.0Providence Whitehaven Beach Sailing and Snorkeling CruiseFrom $142214 reviews
★ 4.5Siska – 2 day 1 Night – Maxi Sailing Tour of the WhitsundaysFrom $351155 reviews
★ 4.5Prima – Overnight Sailing Experience of the WhitsundaysFrom $39337 reviews
★ 4.5Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven BeachFrom $204207 reviews
★ 5.0British Defender 3D2N Whitsunday Snorkelling Sailing AdventureFrom $53030 reviews
★ 5.02 Day & 2 Night Whitsunday Sailing Adventure on HammerFrom $501163 reviews
★ 5.02 Day & 2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure on BroomstickFrom $501207 reviews
★ 4.5Whitsundays Sailing & Snorkelling Day Tour – All InclusiveFrom $126127 reviews

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Cruises & Boat Tours442Great Barrier Reef Tours72Whitsundays Sailing Trips41Harbour Cruises54Sunset Cruises33Snorkeling & Diving Trips70Snorkeling59Canoes & Kayaks62
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Explore Australia

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