Sprinkled across the turquoise waters along the Queensland coast, the 74 islands of the Whitsundays are some of the world’s most spectacular. With powder white sand beaches, pristine coral reefs and dense green bushland, these jewel-like islands are a tropical playground. The whole area is protected under the Whitsunday Islands National Park and just eight of the islands are inhabited, making this truly an untouched paradise in the Coral Sea. The islands sit on the edge the Great Barrier Reef, offering world-class snorkelling and diving among vibrant reefs, thousands of fish and an abundance of sea turtles.
Large cruise lines stop by the Whitsundays on their way up the Queensland coast. Popular ports of call are Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. The Whitsundays is ideal for an island-hopping day trip or a trip out to the Great Barrier Reef. You can visit Whitehaven Beach, often regarded as the best beach in the world for its bright white silica sand. Stop off at a luxury resort or explore the glitzy Hamilton Island, with its restaurants, bars and boutique shops. The Whitsundays are filled with isolated atolls and postcard-perfect islands.
If you’re looking for a simple day cruise through the islands, there are also many options to do this from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.
- What are the main attractions on a Whitsundays cruise?
As soon as you catch a glimpse of the Whitsunday Islands, you’ll see what the main attractions are. Island hop between its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs and untouched bushland. The islands sit on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, which is famous for its snorkelling and diving. You can snorkel straight off the beach at many islands or from a boat further out to sea. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most popular cruise destinations. This stunning beach is on Whitsunday Island, the largest in the group, and has the purest white sand in the world.
- How long are typical Whitsundays cruises?
Cruises range from day trips to week-long adventures. Day trips regularly depart from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, taking you to Whitehaven Beach, the Great Barrier Reef or smaller islands. On longer cruises, you will either sleep in cabins on the boat or sail between islands that have resorts or campgrounds.
- What's the best time of year to cruise the Whitsundays?
The sun is almost always shining in the Whitsundays, so you can cruise here year-round. To avoid the wetter months, cruise between June and September. Days will still be warm, with plenty of sunshine and clear seas. The summer months, from around December to March, are also popular and you’re guaranteed hot days with some tropical storms. Be aware that summer is also stinger season in the Whitsundays, so you’ll need to wear a stinger suit when swimming or snorkelling to protect you from jellyfish.
- Can I expect snorkelling or diving opportunities on a Whitsundays cruise?
Absolutely! The Whitsundays sit on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular living ecosystem that’s home to more than 600 types of hard and soft coral, 1,500 species of fish, six types of sea turtles, and a host of other marine life like dugongs, dolphins, whales, manta rays and sharks. You can expect to go snorkelling every day, either jumping straight off your boat or stopping at one of the islands. The scuba diving is also excellent, with most sites in relatively shallow water and offering near perfect visibility. Reefworld is a large pontoon above Hardy Bay and many day trips will take you there for the best snorkelling and diving.
- Are there family-friendly Whitsundays cruises?
The Whitsundays is the perfect family playground. Many of the day trips to the islands or Great Barrier Reef are tailored towards families and kids, with large stable boats, water toys and snorkelling locations for beginners. If you’re chartering a yacht, many will be suitable for families with larger cabins, space for the family to relax and plenty of safety gear.
- What should I pack for a Whitsundays cruise?
They like to keep things pretty casual in the Whitsundays, so your swimsuit, boardies and light clothing will be all you’ll need. Make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen, and some sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the islands.
- Are meals included in Whitsundays cruise packages?
This will depend on the type of cruise you book. On day trips, lunch and snacks are generally included. On overnight charters with crew, most will include meals prepared for you and there may even be fresh seafood BBQs with the day’s catch. If you are bareboat chartering a boat (which means it comes with no crew) you will need to arrange your own food and provisions.
- Can I expect onboard entertainment on a Whitsundays cruise?
Most of the boats sailing around the Whitsundays are small, often with less than 10 passengers on board, so entertainment will be more relaxed. Enjoy stargazing on deck or possibly some live music from the crew.
- Are there luxury cruises available in the Whitsundays?
Some of the most luxurious yachts in the world sail around the Whitsundays and are available to charter. These boats are like a floating five-star hotel with spacious ensuite cabins, sun decks with day beds, water toys like jet skis, and an attentive crew on hand to cater for your every need.
- How can I reach the Whitsundays cruise departure point?
Most Whitsunday cruises depart from Airlie Beach, which is on the mainland and easy to reach by air, road or rail. You can fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine, which is just 25 minutes from Airlie Beach. There is also an airport on Hamilton Island, where a number of Whitsunday cruises depart from.
- Does Flight Centre have a loyalty program, and can I use rewards points on cruises in the Whitsunday Island region?
Yes. You can earn and redeem World360 Rewards points on qualifying cruises in the Whitsunday Island region booked through Flight Centre.