Top 15 Sailing Trips in Australia

1.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

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

Join Passions of Paradise from Cairns for a full day at two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew guides, try introductory or certified scuba, and enjoy a chef-prepared buffet. Marine guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a offer extra insight, while prescription masks, flotation belts, and wetsuits help first-timers feel at ease.

“Great experience, Staff were excellent! Highly recommended! Incredible trip! The”

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2.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

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

Sail from Cairns aboard an 80-foot catamaran to two outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Parker, or Harry, or try introductory scuba with full instruction. The day includes reef tuition, a marine naturalist talk, morning and afternoon snacks, and a hot and cold buffet lunch.

“Great snorkel experience with great support from Corinda if a little nervous. Food fab and plenty of it thru the day. Not over crowded. Would recommend.”

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3.Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

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

Join Cruise Whitsundays for a full-day catamaran sail from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You’ll get morning tea, a BBQ lunch, afternoon snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a guided walk and fringing-reef snorkeling. Crew members such as Dakota, Mossi, and Alison have been singled out for friendly, helpful service.

“Such a great day! The team went above and beyond for the entire day! Special shoutout to Joel who was so accommodating with my gluten allergy and also for his amazing music playlist - everyone was loving it! :)”

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4.2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

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

Spend two nights aboard Avatar, the Whitsundays’ only commercial sailing trimaran, departing Coral Sea Marina at 11:00 am. You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel calm reef waters, and sleep onboard with meals included. Crews may include skippers such as Alex or Sammy, with a maximum of 26 people.

“The staff really made this trip that much more enjoyable. Beautiful reefs, amazing staff what an experience.”

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

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

Spend two nights aboard the 82-foot sailboat Spank Me, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling sites around Hook, Hayman, Border, and Whitsunday islands. Meals, bunks, park fees, and gear are included. Crew members may include Captain Alex and hosts such as Kayla, Kianna, Kate, or Tobey.

“My sister sister-in-law and I joined a younger group of guests and we were apprehensive about whether we would be able to be comfortable sitting on a flat sailboat or sleeping in bunks but it was fine. We sat or laid on the deck or there's Read more”

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

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

Sailaway takes you from Port Douglas to Low Isles aboard a 33-passenger catamaran. You get guided snorkeling with a marine biologist, a glass-bottom boat ride on EV Discovery, a lighthouse walk, reef time, tea, and a buffet lunch. Crew members such as Jake, Zara, Anna, Tom, and Cooper are praised for clear safety help and friendly service.

“The boat was excelent, crew was friendly and knowledgeable - the pick up from the hotel was on time and easy, boarded the boat and there was a light breakfast. After safety instructions we set sale and even with the rough seas, they were mindful with people who could feel sea sick. Low Isles is fantastic and got to see turtles, fish, reef sharks. If people try to tell you to go to the quicksilver platform, dont. This is a much nicer and real tour, that really connects you to nature in a respectful way.”

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7.Sunset Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

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

Meet at Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina at 4:30 pm for a 1.5-hour sunset sail aboard a luxury catamaran. You’ll receive a welcome drink, hot and cold canapés, and views of the Coral Sea, Low Isles, mountains, and Port Douglas coastline. The cruise suits couples and older families, but rough weather can affect comfort.

“Absolutely fabulous- great experience- the staff very friendly and helpful- kept the drinks flowing - loved it”

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8.Cairns Catamaran Harbour and Dinner Cruise

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

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard the air-conditioned Spirit of Cairns, cruising from Marlin Marina along the waterfront and Trinity Inlet. You’ll receive sparkling wine, beer, or a soft drink on arrival, then enjoy a hot and cold buffet with seafood and local produce. Live music, city lights, and open deck views round out the evening.

“An excellent dinner cruise, friendly staff & beautiful food. We were warmly welcomed aboard with a lovely sparkling wine-:)”

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9.Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing Tour

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

Sail from Airlie Beach aboard Matador with an English-speaking captain and crew. Snorkel coral reefs, reach Whitehaven Beach before the crowds, eat fresh meals, and sleep aboard a racing yacht. The trip suits active guests comfortable with shared, simple boat accommodation and changing sea conditions.

“Best experience I’ve ever had. So pretty beaches and relaxing vibe. Loved it!!”

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10.Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

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

Spend about 10 hours aboard the Camira catamaran from Airlie Beach. You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, walk to Hill Inlet Lookout with a guide, snorkel a fringing reef, and enjoy barbecue lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol after snorkeling. The crew includes experienced staff such as Alison, praised for her warm humor and care.

“This was a perfect day, well organised, super spots, nice food and the crew was amazing. Thank you guys”

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

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

Leave Cairns at 7:30 am for a nine-hour sailing trip to Upolu Reef and a sheltered lagoon. With no more than 20 people aboard, you can snorkel with guides, spot turtles, sharks, rays, clams, and colorful fish, or relax in the bow nets. Morning tea, buffet lunch, snacks, and equipment are 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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12.Discovery Whale Watching Tour by Catamaran

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

Set out from Aquarium Wharf in Darling Harbour aboard Fantasea Avalon, a fast, purpose-built catamaran that reaches the open ocean in about 30 minutes. You get 150 minutes on the water, indoor and outdoor viewing, tea, coffee, bottled water, and an onboard photographer. Whale sightings are not guaranteed, but a free return voucher is offered if none appear.

“The tour was good, and we they did their best to locate whales - which fortunately we did find. The boat was very big, and outdoor open spaces were at a premium, so that was the one drawback. Still, in all, it was a good experience and worth the price. There was a guide on board, but the sound system left a bit to be desired, especially if you were on deck.”

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13.Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

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

You sail from Cairns aboard a 16-meter classic schooner with a small group of up to 25 people. Expect reef snorkeling, optional scuba sessions, a marine naturalist, lunch, Green Island beach time, and a quiet sail home with wine, cheese, fruit, and cake.

“Guys from the crew are just amazing! They are so helpful, polite and have interesting stories to tell. Snorkeling spot was just perfect- we have seen a shark and a lot of different types of fishes. Also, food was great. Wonderful seefood and a lot more options. Complimentary cheese, wine and cakes were nice sunset details.”

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14.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with Meals

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

Spend two nights aboard a maxi yacht with OzSail Whitsunday, sailing from Coral Sea Marina to Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, Hayman Island, Border Island, and Whitsunday. Snorkel at sites such as Luncheon Bay and Blue Pearl Bay, help with meals, watch for turtles and dolphins, and sleep in open-plan bunk rooms. Crew members including Alex, Kate, Max, and Kayla may vary by departure.

“An amazing trip. Skipper Alex and crew Meg and Kianna were fantastic. Completely efficient and helpful they looked after us really well. The activities were awesome. A really memorable trip.”

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15.Whitsundays Sunset Sailing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 339 reviews · from $60

Sail Pioneer Bay aboard the traditional gaff-rigged schooner Providence V during a two-hour sunset cruise from Coral Sea Marina. You’ll get a glass of sparkling wine, shared snacks, and views of Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday islands. Captains and crew, including Jack and Alex, keep the small group relaxed and friendly.

“We had such a lovely afternoon!! The guys on the boat were so nice and friendly. The weather was phenomenal! We were in a group of 6 and had so much fun!!”

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