Queensland’s Coral Coast lies in the protected lee of the Great Barrier Reef and ranks as one of the greatest cruising grounds in the world. Thousands of adventurers have chartered in the magnificent Whitsunday Islands and Sunsail is now making it possible for charterers to venture further afield and explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Explore even more of the fantastic Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, sailing your vessel in company with other chartered bareboats and with the confidence of knowing that you are guided by an experienced Master Mariner aboard a lead vessel.
Whether you are new to chartering or an old hand, Sunsail Great Barrier Reef Flotillas offer the next level of sailing experience. Seldom visited spectacular north coast anchorages, remote coastal resorts and snorkelling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef are just part of the adventure.
Flotilla cruising is ideal for couples, families or friends chartering as a group predeparture route planning, daily navigation and activity updates, on-call support from the lead vessel and open channel radio communications contribute to greater safety and create opportunities for the kind of camaraderie experienced by likeminded people exploring new boundaries together.
To book a Great Barrier Reef flotilla, call 1800 803 988
Departure dates for 2020-April 18th-26th, May 16th -24th, June 13-21, August 8th-16th, November 7-15.
Highlights
- Snorkel the outer Great Barrier Reef
- Explore rarely visited anchorages
- On call support & guidance from the lead vessel
- Navigation skills development
- Welcome drinks and BBQ at the Sunsail Base
- Restaurant dining ashore at coastal beach resort
- Social sundowners on spectacular & remote beaches
- Freedom from crowded anchorages
- Unforgettable memories and tales of adventure to tell again and again
Shute Harbour
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Exploring

The Sunsail Whitsundays base is located in the tranquil Shute Harbour, a 10 minute drive from the town of Airlie Beach. Giving you the chance to take advantage of the swimming lagoon, spend some time shopping or even relax at one of the local restaurants before your scheduled arrival to our base. Sunsail Whitsundays host a welcome barbeque for all the flotilla charterers in the early afternoon once you have completed your boat and chart briefing.
Whitehaven Beach
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
-
Kayaking
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Exploring

A picturesque sail past Hamilton Island and through Solway Passage and you'll reach your first destination, the iconic, Whitehaven Beach. Sink your toes into its white silica sand, which is among the purest in the world, then enjoy a paddle or swim through the crystal-clear waters. A beach picnic for lunch is a fun and social way to enjoy the day.
Northern Hook Island
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Exploring

The northern bays of Hook Island are perfect for swimming and snorkelling around the fringing reefs. A great spot to get out the kayaks and paddleboards for an afternoon of relaxed activities on the water.
The Outer Great Barrier Reef
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
-
Sunbathing
-
Fishing
-
Bush walks
-
Paddleboarding
-
Kayaking
-
Exploring

Exploring The Outer Great Barrier Reef is an experience unique to this flotilla, giving you the opportunity to travel further afield, discover more that the reef has to offer, and experience an overnight stay at the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel and explore through the day, then stargaze all night long where you’ll be far enough away from any distracting city lights.
Langford Island
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Exploring

A popular snorkelling spot in the Whitsundays, with plenty of colourful soft corals and bommies to be explored, is the long beach spit and one of the islands most endearing features. Despite being inundated by the surrounding sea at high-tide, Langford spit is perfect for beach picnicking, swimming and turtle spotting. Take a break from the below and take the opportunity to enjoy the Whitsunday sunshine.
Gloucester Island and Resort
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Exploring

Shake off those sea legs and enjoy a day back on the land. Spend the day on the beach relaxing or playing beach games. Or, take yourself up to the resort restaurant and bar to enjoy a few social drinks and indulge in some local seafood.
Double Bay
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Exploring

Take a break, relax and reminisce on the adventure you’ve had so far. Double Bay is one of the most protected bays in the Whitsundays. This is a great overnight anchorage, providing protection in nearly all wind conditions.
Southern Hook Island
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
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Sunbathing
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Fishing
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Bush walks
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Paddleboarding
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Kayaking
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Exploring

The southern end of Hook Island offers two stunning inlets, Nara Inlet and Macona Inlet. Both picturesque offering beaches, snorkelling and hikes.
Return to Shute Harbour
The day's sailing
To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.
Suggested activities
-
Sunbathing
-
Fishing
-
Bush walks
-
Paddleboarding
-
Kayaking
-
Exploring

Leaving southern Hook Island, it is a short sail to return to our base in Shute Harbour. Take your time departing the vessel and make use of the base facilities. You may wish to head into town for a late lunch and explore the town of Airlie Beach.