Whitsunday Island day sailing adventures on Traditional tallship Derwent Hunter

Ever dreamed of sailing to a tropical Whitsunday island for a day, to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef? Join us for the adventure of a lifetime, sailing on a traditional timber tallship in the sheltered waters of the Whitsunday Islands.

This full day tour explores the islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the Whitsundays on the coast of Queensland. Visit uninhabited islands and explore sheltered, secluded anchorages and beaches. Snorkel straight off the beach. See and swim with an abundance of turtles, colourful tropical fish, and a multitude of corals.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands are famous for being one of the best sailing destinations in the world, you simply have to experience it for yourself. 

The Derwent Hunter full day trip departs Airlie Beach and includes lunch and snacks.

Don’t leave the Whitsundays without going sailing. 

Ecotourism, adventure and marine life

Tallship Adventures is a multi award winning business for Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism. Our experienced guides are extremely knowledgeable about the ocean, the marine life you will encounter, and the ship itself and its interesting history.

Visiting some of the more secret spots in the Whitsundays, you’ll get to see a side of the islands and reef that you won’t see on any other day tour. Low visitation ensures that the marine populations remain high. Guests will come face to face with all manner of marine creatures including our resident turtle population, a breathtaking experience.

During the cooler winter months, whale sightings are an almost daily occurrence. A rarer sighting – dolphins sometimes enjoy swimming alongside the bow of the ship, racing us as we sail along.

A hands on experience

Built in the 1940s in Tasmania, Derwent Hunter is one of Australia’s most remarkable vessels with a lengthy and interesting history. Derwent Hunter is a prime example of a traditional timber tallship, and has been kept in tip top original condition her whole life. Derwent Hunter is authentic, and is still sailed the same way she always has been.

Guests on board the Derwent Hunter will get a true hands on experience and the opportunity to help sail this majestic vessel. Guests will be invited to help hoist the sails and maybe even visit the Captain’s cabin to help steer the ship.

Our experienced guides will provide information about the history of the ship, the local Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, and the marine life you are likely to encounter on your trip.

Snorkeling and island beach time

Derwent Hunter visits two snorkeling and beach locations within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Enjoy an eco tour of this world famous Whitsunday wonderland by snorkeling and swimming among the fringing coral reefs of the Whitsunday Islands. Guests will get at least an hour at each of two locations every trip, for snorkelling and beach time. 

Spend time ashore at Hook Island and Stonehaven where you can enjoy some beach time, snorkel straight off the beach, and learn about the exceptional biodiversity of the area with our experienced crew.

Family owned and operated

Tallship Adventures is a family run sailing company offering award winning day sailing adventures in the Whitsundays. Tallship Adventures has won numerous awards for Adventure Tourism and Ecotourism.

A unique Whitsunday experience

Tours depart Abell Point Marina at Airlie Beach daily, for a full day tour exploring the Whitsunday islands.

Visiting some of the more secret spots in the Whitsundays, you’ll get to see a side of the islands and reef that you won’t see on any other day tour.

This is one of the Whitsundays’ truly unique day sailing adventures.