Tall Ship Reef Adventures
Derwent Hunter Day Sailing
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Return to the vessel for a hearty buffet lunch, before helping to raise the sails and sail back to shore across the Whitsunday Passage, with a cold beer or wine in hand, from our licensed bar.
Step into history sailing the beautiful Whitsunday Islands aboard Derwent Hunter. Experience the magic of a tallship adventure aboard one of Australia’s most famous tallships…
The Derwent Hunter was designed and built in 1946 by Walter Wilson, a second generation shipwright from the famous Wilson Brothers Shipwrights of Port Cygnet, south of Tasmania.
Tall Ship Adventures is a Multi Award winning Advanced Eco Accredited tour. This means that our crew will focus on sharing the wonders of the environment with you…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amazing day with a fun atmosphere from start to finish. Helpful & informative staff ensured a great day for everyone. Amazing lunch and tasty snacks throughout. Great snorkeling spots and one of the most beautiful boats I have ever seen. Truly a pleasure, can’t wait to go again
Overall experience was excellent! Friendly crew, very helpful and informative. Food was delicious! Locations were awesome for snorkelling and we loved the hands on approach to sailing.
Breathtaking and amazing! Great crew, cuisine and company. The best way to cruise the Whitsundays!
Tallship Adventures took me out on a very pleasant excursion in the Whitsundays. I was thoroughly impressed with their standards. The staff were helpful, informative and very professional. We were taken to a great snorkeling site where the staff had our safety as their #1 priority.
What an awesome trip; this tallship is amazing! It’s just a beautiful boat and the crew are very friendly. The trip itself is well thought out and includes fantastic snorkeling.
Had a great time! The reef was incredible; so full of colour. The crew was very friendly and knowledgable. I would recommend this trip to anyone!
One of the best excursions ever. The water was amazing. The food excellent and the crew offered a wonderful lifetime memory! Great boat, great crew, great weather, beautiful water.