The Whitsunday Islands Bucket List

The Whitsunday Islands; a collection of 74 tropical islands surrounded by coral reefs are a popular destination. With white sand beaches, secluded coves, crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, the Whitsundays offer plenty of places to relax and get away from it all—a big reason why they’re on so many travelers’ bucket lists

Here are five reasons why adding the Whitsundays to your bucket list is a must:

#1 Dip Your Toes Into The Pure Silica Sand Of Whitehaven Beach

There are plenty of amazing beaches in the world, but if you want to visit one that’s both beautiful and off the beaten path, Whitehaven Beach is the place for you. Located on Whitsunday Island in Australia, this beach is known for its white sand and crystal clear waters. It’s no wonder it’s been voted one of the best beaches in the world multiple times. It offers serenity, relaxation, and a sense of awe that is indescribable. The pure sand is made of 98% white silica, which gives it its unique color and texture (which isn’t hot when you walk on it). Only accessible by boat, all of our private charters visit Whitehaven however if you are after a day trip, our Whitsunday Bullet is the charter for you.

#2 Walk To Hill Inlet Lookout

Hill Inlet Lookout offers one of the most photographed views in the world. From the lookout, you can see the swirling sands of Hill Inlet and the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. It offers a spectacular view of the tidal estuary that forms between Hook Island and Whitehaven Beach. It is often photographed due to the distinctive swirls of white sand and blue water caused by the tides which is different every time. The lookout is located on Whitehaven Beach, the path is about 1 kilometer long, and it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the lookout. All of our private charters visit both Whitehaven and Hill Inlet Lookout.

#3 Explore Langford Island

Langford Island is one of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays and is only accessible by boat. The island is uninhabited, and is covered in rainforest and white sand beaches. Being a stone’s throw from Haymen Island, this pristine destination is a relatively small island with a striking feature – a long sand spit that all but disappears at high tide. It’s a beautiful place for swimming and snorkelling being quiet and uncrowded. There is an abundance of fish but the real gem is the amount of green turtles which frequent this area. Our Southern Cross Langford Reef Day Sail is the private charter to take you here.

#4 Go Sailing

There is nothing quite like the wind blowing through your hair as you set sail across the crystal clear waters of the Whitsunday Islands. You can try your hand at sailing on any of our sailing charters, whether it’s one of our ex-racing modern Maxi Yacht, British Defender or our 100+ year old tall ship with a rich history Solway Lass.

If learning to sail is on your Bucket List then our newly launched Experience Sailing is for you! In 35 years of operating sailing trips, we’ve helped thousands of people appreciate their passion for sailing. This program has been tailored to those of you who are drawn to the tranquillity of sailing and the love of the ocean.

‘Experience sailing’ is four days and three nights aboard Southern Cross of America’s Cup fame. Departing from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, you’ll join seven other guests, your skipper and host and sail through the stunningly beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Over the four days, you’ll learn to sail the famous 12-meter yacht. This trip includes general deck duties, steering, navigation, and a memorable night cruise under the stars.

#5 Snorkel Great Barrier Reef:

The Whitsunday Islands have some of the best snorkelling on The Great Barrier Reef. On your private charter you will be taken to some of the most exclusive spots away from the crowds. The northern bay of Hook Island is some of the best in the Whitsundays. The coral and marine life are abundant and varied, making for an majestic underwater experience. With 74% of the island national park devoted to marine reserves, there’s plenty of uninhabited coastline to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, rays, and dolphins.

#6 Experience The Sunsets On The Water

One of the most spectracular bucklet list experiences that doesn’t have the same effect when staying at a resort. Watching the sun slowly sink behind the horizon, painting the sky in a spectrum of oranges, pinks, and purples as the final light of day disappears is just magical. Then when the stars come out, one by one, until the sky is sparkling with the only sound being the water lapping against the boat – it’s like no other. A must see and experienced on any of our overnight private charters.

#7 Spend The Evening Anchored In A Secluded Bay

There is nothing quite like waking up in a secluded bay where it is just you, the natural landscape and the scent of your morning coffee whilst watching the sunrise over the ocean. With all of our overnight private charters your skipper will safely anchor you in one of the Whitsunday Islands secluded bays. Quiet at night, sheltered from breeze and beautifully calm you can turn on the blue lights in the water and watch the can squid come up to the light, then see the dolphins follow. In fact all the marine life will be lit up for you to enjoy. It’s experiences like this that are exclusive to overnight sailing trips.

#8 Take A Scenic Flight To View The Reef From Above

Take to the skies and enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. With its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most beautiful natural wonders on earth. On this aerial adventure, you will fly over the world’s largest coral reef system, admiring its unrivaled beauty from the air. You will also have a chance to see some of the many islands that make up this incredible natural wonder. Soar over white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush rainforests.

The most popular scenic flight is to heart reef. It got its name because it forms a heart-shaped coral formation. The heart reef is about 15 meters wide and 6 meters high. It is made up of about 400 different types of coral. There are a number of companies that offer scenic flights over the reef, so you’ll have plenty of choices to choose from. Make sure to book well in advance, as these flights tend to fill up quickly.

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, the Whitsunday Islands offer plenty of amazing experiences to enjoy. If you’re looking to explore everything the region has to offer, contact our team today to discuss your next holiday. We’ll help you create an unforgettable itinerary that will have you ticking items off your bucket list in no time!

Call us to discuss your options on (07) 4967 7555 or email res@explorewhitsundays.com.