Suggested Itineraries

Cruising the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef offers endless itinerary possibilities. Enjoy a three-day escape or stretch it into a two-week adventure. We provide suggested itineraries for superyachts to help plan the perfect Whitsundays discovery.

You’ll find 27 pristine superyacht anchorages scattered throughout the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. These anchorages give superyachts more variety and flexibility. With so many options, captains and guests can design itineraries that are both diverse and memorable.

For details on superyachts anchorages in the Whitsundays, visit our anchorage page.

Captains visiting the Whitsundays for the first time are encouraged to experience the region from above. A helicopter from our private marina heli-pads offers a clear perspective of anchorages and geography.

Our marina team works directly with captains and crew to create custom itineraries. Together, we highlight the best of the Whitsundays and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

For added inspiration, explore our suggested itineraries for superyachts cruising the Whitsundays and find the best options for your journey.

10 Day Whitsunday Adventure
Your voyage starts at the award-winning Coral Sea Marina and takes you on a complete Whitsunday experience. Incorporating many of the superyacht anchorages, this itinerary can easily be extended for 14 days or more, if time permits.

For local knowledge on any of the anchorages below, we recommend speaking with our Guest Services team.

DAY 1: Coral Sea Marina/ Stonehaven
Enjoy a private helicopter service from Whitsunday Coast Airport taking you directly to Coral Sea Marina where your yacht awaits. Our superyacht marina has multiple concierge services ensuring your yachting experience has minimum hassle and maximum pleasure.

From here it's a short 2.5 hour cruise past Pioneer Point and cross the Whitsunday Passage to your first night's destination at Stonehaven Bay on Hook Island. Stonehaven is known for its stunning sunsets, so relax on the deck with cocktails, enjoy sunset fishing, and soak up the tranquility of the bay.

DAY 2 - 3: Nara Inlet/ Langford Island/ Luncheon Bay/ Hayman Island
In the morning, you can take the tender into neighbouring Nara Inlet, a secluded fjord-like inlet with tranquil waters. Here you can take a short hike up to the indigenous cultural site where you can find ancient rock wall paintings and discover the history of the Ngaro people of the Whitsundays.

Spend the afternoon visiting nearby Langford Island, a stunning coral cay that almost disappears at high tide. Here is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic before another spectacular Whitsundays sunset from the beach. Return back to your vessel at either Stonehaven or the South Hayman Anchorage for easy access to the following day’s activities.

The next day, take the short journey north to Luncheon Bay, a stunning location for an early lunch and great access to the adjacent bays of Butterfly Bay and Mantaray Bay via tender, which offer up great snorkelling with an abundance of marine-life and soft coral fringing reefs.

Afterwards, make arrangements to visit the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort for lunch, relax by the infinity pool, enjoy the day spa, or dine at one of the award-winning outlets.

DAY 4 - 6: Tongue Bay/ Whitehaven Beach/ Chalkies Beach
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring Langford Island’s stunning cay and the fringing reefs. Hop over to Black Island via tender for some exceptional snorkelling or exploring the small island’s beach.

Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely cruise to the iconic Whitehaven Bay for the next two nights. Anchor at Tongue Bay first and enjoy a morning walk, before anyone else arrives, through the rainforest to the iconic lookout over the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.

Arrange for the tender to collect you from Betty’s Beach before journeying to south Whitehaven Beach, acclaimed as one of the best beaches in Australia, with 7 kilometres of sparkling white sand made up of 98% silica. Relax on the soft sand, swim in azure waters, or relax on deck before dinner on board.

In the morning, explore nearby Chalkies Beach to enjoy the same white sand plus the opportunity to snorkel directly off the beach.

DAY 7 - 8: Hamilton Island/ Turtle Bay/ Chance Bay or Cid Habour
Make the short journey to the next overnight destination, Hamilton Island, a modern island resort offering a great land-based charter experience for all ages. With an array of boutiques, an art gallery, bars, restaurants, yacht club, as well as the 5* qualia resort, Hamilton Island is always worth a visit.

For those golf lovers, take the short trip to the PGA accredited golf course at Dent Island. Enjoy 18 holes with a stunning view of the islands and then lunch at the club house overlooking the Coral Sea.

After departing Hamilton Island, choose to enjoy Turtle or Chance Bay, both of which are perfect for watersports, particularly in northerly winds. Alternatively, explore nearby Cid Harbor to hike the Whitsunday Peak track which provides 360 degree views over the Whitsunday Islands.

DAY 9 – 10: Shaw Island/ Thomas Island/ Coral Sea Marina
Travel south to Neck Bay on Shaw Island, where you can spend time ashore on the sandy beach, explore the walking tracks or enjoy a beach BBQ. From here you can also visit Burning Point, and venture further south to Thomas Island.

If you are looking for seclusion the southern anchorages on Thomas Island and Shaw Island will suit you perfectly.

A relaxing picnic on the beach or long lunch on the deck are in order, as you enjoy the tranquility of these secluded waters before travelling back to Coral Sea Marina.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Access to the Great Barrier Reef is a short trip from your base at Coral Sea Marina.

The Whitsunday Islands themselves are surrounded by fringing reefs, providing some great snorkeling opportunities, but for those wanting a real Great Barrier Reef diving experience, the below itinerary takes in some of the best locations the reef has to offer in this region.

DAY 1 - 2: Coral Sea Marina/ Macona Inlet/ Butterfly Bay
Fly into Whitsunday Coast Airport and enjoy a private helicopter service to bring you directly to Coral Sea Marina where your yacht awaits. Our superyacht marina has multiple concierge services ensuring your yachting experience has minimum hassle and maximum pleasure.

From Coral Sea Marina it is a short 2.5 cruise across the Whitsunday Passage to your first destination at Macona Inlet on Hook Island. Explore this fjord-like inlet by tender, enjoy an afternoon on the stand up paddle board or kayak or relax on the deck and take in the tropical serenity.

The next day after a light breakfast head north to the top of Hook Island and explore the snorkel sites at Butterfly Bay, Manta Ray Bay or Luncheon Bay. Vibrant soft corals, abundant marine life and fringing coral reefs are all there to explore under the water throughout the day.

Day 3 - 4: Hayman Island
The Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort is worth a visit for a daytime excursion. Relax by the infinity pool with a cocktail, book a treatment at the award-winning day spa or sample a private lunch on the beach with cuisine prepared by a chef of your choice. Head over to Stonehaven anchorage to catch the last glimpse of sun and enjoy drinks on the deck as the sun sets over another perfect Whitsunday afternoon.

Early morning head around to Blue Pearl Bay, snorkel the fringing reef along the island shelf or explore the coral beach in between the trees and during the wet season discover the natural waterfalls which spring up along the hillside.

Between June – October have a watchful eye on the horizon , as the annual humpback whale migration is in full swing and you may be lucky enough to spot a mother and calf frolicking in the turquoise waters.

Day 5 - 6: Bait Reef/ Fairey Reef
Wake up to the sound of silence as you enjoy the serenity of the outer Great Barrier Reef anchorages. Spend your days diving the famous Stepping Stones, which are unique in that you will find 18 or more flat-topped coral pinnacles lined up in a row along the south-west face of the reef. Living amongst this structure is abundant fish life, as well as many deep canyons and crevices to explore.

Little Fairey Inlet is a great spot for snorkeling as well as some exceptional diving along the wall of the inlet. Brightly coloured angel fish, coral trout and sweet lip will swarm past and the chance encounter with a blue spotted lagoon ray or white tipped reef shark is almost guaranteed. After a long day underwater, sit on the back deck and enjoy the clarity in the night sky as the milky way is clearly visible most evenings without cloud.

We always recommend taking an experience local dive guide with you on your charter to access some of the more unique dive sites. Please contact our team for recommended suppliers.

Day 7 - 8: Hardy Reef/ Line Reef
For the diving fanatics head to Hardy Reef and spend your days exploring the range if different dive sites.

If diving is not your thing, then helicopter charters can be arranged from the pontoon at Hardy Reef offering an incredible perspective of the complexity of the reef system from the air. Hardy Reef is home to the Whitsunday icon Heart Reef, which is aptly named after the natural shape this reef has taken.

Some of the best diving at Hardy Reef can be found at Hardy Reef South where the shallow pools provide the ultimate haven for a range of fish life. At certain tides the natural ‘waterfall’ can be experienced at Hardy Reef when the water is emptying from the reef and this is quite a formidable sight.

Day 9 - 10: Hamilton Island
Round off your 10 day itinerary with a visit to the island resort of Hamilton Island.

Take a private transfer to Dent Island golf course and enjoy 18 holes or a long relaxed lunch at the club house. Enjoy their resort style night life with a sumptuous dinner at the architectural creation that is the Hamilton Island yacht club, or relax over sunset cocktails at One Tree Hill and experience 360-degree view of the Whitsunday Islands.

For those who enjoy hiking, wake up early and climb to the highest peak on the island – Passage Peak – as the sun rises over another perfect Whitsunday day. With day spas, boutiques and the award-winning qualia resort on island, a visit to Hamilton Island could be the perfect way to end 10 days in the Whitsundays.
The Whitsunday ‘Long Weekend’
If your owners and guests are short of time, then our four day short break itinerary brings you the best of the Whitsunday Islands. This itinerary can be varied depending on departure time and the prevailing conditions, but will offer an overall Whitsunday experience providing long lasting memories.

Day 1: Coral Sea Marina/ Stonehaven
Fly into Whitsunday Coast airport and let our personal concierge arrange a heli-transfer to bring you straight to the Coral Sea Marina where the boat is berthed. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the resort's new The Rocks - Restaurant & Bar, before you board your vessel and get underway for the first day of your adventure.

Arrive at Stonehaven anchorage mid afternoon allowing enough time an explore on the beach or relaxing on deck with a cocktail, with this anchorage providing the perfect westerly aspect to experience a gorgeous Whitsunday sunset.

Day 2: Border Island/ Whitehaven Beach
Next morning make way to Border Island and choose from the two available superyacht anchorages depending on weather. In Cateran Bay there is some excellent fringing coral reef for those wishing to explore the underwater world. For the more adventurous, take the new walking track up the island to enjoy some fantastic views.

After lunch head to the south end of Whitehaven Beach and spend the day with 98% pure white silica sand between your toes. Once the day visitors have left, enjoy the beach to yourselves with a sunset picnic before heading back to the boat for dinner on the deck.

Day 3: Shaw Island/ Thomas Island
Head south in the early morning and visit Neck Bay, Shaw Island for lunch. Enjoy the tranquility of the southern anchorages and the varied topography, as you stroll on the beach, go for a leisurely paddle on the kayak or stand-up-paddle board or sit back and enjoy the marine life in abundance around the southern islands.

In the afternoon, travel to Thomas Island for overnight and explore the pristine beaches. If you are visiting during May - October, watch out for the playful humpback whales teaching their calves in the open ocean.

Day 4: Turtle Bay / Chance Bay
Both Turtle Bay and Chance Bay on the southern side of Whitsunday island offer perfect anchorages for overnight. Fringing reef is evident in both locations and provides a location to enjoy an afternoon snorkel away from the crowds.

There is a rainforest walking track accessible from Chance Bay, which leads up over the ridge to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, where you can find a brand new lookout that views the 7km stretch of white sand. The trail forms part of the Ngaro Sea Trial and along the trail you will find interpretive information relating to the traditional owners of the Whitsunday Islands. Return guests to either Coral Sea Marina or Hamilton Island to allow access to flights to major metro centres.
Whitsunday Hero Experiences
This itinerary focuses on hero Whitsunday experiences, which are available on the Whitsunday coast and throughout the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

From a private heli-tours over the Great Barrier Reef, to a round of golf at the PGA course on Dent Island, the Whitsundays is abundant with unique experiences both natural and man-made.

If you require any further information on any of the experiences outlined below, please contact our Guest Services team.

Day 1/ 2: Langford Island / Stonehaven
The best start to any activities itinerary in the Whitsundays is a heli-tour over the islands. Fly direct from the marina’s private heli-pads with the Coral Sea Flight Collection over Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and the lush green formation of the Whitsunday islands. Have the helicopter land at Langford Island where you will meet the tender to take you to your yacht anchored at Stonehaven anchorage.

Wake up early and explore breakfast on the deck, before you head over to Langford Island and explore this stunning coral cay. Take the walking track at the end of the beach up to the lookout providing 360 degree views of the neighbouring islands. Snorkel the fringing reefs or swim in the shallows, before tendering back to the yacht to start the rest of your adventure.

Day 3/4: Hamilton Island
Make way to Hamilton Island, a resort island with a range of activities and dining options available to suit all tastes of the guests aboard. Try off-road buggy adventure tours, a wildlife park perfect for entertaining the younger guests or relax and spend the day at the award-winning qualia health spa.

Finish the day with sunset drinks on the Bommy Deck at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the best vantage point for watching yachts sail and take in the incredible Whitsunday sunset before heading inside for dinner at the restaurant.

If golf is your thing, then dedicate the day to 18 holes at the Dent Island golf course then enjoy lunch at the club house when you finish.

Day 5/ 6: Fairy Reef/ Bait Reef
Depart Hamilton Island and head out to outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef marine park for some snorkeling or diving activity. We highly recommend you take one of our experienced local dive masters with you to assist with guiding the guests through some incredible dive sites.

Dive the famous Stepping Stones, which are a formation of 18 flat-topped coral pinnacles lined up in a row along the south-west face of the reef. Living amongst this structure are a host of good fish life, as well as many deep canyons and crevices to explore. Once the diving for the day is finished, enjoy a sumptuous dinner on the deck and if you’re lucky and the sky is clear you might just see the milky way.

Day 7/8: Whitehaven Beach/ Border Island
Head back in towards the islands and make an overnight stop off at Cateran Bay on Border Island. Rise before the sunrise, take a breakfast picnic and set off on the walking track to up to the top of the island. The 360 island views will be sure to impress and the top of the peak makes the perfect place to watch the sun rise over the Whitsunday islands. Set aside 3 – 4 hours for the round trip and make sure you take plenty of water and have good walking shoes.

If hiking isn't for you, get out the water toys and enjoy a morning of aquatic adventure.

Make way to Whitehaven Beach where you will spend the day enjoying some water sports, exploring one of the walking tracks, swimming or relaxing on the white silica sand of Australia’s most iconic beach. As the sun goes down enjoy a beach picnic or cocktails on the beach and toast to another day in paradise.

Day 9/10: Coral Sea Marina/ Whitsunday Coast Mainland
Head back into Coral Sea Marina, enjoy a delicious lunch onboard before you make plans for the next couple of days.

We can arrange luxury transfers to take you to explore the best of the Whitsunday Hinterland. Book a private tour of local animal farm, cuddle a koala, hold a baby crocodile or feed the kangaroos or experience the Whitsunday Croc Safari where you can get up close and personal with these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.

Book a private fishing charter on Lake Proserpine, 40 minutes from Airlie Beach and catch the Queensland great, a fresh barramundi or catch a helicopter flight to Finch Hatton and dive with platypus in their natural habitat.

All this and more can be arranged with the help of our Superyacht Concierge - contact the team for more information.