Suggested Itineraries

Cruising the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef offers endless itinerary possibilities. From a short three day weekend to a full two week itinerary, we are able to provide suggested itineraries for superyachts, which will assist with planning the perfect Whitsundays adventure.

In August 2017, the Australian government opened up access to an additional 21 pristine anchorages around the Whitsunday islands for vessels over 35metres. These anchorages now offer superyachts the accessibility to create a varied and interesting itinerary for vessel owners and guests.

For information about the superyachts anchorages in the Whitsundays, visit our anchorage page.

We highly recommend any captains visiting the region for the first time, experience the Whitsundays via helicopter from our private heli-pads in the marina in order get a true geographical perspective of the anchorages available to them during their stay.

Our dedicated Superyacht concierge will work closely with you to put together custom itineraries that will showcase the very best of the region and the natural beauties of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.

If you are searching for inspiration, then browse our suggested itineraries below and discover the best options for superyachts in the Whitsundays.

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 - 2: Coral Sea Marina/ Macona Inlet/ Nara Inlet
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 Macona Inlet on Hook Island. Enjoy the tranquility of this fjord-like inlet as your guests relax with cocktails on the deck at sunset.
The next day, take the tender into neighbouring Nara Inlet, a secluded bay fed by a fresh waterfall after extensive rain. Take a 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.
DAY 2 - 4: Luncheon/ Stonehaven/ Langford Island
From Nara Inlet, head north to Luncheon Bay, a stunning location for 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. Continue on your adventure to Stonehaven on Hook Island, enjoy some sunset fishing along the shelf and anchor up for the night. Stonehaven is known for it's stunning sunsets, so sit back and relax as the sun sets over the ocean with Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort in the background.
The next morning it's an easy 30-minute cruise in the tender over to Langford Island where you can explore this stunning coral cay and the fringing reefs. Snorkel from the beach, and discover an underwater exhibit which forms part of the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail. The sculpture at Langford Reef is of a sea turtle and should you want to customise your itinerary further you can visit other underwater sculptures, visit Blue Pearl Bay and Manta Ray Bay, both of which are located nearby.
Take a stroll along the coral cat that almost disappears at high tide, and walk the small trail to the lookout with incredible views back over the adjacent islands.
Make arrangements to visit the Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort for lunch, relax by the infinity pool or dine at one of the award-winning outlets. Enjoy an hour in the resort day spa, before heading back to the yacht and onto the next location, approximately 3-hours to Hamilton Island.
DAY 5 - 6: Hamilton Island/ Turtle Bay/ Chance Bay
Hamilton Island is a modern island resort which offers a great land based charter experience for all ages. With an array of boutiques, an art galley, bars, restaurants and stunning yacht club as well as the 5* qualia resort, Hamilton Island is always worth a visit.
For those golf lovers, helicopter from Hamilton Island 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.
Depart Hamilton Island and head for Turtle Bay or Chance Bay on Whitsunday Island. Access the walking track of the Ngaro Sea Trial from Chance Bay to Whitehaven Beach and follow in the footsteps of the elders of the Ngaro people, traditional owners of the Whitsunday Islands. These bays are perfect for watersports, so get out all the toys and spend the afternoon immersed in this aquatic playground.
DAY 7 - 8: Shaw Island/ Thomas Island/ Lindeman Island
From Chance Bay travel south to Burning Point on Shaw Island before exploring Gap Beach and the national park walking tracks on Lindeman Island. If you are looking for seclusion the southern anchorages on Thomas Island and Shaw Island will suit you perfectly.
The perfect location for a beach picnic, enjoy an afternoon of swimming, watersports and island seclusion at the southern Whitsunday island anchorages.
DAY 9 – 10: Whitehaven Beach/ Tongue Bay/ Coral Sea Marina
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way to the iconic Whitehaven Beach, acclaimed as one of the best beaches in Australia, with 7 kilometres of sparkling white sand made up of 98% silica a legacy of a geologic era when the sea level was lower.
Canapes and cocktails on the beach, swim in the azure waters, paddle board in the shallows or relax on the deck and watch the yachts sail by.
From Whitehaven Beach anchor at Tongue Bay and enjoy the walk through the rainforest to the interpretive viewing platform overlooking the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. Arrange for the tender to collect you from Betty’s Beach and relax on the journey home, before heading back into 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.