Last Updated on April 25, 2022 by worldoftravelswithkids
Just like diving the Great Barrier Reef, a Whitsundays Sailing Adventure is a true bucket list item. Stunning white sand beaches, a bright blue ocean and lush forest lure many visitors to these gorgeous islands. Here is and overview of the Whitsunday Islands as well as our review of taking an amazing Whitsunday catamaran tour, the Camira Sailing Adventure. Our Camira Whitsundays review includes all the most-know information. You’ll also see this Whitsunday catamaran referred to as the Camira Airlie Beach. This Whitsundays day trip is not to be missed!
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About the Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays are a cluster of no less than 74 islands, most of them are uninhabited. These pristine islands are covered in tropical rainforest and fringed by gorgeous white sand beaches.
Below the surface you’ll find coral, colorful fish and turtles. Sounds like paradise? Yes, it pretty much is! To protect the islands and preserve their beauty, a National Park was established in 1944. You can read more about the park and it’s conservation on this website.
The waters around the Whitsunday Islands are inhabited by many underwater creatures. For example, if you are visiting between June and October, you may see migrating humpback whales! And between November and February you might see a turtle nesting on the beach.
Bottom Line: The Whitsunday Islands are a treasure and must be treated as such. If you are visiting the islands on a Whitsundays day trip, please don’t leave any trash. Don’t take anything from the islands either. Don’t step on the coral. Keep this place as beautiful as it is now.
Sailing the Whitsunday Islands: What to Expect From a Whitsundays Day Trip
There are many tours and Whitsundays day trips available. Most have similar offers but I can highly recommend the Camira Sailing Adventure Experience by Cruise Whitsundays.
When you book a day tour, departure is usually around 7.30am. Expect to be away all day and return to Port of Airlie around 5.30pm.
Below you can find the approximate schedule. Keep in mind conditions vary and the schedule is dependent on the weather. Make sure to check the website for any time changes to your Camira Whitsundays sailing.
- 7.30: Check-in at terminal building in Airlie Port
- 7.45: Boarding
- 8.00: Departure
- 8.00-10.30: Sailing to Whitsunday Island
- 10.30-11.15: Hill Inlet Lookout
- 11.15-12.45: Whitehaven Beach
- 12.45-13.45: Lunch
- 14.00-15.00: Snorkeling
- 15.00-17.30: Sailing to Airlie Beach
We totally recommend a Camira Whitsundays day trip sailing adventure. However, if you are looking for something different, check out these other adventures that leave from Airlie Beach below.
A Cruise Whitsundays Camira : What To Bring
If you booked with Whitsundays sailing adventure and doing the Camira Sailing Adventure experience, here are some tips to make the most of your trip.
The Camira catamaran is a big boat and there is enough storage space for your belongings. That being said, you don’t really need that much. However, don’t forget the items below for a comfortable trip:
- Hat – Preferably one that has a strap or sits snugly on your head. It’s windy on the water! We prefer these sunhats with straps that also protect from UBA and UVB rays.
- Sunglasses – The sun is bright on the sparkling water so make sure to bring a good pair of polarized sunglasses.
- Sunscreen – Though this is also provided on board it’s always good to bring your own. Since the best Whitsundays sailing tours also include a stop on the Great Barrier Reef, it is so important you use reef safe sunscreen. We recommend the Reef Repair brand.
- Bottle of Water – You can refill this during the entire day. We recommend a reusable water bottle like these from the Hydroflask brand.
- Hoodie – When it’s cloudy or a windy day, it can get cold on the boat. Make sure you pack a hoodie or light sweater with you.
- Camera – You’ll want to take plenty of snaps of this pretty place! Since you will want to take pics underwater, why not take a disposable waterproof camera or a GoPro.
- Towel – Keep an eye on this item as it easily gets blown off the boat. The Camira Airlie Beach sailing adventure is fun, but it can be windy on the boat!
Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands: Aboard the Camira Catamaran
About the Camira
The purple Camira boat is one of the world’s fastest commercial sailing catamarans. Not surprising since she was previously used as a racing boat! The Camira catamaran is 26 meters long and offers plenty of seating space, both inside as well as outside. The best spot on the boat is at the front, on the bow net.
The Camira Airlie Beach can reach speeds up to 30 knots (55 kilometers per hour). However, rest assured, that’s not the speed you’ll be sailing at during your day on a Whitsundays sailing adventure!
There are two toilets on board and storage room for bags. Inside you can find shade, but the views outside are unbeatable. This Whitsundays sailing adventure offers such spectacular views you want to spend much time inside.
Food and Drinks
The food aboard the Camira cruise is topnotch. Throughout the morning you’ll be served coffee, tea, biscuits, fresh fruits and cakes.
When you get back from your Whitsunday Island exploration, you’re probably pretty hungry and will be happy to tuck into an extensive BBQ lunch.
During the entire day complimentary soft drinks, fresh water, tea and coffee are available. Beer and wine is also included, but don’t drink before snorkeling! After the snorkeling trip, a snack buffet was served so we didn’t need to go hungry at any point of the day!
About the Crew
In general, crew members are very friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Throughout the day there usually are several briefings (about boat safety, snorkeling instruction, preparation for Whitsunday Island excursion, etc). We felt extremely safe and informed on our Camira sailing adventure.
Sailing Adventure on the Camira Whitsundays Day Trip Highlights
Hill Inlet Lookout
One of the highlights of the day is the Hill Inlet Lookout. A short walk (1.3 kilometer return) leads through the forest to the viewpoint where you’ll see that famous and fabled view over Whitsunday Island.
The view from the Hill Inlet Lookout is breathtaking and something you won’t likely forget!
Whitehaven Beach
From the Hill Inlet Lookout you’ll make your way down to Whitehaven Beach. This 7 kilometers long beach on the largest island of the Whitsunday group (Whitsunday Island) is famous for its pure white sand.
The sand on Whitehaven Beach is among the whitest anywhere on earth and is composed of 98% silica. Besides being very pretty, an added benefit of this type of sand is that it doesn’t retain heat, so your feet won’t get scorched! Not even on an inevitably hot day on this blissful island. If your cruise Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach is a don’t miss stop.
Fun ‘Fact’: Some say the pure sand of Whitehaven Beach was used to make glass for the lens of the Hubble Telescope, but nobody knows if this is true.
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
The water around the Whitsunday Islands is clear, warm and relatively shallow. This is perfect for many types of coral to grow. Therefore, snorkeling is included in pretty much all Whitsundays day trips and its an amazing experience.
Unfortunately, you’ll also see several damaged patches of coral, global warming if causing bleaching of the coral.
Best Accommodation in Airlie Beach
Since the Camira Sailing Adventure departs from Airlie Beach, perhaps that is where you will be staying. If so, these are the best Airlie Beach accommodations. Whether you are looking for an Airlie Beach family accommodation or are a single traveler, the suggestions below will suite your needs.
Mirage Whitsundays
The Miragae Whitesundays is a fantastic Airlie Beach accommodation. They offer apartment rooms, villas, or a luxury penthouse to choose from. All accommodations offer stunning views of the gorgeous turquoise waters. Even the apartment accommodation rooms offer modern kitchens and high-end furnishings.
The property has a spa, gym, and pool area for when you don’t want to head to the beach. Check here for current rates and more information on the Mirage Whitsundays.
Peninsula Airlie Beach
This luxury 5-star accommodation has a very unique, and magnificent location in Airlie Beach. It occupies the entire end of a peninsula that happens to be shaped like a dolphins dorsal fin. However, you don’t have to have an affinity for dolphins to enjoy this place. The Peninsula Airlie Beach offers 1 to 4 bedroom apartments with breath-taking views out over the Coral Sea.
Even though this is a luxury property, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Great deals and reasonable prices can be found. Check here for current rates to stay at the Peninsula Airlie Beach.
Discovery Parks – Airlie Beach
Looking for something more budget friendly? Discovery Parks Airlie Beach is a great choice. This caravan park accommodation in Airlie Beach offers everything from deluxe villas to unpowered caravan sites. It truly has something for a range of budgets and needs. In fact, it is one of the top Airlie Beach family accommodation options.
However, just because it is more budget friendly doesn’t mean it doesn’t have great perks. The Discovery Park has a resort vibe with bbq’s, a pool, waterpark, sauna, playground, and plenty of cabanas for lounging. Look here for the most recent rates to stay at the Discovery Parks Airlie Beach.
Nomads Airlie Beach
Nomads Airlie Beach is a great hostel option located right in the center of town. This is perfect if you are traveling without your own transportation. They offer a range of accommodations from campsites to private, en-suite rooms. Amenities include a pool, bbq pits, laundry facilities, free wifi, and a communal kitchen. Nomads Airlie Beach information and rates are posted here.
The Verdict – Sailing Adventure on the Camira Whitsundays Day Trip Review
Altogether you’re bound to have an amazing day sailing around on your Camira cruise Whitsundays. A cruise Whitsundays Camira is a fantastic option for anyone visiting Airlie Beach and wanting to explore the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef. Whether it is a Whitsunday catamaran ride, a true Whitsundays sailing adventure, or a sky dive experience there are so many Whitsundays day trips leaving from Airlie Beach. So, why not base yourself in Airlie Beach for a few days in one of the above mentioned Airlie Beach accommodations?
We also realize there are many Airlie Beach sailing adventures to choose from. However, Camira Sailing Adventure is the Whitsundays day trip you do not want to miss. We highly recommend the Camira sailing adventure.
Looking for other sailing tour Whitsundays days trips? Below are some other great options.
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