Whitsunday Blue

Plevier

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As part of a holiday in Oz next March, I'm considering a 3 night trip on the Whitsunday Blue (a big Lagoon cat) from Airlie Beach around the islands. Wondered if anyone has done this and can report on it please?
https://sailing-whitsundays.com/WhitsundaySailing.php?id=1191

(This is the smallest boat there is any chance of getting my wife onto so please don't suggest more exciting alternatives, you'll only upset me!)
 
we did it in a monohull but as she was less than 10m (i think) then we couldn't go out to the reef (which they didn't tell us before we booked). the islands are amazing tho. and you will get to the reef...

enjoy :-)
 
Yes, charter coding restrictions. Even larger bare-boat charter boats are not allowed out to the outer reef unless there is a special agreement with the charter co.
There are limited mooring options for the outer reef and anchoring is not allowed or even practical in many places. Although these are semi-protected waters one needs to be confident of good weather to overnight. There are day trips on fast cats or smaller commercial vessels, so leaving the charter boat in port (Airlie or Hamilton Is) is a good option if you want to go to the outer reef.
There is good snorkelling for coral and fish on a number of the Whitsunday Is, particularly the Nth of Hook Is where the water is often clearer - not to be compared to the main outer reef but still very pretty and absorbing.

To the OP, you will be sure to have a great time on the Whitsunday Blue. I haven't been on it but I know the Whitsundays well and it's hard to have a bad time. The key will be the timing. Best between August and November. Too hot Nov-Feb then Cyclone season 'till June. March is in the cyclone season so the holiday is prone to disruption if one comes along even though we normally know a few days or a week as one forms.

The catering is important too as there are no bays with restaurants other than Hamilton Is which has a marina. A couple of other Is have resorts which welcome boaties but unless you want to hit the bars, you will enjoy being at anchor/mooring with an on-board chef more.

Have a great trip.
 
X2 a few coves then Hamilton Island then continue to explore and enjoy being at anchor/mooring galley on-board -Soo beautiful. for diving, end April till October = less stingers in the water if I remember correctly. Once in a lifetime for many, go for it.
 
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