- Duration
- 2 days and 2 nights aboard, from Coral Sea Marina
- Who it suits
- Adults
- Transport
- ferry, walk
- Start
- Coral Sea Marina, Meeting Point C
- Finish
- Back at Coral Sea Marina
- Pace
- moderate pace
- Best time
- May to October; in stinger season a suit comes with the gear
- Budget per adult
- Prosail 2 nights: A$699 until 24 October 2026, A$729 from 25 October 2026 to 14 January 2027, A$749 from 15 January 2027; Explore Group's Solway Voyager, 3 days/2 nights, from A$775.80Prices as of: October 2026
Getting there
Prosail meets guests at Meeting Point C in Coral Sea Marina, a 10-minute walk from central Airlie Beach. The yachts Hammer, Broomstick and Condor sail on different days of the week. Bring your own alcohol. Pay by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Afterpay.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
First leg: the islands and Whitehaven
Day in Google Maps ↗1. Coral Sea Marina, Meeting Point C~30 min at the stop
Boarding a Prosail yacht: 22 to 25 metres, 10 to 30 guests, a skipper and a cook. The skipper picks the island route by wind and tide.
Tip: Pack a soft bag, not a suitcase: cabins have little room.
Open on the map ↗↓ ferry · 4 h · 45 km
2. Hill Inlet lookout~1 h at the stop
A landing on Whitehaven Beach and the climb to Hill Inlet lookout are included in the Prosail fare. From the top you see white sand and turquoise water swirl together.
Worth knowing: The track to the lookout follows the path of the Ngaro people, the islands' traditional owners.
Tip: You land from a dinghy, so keep your phone in a dry bag.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 40 min · 2.5 km
3. Whitehaven Beach~2 h at the stop
On a sailing trip you often reach the beach early or late, when the day boats have gone.
Worth knowing: British naval surveyor E.P. Bedwell named the beach in 1879, after the English town of Whitehaven.
Tip: At anchor the night sky has no light pollution; bring a jumper for the deck.
Open on the map ↗
Second leg: snorkelling and the return
4. Back at Coral Sea Marina~30 min at the stop
On the way back there are several snorkelling stops on fringing reefs; mask, snorkel and wetsuit are included. You return to Meeting Point C at Coral Sea Marina.
Tip: Do not book a flight for the day you return: arrival time depends on the wind.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.