- Airlie Beach
- Boat Trips & Sailing
- Featured
- Great Barrier Reef
- Queensland
- Snorkelling
- Whitsundays
- Young & Fun
Get the perfect balance of chilled downtime and party vibes on your Whitsundays sailing adventure on backpacker favourite New Horizon.
Spend your days snorkelling pristine reefs, sliding down the massive inflatable waterslide, or paddling around on stand-up paddleboards. By night, it’s all about enjoying a cold beer under the stars and getting to know your new mates.
On this incredibly popular two-day, two-night tour, you’ll visit must-see spots like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, and the crew will make sure your trip is packed with fun and unforgettable moments. From “walking the plank” off the dive board to spotting dolphins or whales (in season), there’s something for everyone on this super social sailing adventure.
The 21-meter sailing schooner has space for 32 passengers and is packed with old-school charm alongside modern comforts like air-conditioned cabins (trust us, you’ll be glad for this in the tropical heat!).
Whether you’re here for the adventure, the party, or a bit of both, New Horizon is the ultimate Whitsundays experience for backpackers. Just make sure you book early, this tour regularly books out weeks in advance!
Highlights
- Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, two of the Whitsundays’ most famous spots.
- Snorkel or dive stunning reefs – gear included, and diving options available for intro or certified divers.
- Relax on massive sun decks with comfy bean bags or chill in shaded areas.
- Test your courage with the 6-meter dive platform or the epic 8-meter inflatable slide.
- Air-conditioned cabins and hot showers make for a comfortable night’s sleep.
- Enjoy evening vibes with stargazing, spotting dolphins, and balmy tropical nights.
- Friendly, fun crew who know how to put on an epic trip.
Included
- Fresh linen, sheets, blankets and pillows
- All freshly prepared meals and snacks – special diets on request
- Please BYO drinks to be stored in our massive walk in cold room
- Air-conditioning and hot showers
- Stinger suits, snorkel equipment
Who is a New Horizon Whitsundays sailing tour best suited for?
- New Horizon is a super social sailing adventure and offers a good balance of chilled and party vibes. It’s a great option for backpackers, active travellers, and travellers aged 18 to 35 looking for good vibes in a stunning location.
Additional information
| Departs | Mon, Thurs, Sat |
|---|
Day 1
Prepare for an action-packed adventure! Arrive at the designated meeting point at the time indicated on your boarding pass, where the friendly crew will greet you and handle your check-in. Once everyone is ready, they’ll guide you to the vessel, marking the start of your unforgettable journey.
After a detailed safety briefing and smooth departure, it’s time to relax and dive into the fun. Cruise through Bauer Bay at South Molle, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a thrilling ride on the waterslide. Then, continue toward Hook Passage, your anchorage for the night. Freshen up with a shower as the crew prepares a delicious evening meal.
Post-dinner, let the good times roll! Sip on drinks, get to know your fellow travelers, and watch the stunning sunset. Enjoy a night filled with music and games—just don’t overdo it, as tomorrow is another day of excitement!
Day 2
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast and a strong coffee to shake off any lingering cobwebs from the night before. The crew will then take you to Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island, where you’ll enjoy a short bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. This spot offers breathtaking views, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the moment!
On the other side of Tongue Point lies Whitehaven Beach. Spend a few hours here soaking up the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and exploring the pristine white silica sand.
After your beach time, return to the vessel to enjoy a freshly prepared buffet lunch as the crew sails you to one of the Whitsundays’ premier snorkeling and scuba diving spots. Dive into an unforgettable underwater world filled with vibrant marine life, including Maori Wrasse, sea turtles, and colorful coral gardens.
Later in the day, the fun continues at another location, where you can enjoy the waterslides, paddleboards, and even a heated spa. The Whitsundays’ biggest water playground is all yours to explore! As the day winds down, the crew will take you to an exclusive beach for a white party. Bring your best white outfit, soak in the sunset views, and dance the night away with your newfound friends.
Day 3
Rise and shine! Start the day with breakfast, then shake off the cobwebs with a refreshing dip via the waterslide. Whether you join in more water activities or simply relax on deck, the morning is yours to enjoy before returning to the mainland.
While the journey may be over, the party doesn’t have to end! Celebrate with one last hurrah at an exclusive after-party at Mama Africas. Enjoy VIP discounts on drinks and a final evening of fun with your crew and newfound friends, capping off an unforgettable adventure.
Important notes:
- Please reconfirm your trip 48 hours before departure on +61 7 4940 2000.
- New Horizon is strictly for guests aged 18+. The recommended age is 18-35.
- Please note that a surcharge may be payable for dietary requirements other than vegetarian. The surcharge is per person and payable on check in. If you’re not sure, feel free to get in touch!
- A public holiday surcharge applies if your trip is at sea during a public holiday or during the holiday season. This is $40 per person and payable at check in. Please note these departures are subject to change over the holiday season.
- Certain items are not permitted on board:
- Hard cases or luggage with wheels
- Glass bottles
- Red wine
- Bring your best white outfit for your final night party (ok, maybe this isn’t an important note, but we wouldn’t want you to miss out!)
Not included:
- BYO Alcohol
- Bottled water
- Soft drinks
- Beach towels
What to bring:
- Only small zipless bags are allowed onboard the vessel (no hard cases or wheels)
- Alcohol is BYO (maximum of 40 standard drinks per person). Strictly no glass and no red wine.
- Water bottles to refill
- Beach towel/towel/camera/toiletries
- Sunscreen/sunnies/hat/bathers
- Thongs/sandals (for bush walk)
- Light clothing – Evenings in winter can be chilly, days are hot. Summer is hot and sometimes wet
- Weather proof jacket in wet season for walks.
- Voucher/ Ticket
Optional extras:
- Intro and certified diving: Diving can be reserved through Whitsunday Sailing Adventures and is payable on check in.
- 4 certified and 6 intro dives are available per trip. Experience a full dive with our dive master who is highly trained!
Departure information:
- Check-in: Check-in is now online, you will be sent a text message or email with the link at least 2 days prior to your departure and once completed, you will receive your boarding pass by email.
- Meeting point: Southern end of Coral Sea Marina Departs: Tues/Thurs/Sat – Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach (approx 2.30pm) Returns: Thurs/Sat/Mon – Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach (approx 12:00pm)
Provider details:
Whitsundays Sailing Adventures
Phone: 1300 653 100
Tour Reviews
This was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on a trip. The crew were amazing, the people I met were amazing, the Whitsundays were amazing. So to sum up – AMAZING! If you’re backpacking the east coast of Australia, add New Horizon to your plans.
The New Horizon Crew were fantastic and well up for a laugh!
It was an amazing experience to stay on an old schooner boat.
Beautiful views and locations.
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