The Whitsunday Islands have enough anchorages to keep you busy for months of happy sailing! So you can include some on your itinerary, here are a few of our favourites with recommended snorkelling sites either at your anchorage or just a short dinghy ride away.
The five resort islands in the Whitsundays also welcome visiting yachts. A reasonable fee includes a mooring or marina berth and the freedom to enjoy the guest facilities of the resort. Each island resort's ambience and facilities is different and that means more variety for you! You can view more details on the resorts by clicking here
Your Queensland Yacht Charter vessel has a comprehensive folder with all these details and more. Bookings at least 24 hours in advance are needed, either by a simple radio call to QYC or direct to the resort.
Hook Island
On the southern end, Nara Inlet is our recommended first night stop. Easy to reach, its sheltered waters mean a comfortable first night to get used to your boat. With several choices of anchorages and 12 moorings, Stonehaven is also popular on the western side. If you're adventure minded, there are waterfalls to explore in our wet season. At the northern end of Hook, you will find Butterfly Bay, Maureens Cove, Luncheon Bay & Manta Ray Bay. These bays offer exceptional snorkeling & dramatic scenery. Anchoring is limited as there are moorings in all 4 bays to protect the coral reefs, although the moorings are limited to two hour visits. The rock formation known as the "wood pile" on the north eastern end of Manta Ray Bay is a famous landmark.
Langford Island
Opposite Stonehaven anchorage on Hook, this long mostly sandy strip connecting to the island almost disappears at high tide! A fun day stop for a beach picnic and snorkelling on the western end. To avoid the area's extensive reefs, navigate here in good light with a lookout on the bow and pick up one of the 6 moorings available.
Hayman Island
Blue Pearl Bay is a beautiful Bay with a great sandy beach and stunning underwater scenery. Frequented by many day boats, it can be a busy anchorages until mid/late afternoon when it virtually becomes deserted. The bay has 7 moorings all with a 2hr time limit. You can also go for a day visit to the resort (at a cost of $150.00 for 2 people) between the hours of 10am to 3pm.
Whitsunday Island
Cid Harbour is on the western side of Whitsunday Island and is a great last night anchorage offering good protection. A nice beach and good walking tracks are just some of the attractions of this pretty anchorage. You can also climb to the top of Whitsunday Peak if you're feeling adventurous, for 360 degree views of all the Whitsunday Islands! On the opposite side (eastern) is the world famous stunning Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet. Pick up a mooring or anchor in Tongue Bay & walk to the lookout over Hill Inlet. You will be amazed. Drop anchor at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and feel the soft squeaky silica sand between your toes. Plenty of hiking tracks also.
Hamilton Island
A good mid-charter stopover for topping up the water tanks, dropping garbage and shopping, Hamilton's Marina Village has restaurants, bars, bakery, supermarket and speciality shops. Rent a golf buggy and explore the island or stretch your legs on enjoyable walks. Lots of things to do and see if you need a resort fix.
Daydream Island
Smallest of the resort islands and refurbished in 2001, little Daydream has a few outside moorings for visiting yachts. Named "Daydream" after his yacht, Paddy Lee Murray stopped here on a world cruise in the 1930's and went no further!
Long Island
Club Crocodile resort is located on the northern end of the island in Happy Bay. Although there are moorings here, it is recommended to drop anchor instead. A low key family style resort, there is a nice pool bar and a restaurant. Another consideration for a last night stopover before returning to base.
South Molle Island
Now renamed Koala's Adventure Island an 18-35's resort primarily for backpackers. You can drop anchor here and explore the walking track which offers 360° views of the surrounding islands.
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