5 Night Charter Departing from Hamilton Island

This itinerary is based on predominantly south – south easterly breezes. In a northerly
Butterfly Bay and Whitehaven Beach may only be good for a lunch stop not an
overnighter. Alternative anchorages in these instances could be Stonehaven or Macona
Inlet instead of Butterfly Bay and Chance Bay/Turtle Bay as an alternative to Whitehaven
Beach.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Airlie Beach to Cid Harbour

Sawmill Beach is a very good anchorage in anything except W-NW-N winds. In this
case then anchoring in Dugong Inlet is an option in all but West winds. Sawmill Beach
has a great walking track which is not too strenuous around to Dugong Beach or if you
are fit and have the whole day consider a walk to Whitsunday Peak for spectacular
views over The Whitsundays. This anchorage is teeming with Turtles and you will also
spot Sea Eagles and the occasional Dugong!

Day 2 – Cid Harbour to Whitehaven Beach

This 5km beach of pure white silica sand is extremely popular and a must to visit on
everyone’s itinerary. Can sometimes be very rolly at night and at dusk and dawn if on
the beach watch out for the sandflies! Good in all breezes but N-NE.

Day 3 –  Whitehaven Beach to Butteryfly Bay

A great place to snorkel or dive. There are quite a few public moorings in these bays but anchoring can also be done outside of the reef protection markers. Bullets can be frequent in strong southerlies, so if anchoring make sure it is well set. From Butterfly you can also dinghy around to Maureens Cove for more beautiful snorkeling and diving. There is an abundance of fish and corals that can take you days to explore. Not a good anchorage in northerlies & fishing is not permitted.

Day 4 – Butterfly Bay via Langford to Stonehaven

This is a really good anchorage that has 10 or so Moorings to pick up. Anchoring is also possible however
it will be in fairly deep water. This anchorage is known for it’s bullets in strong breezes but does offer
protection between NE‐E‐SE‐S between 15 to 25 knots. There are some snorkel spots to be found here.

Day 5 – Stone Haven to Nara Inlet

Beautiful Fjord like inlet. Entrance is on the starboard side as there is an extensive reef to
port. Nara Inlet features ancient aboriginal cave paintings with a good bush walk and
views over the inlet. Take a walk to the top of the waterfall which is spectacular after
heavy rains. Anchoring only (no moorings) with very good holding and one of the best
places for a sound night’s sleep in all conditions.

Day 6 – Nara Inlet to Hamilton Island

Sail 13nm from Nara Inlet to Hamilton Island.

 

Please note that this is a general guide only and is subject to weather conditions.