7 Night Charter Itinerary Northeast Winds
Itinerary detail
A week is the most popular charter length in the Whitsundays, and northerly winds open up anchorages that are hard to reach for much of the year. This itinerary is planned around northerly winds of 10 to 15 knots. You start in the calm of Cid Harbour, paddle Turtle Bay, restock at Hamilton Island, and walk to Whitehaven Beach from Chance Bay. Then you head north to the turtles and reefs of Hook Island, finishing at calm Nara Inlet.
Your briefing covers the boat, navigation, tides and anchorages, and our team is on the radio every day. Treat this plan as a guide, not a timetable. If the weather changes, so can your route.
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DAY 1
Arrival night: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Start your holiday the easy way. Have your provisions delivered to the boat, then spend the afternoon at Sorrento’s Restaurant at the Coral Sea Marina. Sleep aboard, ready for an early start after your briefing.
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DAY 2
Night 1: Cid Harbour and Dugong Bay, Whitsunday Island
Cid Harbour, on the western side of Whitsunday Island, is calm, well protected and an easy first sail from Airlie Beach. Anchor at the Dugong Bay end, where turtles often feed in the shallows. Easy tracks link the beaches, a seasonal waterfall runs after rain, and the climb to Whitsunday Peak rewards you with views across the islands. Swimming is not recommended in Cid Harbour, so save your swims for other anchorages.
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DAY 3
Night 2: Turtle Bay, Whitsunday Island
Turtle Bay lives up to its name. It has five beaches, four of which you can usually reach at low tide. Explore the shoreline by paddle board and watch for turtles coming up for air. Hire a paddle board before you depart to make the most of it.
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DAY 4
Night 3: Chance Bay, Whitsunday Island
Chance Bay is a good choice in northerly winds. It has two beaches you can reach at most tides, good snorkelling, and a walking track across to Whitehaven Beach for a walk on the famous white silica sand. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
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DAY 5
Night 4: Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island Marina welcomes bareboat charters and is a good place to top up water, drop off rubbish and restock supplies. Hire a buggy to explore, have a drink at the swim-up pool bar, or book a restaurant meal. Stay in the marina, or anchor at Beach 25 if you would rather stay out.
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DAY 6
Night 5: Saba Bay, Hook Island
Saba Bay on Hook Island has three beaches, excellent fringing reef and some of the best turtle spotting in the islands. Look for giant clams while you snorkel, and explore the water caves at high tide.
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DAY 7
Night 6: Hook Passage, Hook Island
Hook Passage runs between Hook Island and Whitsunday Island, near the old Hook Island Underwater Observatory.
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DAY 8
Night 7: Nara Inlet, Hook Island
Nara Inlet is protected from all wind directions, a calm last night before you return. Take the short walk to the Ngaro Cultural Site and take in the view down the inlet. Next morning it is an easy run back to Coral Sea Marina for a 9:30am return.
