Give me a tall ship and a star to steer her by . . .

Nothing matches the feeling of standing on the deck of a square rigger with the wind in your face and the smell of salt in the air, as you watch the huge red sails billowing aloft. All distinctions of age, sex and nationality disappear in a communion of yells and laughter as we haul ropes and prepare to set sail for the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands aboard our lovingly restored 23m Norwegian sailing ship 'Coral Trekker'.

Explore uninhabited Islands

During your week on 'Coral Trekker' you will visit Whitehaven, one of the world's most beautiful beaches with miles of pure white silica sand. Hike through rainforests and discover Aboriginal rock art before taking a swim in a fabulous natural water-hole. At the end of the day enjoy a beach barbecue at one of our favourite coves under the shroud of a spectacular bonfire sunset.

Action packed and relaxed

Join the crew in the rigging (they'll show you the ropes), snorkel, or scuba dive the fringing coral reefs, stroll secluded beaches or just laze on the wide decks in the tropical sun. The food is fresh, wholesome and plentiful. Accommodation is in double staterooms, twin cabins and one 4 berth cabin and caters for a maximum of 14 guests. The crew of 4 includes Captain, Chef, Dive Instructor and Deckhand. Travelling alone, with a group or family, you will have a wonderful time aboard 'Coral Trekker'.

Sailing Northern Islands

Day 1. Sat. Airlie Beach to Hayman Island. Boarding at 1:00pm at Able Point Marina. Set sail for Hook Island for your overnight anchorage.

Day 2. Sun. Hayman Island. After breakfast go snorkelling, scuba diving, or hike to the top of the island to view the magical Whitsundays. After lunch we set sail for the Outer Barrier Reef. Overnight at Bait Reef.

Day 3. Mon. Outer Barrier Reef / Hook Island. Explore the wonders of the Outer Barrier Reef. Try your hand at Scuba diving and snorkelling under the guidance of our diving instructor. After morning tea we set sail for Nara Inlet on Hook Island - a fiord like inlet where we hike through the rainforests to view ancient cave paintings.

Day 4. Tue. Whitsunday Passage/ Shute Harbour. After a leisurely breakfast and a hike up to the Nara caves. Sail via Whitsunday Passage to Shute Harbour where we disembark at approximately 12:00pm.

Day 1. Tue. Shute Harbour / Border Island. We depart Shute Harbour at 12:00pm under sail for Cataran Bay on Border Island for snorkelling, scuba diving or a hike to Mosstrooper Peak, and overnight anchorage.

Day 2. Wed. Border Island / Whitsunday Island. Set sail for the famous Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island for swimming, beachcombing or just lazing in the sun. Take a walk to the spectacular lookout at Hill Inlet.

Day 3. Thur. Whitsunday Island / South Molle Island. After breakfast and a quick swim, we set sail through Solway Pass via Hamilton Island to South Molle. You can go ashore to visit the resort or join a rainforest hike.

Day 4. Fri. South Molle Island / Airlie Beach. Our last sail back to Able Point Marina for disembarkation at 10:00 am.

This is a combination of the Northern and Southern Islands Cruises, departing on Saturdays at 1:00pm.

FREE scuba diving experience. Drinks are available for purchase on board at a reasonable cost.

Note

There is a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park levy of $18.00 approximately per person payable on board.