TRENDING: Why Luxury Whitsunday Sailing should be on your 2025 must-do list.

Sam Higgins

Co-owner, Operator and Chief Events Coordinator of Lifestyle Charters

Sailing in Sydney is magical – it’s our entire lives! But it’s no secret that the Whitsundays are the perfect spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of Sydney, especially during the winter months.

Sometimes, you need to slow down and chill out, and this is where Hamilton Island and Whitsundays sailing tick all the boxes.

Whether you’re a young family, have older kids in tow, or simply a couple looking for an adult-only retreat – you’re spoilt for choice here.

It goes without saying that time spent on Hamilton Island is not complete without a day spent on the water exploring the incredible bays and beaches, including the most famous Australian beach—Whitehaven Beach.

Last year, we enjoyed a week on Hamilton Island and a day on one of our favourite regional vessels, Alani. We cruised up to Whitehaven Beach and had an incredible lunch, swam, and explored the beach before making our way home. It was an unforgettable experience that our family will reflect on for a long time.

So, because we had such a great time up there, I thought I’d share our favourite boat activities on Hamilton Island as food for thought as you plan your next escape.

Enjoy!

- sam

DINGHY HIRE

This may come as a surprise, but one of our favourite days was hiring a dinghy from the Hamilton Island Marina and taking our kids out on the bay. We have young kids (aged 6, 5 and 3 at the time), so being out for only a few hours was perfect for us. We packed a small picnic, thanks to the bakery across from the marina and plenty of water, and headed off to where the adventure would take us.

Having the water to ourselves meant we could share the driving with the kids, giving them a feel of being at the helm of a small powerboat in a safe and open environment – it really was the best. We landed at Henning Island, where we enjoyed a play and a picnic on the beach before heading back for a lazy afternoon at the house.

Luxury private cruise to Whitehaven Beach

Having heard so many great things, a private luxury cruise to Whitehaven Beach was high on our list of must-dos for our visit. Naturally, as luxury cruising specialists, we chartered Alani, one of our favourite premium boats based out of Hamilton Island. Charters with Alani are entirely bespoke, featuring custom itineraries, catering, beverage options, and water sports.

Their service was exactly what we hoped for—approachable, friendly, yet professional—and they truly went above and beyond to ensure we had the best time and our kids were well looked after.

Based on the absolute best parts of our charter, I’ve put together an itinerary as a starting point for your unforgettable experience:

Day Trip - The ULTIMATE Whitsunday cruise itinerary

10am

PICK UP

Pick up from the wharf at Hamilton Island, ready for an unforgettable day

10-10.45

Island Cruise

With champagne in hand, enjoy a leisurely 30-45-minute cruise on the crystal blue water of the Whitsundays as you head to the iconic Whitehaven Beach.

11-12pm

Paradise

The tender will drop you off at the famous Whitehaven beach, where you can soak up the sun and its impossibly soft, white sand and bathe in the clearest water you’ll ever see!

12-3pm

Lunch & Leisure Time

Enjoy a gourmet lunch on board from one of the many dining options available as your experienced crew finds an anchorage point perfect for swimming with the water toys.

3.30pm

cruise home

Begin returning to the wharf on Hamilton Island, taking in the beginnings of the winter sunset or enjoying the less intense warmth of the afternoon sun as you sail. Your luxury charter may be over, but there’s plenty of opportunity to take in the sunset over a cocktail and a delicious meal back on land. Remember, you’re on island time and relaxing is the aim of the game.

available charters

ALANI

FROM $7,200

Enjoy a four-hour cruise on Alani for up to 35 guests, $1,800 per hour thereafter.

Overnight charters beginning from $14,440

Beverage package from $35pp/ph with champagne and cocktails optional

Catering options start from $65pp/ph

Wharf fees, waitstaff fees, and public holiday surcharges may apply.

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IMPULSIVE

FROM $14,000

Enjoy a two-hour cruise on Alani for up to 80 guests (cocktail) or 30 guests (term), $7,000 per hour thereafter.

Full Day Charters starting at $30,000

Beverage and canape packages from $235 pp for two hours

Beverage and cocktail upgrades available.

Wharf fees, waitstaff fees, and public holiday surcharges may apply.

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IS ALANI THE ONLY BOAT AVAILABLE?

We love Alani, but it isn’t the only charter boat available. If a speed boat is more your style, perhaps Europa, an 8.5m rib, is more your style. You can also enjoy a sailing experience on one of the many catamarans on offer. There is so much variety, and we’d love to help you find the perfect adventure.

Can I BYO?

No, Alani doesn’t offer BYO alcohol or food.

Luckily, the food is absolutely divine, and let’s face it, you’re on holiday, so why would you want to?

How many people can I have on board?

It depends! Alani can fit up to 35 people so if you’ve got 34 close friends in the area, give them a call!

Can you organise flights?

No, but we recommend Virgin Australia for direct flights into Hamilton Island from Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.

island sailing not for you? We’re here to help!

Sydney Harbour is where our heart is (and most of our fleet too!), so we’d love to help you plan the perfect day out. Whether it’s a special occasion, an overnight adventure, or just an excuse to get the gang together, we’ve got the right boat and can plan an event that’s totally your vibe. Get in touch, and check out our blog and experiences for some great ideas!