British Defender Maxi Sailing Yacht
British Defender 3D2N
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WCBIA Tick - Premium Tour Operator
Free Cancellations - Up To 30 Days Before DepartureDeparture Times
- Departs:
- 9:00am
- Returns:
- 4:00pm
- Departure Point:
Departure Point: Meeting Point C, Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Pricing Options
- $669 AUD/ Person — Shared Accommodation(01 Apr 2026 to 30 Sep 2026)
Highlights
| Whitehaven Beach | Hill Inlet Lookout | Great Barrier Reef |
| Snorkelling | Delicious Catering | Air-conditioned |
| Authentic Sailing | Fun & Social Vessel | BYO Alcohol |
Jump on board British Defender for a the ultimate 3D2N action-packed sailing adventure!
- Perfect for those wanting a sociable and adventurous sailing tour around the Whitsundays
- See the most beautiful spots around the islands, including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Snorkel at some of the finest fringing reefs in the whole of Australia
- Set sail on an iconic racer maxi-yacht that's hugely popular amongst backpackers and solo travellers
Overview
If you're wanting an exhilarating, sociable and authentic sailing experience around the Whitsundays, look no further than this 3D2N tour on British Defender! Boasting an action packed itinerary where you'll visit stunning locations such as Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, as well as two opportunities to snorkel as some of the most impressive fringing reefs imaginable!
A sleek, stylish and speedy maxi-yacht with air-conditioning, British Defender has space for 26 passengers (plus the professional and friendly crew), promising a vibrant social atmosphere where you'll not only make lifelong memories, but lifelong friends as well. 3 days of exploring this perfect little pocket of paradise will fly by like a dream that you just won't want to end!
Highlights
- Fun and authentic maxi sailing experience
- Sociable atmosphere with up to 26 passengers
- Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkel at two different fringe reefs
- Spacious 77ft long yacht with open plan deck
- Shaded area on deck for protection from the sun
- Air-conditioned cabins
- Clean, fresh linen provided for all guests
- All meals included and made fresh on board
- Refreshments, tea and coffee provided
- BYO alcohol
Itinerary
With a jam-packed itinerary full of adventure and exploration, British Defender really gives you the chance to get the most out of your time in the Whitsundays; with ample time spent at each breathtaking location!
But the fun doesn't stop there, as being on a speedy racing maxi-yacht such as Defender, your journey between stops will be just as fun as the destinations themselves! Relax and enjoy the ride- the opportunities for fun on this tour are endless!
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
On your Whitsundays voyage, you'll visit the spectacularly beautiful Whitehaven Beach! With the purest white silica sands in the world for as far as the eye can see (7km to be precise), this otherworldly location is the ideal place to spend a few hours frolicking in the sand, spotting epic marine life (such as turtles, juvenile reef sharks and sting rays), taking a snap at the iconic Whitehaven tree and soaking up the abundant rays of the North Queensland sunshine.
From here, you'll take a guided bush walk up to the world-famous Hill Inlet Lookout- three different vantage points from where you can gaze at the breathtaking swirls in the sand; as this beach is somehow as beautiful from above as it is from ground-level. Hill Inlet really paints the perfect backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot!
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
On British Defender, you'll get lots of time time to fully explore the sensational subaquatic universe that comprise the fringing reefs of the Whitsundays! Your skipper will choose the best locations to visit on the day, meaning you get to experience the finest reefs in their most optimal conditions, and you are guaranteed see some of the most incredible marine life in the area.
From sea turtles to manta rays, humpback whales (June - September) to Maori Wrasse, reef sharks to dolphins, the Whitsunday Islands are home to all of these species, and there's a high chance you'll get to witness some of these while snorkelling here!
Please note, that itineraries can change due to the weather, tides and your captain's professional judgement.
What's Included
- Skipper
- Crew
- Drinking water
- Meals
- Linen
- Wetsuit hire
- Snorkelling equipment
- Marine Park fees
- Wet weather jackets if needed
What's Extra
- BYO alcohol (no glass). Soft drinks are available for purchase on board (bring cash).
- Please note passengers with any dietary requirements (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free etc.) will need to pay a surcharge of $20 per person payable on check in. This does not include vegetarians. Please enquire upon booking if unsure.
- Luggage storage
What to Bring
- Swimmers
- Beach & bath towel
- Change of clothes
- Small, zipper-less overnight bag*
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Warm pullover for the evenings (seasonal)
*This vessel does not allow zipped bags, please bring with you a soft eco-style bag often found at Coles or Woolworths.
In need of somewhere to store your luggage while you're away? We've got you covered! Come down to The Travel Shop (344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach) anytime between 9am and 6pm to drop your bags at our secure luggage store.
You will also need to bring your own alcoholic beverages, available for purchase in town. No glass bottles, please.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Defender depart from?
Defender departs from the South End of Coral Sea Marina, and the meeting point is Meeting Point C (See the Google Map view)
Which days does the tour depart?
Defender departs on Thursdays and Sundays at 9am .
What is the accommodation set up?
Defender has 6 double beds and 16 single beds. The crew will assign bedding based on bookings once you arrive. So don't worry about having to share a bed with a stranger! You will only share a double bed if you're part of a group booking as there are plenty of single beds available for everyone.
Is Defender BYO?
There is not a fully licenced bar onboard so you are permitted to bring your own alcohol if you choose to do so. Just keep in mind that no glass or red wine is permitted.
Is there air-conditioning on board Defender?
Yes, the cabins and internal areas of Defender are air-conditioned.
Do I need to bring my own towel?
Yes, we recommend you bring your own bath and beach towels. There are no towels supplied on board. If possible, please bring a microfibre towel.
Can I charge my phone on board Defender?
Yes, there are USB charging points on board.
Is there drinking water available onboard?
Yes, there is a filtered water tap on board Defender! Please remember to bring a re-usable water bottle.
Are there hot showers?
Yes, there are two hot showers on board!
Am I permitted to smoke on board Defender?
Yes, there are designated spaces on the boat where smoking and vaping are permitted.
Where can I store my excess baggage?
You can store any excess bags for as little as $10 a day in our Travel Shop which is located at the top of Airlie Beach's main street. The address is 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802.
Is bed linen provided on Defender?
Yes, your bed will be fitted with bed sheets and a pillow.
How many crew are there on Defender?
There will be at least 3 crew members on board - a host, skipper and deckhand.
What do I do if my trip is stood down?
In the event that Defender has been stood down, you will be contacted by either the tour operator or by us at Sailing Whitsundays. In that case, we will then go through your options. You can read more on our stand down information page.
How many bathrooms are onboard?
There are two bathrooms on British Defender, at each end of the boat. Both bathrooms have a toilet, sink and hot shower.
Reviews
Really nice, perfect size and fun to experience a real sail boat. The staff was amazing as well so that is always a huge plus.
It's not easy to fit 25 people on a sailboat. You have to adapt and share space. But I highly recommend this experience! It's full of excitement and unexpected moments, like seeing a small shark or the stars at night.
Loved this trip! Crew was friendly and professional. Did a lot in just a few days, I especially loved the snorkelling tours!
This was one of the best expériences I had in Australia and I will probably do it again. Loved the crew and the people.
