Spank Me Whitsundays 2 Day 2 Night Sailing Tour
Tour overview
Spank Me Whitsundays is a 2 day, 2 night sailing tour that runs out of Airlie Beach on an 82 foot maxi racing yacht with serious pedigree. The trip is aimed at the 18 to 35 crowd who want the social, relaxed atmosphere of a backpacker sail with the speed and feel of an actual race boat under them.
Departing from Coral Sea Marina, the itinerary covers Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet Lookout walk, and a rotating mix of snorkel sites through the inner islands inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
As one of the largest maxis in the Airlie Beach fleet, there is plenty of deck to spread out and sun-bake on, and plenty of action when the sails go up.
Spank Me is the bit of trivia people end up repeating at the bar afterwards. Originally launched in Fremantle in 1989 as Drumbeat under owner Alan Bond, she won that year's Sydney to Hobart race in brutal conditions, later raced in the United States as Congere, and was brought home to the Whitsundays in 2004.
Stepping aboard a Sydney to Hobart winner is not your standard backpacker tour.
Comparing boats? See our guide to Whitsunday sailing tours for how the maxi yachts, catamarans and classic yachts compare.
Tour Highlights
- Whitehaven Beach
- Hill Inlet Lookout
- Multiple snorkel locations
- All meals included
- Sailing vessel, an 82 foot maxi racing yacht built to sail fast
- Environmentally friendly eco-certified tour
Itinerary
*Example itinerary only. The order, timing and stops may change on the day due to weather and operating conditions.
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach (Meeting Point C)
Check in under the umbrellas on the right-hand side of the two buildings, where snorkel gear and stinger suits are fitted before boarding. Spank Me typically departs Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. The departure time varies with the tides, and OzSail sends a text message within 72 hours of departure advising of any changes.
Learn To Sail
The crew are more than happy to teach you the basics of sailing. Get involved helping the crew hoist the mainsail and headsail. The qualified team on board will give you lessons, and if you are lucky you may get to stand at the helm and steer the boat towards your next destination. This is optional. If you do not wish to participate you can just lie back and enjoy the ride.
Snorkelling
During your 2 day tour, you will get at least 3 opportunities to snorkel the coral-filled bays on the coastal fringes of the islands. Here you can see turtles, Maori wrasse, batfish, parrot fish, clown fish (Nemo) plus plenty more. In most bays, the coral starts close to shore and is easily accessible by the small tender boats. For non-confident swimmers, there are noodles and flotation devices available for safety. Sites change with the conditions and can include Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove and Blue Pearl Bay.
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
Spank Me Whitsundays Tour visits Whitehaven Beach for around 2 hours. During this time you embark on a bushwalk from Tongue Point (the northern end of Whitehaven). The walk takes around 15 minutes, and once at the top you will see Whitehaven Beach from above on the viewing platform. The breathtaking view from here lets you see all 7 km of the beach as well as the world-famous swirling sands that form the inlet.
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
The return time can vary with weather, tides and tendering. That evening, OzSail books guests a VIP table at Beaches Backpackers at 6:30pm for dinner and drinks, followed by free entry and more VIP treatment at Paddy's Shenanigans, Airlie's iconic party spot.
Good to know
Reconfirm: OzSail advises all guests to call 0499 697 245 and reconfirm their booking 48 hours before departure, so dietary requirements and food allergies are on file and the correct meeting time is confirmed.
Is This Tour Suitable For You?
This sailing tour is perfect for ages between 18 to 35. This is a fun social tour with dorm share accommodation. Snorkelling requires a low to medium level of fitness.
What's included
Included
- All meals and snacks
- Fresh linen and a boat bunk bed (dorm share)
- Snorkel equipment (masks and snorkels)
- Wetsuit or full-length Lycra stinger suit
- Tap water, tea and coffee
- Sailing lessons with the crew
Not included
- Alcohol, soft drinks and bottled water (BYO, bought before boarding)
- Bath towel and beach towel
- Extra snacks and flavoured drinks
- Travel insurance
What To Bring
Pack everything in a small soft bag (enviro safe), no bigger than an airline carry-on.
What to bring
- Travel voucher from your booking agent
- Light clothing, plus warm clothing in the cooler months (May to September)
- Swimsuit
- Hat
- Sunscreen (30+ highly recommended)
- Bath towel and beach towel
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Favourite music
- Alcohol (no glass): no more than 24 cans of beer OR 4 litres of cask wine OR 1 litre of spirits
What not to bring
- Glass bottles or red wine
- Sleeping bags or pillows
- Passport or important travel documents
- Shampoo and conditioner (for environmental purposes)
- Plastic bags (they kill wildlife and smother coral)
- Large backpacks or suitcases
Important: No large backpacks or suitcases are allowed on board. Most hostels and hotels in Airlie Beach have bag storage for bigger bags. There is no bag storage at the marina, and guests who bring bags that are not allowed risk missing the departure.
OzSail is not responsible for any property taken on board. Waterproof cameras are strongly encouraged over expensive digital cameras, as electrical equipment will be ruined if it comes into contact with saltwater.
Spank Me Whitsundays Sailing Detailed Information
Product: Spank Me Whitsundays 2 Day 2 Night Sailing Tour (46 hours)
Price: On sale from $584.09 per person (normally $649) with Promo Code at checkout.
Price includes: All meals and snacks, fresh linen, boat bunk bed, snorkel equipment, wetsuit.
Location: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Type of boat: Maxi Racing Yacht (built to sail fast)
Boat name: Spank Me BT
Departure time: 10:30am, varying with the tides
Return time: Around 8:00am to 9:00am, two days later
Maximum guests: 27
Boat accommodation: Dorm Share
Tour locations: Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, multiple snorkel locations.
Meals, Drinks And Life On Board
Meals: All main meals are included. Guests who have not already confirmed food allergies or dietary requirements should call OzSail as soon as possible to update the booking. If you think the fresh air might make you extra hungry, bring some extra snacks as well as any flavoured drinks such as orange juice or soft drinks.
Alcohol, soft drinks and bottled water: An alcohol policy is in place on board. Each guest can take a maximum of 24 cans of beer OR 4 litres of cask wine (goon) OR 1 litre of spirits. Any more than this will not be allowed on board. All alcohol, soft drinks and bottled water must be purchased before boarding, and glass bottles are not allowed.
Water, tea and coffee: Tap water is provided on board, however it is not cold and some people do not like the taste. During the summer months, bottled water is strongly encouraged, at least 2 litres per day. Tea and coffee breaks are generally in the morning and afternoon.
Weather: Welcome to the tropics. Winters may be cooler, but the summer months (November to March) can be extremely hot and humid, especially downstairs on a boat. Unless you are used to this climate, it can be slightly uncomfortable, especially at night when sleeping, so come prepared.
Travel sickness: If you are not sure whether you suffer from travel sickness, taking travel sickness tablets is suggested. The trained crew will help make you comfortable but are not allowed to provide any medication.
Snorkelling Gear, Lycra Suits And Wetsuits
Snorkelling gear: Masks and snorkels are all included in the price of the trip and are handed out at the meeting point.
Lycra suits and wetsuits: Wearing a Lycra stinger suit prevents UV exposure and significantly reduces the risk from marine stingers. OzSail requires all passengers to wear a full-length stinger suit or wetsuit to swim or snorkel from its vessels. Suits are fitted at the meeting point and are included in the ticket price.
Travel insurance: All guests are strongly encouraged to travel with insurance that covers damaged property (you will be on a boat surrounded by seawater), medical emergencies including ambulance cover, and travel cancellation and interruption.
Travel Dates And The After Party
At the end of the sailing adventure, OzSail books guests a VIP table at Beaches Backpackers at 6:30pm for dinner and drinks, followed by free entry and more VIP treatment at Paddy's Shenanigans, Airlie's iconic party spot.
It is recommended that you get to Airlie Beach one day before departure and leave Airlie Beach the day after you return to land, to enjoy the after party.
Tour Departure Point Map
All OzSail vessels leave from Coral Sea Marina (formerly Abell Point Marina), Meeting Point C, under the umbrellas on the right-hand side of the two buildings. View directions.
Be at the meeting point before the scheduled departure time, as it is critical that the vessel leaves on time. The marina is a 20 minute walk from the main street of Airlie Beach. If the ocean is on your right-hand side, you are walking in the right direction.
Tour Video
Spank Me Whitsundays And Ozsail Reviews On Google
Terms and Conditions Of Travel
The tour is operated by AP Vessel Management Pty Ltd (ABN 45086439198), trading as OzSail Skippered Charter Yachts, which runs the vessels Spank Me, Avatar and Mandrake. All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
Weather and itinerary: All departures and itineraries are subject to weather and may be changed or cancelled at OzSail's discretion. OzSail can substitute vessels without notice, and can cancel a trip or shorten it where there is a safety risk to guests, crew or the vessel, such as severe weather or cyclones.
Cancelled or shortened trips: If OzSail cancels a trip before or on the departure date, guests are referred back to the travel agent they booked through. If a trip is shortened by unforeseen circumstances (including bad weather, vessel issues or a medical emergency), a future trip may be offered at no cost, depending on how much time was lost and subject to availability.
Cancellations and transfers by guests: Cancelling less than 21 days before departure forfeits the full trip price. A change of departure date requested at least 72 hours before departure incurs a $30 transfer fee. No transfers are accepted inside 72 hours.
Travel insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for all guests.
Health & safety: In-water activities, sailing and bushwalking involve risk, including stings or bites from jellyfish, other marine creatures and native fauna. Guests are advised to wear a stinger suit at all times in the water. OzSail excludes liability for personal injury, illness, loss or death arising from the recreational services it provides, to the maximum extent allowed under the Australian Consumer Law. The agreement is governed by the laws of Queensland. The full terms are available from the operator.
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