Hammer Whitsundays
Tour overview
Hammer Whitsundays is a 2 day, 2 night sailing tour out of Airlie Beach aboard a 75 foot ex-racing maxi. The trip suits travellers who want a fast, action heavy sail rather than a slow cruise, with snorkelling, beach time and a bit of adrenaline thrown in.
Departing from Coral Sea Marina, Hammer takes a maximum of 23 guests out through the Whitsunday Islands, with stops at Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet Lookout walk from Tongue Point, and multiple snorkel sites along the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Match racing the other Prosail maxis along the way is part of what makes it different from the standard backpacker boat.
The boat is the story. Designed by Kel Steinman and campaigned by Arthur Bloore, Hammer placed in five consecutive Sydney to Hobart races and famously took line honours in the 50th anniversary edition. She is an Australian yachting legend that now spends her days sailing the Whitsundays instead of the Bass Strait. If you want a tour where the boat itself is part of the experience, this is the one.
Comparing boats? See our guide to Whitsunday sailing tours for how the maxi yachts, catamarans and classic yachts compare.
Hammer Whitsundays Maxi Yacht Tour Highlights
- Experience real adventure sailing and match race with other Prosail boats
- Spend up to 3 hours at Whitehaven Beach and visit Hill Inlet Lookout
- Visit multiple snorkelling locations
- Enjoy bushwalks and hikes (with lookouts and stunning views)
- Get involved in the sailing (or just sit back and relax)
- Enjoy standout delicious meals
- Extra comforts like rain and sun shades, hot showers, USB charging stations, and thicker snorkel and swimming suits in the cooler months
- One of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly ways to explore the Whitsunday Islands
Itinerary
*Example itinerary only. The order, timing and stops may change on the day due to weather and operating conditions.
Prosail reserves the right to alter itineraries or vessels when necessary. The wishes of guests are weighed against the prevailing weather and tide conditions so that everyone on board enjoys the tour. The crew run through the schedule once guests are on board.
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach (Meeting Point C)
Meet at 1:30pm, 30 minutes before departure, at the southern end of Coral Sea Marina, under the white umbrellas next to Whitsunday JetSki Tours. Hammer departs on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Adventure Sailing And Match Racing
Hammer heads out through the Whitsunday Islands under sail, match racing the other Prosail maxis along the way. Guests can get involved in the sailing or just sit back and relax.
Snorkelling
During your two day tour, you will get at least three opportunities to snorkel the coral-filled bays on the coastal fringes of the islands. Here you can see turtles, Maori wrasse, batfish, parrotfish, clownfish (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.
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
Hammer Whitsundays Tour visits Whitehaven Beach for around 2 to 3 hours. During this time you embark on a bushwalk from Tongue Point (the northern end of Whitehaven). The walk takes approximately 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. Tour locations also include Bettys Beach.
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Hammer returns to Coral Sea Marina on the third morning.
Good to know
Finer details: All passengers are required to reconfirm their trip (by email or phone) and complete the waiver at least 48 hours before departure. Email bookings@prosail.com.au or phone 0455 973 366.
Is This Tour Suitable For You?
There are no private rooms, but Hammer has a mixture of nice clean dorm accommodation with single and double bunks. The boat has a nice social atmosphere and plays music at night for guests to relax and have a few drinks. This tour is perfect for the adventure traveller.
What's included
Included
- All meals on the charter, plus tea and coffee, morning tea, afternoon snacks and dessert after dinner
- 3 experienced and fun crew
- Snorkelling equipment including a stinger suit
- All Marine Park fees and fuel levy
- USB charging stations, sun and rain shades, hammocks and hot showers
- Comfy bed, pillow and bed linen, plus mats for sleeping on deck
Not included
- Prescription masks and fins
- Alcohol (BYO)
- Soft drinks ($4.00 on board)
- Towels
- Transfers to and from the marina, and accommodation before or after the tour
Accommodation is in shared, dorm-style cabins and sections below deck.
What To Bring
Pack everything into a tote bag, a small to medium backpack or a small to medium duffle bag with no wheels. Large bags and suitcases can be stored at most accommodation or at the Red Cat Adventures office on the main street for a small fee.
What to bring
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, towel(s) and a hat
- Enough clothes for the duration of the charter
- Practical clothing and footwear
- Wind or waterproof jacket, and a warm jacket during the winter months
- Camera (a waterproof camera is strongly encouraged over an expensive DSLR)
- BYO alcohol in cans (no glass beer or premix bottles, no red wine)
- Drink bottle for filtered water refills on board
- Your own snacks if you wish (crisps, chocolate, muesli bars)
What not to bring
- Large bags or suitcases
- Sleeping bags or pillows
- Plastic bags (they can kill marine life)
- Items that can damage the boat, such as high heels and nail polish
- Glass beer or premixed bottles (bring cans instead) and red wine (it stains the decks)
Prosail is not responsible for any property taken on board its vessels.
Hammer Whitsundays Quick Information
Product: Whitsundays 2 Days 2 Nights Sailing Tour
Price: $699 per ticket (person)
Includes: All meals, linen, snorkel equipment, wetsuits
Location: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Boat type: Maxi Yacht
Boat name: Hammer Whitsundays
Departure time: 2:00 pm
Return time: 11:00 am
Maximum guests: 23
Accommodation: Dormitory-style cabins
Tour locations: Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, Bettys Beach, multiple snorkel locations
Alcohol, Soft Drinks, Water, Tea And Coffee
Alcohol: Alcohol is BYO (bring your own). Buy it before meeting at the marina, as there is no bottle shop there. Big eskies with ice are supplied on board to keep drinks chilled. Bring an appropriate amount for the length of the tour. Glass bottles and red wine are not allowed on the vessel, so it is best to just buy cans.
Soft drinks, water, tea and coffee: Soft drinks can be purchased on board for $4.00, and cash payment is appreciated. There is a filtered water tap on board, so bring your own drink bottle. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included, however for safety reasons they are not served while the vessel is sailing or motoring around the islands.
Dietary requirements: Food allergies and dietary requirements need to be requested at the time of booking, and Prosail will do its best to cater for them. Most diets are catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, lactose free and gluten free. There are limited alternatives for the desserts, which include gluten and dairy. Passengers with anaphylactic allergies must carry an epi-pen or appropriate medication or they will be refused boarding.
Snorkelling Equipment And Stinger Suits
Snorkelling equipment: Mask and snorkel hire is included in the price, except for prescription masks, which can be hired from Aqua Dive at the north end of Coral Sea Marina. Most snorkelling locations are in calm bays throughout the Whitsunday Islands. Snorkelling life jackets and floating noodles can be provided as snorkelling aids if required. Fins are not provided, to help minimise coral damage. Guests are welcome to bring their own snorkelling equipment, including fins if they are experienced in the water and do not damage coral while using them.
Stinger suits: Stinger suits and wetsuits are provided free of charge year-round to all guests. The full-length stinger suits prevent UV exposure and significantly reduce the risk from marine stingers. They are compulsory to wear during certain months of the year.
Weather, Sea Sickness And Travel Insurance
Weather: Welcome to the tropics. The winter months run from May to September and are usually unbeatable in terms of weather. A warm coat is recommended to shield you from the wind after a snorkel during this time. The summer months, from November to March, can be extremely hot and humid with passing thunderstorms. The vessels are custom built for Whitsunday conditions. If the weather becomes dangerous, the local harbour master will close the marina and tours will be cancelled, which is not a common occurrence.
Sea sickness: The vessels are well designed for sailing in the Whitsundays. Guests who suffer from travel sickness should come prepared with their own medication, which can be bought beforehand from the LiveLife chemist in town at 366 Shute Harbour Road. The trained crew will help make you comfortable, but they are legally not allowed to provide medication.
Travel insurance: All guests are strongly encouraged to travel with insurance that covers damaged property, medical emergencies including ambulance cover, and travel cancellation and interruption. Questions can be sent to bookings@prosail.com.au.
Bag Storage And Car Parking
Bag storage: Luggage can be stored at most accommodation. Otherwise, it can be stored at the Red Cat Adventures office in the main street of Airlie Beach (350 Shute Harbour Road), which offers secure and insured bag storage from $5.
Car parking: Coral Sea Marina South Village (southern end) has car parking for $10.00 per day, by cash or card. Pay on arrival and display the ticket in the car window for the duration of the tour.
Tour Departure Point Map
Meet at 1:30pm (30 minutes before departure) at Coral Sea Marina, southern end, Meeting Point C, under the white umbrellas next to Whitsunday JetSki Tours. View the meeting point on Google Maps.
If you do not have much luggage, walking to the meeting point along the Airlie Beach Boardwalk (Bicentennial Walkway) is highly recommended. It runs from Airlie Beach Main Street all the way to Cannonvale and has beautiful views. Allow 30 minutes from the main street.
Alternatively, catch a taxi using the 13CABS app, call 13CABS, or use the rank in the main street. If you are driving, type in "Bohemian Raw Cafe" and it will take you there. Affectionately named "Boho" by the locals, it is a great spot for morning coffee or breakfast on the day of departure. It gets busy, so allow enough time.
Tour Video
Hammer Whitsundays Reviews On Google
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Prosail will offer other options, a credit or a refund for any departure cancelled due to low numbers or unsafe weather.
For any other cancellations or changes: cancellations made less than 7 days before departure forfeit the full price. Cancellations made more than 7 days before departure incur only a $35 per person admin and booking fee. Date changes are accepted without a fee up to 7 days before departure. The 7 day cancellation policy is always calculated from the original departure date.
Terms and Conditions Of Travel
All prices are per person in AUD and include GST, National Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees, professional skipper and deck hands, live aboard accommodation, all meals, fresh linen, and use of snorkelling equipment and snorkel suits. Prices do not include airfares, transfers to and from the marina, accommodation before or after the tour, or extras.
All guests are asked to complete the waiver and confirm their travel 48 hours before departure.
Prosail tours are perfect for adventurous singles, couples and groups normally aged between 18 and 45. There is no age limit, however guests must be young at heart, fit and able to move about a boat unassisted, and understand the adventurous and social nature of the tours. Some under 18s may be accepted on board by request, by emailing info@prosail.com.au.
Prosail reserves the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason. All charters are subject to weather and the vessel operator's discretion. Guests who choose to leave a Prosail tour at any stage do so at their own responsibility for themselves and their belongings.
Health & safety: All guests must be fit and able to move freely about a boat unassisted. Prosail is not liable for any loss, damage or injury to person or property suffered by a passenger as a result of taking part in its sailing adventures, except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law. The full terms are available from the operator.
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