Whitsundays Dreaming

The Whitsunday Islands are a tropical paradise, but there is so much more to discover than just the popular hot spots. There are plenty of hidden gems, secluded beaches and stunning snorkelling spots for you to experience. Here’s our favourite beaches to include in your Whitsundays yacht charter holiday;

Stockyard Beach now affectionately known as Chalkies Beach by locals and visitors alike, offers idyllic white silica sand (the same as Whitehaven Beach but without the crowds). Situated opposite Whitehaven Beach, it can offer a superb sheltered alternative when prevailing winds are unfavourable for a visit to Whitehaven.

Secluded Cateran Bay on Border Island offers the best of everything – a sheltered golden sand beach, turquoise waters, coral bommies to snorkel and a short (but steep) walk to two lookouts with stunning vistas across the Whitsunday Islands. The high rock faces curving around each side of the bay give this beach a truly private escape.

Langford Island is a tiny island on one of the only sand cays in the Whitsundays. The island offers some great snorkelling around the Northern end with turtles frequenting this stunning fringe reef. At low tide the surrounding fringe reef is easily accessible right from the beach. Or why not plan a beach picnic at low tide on the sand cay, there’s a high chance you’ll be only ones there.

Butterfly Bay on the Northern side of Hook Island is aptly named for the thousands of butterflies that inhabit this bay each year. Walking through the vegetation is a surreal experience with butterflies lifting into the air to float around like confetti. Snorkelling along the edge of the bay also offers beautiful tropical fish and coral just a short distance from the beach.

A short steam over to Manta Ray Bay on Hook Island should also be on the cards. As the name suggests this bay offers on the best spot to swim with graceful Manta Rays that frequent the warm Whitsundays waters during Winter. The fringe reef is teeming with tropical fish and coral formations making this a great snorkelling spot.

On the Northern end of Hayman Island, Blue Pearl Bay provides a blissful anchorage for a day of swimming, beach combing and snorkelling with the inquisitive Maori Wrasse that inhabit the area. This calm bay often offers a good overnight anchorage before heading out to one of the outer reefs.

Thinking of a Whitsundays Cruising Holiday? Check our live calendar for availability or contact us: bookings@phoenixone.com.au  +61 411 786 929