Day 1 : Depart
The mighty Atlantic Clipper leaves the Marina at approximately 2.30pm and after an orientation briefing the two majestic sails are hoisted and we cruise across Whitsunday Passage past the Molle group of islands along the southern end of Hook Island to Hook Passage which is sandwiched between the two largest islands out of the 74 that make up the Whitsundays. Once at the overnight anchorage there is plenty of time to enjoy a swim in the clear, Sunkist, tropical waters. The Clipper’s 12 person hot spa is in full swing but as the day moves into the twilight hours it’s time to enjoy a cold beverage and marvel at the mesmerising sun setting over the islands with its fierce orange glaze, emanating crimson rays reflecting off the tranquil crystal clear ocean. As the day moves through to night it is time to enjoy a beautiful freshly prepared meal and relax with a few evening drinks up on the spacious top deck. The evening consists of relaxation, chat, games and on most trips Dolphins come to hunt and play under our two huge fish spotlights. These majestic creatures are like unpaid crew members as they entertain everyone on board and normally stay beside the boat all night as they playfully chase other marine life as well as each other literally only a few feet from the euphoric passengers. There is also other marine life that is attracted to this fish light such as giant trevally, and other pelagic fish as well as white and black tip reef sharks. All this is enjoyed under a dazzling blanket of stars unspoilt by the white pollution of towns and cities on land.
Day 2 : Explore
It’s a bright and early start for our Atlantic Clipper trippers at 7.00am. Passengers are greeted with a full continental breakfast including a delicious fresh fruit platter with honey and yoghurt. The Atlantic Clipper arrives to Whitehaven (Tongue Bay) where an experienced tour guide takes the passengers to Hill Inlet lookout which is the 4th most photographed place in Australia and overlooks the creamy white decadent swirls of hill inlet on Whitehaven Beach. From this lookout point the passengers are then taken to north Whitehaven Beach and the passengers have the opportunity to explore the pristine sand first hand, soak up the sun, swim in the azure waters, explore the mangroves for marine life (such as baby lemon sharks and sting rays), polish your jewellery in the 98% pure white silica sand or play beach games with your guide. To enhance the memory of the captivating allure of Whitehaven, make sure to bring your camera’s and GoPro’s and ensure they are fully charged. The passengers return to the vessel for approximately 12pm where your freshly prepared buffet lunch will be served. After a short sail you will arrive to your snorkel and dive destination. With a dedicated dive instructor and arguably the best self-contained dive operation in the Whitsundays there is no shortage of opportunity to explore the magical coral reef. Whether it be snorkelling or scuba diving this underwater world lights up before your eyes and is the richest marine habitat in the world, the oldest ecosystem on Earth and one of the most beautiful and colourful habitats known. Exploring the reef is obviously a huge highlight for most guests, not only in the trip but as a truly memorable life experience. After all the water activities are done for the day it's time for a hot shower, afternoon snacks and a cold beverage whilst enjoying a picturesque sunset sail to the overnight anchorage. Make sure to bring a White Outfit as we will do a white party if time allows while we try to watch the sunset on a beautiful sandy spit which is nothing short of stunning! The day is capped off with an interactive, light hearted and informative chart read, which tells all the guests about where we have been what we have done as well as interesting facts about the fauna and flora as well as the underwater life.
Day 3 : Return
The final day starts with a singing wake-up call by one of the crew at 6.00am as we set sail to our final location where there is more water sliding and diving platform action to be had. You can also have a go at paddle-boarding, and to play on the lilypad before everything is packed away. The anchor is raised at approximately 10:45am and then back to Airlie Beach for arrival at approximately 12pm, but not before a thrill ride across the Whitsunday passage as this stretch of water offers the most open and fun options for Clipper’s massive sails. That’s the end of the trip, but it’s not the end of the service we offer because we have an exclusive after-party organised where our guests thanks to our partners Beaches and Mama Africa's night club. This is your chance to have one final hoorah with our crew and enjoy VIP discounts on food and drinks. This rounds off the trip and sends off our passengers with a smile to their next destination.
