2D2N New Horizon Itinerary - Schedule, Locations, and Activities
As one of the most highly-rated and booked sailing tours from Airlie Beach, the 2-day 2-night New Horizon offers a Whitsundays adventure like no other.
Whether you’re doing your research before booking or want a closer look at what to expect during the tour, the New Horizon itinerary guide includes everything you need to know about timings, locations you’ll visit, and the activities included.
New Horizon Itinerary Overview
Day 1
- Departure from Coral Sea Marina
- Bauer Bay, South Molle Island
- Overnight Anchorage at Hook Passage
Day 2
- Breakfast
- Tongue Bay
- Whitehaven Beach
- Lunch
- Snorkelling/Diving at Luncheon Bay
- Langford Island Beach Party
Day 3
- Last Swim and Snorkel
- Return to Airlie Beach
Day Before Departure
All guests must check in at the Whitsunday Sailing Office on the day before departure – the office is at 402 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach and is open from 7 am to 5 pm.
New Horizon sailing tours run throughout the week on Monday, Thursday, or Saturday. Always check the day and date before booking or making your travel arrangements to ensure you have sufficient time to complete the pre-departure check-in.
New Horizon Itinerary Day 1
Departure from Coral Sea Marina
Boarding on the New Horizon will commence in the afternoon from 1 pm. The vessel will depart on time at 2 pm, following a short welcome and safety briefing for all guests.
From here on, the New Horizon will start its cruise across the Whitsunday Passage, up to the Whitsunday Islands archipelago.
Bauer Bay, South Molle Island
The first stop on day one of the tour is Bauer Bay at South Molle Island. As soon as the vessel stops, the onboard crew will set up all of the facilities for water activities, including a waterslide, paddleboards, and snorkelling gear.
Bauer Bay offers an expansive view of the Whitsunday Passage and locations like Daydream Island, with calm waters for swimming. After a refreshing dip in the Coral Sea, climb back on board to soak in the sun with an ice-cold drink in your hand.
Overnight Anchorage at Hook Passage
From Bauer Bay, the New Horizon will make its way toward Hook Passage, located on the northernmost end of Whitsunday Island. The waters at Hook Passage are calm and protected by two islands, making it an ideal place to enjoy the calm waters and serve dinner.
Dinner is freshly prepared on board – enjoy your meal against the Whitsunday sunset and relax with evening drinks after. This first evening is relatively relaxed to allow guests to freely mingle for a chat or casual card games.
If you’re lucky, the Horizon’s fish spotlight may attract dolphins that come to play around the boat – this has happened on more than one occasion and is now a highlight on most trips.
At 12 midnight, all guests will be comfortably tucked away in air-conditioned cabins for a quiet night’s rest with the boat gently bobbing on the waves.
New Horizon Itinerary Day 2
Breakfast
Day two starts bright and early at 7 am with a full continental breakfast, where guests can fuel up for a day of adventure. As you enjoy breakfast with fresh fruits, honey, yoghurt, and coffee, the crew will start sailing along the coast of Whitsunday Island to reach Tongue Bay.
Tongue Bay
As the New Horizon coasts into Tongue Bay, you’ll be treated to the iconic view of the white swirls and turquoise hues of Whitehaven Beach. A Master Reef Guide from the crew will provide an informative commentary on this natural formation before taking guests onto the island for a 15-minute bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout. At Hill Inlet lookout, you’ll have the best view of the silica swirls of Whitehaven Beach for photos.
Whitehaven Beach
The land tour continues from Hill Inlet lookout to the northern part of Whitehaven Beach, where everyone can feel the soft, fine, pure silica sand. As one of the big highlights of the tour – there will be plenty of time for beach games, swimming, and lazing in the sun.
Passengers are invited to return to the vessel at 11 am, just in time for lunch.
Lunch
Buffet lunch is served on board – take your time to enjoy the prepared food as the New Horizon sails to the next destination.
Snorkelling/Diving at Luncheon Bay
After you’ve refuelled from lunch, it’s time to head back into the water – this time with snorkelling gear on! Luncheon Bay is a hidden gem of a coral reef that is sprawling with marine life.
The New Horizon is equipped with its own dive compressor, allowing for unlimited scuba diving expeditions (available at an add-on cost of $99).
Whether you prefer to snorkel or dive, you’ll be able to enjoy this underwater habitat to your heart’s content.
In addition to Luncheon Bay, the vessel will also visit another snorkel and dive spot on the way to Langford Island in the late afternoon.
Langford Island Beach Party
Langford Island is unique for having a sandbar that only appears during low tide – if time allows, the crew will make a stop at this beautiful sandy spit for sunset.
As the sun goes down, the party atmosphere ramps up for an exclusive beach party with a white outfit dress code. Expect a playlist of party tunes and good vibes with the rest of the guests and crew.
The vessel will anchor at Blue Pearl Bay for yet another peaceful night’s sleep.
New Horizon Itinerary Day 3
Last Swim and Snorkel
The crew will provide a wake-up call at 6 am for all guests – breakfast will be provided as per the day before, and you’ll have a few hours to get into the water for a final swim and snorkel. The boat’s waterslides and water equipment will be set up by the crew.
Lunch will be provided during the journey back to the mainland.
Return to Airlie Beach
The New Horizon will arrive back at Airlie Beach between 12 – 1pm.
As a final send-off, the New Horizon crew will invite all guests to an exclusive afterparty following the return, with VIP discounts on food and drinks. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with new friends and the crew for one final night of partying.