Atlantic Clipper vs New Horizon: Which Whitsundays Sailing Tour Should You Choose?
Sailing the Whitsundays isn’t just a tick off the bucket list – it’s the only way to get up close and personal with one of Australia’s most famous destinations. Whether you’re a solo backpacker chasing sunsets, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a group of friends looking for an adventure, there’s no doubt about it; a sailing tour is the definitive way to experience the best of the Whitsundays region.
True Blue Sailing offers two of the most popular sailing tours from Airlie Beach - the Atlantic Clipper and the New Horizon. Collectively, the vessels have close to 3000 five-star reviews on Google, and are recognised as providing a social, vibrant, and memorable tours of the area.
So if you’re looking at booking with True Blue - which boat should you choose?
Atlantic Clipper
One of the largest tours in the Whitsundays, Atlantic Clipper can host up to 54 guests per trip over a 2 day, 2 night sailing adventure. Offering both shared and private cabins, Atlantic Clipper is for the social butterfly.
New Horizon
New Horizon provides a 2 day, 2 night tour for solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends between the ages of 18-35. New Horizon is capped at 32 passengers onboard, with three sectioned cabins.
Atlantic Clipper vs New Horizon: The Similarities
The Atlantic Clipper and New Horizon both sail for 2 days and 2 nights, which is the perfect timeframe to see the Whitsundays without feeling rushed. You’ll spend the days exploring the Great Barrier Reef and sleep under the stars in comfortable cabin accommodation.
The itinerary of both boats also covers the must-see spots in the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach, a walk up to the Hill Inlet lookout, and plenty of time in the water at some of the best snorkelling and diving sites in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
All meals and snacks are provided on board both boats — breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are prepared according to a gourmet menu, along with snacks in between. Both tours have a BYO policy.
In terms of activities, both boats are fully stocked with snorkelling gear, paddleboards, wetsuits, and even waterslides that you can use at your leisure. As the tour makes stops at iconic locations and islands, the crew will set up everything for you to enjoy. There’s the option to book diving as an addition to your sailing tour on both vessels.
Atlantic Clipper vs New Horizon: The Differences
Boat Size
The Atlantic Clipper is a mega yacht and the larger vessel of the two, with space for up to 54 guests. The Atlantic Clipper is renowned for being the more social, energetic option - perfect for young travellers and backpackers. With more guests, the Atlantic Clipper offers opportunities to meet and hang out with other travellers and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
The New Horizon caps out at 32 guests, so the vibe is a little more relaxed. The sailing experience is still fun and social, but with a more intimate party atmosphere and a better chance of getting to know everyone on board. Couples and smaller travel groups generally favour the New Horizon for this reason.
Cabins and Amenities
As the bigger boat, the Atlantic Clipper has room for more amenities. Built for big groups, the vessel has 21 air-conditioned cabins (ranging from twins to 4-beds), 5 heated showers, and 7 toilets.
The New Horizon has a smaller setup. There are 3 sectioned air-conditioned cabins, 2 heated showers, and 2 toilets. With fewer people on the boat, the number of amenities is just right for the length of the trip.
Onboard Features
The Atlantic Clipper is designed for entertainment and fun - the boat has a 12-person spa, two waterslides, and a large sun deck lined with bean bags for soaking in the coastal sun, all of which are free to use during your time onboard.
The New Horizon is a classic wooden Schooner that offers a true seafaring experience, complete with a dive board where guests can ‘walk the plank’! Modern additions to the boat, such as an inflatable slide and a movie lounge, add to the New Horizon’s appeal for couples and smaller groups of friends.
Choosing The Right Whitsundays Sailing Tour
TL;DR: Go with whatever floats your boat (mind the pun).
Choose the Atlantic Clipper overnight tour if you want a high-energy trip and don’t mind sharing space in exchange for a social, vibrant atmosphere and excellent facilities. If you’re after a more laid-back, intimate adventure where you can really take in the beauty of the Whitsundays, choose the New Horizon overnight tour.
No matter which tour you choose, True Blue Sailing promises that you’ll have an unforgettable trip. Our local, experienced crew takes care of all needs so that you can focus on having fun and soaking up what we would describe as the most memorable adventure of your life. We’re taking bookings year-round, so get in quick!