What To Bring on A Whitsundays Island Tour: Packing Checklist
Most Whitsundays Island tours come with a list of inclusions to minimise carry-ons for travellers, especially overnight sailing tours where luggage is (generally) not allowed on board. If you’re planning to book a Whitsundays tour (or have already booked), it’s important to know what to pack.
Whether it’s a 2-day 2-night sailing adventure or just a day trip to Whitehaven Beach, here’s a packing checklist of the essentials you need to make the most of your experience.
Whitsundays Tour Packing Checklist
Clothing
- T-shirts
- Tanktops
- Shorts
- Sundresses
- Swimwear
- Rashies (rash guards)
It gets warm in the Whitsundays – we’re talking temperatures of up to 30-31°C in summer (December to March). Loose-fitting clothing is recommended for staying cool; think tank tops, shorts, beach dresses. The climate is also relatively humid and, at times, wet, so it’s worth bringing clothes that are breathable or are quick drying.
In the cooler months, expect comfortable temperatures between 24-25°C that drop to 17-19°C at night. It’s not cold, but it can get a little breezy at night – bring long-sleeved clothing or a light jacket just in case. If you’ve booked a sailing tour, keep in mind that it can get windy on board.
Towels are a must – overnight tour vessels have shower facilities onboard, but there aren’t any towels provided.
One last piece of advice for clothes: bring along some nice casual outfits for dinners. Our Whitsundays tours include beach parties that you’ll want to look your best for!
Footwear
- Thongs or flip-flops
- Hiking shoes or water shoes
As for footwear, thongs (flip-flops) will do. Most boats have a “no-shoes policy” onboard, meaning you can either go barefoot or stick with thongs. You can still bring along shoes if you plan to do hiking once you’re off the boat, like the trail up to the Hill Inlet Lookout, but they might get wet.
You can also consider taking a pair of water shoes instead of sneakers or hiking boots. Water shoes dry more quickly and let you dive in and out of the water without a fuss.
Water Equipment
- Personal snorkelling or diving gear (optional)
It’s standard for all Whitsunday tours to provide snorkelling and water-sports equipment as part of the experience. Paddleboards, foam noodles, lifejackets, snorkel masks, flippers, and stinger suits will be available on board for use.
While snorkelling equipment is available for free, you can still bring along your own snorkel gear for a better fit and experience.
When it comes to diving gear, the provision of equipment is less standard. Some Whitsunday scuba diving tours provide the required gear, including BCDs, regulators, and belts, while private charters do not. This means that you’ll either need to bring your own diving gear or rent from a diving shop in Airlie Beach.
Electronics and Devices
- Smartphone (FYI, network reception can be spotty when sailing)
- Cameras, GoPros, Drones
- Power bank (20,000 mAh+)
- Waterproof case for devices
- Floating handgrips for action cameras
Cameras, GoPros, and smartphones can and should be taken along for your tour – just be sure to charge devices fully before bringing onboard. The tour vessel may or may not have charging ports for your electronic devices, and if there are, you’ll need to share them with all the other guests.
Save yourself the trouble of running out of battery by bringing spare batteries for your camera, along with a high-capacity power bank (20,000 mAh+) to ensure every moment is captured.
Consider a waterproof case with a safety strap for your phone if you’re planning to take it into the water. You don’t want it ending up on the bottom of the Coral Sea!
Personal Medication and Needs
- Personal medication
- Sea-sickness tablets
- Sunscreen
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Your favourite alcoholic drinks (if a BYO policy applies)
Bring along any personal medication, especially if you’ve booked an overnight sailing tour. For those who are prone to seasickness or motion sickness, there are over-the-counter medications that can make the journey much more enjoyable. Ocean tides in the Whitsundays are generally calm, but windy conditions can make sailing a little more bumpy than usual.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable – choose one with a rating of at least SPF 50 to prevent your skin from uncomfortable sunburns. For even more sun protection, pack a hat and sunglasses – you’ll thank us later.
You should also bring along a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Tour vessels have filtered water taps for guests to refill at throughout the tour.
On the topic of beverages, don’t forget to check whether your tour has a BYO policy. You’ll be able to bring your favourite alcoholic drinks on board and store them in coolers. Just be sure not to bring any glass bottles, wine glasses, or red wine – these are prohibited on most boats for safety reasons.
Bag & Miscellaneous Items
- A small personal bag
- Portable speaker
- A book to read
Pack all of your essentials into a soft, small backpack or bag – remember, luggage bags are not allowed on board the vessel. There are luggage storage operators in Airlie Beach that will keep your luggage secure for the duration of your tour.
If you still have a little room left over in your bag after packing in the essentials, you could also bring along a book or a portable speaker for your own entertainment.
When you’re ready, double-check the meeting place for the tour – there are three main departure points for Whitsunday tours from Airlie Beach – Coral Sea Marina, Port of Airlie, and Shute Harbour.
If you’ve not yet booked a Whitsundays tour for your holiday, True Blue Sailing offers two overnight Whitsundays tours, each with its own unique itinerary. You can find out more about what the Atlantic Clipper offers vs New Horizon, or get in touch with our team to secure a spot on the best tour in the Whitsundays!