Camira Sailing Adventure

What to Expect

The Camira is impossible to miss. With its bright orange sails cutting across the Whitsunday Passage, it is one of the most recognised vessels on the water and one of the fastest commercial sailing catamarans in Australia. Operated by Cruise Whitsundays, this full-day sailing adventure takes you from Port of Airlie to Whitehaven Beach and back under sail, with a pace and atmosphere that sits somewhere between a proper sailing experience and a relaxed day tour.

The vessel is a 98-foot sailing catamaran that carries up to 130 guests. Despite the capacity, it never feels cramped — the wide beam gives you expansive deck space, and there are plenty of spots to spread out. The trampolines at the bow are the prime real estate. When the sails are up and the boat is moving, lying on the nets with the water rushing beneath you is one of the best sensations on any Whitsunday tour.

The signature experience is boom netting. Nets are strung from the bow and lowered into the water while the catamaran sails. You climb into the nets and ride them as the boat cuts through the waves — half swimming, half flying. It is exhilarating, refreshing, and unique to the Camira. You will not find this on any other day tour in the Whitsundays.

The Itinerary

The Camira departs Port of Airlie in the morning and sails across the passage to Whitehaven Beach. The sail itself is a highlight — under full canvas with the orange sails up, the boat covers the distance efficiently and beautifully. Morning tea is served during the crossing.

At Whitehaven, you come ashore by tender and have time on the beach plus a guided walk up to the Hill Inlet lookout. The view from the top — swirling white sand and turquoise water spreading out below — is the photograph that sells the Whitsundays to the world.

Back on board, a buffet lunch is served at anchor. The food is solid — salads, cold meats, bread, and fruit. Not fine dining, but generous and well-suited to a day on the water. After lunch, there is time for swimming and snorkelling before the sail home. Afternoon tea rounds out the day on the return journey.

Who It's For

The Camira works for almost everyone. Families love the boom netting and beach time. Couples enjoy the sailing and the Hill Inlet walk. Groups of friends come for the atmosphere — there is a licensed bar on board and the vibe is social without being rowdy. Solo travellers find it easy to join in.

It is a genuine sailing experience, which sets it apart from motorised day tours. If the idea of powering across the passage on a fast catamaran does not excite you but sailing under canvas does, this is your tour. The pace is slower, the journey is part of the experience, and you arrive at Whitehaven feeling like you have actually been somewhere rather than just been transported.

Good to Know

• At $249, it is mid-range for a full-day Whitehaven tour — good value given the inclusions
• The vessel is large and stable, making it a reasonable option for those concerned about seasickness
• Boom netting is optional — you can watch from the deck if you prefer to stay dry
• Stinger suits are provided in stinger season (November to May)
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a towel
• The licensed bar sells drinks throughout the day
• Departs daily from Port of Airlie, a 5-minute walk from the centre of town
• Book ahead in peak season (June to October) — the Camira is one of the most popular day tours in the Whitsundays