Day One
Embark in the morning from the marina in Hamilton Island. The marina basically adjoins the airport at Hamilton. Weíll set sail for Shaw Island, a distance of approximately 13 miles -anchoring under the lee of Burning Point. Last time we were here we jumped into the dinghy to followed two huge manta rays for their cruise over the shallows. Access to the beach is restricted at this anchorage between October and March for this is a significant bird sanctuary for the increasing threatened beach stone curlew - so it is a special place.

Day Two
Morning sail of only 4 miles to Thomas Island - this is a lovely anchorage with a beautiful sand beach readily accessible at all but the very lowest of tides. Being fairly remote from the center of the Whitsundays it is more than likely that we will be the only yacht at anchor. This is a day for just lazing on deck!

Day Three
Sail to Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island a distance of some 11 miles - with the SE trades, this should be a pleasant down wind sail. The beach here is excellent for a shore excursion and there are some very vibrant coral gardens off the southern end of the beach, when we were last here we were able to observe some turtles feeding while we snorkeled above and behind them. Dusk from Chalkies is magical as the sunsets over famous Whitehaven Beach and the hilly profile of Whitsunday Island.

Day Four
Morning motor to Whitehaven Beach - just 1.5 miles. Whitehaven is an incredible expanse of pure white sand stretching some 5 kms, it is truly magnificent and must be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There is no habitation, yet during the day it can become quite the 'hot spot' for day trippers from the nearby resort islands. The memory of a morning stroll along this strip of sand will stay with you forever.

Late morning sail for Butterfly Bay on the northern shore of Hook Island - 10 miles - the northern shore of 'Hook' is littered with great snorkeling coves - Pinnacle Bay, Manta Ray Bay, Luncheon Bay and Maureenís Cove, this whole shoreline is a marine national park so fishing and any form of shell collecting are strictly prohibited...but the variety of fish makes these anchorages well worth the visit - take some bread with you and feed the giant wrass. Mooring is restricted to 2 hours in each bay during daylight hours, so the plan is to stay your allowed two hours and then move to the next bay - the entire coastline is very pretty. This will prove to be a relaxing afternoon as we potter from anchorage to anchorage before settling in 'Butterfly' for the night.

Day Five
Sail around Hayman Island, stopping at Blue Pearly Bay on the western shore for lunch - 4 miles - there are some huge coral 'bommies' here with a large variety of corals and fish. Then sail for South Molle Island - 9 miles - whilst South Molle is a National Park, there is a resort on the northern shore at Bauer Bay. We can go ashore here for a 'night on the town' and experience some 'resort life'! Dance and party the night away as the catarman is only a short dinghy ride off the end of the jetty.

Day Six
For some early morning exercise there are some excellent graded walking tracks around South Molle through the rainforest and the upper grasslands, spectacular views are afforded of the Whitsunday Passage and the Molle Channel. A lunch time sail to Hook Islandís Nara Inlet - 8 miles - unfortunately, the waters of 'Nara' can be quite murky, so it is not good for snorkeling, although it is fine for a 'dip'... for those still with energy to burn the marine park rangers have constructed a track up to an Aboriginal cave site, yep with real cave paintings - well worth the effort as the sunsets for our last night together.

Day Seven
An early am sail for Hamilton Island - 14 miles - yes, weíre talking sunrise here!! Itís a beautiful time to be out on the water... if youíve never experienced this before, itís well worth dragging yourself out of bed!