Defender 2D1N

4.8 (92 Reviews)
FROM
$459
2
1
26

Select Date and Passengers

Shared Accomodation
0
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Inclusions

All Essentials Included

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Drinks

BYO Alcohol

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Whitsundays

Epic Sailing Tour

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Snorkelling

Visit Gorgeous Reef Sites

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Accommodation

Cozy Bunks

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Marine Life

Explore Thriving Coral Reefs

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Locations

Whitehaven Beach + Hill Inlet

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Meals

Meals + Snacks Provided

Overview

Spend 2 days and 1 night sailing through the stunning Whitsunday Islands aboard the impressive maxi yacht, British Defender! With a maximum of 28 passengers on board, you’ll have a fun and social experience while still enjoying ample space on the boat to relax and renew. 

Over the course of 2 days, you’ll dabble in the best activities and sights in the Whitsundays. Embark on a short bushwalk up to Hill Inlet Lookout, spend some time soaking in the sunshine on the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, and get underwater at multiple prime snorkeling spots!

  • Adventure through the Whitsundays with a fun and experienced local crew
  • See the swirling turquoise waters of Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach
  • Snorkel amongst the colorful marine life of the fringing Great Barrier Reef
  • All food, snorkel gear, national park fees, linens, and drinking water included

Your Sample Itinerary

British Defender

Board British Defender

British Defender is one of the most impressive maxi yachts in Airlie Beach! You’ll depart around 8:30 in the morning after boarding this spacious and comfortable vessel. At 77 feet long, there is lots of deck space with shaded areas where you can hang out and admire the beauty of the Whitsundays around you. Complete with air conditioning, 2 dining tables, 3 bathrooms, bunks to fit 28 guests, and a passionate local crew, you have everything you need for a comfortable trip!

girl laying on driftwood on the beach

Enjoy Whitehaven Beach

Your first stop will be Whitehaven Beach, one of the world's most famous and beautiful beaches. With layers and layers of velvety soft, white silica sand, you’ll have a blast sunbathing, strolling, and swimming at Whitehaven. The ocean here is crystal clear and refreshing, but make sure you wear your provided stinger suit if you’re visiting between November and May! And keep an eye out for the majestic stingrays and lemon sharks that glide through the waters here! Don’t worry, they’re mellow creatures that will leave you alone if you keep your distance.

Hill Inlet Lookout

Hike To Hill Inlet Lookout

Depending on the weather and tide conditions, you may hike to Hill Inlet Lookout before or after your free time on Whitehaven Beach. Either way, you’ll love every minute of this adventure! The bushwalk up to Hill Inlet Lookout is a gentle incline along a clear footpath. Admire the dense tropical rainforest around you and get ready for your jaw to drop when you reach the top! With three viewing platforms, you’ll be blown away by the breathtaking views of Whitehaven Beach’s swirling sands and aquamarine waters!

coral reefs

Snorkel With Marine Life

After enjoying Whitehaven, your vessel will sail north towards Hook Island and Hayman Island. This wildlife-rich area is home to many world-class snorkeling spots. Your local guides will choose the locations on the day based on the tides and weather conditions. Suit up with your provided, high-quality snorkel gear and take to the water! These are fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, so you’re sure to see some unique corals and tropical fish. You may even see sea turtles or reef sharks if you’re lucky!

girl holding cheese board

All Essentials Included

During your 2-day, 1-night tour, everything you need is included. The experienced crew is there to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip, so feel free to ask them any questions you may have. Tea, coffee, meals, and snacks are provided, but be sure to discuss any dietary requirements with your tour operator before the trip begins. You can bring your own alcohol, and clean drinking water is provided throughout the journey.

What's Included?

  • 2-days and 1-night sailing through the Whitsundays
  • Experienced crew
  • Drinking water, tea, and coffee
  • Meals and snacks
  • Linens
  • Wetsuit hire
  • Snorkel gear
  • Marine Park fees
  • Wet weather jackets if needed

What's Extra?

  • BYO alcohol (no glass). Soft drinks are available for purchase on board.
  • Any dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy/lactose-free) will need to pay a surcharge of $15 per person payable on check in. Kosher and Halal diets are unable to be catered for.

Important Information

  • This vessel does not allow zipped bags, please bring with you a soft eco-style bag often found at Coles or Woolworths.
  • Excess luggage can be stored at our Airlie Beach Travel Shop in town. Located at 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, seven days per week.

Terms and Conditions

Please read our terms and cancellations policy before booking!

FAQs

What is the accommodation set-up on Defender?

Defender has 6 double beds and 16 single beds. The crew will assign bedding based on bookings once you arrive. So don't worry about having to share a bed with a stranger! You will only share a double bed if you're part of a group booking as there are plenty of single beds available for everyone. 

What is the minimum age for Defender?

The minimum age is 16 years old, and anyone under age 18 must be travelling with a guardian. However, Defender is recommended for 18-35 year olds. 

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Yes, we recommend you bring your own bath and beach towels. There are no towels supplied on board. If possible, please bring a microfibre towel.

Is there air-conditioning on board?

Yes, there is air-con inside the vessel. Perfect for those humid summer months.

Can I bring my own alcohol?

There is not a fully licenced bar onboard so you are permitted to bring your own alcohol if you choose to do so. Just keep in mind that no glass or red wine is permitted. 

Is there drinking water on board?

There are fresh Airlie Beach tap water tanks onboard. There is also a filtered drinking water tap in the galley so be sure to bring a refillable water bottle. 

Can I charge my phone on board?

Yes, there are USB charging points available in the main saloon.

Are there hot showers on board?

There are 2 showers onboard, both with hot water available for guests to use. 

Can I smoke on board?

Yes, you are permitted to smoke in the designated smoking areas.

Is there an afterparty for Defender?

There is! It's hosted at Mama Africa nightclub on Airlie Main Street, and takes place in the evening when you get back to Airlie Beach! 

Customer Reviews

Louan Gladish

Apr, 16 2024

We lovee it!! Great sailing adventure! Loved the snorkeling! Loved whitehaven beach! Great food. Great crew! Highly recommend!

Annie Peacock

Apr, 04 2024

Thank you I loved my trip. I was older than all 25 other guests by 37 years but it didn’t matter at all they were really lovely and very attentive and respectful. The crew were also very friendly and professional. The location is superb. Loved it.

William Good

Feb, 11 2024

Experience was beyond incredible, really had fun with the boat crew especially the captain Quinn was unreal. Always very helpful and made us feel safe.

Colin Marquat

Jan, 26 2024

The cruise on the "defender" will remain one of our best memories. The weather was magnificent. The captain and crew were extremely friendly. The food was excellent and the night on board was simply magical. The food was excellent and the night on board was simply magical. There's nothing to more say excellent

Carolyne Gloria Cornford

Jan, 14 2024

The trip was really nice! Went so some beautiful snorkelling spots and the crew was amazing! The only annoying thing was that the air conditioning was broken and no one told us before. We’ve booked the British Defender because it was the only boat with AC; we had the worst sleep because of the heat.

Anna Friemann Nielsen

Dec, 14 2023

Amazing trip! Our guide made sure to show us the best locations while keeping the good vibes. We all had such a fun time, and I met some of the greatest people. Would recommend!

Jamie Sheperd

Nov, 28 2023

Brilliant time all around - some speakers are a bit broken (Bass) and sweaty/hot during night.

Suzanna Schaap

Nov, 28 2023

Amazing time with best meal. Very good vibe. sunrise and snorkeling were amazing. Airfan would be nice.

Ingrid Evanger andersen

Nov, 28 2023

Very good prioritising of time and activities. Great crew. Maybe offer more snacks or bigger meals? Was hungry a lot of time. Other than that, great job and experience.

Anna Mcleinney

Nov, 28 2023

Amazing. Loved the crew. Had a blast. Bit to warm to sleep though so could do with some aircon for comfort

Tara Pagh

Nov, 28 2023

Fans would have been great for when we never sleeping. Otherwise food was great. And massive shoutout to Jess and John - thank you for a great time

Eve Biggs

Nov, 28 2023

All activities were amazing + the sailing at the end was brilliant. Crew was lovely. But it was so hot in the night. I had to go to top deck 3 times

Eline van Putten

Nov, 28 2023

Awesome. Whitehaven beach was absolutely stunning. Loved the crew they made the experience 100 times better

Suzan

Nov, 28 2023

So good - best thing on m east coast tour yet. Only recommendation is fans / ac

Alex

Nov, 28 2023

Great experience. Only thing that could be better is fans

East Coast Tours acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

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