- All fantastic meals prepared on board
- Fresh linen
- Free use of snorkelling equipment
- Marine Park/Environmental charge, Fuel Levy and stinger/wet suit

Benefits of this package:
- Experience that combines comfort with adventure
- Spacious and relaxed atmosphere for up to 14 passengers
- Private or share cabins available
- Famous Aussie BBQ
- Optional diving

There is no set itinerary. Departing daily from Airlie Beach, top priority is Whitehaven Beach and famous coral reefs. However we take guest requests into consideration to ensure everyone on board enjoys their holiday. As an ecoaccredited vessel, guests can get involved in the sailing or just sit back and enjoy the beautiful secluded bays teeming with tropical fish and coral.

With a reputation for providing a sailing experience that combines comfort with adventure, this Roberts Ketch provides a spacious and relaxed atmosphere for 14 passengers. Waltzing has a fantastic sailing ability and your crew of 2 will show you the best locations of the Marine Park and will ensure your trip is truly memorable.

With a choice of share cabin or private double cabin, wide flat uncluttered decks, shade awning and roomy interior, Aussie BBQ and optional diving Waltzing Matilda is an ideal cruising yacht for a Whitsunday adventure.

Location Direction

By Air:
To Whitsunday Coast Airport and then take "Whitsunday Transit" coach (own expense) to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Alternatively, fly to Hamilton Island Airport and take the Blue Ferries (own expense) to Shute Harbour, then take the Whitsunday Transit coach into Airlie Beach. Island Air Taxis also offer a beautiful scenic connecting flight from Hamilton Island to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, from which its just a short taxi fare to Airlie Beach.

Virgin Blue services Whitsunday Coast airport with 1 direct flight per week on Saturdays from Sydney, and daily flights direct from Brisbane on Virgin Blue.

Jetstar airlines service Hamilton Island airport, with direct flights daily from Sydney and Brisbane. Jetstar also services Whitsunday Coast airport, with direct flights daily from Brisbane and twice per week direct from Sydney.

By Coach:
A number of express coach companies offer multiple daily services from most major cities to Airlie Beach, Whitsunday's. See www.greyhound.com.au, www.premierms.com.au

By Car:
Driving south from Cairns and north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, turn off at Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) and follow the signs 26 km to Airlie Beach.

By Rail:
Whitsunday Coast (26km inland of Airlie Beach) is the rail link to the Whitsundays and Queensland Rail operate regular services. The new high-speed tilt train services the Whitsunday region. Call 13 22 32 for further information.

Exploring in the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays consists of 74 islands - only eight of which are inhabited. They are surrounded by one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. This magic region will have you spellbound - pristine beaches, lush rainforests and dazzling waterways, in fact there are so many reasons why the Whitsundays is known as one of the greatest aquatic playgrounds on earth.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest, most complex and diverse coral reef system in the world. It is made up of coral reefs, coral cays and islands, stretching along the Queensland coast from Cape York to Bundaberg. The Marine Park also includes seagrass, mangroves, sand, algal and sponge gardens, inter-reefal communities and other habitats, and many rare and endangered species. This underwater world makes for the best exploring above and below the water.

Whether you choose to bush walk, scuba dive or sail, there are a myriad of ways to explore the Whitsundays.  Snorkel at Blue Pearl Bay where you will discover some of most amazing coral reefs and tropical fish in the Whitsundays. Dive the outer reef and explore the amazing coral.  Walk along Whitehaven Beach's silica sand or kayak in turtle breeding grounds where you are sure to see one pop up.  However you choose to spend your holiday the Operator will help you explore idyllic worlds that no cruise ship can. 

Whitsunday's Weather
Tropical Climate
Situated at 20ºS Lat and 148ºE Long, the welcoming tropical climate of the Whitsundays rivals that of Fiji, Tahiti and the Bahamas.

Mean annual temperatures of 27ºC and a minimum of 21ºC and an estimated average of 8.25 Hours of Sunshine per day, ensure an attractive year-round climate.

Water temperatures remain a welcoming 25 degrees celsius all year round.

The tropical wet season occurs during January to March when days can be steamy and the summer heat is often broken by tropical showers.

Temperature (°C)

Average Rainfall (mm)

What to Bring & What's Included

What to Bring

• A sense of fun and adventure!
• BYO drinks on non-licensed vessels (no glass bottles please)
• Beach towel, bathing suit and sunhat
• Practical clothing, footwear & sunscreen (min. 30+)
• Camera, batteries (+ film or memory cards)
• Please put all items in a small soft bag!  

What's Included

•  All fantastic meals prepared on board
•  Fresh linen
•  Free use of snorkelling equipment

Important information about your voyage
Prior to departure you will be required to sign an agreement with the operators of this vessel. Here is a summary of the terms and conditions:

Definitions
The following definitions apply for the Terms and Conditions for this vessel.
-  The Supplier or Operator means the operator who supplies this vessel to you on arrival.
-  The Client is also referred to as the renter (s) or hirer (s)

Ticket Terms
Terms and Conditions: All prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST and  National Park, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees and administration fees. Any additional hire equipment is payable on arrival. There is a 2.2% surcharge for credit card purchases.

Prices for this vessel are based on multi-share accommodation unless otherwise specified and include professional skipper and host, all meals, live-aboard accommodation, and use of snorkel equipment. Prices do not include airfares. Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst every effort is made to safeguard guests, the Operator cannot be responsible for any damage, personal injury or loss due to the actions of passengers that are beyond control. All cruises are subject to weather and the Operator's discretion.

Cancellations:
The initial deposit paid is non-refundable. In addition to forfeiting your deposit, the following charges also apply:

Cancellations made less than 24 days before departure will result in complete forfeiture of full price. The Operator reserves the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason. 

The area is subject to sub-tropical weather conditions and sudden inclement weather could arise at anytime, the Operator reserves the right to cancel the vessels without notice. The Operator recommends you take out travel insurance to cover any costs and disruptions caused by such events. The Operator takes no responsibility for policies offered by insurers that do not cover for such events. When taking out travel insurance you need to check their terms and conditions to ensure you have the correct cover.

At certain times of year ‘Dangerous’ jellyfish inhabit these waters and passengers should take care for their own safety. Passengers entering the water do so at their own risk and the owners or operators of the vessel will not be liable for any personal injury, illness, death or any other consequences whatsoever of passengers being stung by jellyfish’. Dive prices are subject to change but are correct at time of printing.

Vessel stand down procedure / policy
On occasions the vessel operators/owners will need to stand a vessel down due to maintenance, weather conditions, and low passenger numbers. As per our terms and conditions -

27.“The vessel operator reserve the right to substitute vessels or cancel cruises without notice at any time for any reason.”

28.“Cancellations and changes to the itinerary during the cruise due to weather, illness or to ensure passenger safety will not be refunded.”

• The vessel owner/operator should inform that the vessel will be stooddown before 5pm the night before the morning departure and before 09.30 for a lunchtime departure. If contact to the passengers cannot be made it may be necessary for operations staff to meet and help inform clients at the marina.
   
• Where possible, passengers will transferred onto a vessel within the same price / time frame and within the same fleet if possible. No transfer costs will be incurred by the passengers transferred onto another vessel within the same price/time frame and within the same fleet if possible.

• Overnight accommodation if needed or any additional costs incurred due to the standing down of a vessel will not be covered and should be claimed from your travel insurance provider.

PRIVATE CHARTER TERMS & CONDITIONS

Private Charter Deposits
The deposit for Private Charters is double to what is shown when you make your initial enquiry. When we have received your enquiry for a Private Charter an amended quote will be sent to you with the adjusted deposit amount for approval before proceeding.

Private Charter Balance Of Payment
The balance of payment for Private Charters after the deposit has been paid is 60 days prior to departure. This will also be amended and displayed on the adjusted quote when you make your initial enquiry.


Check in details:
Passengers must check in the day prior to departure between 11:30am-3:30pm.

Medical Requirements For Divers

To ensure your comfort and safety when diving, it is a requirement that you read the following questions carefully. If you answer yes to any of the questions, you will be required to obtain a Diver’s Medical Certificate. This certificate must be presented to your dive instructor prior to entering the water.

• Do you currently have an ear infection?
• Are you currently suffering from a cold, congestion, sinusitis or bronchitis?
• Have you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery?
• Do you have active asthma or history of emphysema or tuberculosis?
• Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
• Do you have behavioral health problems or a nervous system disorder?
• Are you or could you be pregnant?
• Are you over 45 and have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
• Ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance? Ear or sinus surgery?
• Respiratory problems, severe attack of hayfever or allergies, or lung disease?
• Colostomy?
• Heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
• High blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure?
• Bleeding or other blood disorders?
• Diabetes?
• Seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them?
• Back, arm or leg problems following an injury, fracture or surgery?
• Fear of closed or open spaces or panic attacks (claustrophobia or agoraphobia)?

A doctor's medical certificate may be required for some medical conditions & without this you will not be able to dive.

Prices are per person in Australian dollars and are subject to change.

What to Bring & What's Included

What to Bring

• A sense of fun and adventure!
• BYO drinks on non-licensed vessels (no glass bottles please)
• Beach towel, bathing suit and sunhat
• Practical clothing, footwear & sunscreen (min. 30+)
• Camera, batteries (+ film or memory cards)
• Please put all items in a small soft bag!  

What's Included

•  All fantastic meals prepared on board
•  Fresh linen
•  Free use of snorkelling equipment

FAQs
Getting to the Whitsundays
By Air:
To Whitsunday Coast Airport and then take "Whitsunday Transit" coach (own expense) to Airlie Beach or Shute Harbour. Alternatively, fly to Hamilton Island Airport and take the Blue Ferries (own expense) to Shute Harbour, then take the Whitsunday Transit coach into Airlie Beach. Island Air Taxis also offer a beautiful scenic connecting flight from Hamilton Island to the Whitsunday Coast Airport, from which its just a short taxi fare to Airlie Beach.

Virgin Blue services Whitsunday Coast airport with 1 direct flight per week on Saturdays from Sydney, and daily flights direct from Brisbane. www.virginblue.com.au

Jetstar airlines service Hamilton Island airport, with direct flights daily from Sydney and Brisbane. Jetstar also services Whitsunday Coast airport, with direct flights daily from Brisbane and twice per week direct from Sydney. www.jetstar.com.au

By Coach:
A number of express coach companies offer multiple daily services from most major cities to Airlie Beach, Whitsunday's. See www.greyhound.com.au and www.premierms.com.au. 

By Car:
Driving south from Cairns and north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, turn off at Whitsunday Coast (Proserpine) and follow the signs 26 km to Airlie Beach.

By Rail:
Whitsunday Coast (26km inland of Airlie Beach) is the rail link to the Whitsundays and Queensland Rail operate regular services. The new high-speed tilt train services the Whitsunday region. Call 13 22 32 for further information.

Meals / Allergies
The Operator has a great menu for you, however the Operator does need to be informed at Check-in if you have special dietary requirements. If you have any medical conditions/food allergies please advise at booking and again at Check-in.

Is there any water on the boat?
Yes, this vessel has fresh tap water suitable for drinking. If you prefer bottled water you can purchase this on board most vessels. Remember to drink at least 2 litres of water per person per day!

Do I need a sleeping bag?
No, fresh linen is provided on all cruises and some vessels even provide bathroom towels. Check in will let you know if your vessel does. Blankets are available in the cooler months.

Can I have my own cabin?
Yes you can have your own cabin, just look for one of the vessels with this option, some with their own private facilities.

Are there jellyfish in the water?
Stinger Season in the Whitsundays runs every year from October through to May. During this period, jellyfish can be found in the waters around the mainland, islands and have occasionally been found out on the reef. It is worth taking some simple precautions so that you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

All of the vessels supply stinger suits for the duration of the trip. It is highly recommended these be worn all year round, some vessels make it compulsory for the safety of the guests. Not only are they for safety but they keep you warm in the water, act as sun protection and are a great aid for buoyancy while snorkelling.

Do we need to pre book scuba dives?
No, both Certified divers and beginners. On the diving vessels and you visit the very best of the Whitsundays most famous diving locations. The favourites are Border Island, Mantaray Bay, Blue Pearl Bay, The Pinnacles, Butterfly Bay and Dumbell Island (weather permitting). All equipment is provided and will be suitable for experienced divers and those wanting to take the plunge for the first time.

Does the vessel supply wetsuits?
Yes and there is no extra cost.

Pre dive Information.
Onboard the vessel you will be asked to fill out a dive medical.
if you are concerned about any medical conditions you have please read the dive medical in advance.

Dive medicals
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/pdf/whs/divecards_english2005.pdf

Dive Medicals in foreign languages
http://pan.search.qld.gov.au/search/search.cgi?query=snorkel+thai&collection=qld-gov&profile=deir&form=simple&num_ranks=10&tiers=off

No experience is necessary if you have never scuba dived before as long as you are in good physical health. If you wish to dive and are worried about some previous medical condition, then please allow time to get a dive medical from an Australian medical practice. (they can do this here at Airlie Beach for around $60).

The medical practices below on most occasions will be able to a dive medical with minimum notice.
To contact Australian Doctors in Airlie Beach:
The Doctors (07) 4948 0900 Located in the Main street Airlie Beach.
Or Whitsunday Doctors (07) 4946 6241 next to the Newsagent Shute Harbour Rd Airlie Beach.

Eco Friendly dive practices
1. Coral tissue is easily damaged, so don't touch any coral. Resist the temptation to touch other creatures. Some divers choose not to wear gloves, so they won't be tempted to grab the reef.

2. Passively observe organisms by floating in one spot Allow fish to swim past you.

3. Practice buoyancy skills in a pool or sandy area before diving near a coral reef.

4. Secure your gauges and equipment well to avoid accidental contact with the reef

5. Avoid swimming over the top of reef areas and try to remain in the sand channels between corals heads, which makes the contact with the reef much less likely.

6. Remain at least arms length from the reef unless your looking at something very carefully.

7. Avoid kicking up sand because this smothers corals when it settles and is stressful to other reef animals.

8. Always be aware of your body position in relation to the reef, especially your fins, and never stand on coral.

9. Avoid feeding reef fish. This may introduce unhealthy food items and disrupt their natural behaviour.

10. Don't collect souvenirs, including dead shells and coral rock because everything on the reef has a function and anything removed affects the reef ecosystem.

11. Use a camera to bring back memories to share, but keep a safe distance from the reef while taking pictures.

12. Encourage others to be aware of coral reef conservation and pass on your knowledge.

Dive medical in foreign languages: http://pan.search.qld.gov.au/search/search.cgi?query=snorkel+thai&collection=qld-gov&profile=deir&form=simple&num_ranks=10&tiers=off

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.