The first to be accredited with eco tourism for overnight adventure sailing and still the [...]]]> Tall Ship Adventures, owners of the beautiful SV Whitehaven Eco Adventure Sailing vessel, are responding to guest feedback asking for more time, by offering 3 full days and 2 nights aboard, with the release of their new extended
Eco Adventure Sailing Tour.

The first to be accredited with eco tourism for overnight adventure sailing and still the leader, for over 15 years, Tall Ship Adventures has been hosting fun Eco Sailing Adventure tours in the Whitsunday waters. During that time they have had the pleasure of being recognised as one of the most awarded eco tourism operators in Queensland.

Not only are Tall Ship Adventures giving you an extra full day out on the water, but they are value adding their tours with free kayaks on board and informative guides who will pass on knowledge about the places visited.

Their vessel, the expedition cruiser, the SV Whitehaven was originally built for 3 day, 2 night sailing adventures and with her wide berth, huge deck space, seats for everyone on board and covered aft area, she is the perfect vessel to cruise away the hours on an extended sailing holiday, come rain or shine.

SV Whitehaven

Tall Ships Adventures are different from the competition – they want to share the natural beauty and hidden wonders of the areas in which they sail. They want to share the beauty of the region and have spent many years perfecting their tours to award winning standards, which have been officially recognised, over and over again.

On board the SV Whitehaven you will find two man sea kayaks which are available for all guests to use.  Head off by yourself or tag along on a guided tour which will take you to the fringing reefs of the islands; a fabulous way to get up close to the corals of the Coral Sea that surround the beautiful islands which make up the Whitsundays.

The guided paddle takes you to a meeting point where you can then take to the land; learn about the island’s bush food, aboriginal culture, cave paintings and history of the region.

The SV Whitehaven Eco Sailing Tour has many great features – with more of everything on offer – the “real deal”:

• A sailing vessel, purpose built for 3 day, 2 night adventure sailing.
• Spacious decks with plenty of room to stretch your legs or sunbathe.
• A large covered area for all day relaxation, whatever the weather.
• A seat for everyone on board.
• 5 spacious cabins, with multi share singles and doubles available.
• Your chance to have a go at pulling a sheet or two and moving under the power of the wind.
• An extensive range of snorkelling spots to visit.
• Many destinations within the Whitsundays.
• Free use of onboard kayaks.
• Plenty of bush walks to choose from.
• Many islands and beaches visited on the Tall Ships’ tour.
• Great food.
• Plentiful hot water.
• Snorkelling equipment.

PLUS

• Too many tourism and eco tourism awards to mention.

So for a sailing adventure with a difference, we’d love to see you aboard the SV Whitehaven.

Ben:You are really an [...]]]> 2 weeks ago I joined the great and amazing sailing trip on your boat to the Whitsundays and the outer reef…. Today I want to say “thank you so much” for making these days so enjoyable and unforgettable, I have had really a great time and I always take these memories alive.

Ben:You are really an excellent diving instructor – I have never had a bad feeling and I felt confident all the time. Thanks for doing a great introducing to this marvelous sport and for showing us such a great underwater world (even more the German turtle .

Pete : Thanks for making these brilliant pictures under water – it is such a great “memory” on a really nice adventure. I loved your meals especially the dessert . Enjoy your stay in Australia and on this boat – I think it is something really special and you can count yourself lucky to be a part of the kiana crew

Brent :Thank you so much for driving (or cruising – I don’t know the correct english word ) the boat so comfortable and easy. I enjoyed the stay all the time; it was really an amazing experience and a great adventure. Thanks for telling us all the secrets about the stars, the moon and the season … (and sorry for jumping onto the roof while you are driving the boat .

Sarah :Wherever you go and whatever you do – enjoy your life, be happy and take always care about you.  

Owner of kiana :You can be really proud to have such a brilliant, experienced and lovely crew on your boat and to be the owner of the beautiful kiana.

 Last week I was on a second dive trip in Port Douglas … with 80 people on board … it was horrible (I am a bloody stupid German – I understood …” There are 18 people on board” instead of 80 …. L  so I know where the differences are … People make the differences …

It was really a great pleasure for me to take part on this tour and it was so nice to meet you all.
Take always care about you!

Many greetings
Tania (the German turtle J)

On the first day of sailing, we anchored near Whitehaven beach to explore the island. Although the weather was a little dreary, the group was enthusiastic about our guided walk in the rainforest including a brief history of the place. [...]]]> Rob and I had a fantastic trip and celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary aboard the Kiana.

On the first day of sailing, we anchored near Whitehaven beach to explore the island. Although the weather was a little dreary, the group was enthusiastic about our guided walk in the rainforest including a brief history of the place. I could not get over the number of baby rays that were scattered throughout the water and the sand was whiter than anything that I’ve ever seen before.

Back on the boat, we were treated to a brilliant sunset and enjoyed a champagne toast. And – what could be better after a huge day of being in and on the water, than being rocked to sleep in our berth on the boat? Heaven!

Pete, our resident cook, provided us with delicious and generous meals to keep us fueled for our water activities.

Relaxing on Kiana

Diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef was awesome. It was thriving, vivid and healthy and we saw all kinds of colorful fish, vibrant coral and turtles. We were even up early enough to catch a dazzling sunrise, which doesn’t happen very often in our busy lives.

The crew aboard Kiana were professional, fun to be with and always courteous. They shared local knowledge and stories and made all of the guests feel at home and welcome. Many thanks to Dave, Pete & Ben for helping to make this an anniversary that we will never forget!

Over the years, Islandive’s Company Directors Keith Roberts and Mike Keyte have avidly supported and been pro-active within local committees in the prevention of [...]]]> Since Skipper Ian Thompson (Thommo) joined Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Islandive, he has always valued the company policy in helping protect and preserve our Great Barrier Reef Park and the marine life within. 

Over the years, Islandive’s Company Directors Keith Roberts and Mike Keyte have avidly supported and been pro-active within local committees in the prevention of waste infiltrating our ocean.  Islandive and its staff continually works in conjunction with the Queensland Marine Park and its environmental program.  

Ian is a participator in Islandive’s Eye on the Reef Program and is well informed and knowledgable on the natural heritage, conservation and the colossal eco-system of the Great Barrier Reef and its environmental threats.

We are proud he is actively going out on his own in April 2010 in his quest to sail around Australia to raise awareness of plastic bags polluting our ocean,  and the devastating effect this has on our marine environment. Ian has Islandive’s full support and we are pleased to be able to contribute to his campaign.

Plastic bags are a true menace to our marine ecosystem.  Non- recyclable, the Australian Government is working with the industry and the community to reduce the environmental impact of plastic bags.  Everyone shares some responsibility for this problem as nearly half a million plastic bags are collected on clean up Australia Day each year.  It takes only four grocery shopping trips for an average Australian family to accumulate 60 plastic bags.  Many people are starting to use reusable bags such as the ‘green bags” you buy at supermarkets.

Plastic bags which are made from natural gas or oil, are especially dangerous to turtles who mistake them for jellyfish, their main food source. 86% of all known species of turtles have had reported problems of entanglement or ingestion of marine debris. ,

Our marine creatures are dying and they need our help.  We ask you to support Ian in his determination to break the record of the fastest person to  sail solo around Australia, and to be the voice of our endangered marine creatures.

Islandive  has put on every vessel  a tin can in the hope that passengers touring on an Islandive vessel will donate a gold coin to contribute towards Ian’s food bill over the 50 days he is at sea.   This donation will go directly towards his expenses and his voyage around Australia to save our wonderful marine creatures. 

Anyone wishing to support his campaign should visit the campaigns website at www.sosoceanracing.com  

Sailing the S.V. Whitehaven with Whitsundays Sailing Adventures

This picture was taken on December 20th by Kristian Pletten, a guest who travelled aboard the Eco Tallship sailing safari vessel SV Whitehaven.

Australia is full of wondrous sights, from spectacular beaches, unique wildlife, lush rainforests and winding waterways. Sailing the coastline or waterways are great ways to not only [...]]]> Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Pacific Sunrise was recently voted the number one sailing experience in Australia by Karen Cooke from Travel associates.  The following is an extract from Karen’s article:

Australia is full of wondrous sights, from spectacular beaches, unique wildlife, lush rainforests and winding waterways. Sailing the coastline or waterways are great ways to not only see the country, but to really experience all that is offered.

These are our suggestions for the top 5 sailing experiences in Australia:

1. The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands located off the coast of north Queensland, boasting magnificent beaches and crystal clear waters. An ideal way to discover the Whitsundays is by sailing around the islands, stopping wherever you find an interesting hideaway. There are many commercial charter boats available, from cruisers, yachts and catamarans, or you can hire a boat or arrange a private charter complete with a captain and full crew and have more control over your journey. You will feel like you’re staying at a five star resort.

For the ultimate sailing holiday, why not indulge with Pacific Sunrise – Whitsunday Coral Cruises. Pacific Sunrise specifically keep guest numbers at a minimum in order to maintain superb levels of service. These tours are fully crewed and cater to a maximum of 21 guests.

Just imagine lazing on a luxury tour sailing these spectacular islands, being waited on hand and foot. Sip champagne from the deck of your yacht while watching the magnificent colours of the sun setting behind an island paradise.

To read the full article click here.