Quaility Whitsundays Sailing and Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving Adventures

Sailing Adventures on Emperors Wings

After a leisurely breakfast at Beaches Backpackers and a little last minute shopping around Airlie Beach, we arrived at the dock in the afternoon. The crew were all smiles as they welcomed us on board and we set off sailing! After quite an entertaining run down about living on board and what to expect during the trip we were split into groups: those wanting to snorkel, then certified and intro divers and we geared up for our first dive.

It was my first attempt ever at diving so I was excited and a little nervous but Richi my dive instructor was amazing, on our first attempt he made sure we were comfortable with our equipment while we were still at a spot where we could touch the sand with our toes and any nerves I had dissolved in the sea, Richi made it all so easy and I always felt safe.

He said…if you loved that, the next one will blow your minds… WOW!! It absolutely did!! My favourite was the dawn dive when the fish were still a little sleepy and Manta Ray Drop Off where I got to hang out with a sea turtle and see white tip reef sharks!

After a big day on the reef, Tanya cooked us a spectacular dinner, it was great food, meals like steak and chicken with salads and lots of fruit for breakfast, just what’s needed to start a big day. Our hostie with the mostie was Tanya such a cool chick and looked after me really well especially with lots of yummy gluten free food.

Playing silly buggers on the amazingly beautiful White Haven Beach was a heap of fun and all the girls enjoyed a natural beauty treatment, exfoliating with the powdered sand made and making our legs silky smooth. After a stunning sunset, we’d watch the shooting stars from the deck at night.

Our captain Mike was easy going and great to chat to about life on the reef, Stu our hilarious first mate helped keep us on course and laughing at all times, Dylan showed the certified divers around the reef and from looking at the photos we saw in the slide shows at night, they had a blast, (and just watch me smile with a regulator in my mouth)!

To the amazing Richi, I will be ever thankful for introducing me to the reef and for ’holding my hand’ on the first of many more dives to come. Diving for me was such a peaceful amazing experience and I’m so keen now I’ve booked in to become certified so I can do a night dive on my next trip!

Thank you so much Emperors Wings!!!!

Amber Pitt
Travel Adviser
STA Travel Gold Coast Uni

The Hunter in Paradise

With sixty years working under sail behind her, the 90-foot, Walter Wilson-designed, gaff-rigged topsail schooner, Derwent Hunter, is claimed to be the last Australian vessel designed and built to work under sail. Her decades of adventuring cover everything from fishing and trading, oceanographic research, movie roles and even the odd spot of gun smuggling. And her story continues as she makes her mark as a charter vessel in the marine tourism industry.

Derwent Hunter under sail

Derwent Hunter is owned by Tall Ship Adventures, a charter company offering award-winning eco sailing adventures in the Whitsundays. The successful marine tourism operation uses Derwent Hunter and another traditional vessel, Alexander Stewart, to combine a love of the Whitsunday Islands with Australia’s traditional vessel maritime history. Founder and director, Warren Ladd, is an owner/operator with enthusiasm for his company’s concept. Guests combine discovery of the rich heritage of Australian seafaring with exploration of one of the world’s most magnificent island chains – the Whitsundays. Warren Ladd’s attitude is reflected in the crews, which not only sail the boats but maintain and even help restore them.

The above is an excerpt from “The ‘Hunter’ in Paradise” published in Australian Sea Heritage 90/2007. Click here to read the full article.

New Coke Ad shot in the Whitsundays

Check out the new coke ad that was shot in the Whitsunday Islands.

Islandive a Winner at TNT Golden Backpack Awards

Whitsundays Sailing Adventures Islandive was a winner at the recent TNT Golden Backpack Awards. They won Best Queensland Adventure Tour Operator for their Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays Islands Sail and Dive Adventures. Take a look at he video and see who else was a winner.

The final Mo day on Kiana

The boys are itching to have their first shave. The amount of comments from the ladies about 80′s porn stars to pirates had these guys experiencing a very lonely month. Many thanks to everyone who donated to this great cause.

The Final Movember Growth

Derwent Hunter – a life of adventure

I’M STANDING ON THE SUN DRENCHED FOREDECK of one of Australia’s maritime treasures as she gently raises her bow to the swell. Beyond the massive bowsprit stretches a 3D postcard of azure sea studded with rich green islands … It’s a timeless panorama, one viewed by thousands of Australia’s earliest sailors and now being experienced by just as many modern day adventurers aboard The Derwent Hunter.

Derwent Hunter

With 60 years working under sail behind her, the 90ft Walter Wilson designed schooner was the last foreign going sailing vessel to operate out of Australian ports. Her decades of adventuring cover everything from fishing and trading, oceanographic research, movie roles and even the odd spot of gun smuggling with her many voyages just as varied. From the Sub Arctic, the notorious Bass Strait and the Tasman and Coral Seas, the Derwent Hunter has proved her pedigree countless times over. There are few vessels today that would have logged as many miles under the keel as this classic beauty. And today the legend continues as she makes her mark as one of the nations most lauded charter vessels in the marine tourism industry.

The above is an excerpt from “a life of adventure” by Jo Djubal. Click here to read the full article.

Mo News is Good News

The Kiana team is doing their bit for men’s health by supporting the Movember charity. Anyone wishing to support their effort can do so by donating at Movember Donations

Movember Halfway Growth

Colgate Pearly White Sand and Ginorgarous Sea Creatures

Hamish and Adam embark on the ultimate Aussie road trip as they motored around Queensland with Van-Tactic Adventures.

We have chatted to quite a few backpackers so far on our adventures. The common consensus was that the Whitsundays is one of their highlights in Queensland.

Needless to say our expectations were high but got blown out of the water when we went out on a 3 day 2 night excursion around the Whitsunday Islands with ISLANDIVE.

The hub for accessing the Whitsundays is a place called Airlie Beach.

Many people have being known to lose their clothes after a big night out in Airlie Beach so proceed with caution.

A typical night out in Airlie will go something like this: BEACHES > PADDY’S > MAMA AFRICAS’S > KEBAB SHOP > SLEEP

We ventured out of the port in the morning onboard a spacious, comfy catamaran called POWERPLAY. David AKA – ‘Cookie’ our captain was behind the wheel leading the charge. Cookie was a legendary fellow New Zealander who kept us entertained with laughs the whole trip. Chur bro chur.

One of the best things about going on Power play is that you do not have to be certified to go diving because all the trips are guided. We got to do 4 dives and you would not believe what we saw out there.

Apart from the zillions of colorful fish we were lucky enough to see turtles, sharks, stingrays, whales, a mcmassive manta ray and Swedish backpackers.

We suggest when you book with these guys try and get on one of the two boats that have a hot tub. There is something about coming in from a dive, cracking a cold beer, relaxing in the hottie tubbie and watching the sexy sunsets.

The jewel of the Whitsundays is called Whitehaven Beach. This place boasts some of the whitest sand in the world and has to be seen to be believed. It was a perfect location for our inaugural Sports Illustrated cover shoot. Check out our pics.

At the end of each day everyone sits around a projector and gets to see the pics that the photo savvy crew girls have taken of you. This creates a laugh and a half. You will also have the chance to learn about all the sea creatures to give you a better understanding of what you are seeing on your dives.

Big thanks to all the team for a spot on 3 days. Ka Pai. (Maori for chur bro)

Great times on Powerplay

Check out this video some passengers put together of their awesome time in the Whitsundays on board Powerplay 19 – 21 September.

Jess’ 25th in the Whitsundays from Matthew Thompson on Vimeo.

Pacific Sunrise 3 Night Sail

The following is an extract that one of our happy guests reported on Trip Advisor…

Just returned from Queensland – thanks to all who recommended Pacific Sunrise. It was even better than expected. 17 guests (limit is 21) on a 33 meter, magnificently restored timber sailboat with an absolutely fantastic crew of 5. This is the boat for those who want the experience of sailing but also want a bit more comfort and service. The staff greets you at Shute Harbor, carries your luggage on board for you and stows it in your cabins. Meals are prepared by an amazing chef who could work in any 5 star restaurant anywhere (even breakfast was presented beautifully). They have a full bar on board and crew members are experienced at mixing cocktails or helping you select a wine. This is the only service that is not included in the fare, but the drinks were very reasonably priced and there was a wide selection. The decks and interiors of the boat are all polished, gleaming wood and are quite beautiful. The cabins are all roomy with en suite baths, altho the larger the cabin, the larger the bath…(more) Click here to read full article…

Recent Posts

Categories