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TRAVEL

Swim The Whitsundays

Immerse yourself in the exquisite waters of the Whitsunday Islands, cruising from one picturesque island to the next on your live-onboard tall ship, swimming at secluded bays, along white sand beaches and around tropical islands.

Slip into crystal clear water and enjoy seven of the most scenic ocean swims you’ll ever swim in your life, including along the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and over the world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, teeming with fish.

A magical tour even without the swims, you’ll also enjoy snorkelling, SUP’ing and hiking. Fancy a sail? you can hoist the sails and take the helm of the 118-year-old Solway Lass.

When you’re not in the water you’ll be relaxing in the bow net with a book, or sipping cocktails onboard with your new friends as the sun sets over the water.

Located only a short flight from Australia’s major cities, spanning a weekend, and with everything included (except flights & bar drinks), this five day, four night, island-hopping tropical sail and swim tour really is the dream hassle-free winter escape.

Grab your swim buddies and book today – you can secure your spot from as little as $399.

Coronavirus Information

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# OF SWIMS

Seven

PRE-REQ.

1km Freestyle

DURATION

4-nights / 5-days

This is a sail & swim tour

Tour Highlights

Visit and swim along the famous white sands of Whitehaven Beach

Snorkel on the world heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef

Swim in crystal clear water over reefs teeming with fish

Sip cocktails on the deck as you watch the sun set over the islands

Sail on a 118 year-old tall ship, hoist the sails and take the helm

Plenty of time to snorkel, stand up paddle board, rest and relax

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Itinerary & Swim Schedule

This swim tour showcases the best of the Whitsunday Islands with seven ocean swims and an abundance of water-based activities and onboard experiences that make it a truly remarkable destination swimcation.

Choose to swim all the scheduled swims, or pick and choose your swims and distances from 1km.

DAY 1

Fly into Proserpine Airport, transfer to Airlie Beach, and board the 118 year-old tall ship, the Solway Lass, at 4pm. On our sunset cruise to our overnight mooring among the islands, dine and sip cocktails with your fellow swimmers.

Rest day
No swims today

DAY 2

Wake at sunrise and swim the length (or part) of the world famous Whitehaven Beach. After a hearty breakfast, enjoy the day on the beach relaxing, SUP'ing and hiking. Finish the day with a short swim at the picturesque Hill Inlet.

Swim 1: Up to 5km
Swim 2: 1-2km
SWIMS 1 & 2

DAY 3

Start a day of island-hopping with a point-to-point swim over the reef and around a headland, before hoisting the sails for a relaxing morning sail. Finish the day with a tranquil island swim and an evening sunset cruise.

Swim 1: Up to 3km
Swim 2: 1-2km
SWIMS 3 & 4

DAY 4

The first swim of the day is a headland navigation that finishes over a coral reef teeming with fish. We'll stay here for the morning giving you plenty of time for snorkelling and SUP'ing. Complete the day circumnavigating an island.

Swim 1: 1-2km
Swim 2: 1-2km
SWIMS 5 & 6

DAY 5

On the final day, sleep in and then enjoy one last leisurely swim amongst the islands, before a short hop over to the mainland to conclude the tour at 11am. We'll transfer you to the airport for your afternoon departure.

Swim 1: Up to 3km
SWIM 7
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Swim Safety

Experienced

Skilled, knowledgeable and experienced crew and swim guides are there to support you

Local Crew

The Solway Lass skipper and crew know the best, and safest, places to swim in the Whitsundays

Marine Life

Tours are conducted outside stinger season and swim locations are chosen for their safety

Water Safety

A 6:1 water safety ratio is supported by crew on three inflatable support boats and guides on SUP's

Distance Choice

You can choose the distance you want to complete for each swim, and you can exit the water at any time

Close To Shore

Swims are conducted in clear water, within a 20m channel between the shore and a line of water craft

This sail and swim tour is guided by the wind and sea conditions at the time, with an experienced local skipper determining the most suitable swim locations each day (if conditions at our planned swim locations are not ideal).

What's Included?

Fully guided, all inclusive, swim tour in the Whitsunday Islands

Seven ocean swims ranging from 1km to 5km (you choose your distance)

Experienced OceanFit swim guides

Open water swimming training sessions to develop your skills

Water safety ratio of 1:6, including guide boats

Freshly prepared onboard meals and snacks + tea, coffee & water

Air-conditioned bedrooms, incl. linen, pillows and bath towels

Standard bathroom, toilets & shower

Snorkelling in a variety of locations, incl. equipment & lesson

Hands-on tall ship sailing experience and beginner lesson

Water-based activities, incl. stand up paddle boarding & rope swing

Guided island walks to stunning lookouts

What's Not Included?

Travel to and from Proserpine/Whitsundays Airport

Drinks from the fully licensed onboard bar (very reasonable prices!)

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Getting There & Onboard

Flights

Virgin, Jetstar and Tiger fly to Proserpine Airport (PPP).

Flights need to arrive by 3pm at the latest on Thursday, and shouldn’t be booked earlier than 1.30pm on Monday.

Transfers

Return transfer from the airport to the marina are included.

Travel Insurance

Due to the remote nature of this tour, participants are encouraged to take out travel insurance.

Accommodation
All four nights accommodation is aboard the tall ship ‘Solway Lass’. There are eight air-conditioned cabins onboard, with a mixture of shared bunkroom (singles), private double and private double with ensuite available.
Luggage & Gear

Due to limited space onboard, guests are required to bring a soft, zipless, duffle bag about the size of carryon.

We’ll send you a list of clothes to bring, but you won’t need much. Days are spent in your swimwear, and evenings only require light clothing.

Meals

All meals are freshly prepared onboard, with snacks, coffee and tea available. Dietary needs can be catered for with advanced notice.

Additional Expenses

While on the swim tour, you will only need extra money to make purchases at the onboard licensed bar. Bar accounts are settled at the end of the trip.

Charging and Signal

Limited power points are available onboard to charge digital devices. Phone signal is limited and intermittent. 

Weather & Conditions

The weather on the Whitsunday Islands is sub tropical which makes it perfect for a swim tour! The winter months (June-August) are the driest, with air temperatures in the mid-20’s and the average water temperature 23-25 degrees Celsius​.

Group Size

The maximum group size for this tour is 20 participants. The ship can sleep up to 32, so there is plenty of room for everyone on board, including spacious indoor and outdoor areas.

Non-Swimmer Places

Non-swimmer partners or friends are welcome on this trip at a maximum of one non-swimmer per swimmer. The price for a non-swimmer is the same as for a swimmer, and non-swimmers have access to all equipment and activities.

Non-swimmer guests must be identified at the beginning of the swim tour, and cannot participate in the distance swims.

Pricing

Join us for four nights and five days in the Whitsunday Islands from an incredible $1,995!

Single Share

$ 1,995 Per Person
  • Single Bunk Bed
  • 3 x Quad Share Cabins
  • 1 x Six Share Cabin
  • Shared Bathroom
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Book A Cabin With Your Friends
SPECIAL

Private Double

$ 2,195 Per Person (2 Guests*)
  • Total Cabin Price = $4,390
  • 2 x 1 Double & 1 Single Bed Cabins
  • 1 x 1 Double Bed Only Cabin
  • Shared Bathroom
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Only 3 Cabins Available Per Tour!
SPECIAL

Double with Ensuite

$ 2,395 Per Person (2 Guests*)
  • Total Cabin Price = $4,790
  • 1 Double & 1 Single Bed Cabin
  • Private Ensuite Bathroom
  • The Ultimate Privacy
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Only 1 Cabin Available Per Tour!
SPECIAL

Prices exclude flights & onboard drinks from the bar

*Private Double and Double with Ensuite cabins must have two guests in them. The double cabins with 1 x double bed and 1 x single bed can sleep two people in the double bed, or one in the double bed and one in the single bed (Twin). The double cabin with 1 x double bed only, can only sleep two people in the double bed. When booking a double cabin, you will need to book both guests in at the same time on the same transaction, deposits and or full payment will be per person.

Upcoming Tours

Unfortunately, our 2020 tours have now been cancelled.
We have secured tour dates for 2021, which you can now book.

Secure Your Spot!

Put down a 20% deposit now to secure your spot, with the balance due up to 60 days before departure.

Balances can be paid by direct debit (no fee), or credit card (2.6% transaction fee)

May 2021

Depart: Thu 13 May @ 4pm
Return: Mon 17 May @ 11am
Guides: Andre & Emma

NameAvailability (Individual Guest)No. of Guests
Swim The Whitsundays (13 May – 17 May 2021) – Single Share

Available
Swim The Whitsundays (13 May – 17 May 2021) – Private Double (1 Double, 1 Single)

Only 2 left in stock
Swim The Whitsundays (13 May – 17 May 2021) – Private Double (1 Double Only)

Out of stock
Read more
Swim The Whitsundays (13 May – 17 May 2021) – Double With Ensuite (1 Double, 1 Single)

Only 2 left in stock

Double cabins must have two guests in them. The full cabin price is 2 x the Per Person price. You must select quantity = “2” to book in both guests in the same booking transaction. Prices are deposit-only.

June 2021

Depart: Thu 10 June @ 4pm
Return: Mon 14 June @ 11am
Guides: TBC

NameAvailability (Individual Guest)No. of Guests
Swim The Whitsundays (10 June – 14 June 2021) – Single Share

Available
Swim The Whitsundays (10 June – 14 June 2021) – Private Double (1 Double, 1 Single)

Only 2 left in stock
Swim The Whitsundays (10 June – 14 June 2021) – Private Double (1 Double Only)

Only 2 left in stock
Swim The Whitsundays (10 June – 14 June 2021) – Double With Ensuite (1 Double, 1 Single)

Only 2 left in stock

Double cabins must have two guests in them. The full cabin price is 2 x the Per Person price. You must select quantity = “2” to book in both guests in the same booking transaction. Prices are deposit-only.

July 2021 (Family Friendly)

Depart: Thu 16 July @ 4pm
Return: Mon 20 July @ 11am
Guides: TBC

More information coming soon!

Double cabins must have two guests in them. The full cabin price is 2 x the Per Person price. You must select quantity = “2” to book in both guests in the same booking transaction. Prices are deposit-only.

Charter Your Own Private Tour

Would you like to book a private swim tour for just you and your friends? You can charter an entire tall ship with OceanFit and fill it with swimmers and non-swimmers, adults and kids! Ask us about our great value rate for charter bookings.

FAQ

The Solway Lass will depart the marina at 4pm on the Thursday, and will arrive back at the marina at 11am on the Monday.

No. You will need to organise your own flights (or other transport) to Airlie Beach. Everything else is in included, except purchases from the onboard bar.

We will let you know as early as possible when to book your flights, once we have confirmed the tour is going ahead (meets minimum numbers), at the latest we’ll let you know 60 days before departure.

The airport you will need to fly into is Proserpine/Whitsunday Coast Airport (PPP), and Virgin, Jetstar and Tiger all fly here. Transfer to Airlie Beach is included in your tour.

Flights need to arrive by 3pm at the latest on Thursday, and shouldn’t be booked earlier than 1.30pm on Monday.

If you are flying into Proserpine Airport, arriving on Thursday and departing Monday, then you only need to organise your flights. We will transfer you between the airport and the marina. 

If you are arriving via any other form of transport into Airlie Beach, you will need to make your own way to the marina.

No. This is a live-onboard swim tour, so everyone will be sleeping on the tall ship. There is no land-based accommodation at the locations we will be mooring overnight.

Technically you can, but you will need to pay for two people as double cabins must have two guests in them.

i.e. the total price of a Private Double cabin is $4,390 and a Double with Ensuite is $4,790.

Yes you can, but we don’t recommend it as it’ll be a tight squeeze! 

If you decide to do this, you will need to contact us to organise.

The price Per Person will be the same, so you will pay 3 x the PP rate.

Once you have purchased a spot, either by making a deposit or full payment, then your spot is secured.

The balance for your tour is due 60 days before departure. You can pay your balance at any time by contacting us. Deposits are non-refundable.

Your 20% deposit per person is non-refundable.

You can transfer to another Swim The Whitsundays tour, that is already scheduled, up to 60 days before the departure of your originally purchased tour.

You cannot hold your booking to be transferred to a future swim tour that is not already scheduled and taking bookings.

We will confirm the tour is going ahead, 60 days before scheduled departure. If we don’t meet the minimum numbers required, all payments (deposits or full payment) will be 100% reimbursed.

The minimum age for this swim tour is 18 years.

No. Unless they are a minimum of 18 years old.

Double rooms can have a maximum of two (2) people in them.

The Private Doubles with 1 x Double Bed and 1 x Single bed can have a couple sleeping together in the double bed, or one person sleeping in the double bed, and one person sleeping in the single bed.

There is a private shower, toilet and basin in the ensuite of the Double With Ensuite cabin.

Yes! There are fresh water showers which we kindly ask guests to use once a day (so we’ve got plenty for the whole tour).

Yes, you certainly can! You can spend most of the middle of the first day on the beach, and on days 3 and 4 there are opportunities to hang out on the shore. There is no shore time on the final day as we arrive back at the marina at 11am.

We have scheduled our tours to the Whitsunday Islands in the driest, most predictable, time for weather. However, if the weather isn’t ideal, we will be able to find suitable swim locations on sheltered sides of the islands, and there is plenty of room inside the tall ship and under cover on the deck.

We’ll let you know what to bring once you’re booked, but it isn’t much. In fact, we ask that you only bring enough clothes to fit in a soft zipper-less bag that could fit in carry-on luggage.

Dinner on the first night, 3 meals on day 2, 3 & 4, and breakfast on the final morning. There are also snacks available, and coffee, tea and tap water.

Yes. Please let the chef know before the first meal of your dietary requirements.

We are highly unlikely to be able to cater for coeliac.

All meals are catered for on this swim tour, so you don’t need to bring any food (unless you wish to bring additional snacks).

The onboard chef can accommodate special dietary requirements.

There are no cooking facilities onboard for guests.

No. There is no BYO alcohol. There is a licensed bar onboard with drinks at very reasonable prices (i.e. a beer is $6). Drinks include beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks. Coffee, tea and water is free.

Yes! We welcome friends/partners to join swimmers at a ratio of one non-swimming guest to one swimming guest. Non-swimming guests can participate in all activities except the seven scheduled ocean swims.

No. You will need to be able to swim at least 1km non-stop freestyle (i.e. you may have previously completed a 1km ocean swim event). The minimum swim distance for every swim is 1km.

You will need to be able to swim at least 1km non-stop freestyle (i.e. you may have previously completed a 1km ocean swim event). The minimum swim distance for every swim is 1km.

Yes! You can choose to swim the minimum 1km, or the maximum distance for each of the swims. For the 5km Whitehaven Beach swim, there will also be a 3km option.

No. You can choose which swims you participate in. Non-swimming guests (that don’t meet the pre-requisite) cannot participate in any swims.

We welcome swimmers of all speeds, however, there may be times when we need to give you a quick lift in our support boat if you’re getting too far behind. This won’t be a problem if you stick to the shorter distance options on each swim.

The water in the Whitsunday Island is between 22-25 degrees, so there’ll be no need for a wetsuit, in fact it’s not overly safe to swim in a wetsuit in very warm water.

Whilst we can’t 100% guarantee that stingers won’t be present, our swim tours to the Whitsunday Islands are scheduled during the non-stinger (winter) season when the water is a little cooler (still 22-25 degrees). Our highly experienced, local, crew will be aware of the stinger situation as we start the tour. 

Events like the Whitehaven Beach ocean swim are held in the non-stinger season and participants don’t wear stinger suits.

There will be one stinger suit available per person, should you wish to wear one at any time.

Absolutely! We will have three support inflatable boats in the water, and swimmers will swim in clear water between the shore and the line of support boats. 

There is a water safety ratio of a maximum of 1:6.

We have a comprehensive water safety plan for all swims.

We are currently the only swim tour in the Whitsundays, however, the Whitehaven Beach ocean swim event is held annually in November.

One of our tours will coincide with this event in 2020.

Absolutely! All online payments are made via PayPal for the extra buyer protection that it offers purchasers. We hold all funds in PayPal until the tour is undertaken.

HAVE A QUESTION? ASK US

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As at 24 March 2020: Unfortunately, all our 2020 tours have now been cancelled. All affected guests have been contacted, if you were booked into one of our tours, and you haven’t received an email from us, please contact Andre.

We will have scheduled our 2021 Swim The Whitsundays tours and will be ready for bookings shortly.

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