Are you looking for safe and well-protected anchorages while planning for a trip to Whitsundays locations?
There is no doubt! Whitsunday Islands is an aesthetic place for national parks making them spectacularly pristine. The crystal clear water, rain-forests, white sandy beaches, marine life, and many other amenities make Whitsunday one of the best sailing destinations in the world. Well, there are several amazing places to visit in the Whitsunday Islands. But, which place is better to visit depends on the weather conditions.
But, how to explore this pristine tropical island?
The best way to traverse the Whitsundays pristine and crystal clear water is a private vessel. Most people are wealthy enough to own a cruising sailboat which is where bareboating comes in. Furthermore, some people hire a catamaran, motor cruiser yacht on rentals that are equipped with everything you need for an autonomous sailing holiday. Embarking on a bareboat means exploring this amazingly diverse location in order to truly relax and enjoy the 74 Whitsunday Islands.
In the Whitsunday Islands, people can take part in activities like swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and bush-walking. This will make your sailing holiday as relaxing as you want.
Throughout your bareboat charter, the anchorages you pick will depend on the wind and weather situations. Before setting up the sail, it is recommended that you take detailed information about customising an itinerary to meet the budget and duration of your trip. Do not forget to discuss the anchorages for mooring and fishing, as well as the best bays for snorkelling, diving and water activities.
So, let’s have a look at the comprehensive guide covering everything you need to know about navigating the islands and finding safe anchorages.
Table of Content
- Anchorages Places You Need To Know
- Chalkies Beach
- Blue Pearl Bay
- Nara Inlet
- Cateran Bay
- Stonehaven
- Bottom Line
Anchorages Places You Need To Know
Chalkies Beach
Chalkies Beach is situated on the western coast of Haslewood Island. It is placed opposite of Whitehaven Beach, which is popular for some famous pure white silica sand. At Chalkies Beach, you will find a newly established walking track that will take you to the top of Haslewood Island providing incredible views back to Whitehaven Beach. Along the fringing reefs, snorkelling will make your day at the northern end of the beach. So, have a heart on green and Hawksbill turtles.
Blue Pearl Bay
Blue Pearl Bay is situated on the north-western side of Hayman Island. It is also one of the popular destinations in the Whitsunday Islands. The place is famous for tourists and locals as it offers snorkelling, diving and sightseeing experiences. Furthermore, this Blue Pearl Bay is also recognised for its coral and fish life including a resident Maori Wrasse. Both day tours and overnight boats are available in Blue Pearl Bay for snorkelling and scuba diving.
As you snorkel around Blue Pearl Bay, keep your eyes stripped for the recently introduced underwater Maori Wrasse sculpture. Blue Pearl Bay is Whitsundays favourite and is a Marine National Park Green Zone renowned for snorkelling, diving, abundant marine life (in both shallows and at depth), coral viewing, and wonderful bird life.
Nara Inlel
Nara Intel is a very protected anchorage on Hook Island, which is popular for all the boat lovers. A unique thing about Nara Inlet is the cave at the furthest end, where you will find the Nagro Aboriginal cultural site. A track to the cave is well-marked, gentle, and accessible is the best choice for all fitness people. This anchorage is perfectly suited to swimming, kayaking/paddleboarding, and fishing.
A visit to Nara Intel is not comprehensive without moving further down to the bottom of the inlet. Here, you will see a magical fresh-water rock pool and extraordinary waterfall, which only runs during the rainy seasons. Whether you want to enjoy protection from winds, incredible scenery, or a fascinating cultural site, Nara Intel is a stunning stoppage for you.
Cateran Bay
Cateran Bay is placed on the north-west coast of Border Island. This secluded and stunning beach has a Marine National Park Green Zone. The place offers excellent diving and snorkelling, amazing coral viewing, abundant marine life, and short scenic bushwalk. Furthermore, the beach is surrounded by tall cliffs, which is really quite nice with crystal clear water. Do not forget to explore some isolated submerged coral heads in the mooring pickup area.
Stonehaven
Stonehaven is a communicative 3 kilometres long open bay with a mountain range to the east and the setting sun in the west. It was found on the north-west side of Hook Island. Stonehaven is a beautiful anchorage famous for boat lovers due to its close proximity to some of the best snorkelling and diving spots. There are various other benefits attached to it, such as amazing sunsets, snorkelling, fishing, and many others. The place is best to enter before 3 PM due to the angle of the sun. Furthermore, free moorings are also available.
Bottom Line
We have listed the top anchorages around Whitsundays for you. Choose any one of them and start your day enjoying smooth sailing. The stunning blue waters of the Coral Sea coupled with amazing crystal-clear water, beautiful reefs and colourful marine life will give you an experience unlike any other. The islands in Whitsundays are also popular for amazing snorkelling, as well as ideal habitats for fishing.
Well, most tourism experts cite September as the ideal time of year to visit the Whitsundays. So, start your Whitsundays tours now and explore this beautiful place to enjoy the pristine nature.
Whitsundays Yacht Charters 