EXPLORE Group’s unique Whitsunday Islands small ship cruises departing from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, are now available from Hamilton Island.
Guests can now connect through both Whitsunday Coast Airport (Proserpine) or Hamilton Island Airport, to join small ship Whitsunday Explorer for a two-night cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, including accommodation, dining and day tours.
Onboard the purpose built 45m overnight cruise vessel Whitsunday Explorer, guests can experience an intimate resort style getaway with just 30 oceanfront, private en suite rooms and expansive shared spaces including roof deck, offering 360-degree views, and airconditioned sea view restaurant with servery and bar, adjacent to the rear sun deck.
Guests can explore the highlights of the national park from one platform, with day tours including Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and Nara Inlet rock wall paintings.
There’s a highspeed RIB transfer vessel ‘Island Adventurer’ onboard providing comfortable transfers for land excursions, and a rear swim platform providing easy access to the warm Whitsunday waters for water activities including swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
The onboard restaurant serves a fresh seasonal menu showcasing local produce such as Queensland tiger prawns, lamb and locally caught coral trout.
Guests will be able to indulge in an extensive inclusive offering across breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as morning and afternoon tea.
A fully licensed bar offers a range of handpicked Australian and New Zealand wines, tap beer, cocktails, top shelf spirits and liqueurs.
The cruise experience provides guests with an opportunity to see all the highlights dispersed around the region from one platform and for one price.
As an established operator in the region, with an operating base on Hamilton Island, Explore understands the high demand for premium tourism experiences and accommodation in the region.
Explore managing director William Goodfellow said the company saw this as another exciting opportunity to grow and invest in unique tourism experiences in the Whitsundays.
“We are excited to announce the connection from Hamilton Island, having operated from the island for a long time, this provides visitors with options to extend their stay in the region at either location,” Mr Goodfellow said.
“Our team has invested countless hours to craft a truly unique Whitsundays experience and there is nothing quite like this resort style cruise currently available.
“This inclusive package offers visitors and locals the chance to discover the beauty of the Whitsundays with ease, and with the exceptional Explore hospitality we are known for.”
Explore has an established range of day tours departing both Hamilton Island and Shute Harbour including sailing, cruising and dining.
With a focus on growth, the company has consistently expanded its portfolio since entering the region, in 2008, with a number of new, purpose-built vessels including, most recently, a premium snorkel/dive vessel for day tours to the Great Barrier Reef.
“We are continually working on our offering to ensure the Whitsundays remains a top tourism destination,” Mr Goodfellow said.
“Ultimately, providing a range of unique experiences will entice more visitors to experience this beautiful region.”
Whitsunday Explorer will operate from November 17, 2023, with a two-night cruise departing Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, or Hamilton Island.
Explore is extending a special launch rate offer for bookings made until November 30, 2023.
Visit www.whitsundayexplorercruises.com for details.
