British Defender 3D2N

4.8 (162 Reviews)
FROM
$689
3
2
27

Select Date and Passengers

DECEMBER/JANUARY SPECIAL
0
Shared Accommodation
0
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Drinks

BYO Alcohol

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Experience

Tropical Islands

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Whitsundays

Authentic Sailing

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Snorkelling

Great Barrier Reef

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Marine Life

World Class Snorkelling

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Locations

Whitehaven Beach

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Group

Fun + Social Tour

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Meals

All Meals Provided

Overview

Spend 3 days and 2 nights sailing and snorkelling in paradise aboard British Defender! This sleek, modern maxi yacht hosts one of the most popular backpacker tours in the Whitsundays. With an expert crew onboard to guide you through the delights of the Whitsunday Islands, you and your fellow travellers will make unforgettable memories at sea. 

Sail over sparkling turquoise waters and even try helping the crew with the sails. Snorkel in the fringing Great Barrier Reef and spot exotic marine life. Stroll on the silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and hike to Hill Inlet Lookout. Enjoy glorious sunrises and sunsets over the ocean and make new friends aboard this social boat tour!

  • Air-conditioned maxi yacht with hot showers, dining areas, and comfy shared accommodation onboard
  • Snorkel gear provided for exploring the fringing Great Barrier Reef locations
  • Quality time on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
  • A social tour where you can make friends, enjoy some drinks, and marvel at the Whitsunday views

Your Sample Itinerary

travellers sitting on the edge of a maxi yacht

Board British Defender

Head to the Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach to check in and board the impressive maxi yacht, British Defender. The vessel is 77 feet long, and has air conditioning, hot showers, 2 dining tables, 3 bathrooms, bunks to fit 28 guests, and plenty of deck space for relaxing outside in the shade or in the sun. 

sailboat cruising over turquoise waters

Sail the Whitsunday Islands

With 3 days and 2 nights at sea, your captain will choose the most beautiful island and reef locations based on the weather and tides. The itinerary is flexible, with plenty of time to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. Admire colourful sunrises and sunsets over the Coral Sea, feel the ocean breeze on your skin, and bond with your fellow passengers as you cruise through paradise. 

couple posing at hill inlet lookout in the whitsundays

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

Your epic sailing tour includes a visit to Whitehaven Beach, arguably the most famous beach in Australia! With its swirling white sands and calm turquoise waters, you'll feel like you have stepped into a postcard. Have free time to enjoy Whitehaven Beach and hike up to Hill Inlet Lookout for the best views of the breathtaking scene!

girl snorkelling with tropical fish underwater

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling

You'll also have multiple opportunities for snorkelling during your tour. The captain will pick snorkel locations based on the tides to ensure you get the best visibility. Don your mask, fins, and snorkel and dive below the surface, admiring the intricate coral reefs and vibrant marine life of the fringing Great Barrier Reef!

two girls holding sandwiches on a boat

Inclusions

Throughout your tour on British Defender, all the essentials are included. Meals are freshly prepared by the crew onboard, drinking water is provided, and you can also bring your own alcohol to enjoy in the evenings. There are shared bathrooms with hot showers, as well as comfy dorm beds where you can chill out and rest your head at night. 

What's Included?

  • Skipper
  • Crew
  • Drinking water
  • Meals
  • Linen
  • Wetsuit hire
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Marine Park fees
  • Wet weather jackets if needed

What's Extra?

  • BYO alcohol (no glass). Soft drinks are available for purchase on board (bring cash).
  • Please note passengers with any dietary requirements (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free etc.) will need to pay a surcharge of $20 per person payable on check in. This does not include vegetarians. Please enquire upon booking if unsure.
  • Luggage storage

Important Information

  • Excess luggage can be stored at our Airlie Beach Travel Shop in town. Located at 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, open from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, seven days per week.

Terms and Conditions

Please read our terms and cancellations policy before booking!

FAQs

Where does Defender depart from?

Defender departs from the South End of Coral Sea Marina, and the meeting point is Meeting Point C (which can be found here)

Which days does the tour depart?

Defender departs on Thursdays and Sundays at 9am .

What is the accommodation set up?

Defender has 6 double beds and 16 single beds. The crew will assign bedding based on bookings once you arrive. So don't worry about having to share a bed with a stranger! You will only share a double bed if you're part of a group booking as there are plenty of single beds available for everyone. 

Is Defender BYO?

There is not a fully licenced bar onboard so you are permitted to bring your own alcohol if you choose to do so. Just keep in mind that no glass or red wine is permitted. 

Is there air-conditioning on board Defender?

Yes, the cabins and internal areas of Defender are air-conditioned.

Do I need to bring my own towel?

Yes, we recommend you bring your own bath and beach towels. There are no towels supplied on board. If possible, please bring a microfibre towel.

Can I charge my phone on board Defender?

Yes, there are USB charging points on board.

Is there drinking water available onboard?

Yes, there is a filtered water tap on board Defender! Please remember to bring a re-usable water bottle.

Are there hot showers?

Yes, there are two hot showers on board!

Am I permitted to smoke on board Defender?

Yes, there are designated spaces on the boat where smoking and vaping are permitted.

Customer Reviews

Ylva Ny

Dec, 24 2024

thanks great trip

Rue Kastburg

Dec, 24 2024

Great trip, awesome crew and captain!

Kimberly Pham

Dec, 21 2024

It's good if you accept it for what it is - a backpacker trip (hostel on the sea). 26 backpackers crammed onto an older sailboat, but with lots of beautiful views, beach/snorkel stops, + time in the sun. The crew are amazing, + the food is simple but tasty. Misleading listing - AC has been broken.

NICOLAS KOEHLER

Dec, 20 2024

10/10, LOVED THE CREW THE FOOD AND THE VIBES!!

Daniel Cambridge

Dec, 19 2024

The experience was absolutely perfect! Wouldnt have changed a thing! Stunning weather, beautiful views, amazing crew & captain.

Frederic Jepson

Dec, 19 2024

Really nice crew and captain, amazing 3 days

Anna Lena Marti

Dec, 19 2024

It was fun! the crew made the best trip possible.

Kelsey Hicks

Dec, 19 2024

Very fun and informative, the crew were really nice too.

Virginia Kraal

Dec, 18 2024

Had a lot of fun and saw alot of beautiful beaches!

Aulin

Dec, 17 2024

Lots of fun! it was great thanks

Alex Kennedy

Dec, 17 2024

Great experience, visited some amazing spots, food was good, crew were really good!

Virginia rall

Dec, 17 2024

Had a lot of fun and we went to some beautiful spots

Tobias Hardling

Dec, 17 2024

I had an amazing trip, we visited the amazing places and had alot of fun.

Noelle Schugtvlot

Dec, 14 2024

Amazing food, lovely staff, very good experience!

Ben

Dec, 14 2024

Good trip, suffered becuase of weather, crew could get everyone togethor and chat with us more.

East Coast Tours acknowledges all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners of Country and recognises their continuing connection to land, sea, culture and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

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