3 Day Whitsundays Sailing and Diving Adventure: Kiana
Overview
Available languages
3 days
Mobile ticket
Sail and Dive the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands on our 16.4m ketch and enjoy your first dive for free. Kiana is the only vessel in the region that caters for small numbers to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Explore, dive or snorkel the incredible diversity of the islands and outer Great Barrier Reef. This eco accredited trip offers great opportunities for both certified and first-time divers (*Terms & Conditions apply to 45+ years non Certified Divers).
• Outer Reef snorkelling and scuba diving (weather permitting)
• Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands
• Fully equipped for scuba diving with Dive Instructor and compressor on board
• Freshly prepared meals on-board
• All cabins and saloon area fully air-conditioned
• Fully covered aft deck to protect you from the tropical heat
• Licensed bar on board, Beer and Wine
• Relaxed tour with lots of in and out of water activities
Don't forget that the 1st dive is FREE (not transferable).
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No BYO Alcohol
Minimum age is 12 years
Departs every Monday and Friday. Open date tickets please give 10-14 days notice to book. All bookings MUST reconfirm 48hrs in advance by email or via Phone
Dietary Requirements: Please note we cannot cater for Vegan, Halal or Kosher Diets.
If you wish to try Scuba Diving as an Introductory Diver you may require a Diver's Medical Certificate to the AS4005.1 Australian Standard. Scuba Diving is payable on board the tour. A medical certificate is required if:
You are aged 45 years or older;
If you suffer from certain medical conditions;
If you are taking certain prescription medications
More information about dive medicals and when they are required can be found on their website If there is any uncertainty it is best to obtain a medical certificate to avoid the possibility of disappointment.
THIS IS NOT APPLICABLE FOR CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVERS*
New Requirements for Kiana Passengers February 2018 Recent changes to the Queensland Workplace Laws have made it necessary to reassess the minimum requirements for Kiana passengers to enable us to meet our duty of care and establish an acceptable level of risk. While offering a sailing tour of the Whitsunday Islands and a visit to Whitehaven Beach Kiana is primarily a live-aboard dive boat. Kiana travels 64km offshore to Bait Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef and is currently the only overnight vessel doing so. Our crew are all qualified Dive Instructors and we take every measure possible to ensure the safety of our guests and mitigate risks. Our recent risk assessment has highlighted 3 areas of risk that we are concerned about. 1. Understanding the instructions of the crew 2. Swimming Ability 3. Mobility in an emergency Understanding Instructions Kiana carries a crew of three. While our crew come from various nationalities the language spoken on Kiana is English. All briefings and emergency instruction are given in English. It is therefore imperative that all passengers have a good understanding of the English Language. In the past we have allowed groups of passengers where one acts as the interpreter. Unfortunately we can no longer accept this scenario. All passengers must be able to clearly understand safety directions and instructions given in English by the crew and be able to complete the required safety forms in English. Swimming Ability Passengers with limited swimming ability will be provided with floatation devices. However in order to reduce the risk to an acceptable level we require that all passengers have at least some swimming ability. Each passenger’s self-assessment of their swimming ability will be required prior to boarding Kiana. All passengers must acknowledge that they are able to swim in deep water without a flotation device unassisted for 1 minute. Mobility Kiana is an 18 meter sailing ketch and as such cannot cater for passengers with limited mobility. In order to meet our minimum safety standards passengers must be able exit the vessel unassisted in an emergency. If necessary passengers with questionable mobility will be required to demonstrate, prior to departure, that they can exit from the interior of Kiana to the muster station on the aft deck unassisted. All passengers must be able to climb a 1.5 meter high ladder unassisted. Passengers who cannot meet the above minimum safety standards will be refused boarding and returned to the booking agent for a refund.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 14 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 14 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Day 1 - Airlie Beach to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - Sample Itinerary
Accommodations
Onboard Kiana in shared open mixed accommodation
Food and Drinks
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Airlie Beach
Depart Airlie Beach and set sail for your Whitsunday adventure
Whitsunday Islands
Sail and snorkel / scuba dive around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Help hoist the sails or kick back on the deck and watch the world pass by.
Hill Inlet
Enjoy a small bush walk on a well maintained track leading to the beautiful Hill Inlet. You will witness the ever changing swirls of white sand against crystal turquoise water.
Whitehaven Beach
You will spend an afternoon on the iconic Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The pure white silica sands will stay cool under your feet as you explore around. Voted one of the best beaches in the world and the best in Australia, it is a favourite stop in the Whitsundays.
Great Barrier Reef
Located at the north end of Hook Island. Sites such as Luncheon Bay, Mantraray Bay and Mackerel Bay will take your breath away. The beautiful soft and hard corals, diverse marine life and colourful finned residents provide the perfect playground for exploring, ideal for both snorkellers and divers. The gentle beach provides the perfect platform for first time divers, where they can ease themselves into the water. Scuba Diving is definitely a highlight on board and our crew will ensure that even first time divers feel safe and are able to enjoy the splendor of our magnificent coral reefs. The crew love to dive so much they want everyone to try scuba diving by offering the 1st scuba dive FREE! This will allow you to relax with the equipment, feel comfortable under water if it is the first time, and of course improve your abilities for future diving. If scuba diving is not your thing, you are still more than welcome to snorkel. Please note that scuba diving is subject to age & medical clearance. For any questions in regards to medical conditions and Scuba Diving please check with your doctor prior to booking.
Day 2 - Exploring the Whitsundays and Outer Reef (weather permitting) - Sample Itinerary
Accommodations
On board Kiana in shared mixed open accommodation
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
DINNER
Dinner
Great Barrier Reef
Bait Reef (weather dependent) is the choice Outer Reef destination in the Whitsundays. It is totally protected under the Great Barrier Reef Plan of Management and is abundant in marine life and corals, ready to be explored. The natural lagoon provides a safe haven for overnight mooring and is an underwater paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving. Bait Reef is about 2 - 3 hours beyond the islands and provides a picturesque journey, with an unbroken horizon and beautiful blue waters.
Day 3 - Sail back through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands back to Airlie Beach - Sample Itinerary
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
LUNCH
Lunch
Whitsunday Islands
Help hoist the sails, kick back on the deck, or just feel the wind in your hair while you sail through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands back to Coral Sea Marina.
What‘s Included
Local guide
2 nights accommodation
Snacks
Drinkable tap water
Coffee and/or Tea
All activities
Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax) and National Park Fees
Drinks - Soft Drinks $3
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase on the trip) From $5
Scuba Diving (Certified and Introductory Dives) Prices start at $80 and are payable onboard the tour
Options
Shared Single
Single Bed in Share Cabin
Private Double Cabin
Private Double Cabin: Private Cabin for 2 Persons with one Double bed and one Single bed, shared bathroom
Shared Double
Double Bed in Share Cabin
Private Twin Cabin
Private Twin Cabin: Private Cabin for 2 persons with 2 single beds, shared bathroom
Reviews
93 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not with this boat and with this weather forecast
eckberteb,Apr 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Review, Experience Report: Sailing Trip on the Catamaran "Whitsunday Blue" Overall Impression: Our sailing trip around the picturesque Whitsunday Islands in Northern Queensland was unfortunately not the enjoyable experience we had hoped for. The hygienic conditions on board were extremely unsatisfactory, and the ship appeared to be quite old. There were noticeable signs of wear in many areas, which overall conveyed an unhygienic impression. Itinerary: The tour took place under extremely poor and rainy weather conditions. While such weather is not unusual for this time of year, the already foreseeable bad conditions due to various cyclones were extreme. With almost constant rain, we could not understand why the trip was not canceled. Snorkeling was made difficult by the rain and stormy conditions, leaving us feeling unsafe at times. The toilets on board were cramped, and showering was nearly impossible for individuals over 1.80 m tall. The broken air conditioning had been known in advance, and there was also an extremely loud fan that we eventually turned off. Instead of a discount due to the inadequate air conditioning, we were charged an additional $90 for vegetarian food, which consisted merely of a meat substitute. This was disappointing and far from customer-oriented. The Positive: Despite these challenges, the trip had some positive aspects. The breathtaking locations we visited remained unforgettable, and the few sunrises and sunsets we experienced were magical. Particularly noteworthy was Jenna, a crew member who took care of us with her caring nature. She often fulfilled requests even before they were expressed, making the trip significantly more pleasant. Outlook: Although our trip presented some challenges, the impressive landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands and the experiences we gained will be fondly remembered. We hope that future improvements in tour organization will enhance the experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the beauty of this region
Loved every moment!
tonibovis,Oct 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic 2 day, 2 night sailing adventure on catamaran Entice with skipper Toby, and host Daisy. My husband and I cannot recommend this trip highly enough; it is a great trip to many amazing places around the Whitsundays for snorkelling, swimming, paddle boarding/kayaking. We saw turtles, a dugong, a manta ray, a Māori Rass and a lot of sting rays as well as beautiful coral with many tiny colourful fish. We were a party of 8, plus crew, and this made for a great social experience too. Oh, and I must also mention the superb food; no need to bring snacks, just your own personal tipple for the evenings
Fab trip, would definitely recommend
AT12358,Sep 12, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fab time on Kiana, incredible to snorkel and dive on the Great Barrier Reef. We saw so much amazing wildlife inc whales, dolphins, turtles, sharks, and stingrays! Captain Brent, Kyle and Clem were all amazing - thanks!
Amazing trip!
TaniaF1572,Aug 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the best time on Kiana! The snorkelling and diving was awesome, and overall loved the relaxed vibes and small group atmosphere. Shout out to Captain Brent for running such a great well-organised trip, and for his DJ skills and storytelling :) and to Kyle for the fantastic dives! Will definitely be recommending this trip to anyone visiting the Whitsundays!
Great atmosphere and stunning snorkelling
243alexiab,Jun 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Brent and knowledgable staff made this 3-day trip absolutely awesome! I hadn't done much snorkelling before but it was clear and stunning and I even spotted an octopus. The other travellers dove and were very enthusiastic about Jack's skill. Great atmosphere on board (and good food too).
Excellent trip + crew -- highly recommend!
kd1289,Jun 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The cruise on the MS Kiana is a great operation that I couldn't recommend more. The boat is a spacious sail boat with decent sized bunks and a lot of space on the deck to relax in the sun or shade. Meals on board were fantastic, especially given the size of the galley! The itinerary was also great -- one of the few boats to go to the outer reef; sailing through the Whitsundays was also a nice change of pace from all the speed boats. Can't beat sunrise/sunset or the stars out on the water with no one around! Cannot say enough good things about the crew. Greg, Kyle, and Capu were fantastic and looked after us well. The boat unfortunately had mechanical issues midway through our trip which led to us coming back a day early, but regardless the crew always had everything under control and made sure we were having a great time. Brent, the owner, also was very honest about the situation and made all the guests whole by generously providing a full refund and allowing us to sleep on board the final night in the harbor given we didn't have other accommodation planned. Would recommend to anyone looking to spend a few days in the Whitsundays!
Disappointing.
johnsE8899YF,Jun 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Very disappointed. Arrived the day before booking only to be informed that the trip was cancelled due to a mechanical fault. Recommend not booking ahead wait till your in Airlie Beach.
Thank you HMAS KIANA
597rufusg,May 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really wonderful experience with the #KianaKru. Brent knows his stuff and the crew looked after us so well, whether it be the diving or the food that Capu prepared for us. I’d recommend this to anyone if they were in this part of the world. Thank you all you. You’re legends
Amazing experience!!!! 100% recommend!
Albagarciagarciia,Apr 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I lived an amazing experience on Kiana. Brent, Jack and Capu were absolutely amazing and made the experience really enjoyable. The boat had everything we needed and more. The food served by Capu was delicious (including a roast dinner one evening) and we even had snacks in between meals. Jack was an amazing dive instructor (as this was our first time diving and felt a bit nervous). He explained everything, was patient with us which enabled us to thoroughly enjoy the experience. We also learned a lot about the nature that surrounds the islands. Brent kept a very clean and well ran boat, and he didn’t hesitate to answer any questions we had about the boat or sailing. All in all, we had an unforgettable experience. We got to dive and snorkel in stunning environments, made friends, relax and have a nice time. We definitely recommend doing the Whitsundays sailing with them. Thank you so much again for everything!
Horrible
V2830FWcarolineb,Mar 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Our trip was canceled by the service provider A priori health problem of the skipper. We were notified 3 hours in advance. We have to manage on our own to organize our accommodation and our stay. Lots of stress and no information from Viator to know if I will be reimbursed. Which would be the minimum (significant amount committed). It's very simple to post reviews and buy experiences, but I can't find a way to communicate by email to contact Viator! Thank you for helping me Viator!!!
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Operated by Whitsundays Sailing Adventures.com Ltd