Hamilton Island is a tropical paradise in Queensland’s Whitsunday region and the perfect gateway to Australia’s world-famous Great Barrier Reef. A long time favourite of holiday makers from around the globe, there are no shortage of activities on Hamilton Island to choose from during your stay. The hubs and I sampled a few on our recent visit (read my review of our Hamilton Island Whitsunday Apartment here) and we were blown away by our Explore On The Edge sunset cruise. If spectacular sunsets, a state of the art vessel, yummy snacks and free-flowing beer/wine are your thing then you are going to love this! Read on for all the details …
Explore On The Edge Sunset Cruise
As we came down the hill towards the marina we spotted our vessel On The Edge immediately. Her distinctive red hull certainly makes her stand out from the crowd of white around her. On The Edge is a 20m x 12m sailing catamaran purpose-built for day sailing in The Whitsundays. She can accommodate 59 passengers in comfort on her spacious decks and her large platform makes for stable cruising.
Once on board you are going to want to bag yourself the perfect possie for that all important sunset. There isn’t a bad seat in the house on an Explore On The Edge sunset cruise and we chose to sail in comfort in the lounge area on the right hand side of the boat (if you are facing the front) but I think the left afforded slightly better views. The boom nets were very popular with our fellow passengers but just remember the house rule … only 10 bums on a net at any one time. If you are blessed not to have a full boat like we were, choose the corner lounge and stretch out in style. The dress code is very casual and barefoot is the way to go on a boat so leave your heels at home and wear your thongs which are easily kicked off once you settle in.
The mandatory safety demonstration was dispensed with in record time and we are under way at exactly 4.45pm as per our schedule. As we motored out of the Marina and past the Hamilton Island Yacht club (see what I wore when we visited here), we were provided with an informative overview of our surroundings (with some pretty lame Dad jokes sprinkled in 🙂 ). I was already starting to relax in our surroundings when drinks were served. There was only one white wine on offer so I was super pleased when it was a Sauv Blanc. #Winning!
It wasn’t long before the motor was cut and the mainsail was hoisted. If you are hoping for buff sailors rapidly winding winches you will be a little bit disappointed as this baby is all automated. A hush descended over the boat instantaneously. It is amazing how quiet it was even just a short distance from shore. Not wanted to spoil the tranquility of the moment, I found myself speaking in reverent whispers. I observed many others doing the same in an unspoken agreement to preserve the serenity. All eyes (and cameras) were firmly fixed on the horizon as the setting sun spread a kaleidoscope of fiery hues across the impossibly blue sky.
As the waves lapped against the hull rocking us gently from side to side our attentive crew members circulated offering platters piled high with a selection of cheeses, meats, crackers, dips and veges which went down a treat. On our explore On The Edge sunset cruise we were encouraged to eat and drink out fill, responsibly of course! I found this totally refreshing as often activities that come with ‘free food and drinks’ are anything but generous and you practically have to crash tackle someone to get a refill. It can get cool out on the water and even though it was quite a sunny winter day, I was glad I packed a jacket to stave off the early evening chill.
As the sun made its grand exit beyond the horizon and only remnants of daylight lingered we made our way back to the Hamilton Island marina. The magical sunset was of course the star of the show and the views just had to be seen to be believed. Mother nature truly is a talented artist.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Explore On The Edge sunset cruise and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone traveling to Hamilton Island. At only $70 per person it also represents excellent value. So how about it … Are you up for a sunset cruise? If you are heading to Hamilton Island, check out these great deals on accommodation before you book.
Until next time …
Disclaimer: The Hubs and I were guests of Hamilton Island Enterprises for our Explore On The Edge Sunset Cruise. As always all opinions are my own. This post contains some affiliate links for which a small commission may be paid.
Like it? Pin it!
Smidge says
Beautiful photos. We are planning a trip back to Australia next year so it’s great to get a recommendation for a great tour. Love that you got the perfect amount of food and drink too and there weren’t too many people on the boat!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
How exciting Smidge hope you have a great time when you visit! I’d love to hear what you get up to on your visit ?
Natalie says
What a pretty and relaxing place to be for a sunset. We almost tried one of these in Hawaii this past summer but decided that kids might not enjoy. One day Hubby and I will try one. It really looks like fun.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I’ve looked at a few in Hawaii as well Natalie but always steered clear. This one is not to be missed if you make it to HI ?
Kris says
That’s one way to chill out plus the view! I’m always a sucker of sunsets, I guess that’s obvious on my posts too. Never been to Australia but reading your posts made me want to go there too! haha!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You should Kris! Oz is huge. Deciding where to go will be tough. Of course you will have to stop in Sydney ?
Soraya says
So so so so so beautiful! I absolutely love watching the sunset – and what better then to do it on board a catamaran off Hamilton Island. It looks incredible and I love that there was heaps of space to sit on board. It looks like you had such a romantic evening.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was lovely Soraya. Most definitely one of the highlights of our trip ?
Diana - MVMT Blog says
Your sunset photos are unreal! That is a view to die for. What a great price too for a sunset cruise and free food/drinks. I loved the look of the boat you were on and didn’t realize it was so big until I saw that it accommodates 59 people. Looks like a wonderful time, and I’d love to visit Hamilton Island one day.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Diana. We were also blessed not to have a full boat so there was plenty of room for everyone to move around with ease which was great.
L J Legend says
wow this looks like an amazing trip and from the way you wrote about it I can see you really enjoyed it. Makes me wanna leave rainy England and come to OZ 🙂 (I’m a little jealous) and amazing photo’s
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
I must say if it was a choice between rainy England and cruising the Whitsundays it would be a pretty easy call lol.
Noemi of Pinay Flying High says
I love how everyone stayed quiet and spoke in hushed voice while watching the sunset. Makes it more personal and beautiful experience and somehow, sacred too. The sunset is absolutely glorious! Glad you didn’t have to fight for refills of your sauv blanc. :p
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was really lovely Noemi. I would have fought for the refills if I had to lol
Thuymi @ www.AdventureFaktory.com says
You had a really good time! I enjoyed my first ever sunset cruise in Zanzibar. It was magical!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
A sunset cruise in Zanzibar sounds amazing Thuymi!
Naomi says
arch! I read the first line and I was like: I do not want to continue reading! This is far to dream like! What a place. Love it.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Hahaha Naomi. You can always dream ?
Sophia DeBruin says
Ahhhh I am so jealous!! This looks amazing! If I ever find myself in the region I will most definetly have to do this! Thank you for the inspiration! <3 – Sophia from http://www.sophiawithoutborders.com
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Sophia. We loved our cruise ?
Punita Malhotra says
Lovely sunset pictures!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks so much Punita! It really was a spectacular view ?
Rachel G says
This sounds like such a fun experience! I’m always up for adventures on the water.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was great and I’m with you anything on the water has my name on it ?
blondemoments says
oh man. i was there last year and i missed out. well i guess i have to come back 🙂
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was a pretty amazing night. So relaxing ?
roni clark says
Oh my! This looks lush. I had no idea about this company so thank you!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
It was a great night and anything that comes with free flowing wine is a winner in my book!
Preschool2Teen says
This looks like lots of fun and the views are beautiful.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
The sunset was amazing! We had the best weather considering it was winter!
Jada Durden says
This looks absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to visit Australia next year.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thank Jada. I hope you have an amazing time when you come down under ??✈️?
Angela says
Wow those pictures! Who needs to read anything at all with those lol. I’d sign up! 🙂
Sounds like it was fun and $70 for that view is a steal.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Thanks Angela. My trusty iPhone comes through again ?
Sharon says
Looks like you had a great time! Love all the pictures. It looks so fun! The sunset view looks awesome.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
We did. I do love a sunset over water. Living in Sydney means sunrises are over water but I’m not up to see them very often lol.
Ashley Fite says
That sounds wonderful! I have never been to Australia, but it is on my list!
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Australia has so many amazing attractions (no bias here whatsoever lol). I’m sure you will find heaps of wonderful things to do ?
Anisa says
Looks lovely. Whitsundays are on top of my list for my next trip to Australia.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
You will love it Anisa. A very special part of the world.
Susanna Kelly says
Sounds like a wonderful adventure! I can’t wait to go to Australia this Christmas, I will have to go here and do a sunset cruise.
Sydney Fashion Hunter says
Awesome Susanna. Christmas is perfect timing to visit Australia. There are so many wonderful places I bet you have a hard time choosing where to visit!