11:30am – Meet your crew at Meeting Point C, Coral Sea Marina Village (under the large umbrellas). After a safety briefing and boat orientation, you’ll set sail into the stunning Whitsunday Islands.

Afternoon – As Mandrake glides through the islands, settle into life on board. Help the crew hoist the sails if you’re keen, or simply relax on deck and take in the views. Your crew will introduce you to the Eye on the Reef program – the conservation initiative you’ll be part of throughout the trip.

Late Afternoon – Arrive at your first snorkel site (conditions permitting, this may be Manta Ray Bay, Stonehaven, or Blue Pearl Bay). Gear up and explore the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, keeping an eye out for turtles, rays, reef fish, and coral species to log with the crew.

Evening – Drop anchor at a secluded bay for the night. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner on deck as the sun sets, followed by stargazing under some of the clearest skies you’ll ever see.

Morning – Wake up to a calm anchorage and a hearty breakfast. This morning is all about the iconic duo: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout.

Take the short bush walk up to Hill Inlet for those famous swirling sand views, then spend time on Whitehaven’s pure silica sand — swimming, exploring, or just soaking it in.

Midday – Head to another snorkel location for more reef time. Continue spotting and recording marine life as part of your reef monitoring contribution.

Afternoon – Sail on to your overnight anchorage. There’s time to relax, swim off the boat, or get hands-on with sailing. Another delicious dinner is served as the sun dips below the horizon.

Evening – Your last night on board. Swap stories with your fellow travellers, enjoy the stars, and soak up the peaceful Whitsundays atmosphere.

Early Morning – Rise for your last sunrise on the water. Enjoy breakfast and a final snorkel session at a calm reef site.

Mid-Morning – Help the crew sail Mandrake back toward Airlie Beach. Take in the views one last time as you cruise through the islands.

8:30–9:30am – Arrive back at Coral Sea Marina Village. Say goodbye to your crew and new friends – and take home the knowledge that you’ve contributed real data to help protect the Great Barrier Reef.

Operator – AP Vessel Management Pty Ltd (ABN 45 086 439 198) as OzSail operates the vessel known as Mandrake. The following terms and conditions apply to travel on Mandrake.

Pricing – All prices are shown in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST.

Itinerary Changes – Mandrake departures and itineraries are subject to weather and may be changed or cancelled at OzSail’s discretion. OzSail reserves the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time and for any reason.

Trip Cancellations by Operator – OzSail reserves the right to cancel any trip, or reduce trip duration, in any circumstances including those which pose a safety risk to guests, the vessel, or crew — such as severe weather, including cyclones. If a trip is cancelled by OzSail prior to or on the scheduled departure date, you will be referred back to the travel agent through which you booked.

If your trip duration is reduced during the trip due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be offered a future trip on Mandrake at no cost, depending on the amount of time by which your original trip was reduced, subject to availability. “Unforeseen circumstances” includes but is not limited to: inclement weather, issues pertaining to the vessel, and any medical emergency such as injury to guests or crew.

Cancellation by Guest – If you cancel your travel on Mandrake less than 21 days before the trip departure date, this will result in the forfeiture of the full trip price.

Date Transfers – If you request a transfer of your trip departure date at least 72 hours before the scheduled departure, a $30 transfer fee applies. No transfers will be accepted within 72 hours of departure.

Travel Insurance – Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all guests.

Assumption of Risk – You acknowledge that travel with, and the recreational services provided by, OzSail (such as all in-water activities, sailing, and bushwalking) involve risk, including in particular a risk of being stung or bitten by jellyfish and other marine creatures or native fauna. You are advised to wear a stinger suit at all times while in the water.

Liability – Whilst every effort is made to safeguard passengers, you acknowledge and agree that OzSail is not liable for personal injury, aggravation of any existing injury or condition, mental injury, contraction of any disease, loss (direct, indirect, or consequential), or death (including but not limited to from jellyfish stings) resulting from the recreational services provided, and OzSail hereby excludes all such liability to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Where the Competition and Consumer Act (CCA) consumer guarantees apply, you also acknowledge and agree that the liability of OzSail for any breach of those consumer guarantees is excluded to the maximum extent possible under section 64A of the Australian Consumer Law and section 139A of the CCA.

Governing Law – Your agreement with OzSail is subject to the laws of Queensland, Australia. You submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland, Australia.

If any of these terms is unreasonable or unenforceable for any reason, it shall be severed and the remaining terms will not be affected.

Eye on the Reef is a monitoring program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. While snorkeling, you’ll help the crew spot and record marine life – things like coral types, turtles, rays, and reef fish. It’s simple, fun, and your sightings contribute to real conservation data that helps protect the reef. No experience needed – the crew will show you everything.

Not at all! Mandrake is designed for all experience levels. If you want to get involved and help hoist the sails or take the helm, the crew will teach you. If you’d rather just relax on deck, that’s perfectly fine too.

Mandrake has cozy shared cabin-style bunk beds below deck. Fresh bedding is provided. It’s intimate and comfortable – think adventure yacht, not luxury cruise. With only 12 guests on board, you won’t feel crowded.

All meals are freshly prepared on board by the crew – breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are hearty and designed for hungry adventurers. If you have dietary requirements, let us know at the time of booking and the crew will do their best to accommodate.

Yes, Mandrake is BYO. However, no glass bottles and no red wine are permitted on board (to protect the boat and your fellow guests’ belongings). Cans, plastic bottles, and goon bags are fine. Soft drinks and extra snacks can also be purchased before departure.

The Whitsundays are generally calm, sheltered waters, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking medication before departure. Ginger tablets or over-the-counter seasickness tablets from the pharmacy work well. The crew are also experienced in helping guests feel comfortable.

Mandrake takes a maximum of 12 guests plus 2–3 crew. This is one of the smallest group sizes available in the Whitsundays, which means a more personal, relaxed experience.

Pack light! Bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, reusable water bottle, camera, a warm layer for evenings, and any personal items you need. Soft bags only – no hard suitcases. Snorkel gear, wetsuits, and stinger suits are all provided.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy snorkeling – wetsuits and flotation devices are available, and the crew will look after you. However, you should be comfortable in the water. If you’d prefer not to snorkel, you can relax on the boat or on the beach instead.

Safety always comes first. If conditions aren’t suitable for sailing, your trip may be rescheduled or modified. The crew will always choose the safest and best anchorages and snorkel sites based on the conditions on the day. Snorkel locations listed are examples and may vary.

Guests must be 12 years or older to join Mandrake. The general demographic is 18–30, but the trip suits anyone looking for a relaxed, small-group, eco-focused adventure – solo travellers, couples, and friends alike.

Travel insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for all travellers. Make sure your policy covers sailing and snorkeling activities.