The Whitsunday Islands are 74 subtropical islands nestled into the southern part of the Great Barrier Reef on the East Coast of Australia. Home to the famous ‘Whitehaven Beach’, currently ranked the 4th best beach in the world, and the 1st best beach in the whole of Australia, there’s no doubting why sailing around the Whitsunday Islands on board an overnight sailing trip is included in almost every East Coast package.

If you’re looking for a young and fun crowd to hang with, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays is the place to be. Airlie Beach is practically one strip filled with bars, hostels, and backpackers. So, the party is everywhere you want it to be! You’ve probably stumbled across this blog post because you suffer from serious FOMO and need help choosing the very best party boat to sail around the Whitsundays on.

We’ve tried to make it easier for you and compiled a list of the top five party boats on the Whitsundays. Whichever you think suits you best, make sure you make contact with the Happy Travels team who can give you more info, hook you up with some epic deals, check availability, and get your trip booked before it’s too late!

Atlantic Clipper

The Atlantic Clipper is without a doubt the biggest party boat on the Whitsundays with the possibility to hold up to 54 people at one time! Likened to a ‘floating hostel’, this boat is three stories high and even comes with a giant inflatable slide, and a jacuzzi, perfect for the cooler nights once the sun drops behind the beautiful Whitsundays islands. The Clipper is famous for its loose vibe and the abundance of parties, so this one is not for the faint hearted. If your ideal holiday for the Whitsundays is to sleep some of the day and party all night, this is the go to!

Apollo

If you’re more so looking to max out on adventure and leave the partying until later, Apollo is one of the fastest Maxi-Sailing adventure boats on the Whitsunday Islands and the only live aboard trip which sails for 3 days and 2 nights! This trip of 27 guests is jam packed with heaps of stops at unique snorkelling spots amongst pristine coral and marine life. The extra day means that Apollo can sail as far out as the Great Barrier Reef.

Is scuba diving on your bucket list? If it wasn’t already, it should be, and on Apollo, all passengers are treated to a free introductory scuba! Apollo also guarantees 3 hours time on Whitehaven Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole world!), so plenty of time to max out relaxation and get those shots for the gram! That’s not to say that when the day is done and the activities are packed away, you can’t party all night long. Face it, you earned that beer! In fact, some of the best stories come from late nights on Apollo, so get the eskie stocked!

Tongarra

If you prefer to balance the crazy with the chill, Tongarra is a great option! With a small group size (only 26 people including the crew), it has a much more intimate vibe. Tongarra is a catamaran so it just slices through the waves while you can chill out and sunbathe on the deck.

The crew on Tongarra will take you to heaps of epic spots surrounding the Whitsundays where you can snorkel, hike, and explore. The best bit,..they have a banana boat on board. There is no noise curfew, so once the adventure is done for the day, hang out with your new mates as you watch the sunset, enjoy a few drinks, and whenever it may be, pitch your sleeping bag and sleep under the stars on the deck of the party boat. Wake up to the sunrise, and do it all over again!

Avatar

The only chartered trimaran in the Whitsunday Islands, Avatar is one of the most unique boats out there. With two big nets made for sunbathing in the day and a bright white exterior, Avatar has the luxury look, but with a cheaper price tag! Those nets are not only perfect for catching a tan, they are the perfect social space to come together during the night or day. To hang out and chill or use as a giant dance floor, those who wish to party all night long typically flock to the west nets, while those hoping to chill and stargaze, stick to the east. As one of the only party boats with double accommodation, Avatar is also a good choice for couples who want their own space without sacrificing the fun!

New Horizon

Last but not least, we have New Horizon, another popular choice amongst the travel crowd. Prepare to embark on an incredible two days of exploring with paddle boards and snorkels to use at your peril. Famous for it’s chilled out vibe, punters are likely to gather together on the first night for a few (or more) drinking games and tend to make the most of the movie room on the second night. No matter which party boat you choose, the party starts with you! So, make contact with the Happy Travels team to get hooked up with the best deals out there, and make sure to ask the team for the best party hostel recommendations in Airlie Beach for before and after your trip.