The Whitsundays are famous for turquoise waters and the iconic Whitehaven Beach, but beyond the well-known highlights lies a world of secluded coves, untouched bays, and hidden stretches of sand that few travellers ever get to experience. These secret spots are only accessible by water, making them perfect for guests exploring the region aboard M/Y ALANI.
Here are our top five hidden beaches in the Whitsundays you can only reach by yacht, and why they deserve a place on your itinerary.
Chance Bay, Whitsunday Island
Tucked away on the eastern side of the island, Chance Bay is a peaceful escape many visitors overlook. With crystal-clear shallows, soft white sand, and excellent snorkelling just off the beach, it feels like your own private island. Arrive by yacht, drop anchor, and enjoy the tranquillity, often with no one else in sight.
Windy Bay, Haslewood Island
While Haslewood Island sits across from the famous Whitehaven, most travellers never venture to its more secluded side. Windy Bay is a pristine pocket of sand surrounded by rugged cliffs and vivid coral gardens perfect for snorkelling. Despite its name, the bay is often completely sheltered, with no wind disturbing its calm waters. With no facilities and no crowds, it’s paradise for those seeking exclusivity.
Nara Inlet, Hook Island
Nestled along the south-eastern edge of Hook Island, Nara Inlet is a secluded haven where calm, glassy waters mirror the forested slopes above and clear shallows reveal fringing reef below, offering a sheltered anchorage with easy access ashore. Tucked within the surrounding hills is the Ngaro cultural site, a series of caves featuring ancient rock art and informative displays that share the stories of the Ngaro Aboriginal people. Venture to the far end of the inlet and you’ll find a tranquil freshwater rock pool and a seasonal waterfall that comes to life during the rainy months, completing the inlet’s sense of quiet magic. With no facilities and hardly any visitors, the inlet feels like a secluded sanctuary, ideal for those seeking quiet reflection and a deep sense of history.
Ngaro Track
The Ngaro Track on Whitsunday Island spans 32 km from Whitehaven Beach to Hill Inlet, taking walkers through a diverse landscape of sand dunes, forests, wetlands, mangroves, and rocky headlands. Summit viewpoints reward the effort with sweeping vistas, while purpose-built camps behind Silica Bay and Torres Herald Bay provide a comfortable overnight stop. Reached by boat, the trail follows Country that has long been significant to the Ngaro People, with cultural sites and heritage markers along the way. Over two days, walkers encounter unspoiled scenery and a profound connection to Country, enjoying a remote, immersive journey through one of the Whitsundays’ most iconic locations.
Bookings are open for 2026.
Bali Hai Beach (Black Island)
A true hidden treasure, Bali Hai Beach sits on tiny Black Island between Hook and Hayman. With its curved white shorelines, dramatic rocky outcrops, and water so clear you can see the sand ripple below, it feels almost unreal. Because only shallow-draft vessels can anchor comfortably nearby, it’s often completely empty.
Discover Hidden Beaches with Us
Exploring these secret spots is only possible by yacht, you’ll experience them in complete comfort and style. Our crew knows the region intimately and can craft a personalised itinerary that includes these off-the-map gems alongside iconic Whitsunday highlights.
If you’re ready to discover a more exclusive side of the Whitsundays, charter Alani and explore beaches only a handful of visitors ever lay eyes on.