Best Sailing Training Methods in Old School RuneScape (Fast & AFK XP)
Sailing in Old School RuneScape is one of the most versatile skills in the game, offering everything from high-intensity bounty hunting to true hands-off AFK experience. Unlike traditional skills where one method dominates the meta, Sailing allows players to choose how actively they want to train while still achieving competitive XP rates.
In this OSRS Sailing Guide, we’ll break down the best Sailing training methods, including fast XP, low-effort AFK options, and underrated strategies that rival the meta without requiring constant clicking. Whether you’re rushing levels, playing on a second monitor, or casually grinding while watching videos, this guide will help you find the most efficient path forward.
Preparing for Your Sailing Grind
Before you set sail, preparation is everything. Having the right ship upgrades, supplies, and gold early can save dozens of hours in the long run. Many Sailing methods scale directly with ship efficiency, cargo space, and crew setup, so cutting corners here often leads to slower XP overall.
• Ezosrs.com – Buy OSRS items
• Ezrsgold.com – Buy OSRS gold for ships, cannons, and crew supplies
Having the right setup early makes a huge difference when training Sailing efficiently.
Level 67 Sailing: Eagle Ray Bounties (Fast & Underrated XP)
At level 67 Sailing, you unlock one of the strongest mid-game training methods:
Eagle Ray bounties at Deep Fin Point.
Why Eagle Ray Bounties Are So Strong
– 7,500 XP per bounty completion
– Eagle Rays only have 50 HP
– Average of ~10 kills per task
• Faster than many higher-level bounties (even Kraken tasks)
This method is extremely efficient because Eagle Rays die quickly and require minimal effort.
Double Bounty Strategy (Huge XP Boost)
You can stack:
• Deep Fin Point Eagle Ray bounty
• Void Knight Outpost Eagle Ray bounty
Both tasks drop from the same monster, meaning you complete two bounties at once.
Recommended Setup
– Mithril Cannon (more than enough)
– Sailor’s Amulet (teleports to Deep Fin Point & Point Roberts)
– Minimal crew usage (manual cannon tagging is faster)
XP Rates
-~100k XP/hour
-~130k XP/hour with Crystal Extractor
This makes Eagle Ray bounties one of the best Sailing methods from 67–73, especially for players who don’t mind active gameplay.
Courier Tasks: AFK Sailing with Smart Teleports (Levels 60–72)
Courier tasks are often dismissed as slow, but when optimized, they become one of the best low-effort Sailing methods in the game.
How Courier Tasks Work
There are two types:
1. Deliver supplies from your port to another
2. Retrieve supplies from another port and bring them back (double XP)
The key is teleporting directly to the pickup location, skipping half the sailing time and turning these into efficient XP loops.
Best Courier Routes
Unlocked between 62–65 Sailing:
– Rellekka Fabric Delivery
– Etceteria Sword Delivery
These routes are considered S-tier due to short travel distances and convenient teleports.
XP Rates
• 50k–80k XP/hour
– Extremely AFK on long sailing routes
– Competitive up to level 72 Sailing
Courier tasks are perfect if you want to train Sailing while multitasking or playing casually.
Shipwreck Salvaging (Best AFK Sailing Method)
Level 50+: Large Shipwreck Salvaging
At level 50, you unlock the Sloop, allowing:
– Two salvaging hooks
– One player-manned, one crew-manned
Boost with Whirlpool Surprise (+3) to access Large Shipwrecks early.
XP Rates:
– 25k–30k XP/hour (very AFK)
– Better than Temper Tantrum with less effort
Level 64+: Pirate Shipwrecks
– 35k–40k XP/hour
– Still highly AFK
– Excellent mid-game option
Shipwreck salvaging shines because of how little attention it requires. For many players, this becomes the default “background” Sailing method.
Level 73 Sailing: Crystal Extractor (Game-Changing Upgrade)
The Crystal Extractor is one of the strongest Sailing upgrades in the game.
Why It’s So Powerful
– Adds up to +30k XP/hour
– Works with almost every Sailing activity
– Turns AFK methods into top-tier XP
Once unlocked at 73 Sailing, this should be your highest priority upgrade.
Once unlocked at level 73, this upgrade should be your highest priority, as it permanently boosts your training efficiency across the board.
Sea Charting: Massive One-Time XP Drops
Sea charting offers some of the biggest one-time XP rewards in Sailing and is often overlooked.
Best Charting Levels
1. Level 66 – Western Ocean (4 charts = ~50k XP)
2. Level 72 – Shrouded Ocean (Rainbow Reef & Southern Expanse = 34k XP)
3. Level 78 – Northern Ocean (Best charting XP in the game)
Northern Ocean Charting (Level 78)
• Requires Eternal Brazier
– ~300k total XP
– Takes ~1–2 hours
– Instantly boosts you from 78 → 80 Sailing
This is one of the most efficient XP bursts available.
Level 73+: Mercenary Shipwrecks (High-XP AFK)
Mercenary shipwrecks offer:
– 60k–70k XP/hour (without extractor)
– ~100k XP/hour with Crystal Extractor
While there’s no double spot, the consistency makes this a strong alternative to bounties.
Level 80+: Fremennik Shipwrecks (30-Minute AFK Method)
At level 80, Fremennik shipwrecks become one of the most AFK methods in the game.
Why This Method Is Insane
– True 30-minute AFK
– Crew salvages while you’re logged in
– Requires large cargo hold upgrade
XP Rates
– 50k XP/hour (crew only)
– 75k XP/hour (manning hook yourself)
– 100k+ XP/hour with Crystal Extractor
Perfect for players who want progress with almost zero interaction.
Level 80+: Best Courier Tasks in the Game (Lunar Isle)
At level 80, you unlock Lunar Isle courier routes, including:
• Aldarin → Lunar Isle (10k+ XP per task)
With four courier slots unlocked:
– ~25k XP per run
– ~4 runs per hour
– 100k XP/hour
– 130k XP/hour with Crystal Extractor
Comparable to salvaging, though salvaging remains more AFK.
Best Sailing Methods Summary
| Level Range | Method | XP/Hour | AFK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–64 | Large Shipwrecks | 25–30k | ✅ |
| 67–73 | Eagle Ray Bounties | 100–130k | ❌ |
| 60–72 | Courier Tasks | 50–80k | ✅ |
| 73+ | Mercenary Salvaging | 70–100k | ✅ |
| 80+ | Fremennik Salvaging | 50–100k | ✅✅ |
OSRS Money-Making Guides
Looking to fund your Sailing grind or train efficiently elsewhere? Check out our other guides:
Final Thoughts
While Barracuda Trials may dominate the meta, Sailing in OSRS offers far more flexibility than most skills. From high-intensity bounty hunting to true hands-off AFK salvaging, there’s a training method for every type of player.
If you value efficiency, stack bounties and unlock the Crystal Extractor early. If you prefer relaxation, shipwreck salvaging and courier routes provide steady XP with minimal effort. No matter your playstyle, Sailing rewards smart planning, upgrades, and choosing methods that match how you enjoy the game.
