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Cover three of the Whitsundays’ headline experiences in one fast-moving day: snorkel the Outer Great Barrier Reef, walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and unwind on Whitehaven Beach. A custom-built high-speed jet boat turns the distance between them into part of the adventure, taking you beyond the island fringing reefs to Bait Reef while still leaving time for the Whitsundays’ famous white sand and island views. The day normally departs Coral Sea Marina at around 8am and returns to Airlie Beach at approximately 5pm.
At Bait Reef, slip into the open ocean for a guided snorkel over coral gardens alive with tropical fish and other marine life. Your mask, snorkel, fins, lycra suit and flotation aids are included, and the rear swim platform gives you direct access to the water. This is a genuine open-water reef experience for confident swimmers, with the crew there to brief the group and help you make the most of your time below the surface.
Back among the islands, follow the national park trail to Hill Inlet Lookout and watch turquoise channels wind through shifting white silica sand. Whitehaven Beach then changes the pace, giving you time to swim in the shallows, stretch out on the sand and take in the tropical coastline.
Return transfers from selected Airlie Beach locations, a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, filtered water, snorkelling equipment and guided reef time are all included. The order and locations may change with tides, wind and sea conditions. By the time you return to Airlie Beach, you will have experienced the Whitsundays beneath the surface, from the lookout and on the sand—all in one action-packed day.
We had an incredible experience with Viper! The speedboat made a huge difference – we spent less time traveling and more time enjoying the Whitsundays. The tour included a visit to the stunning Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet lookout, and two fantastic snorkeling spots on the reef. Lunch was a pleasant surprise – delicious and fresh, with a great variety of salads and other options. The team was absolutely wonderful – friendly, professional, and fun. We really loved this tour and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fast-paced, full experience of the Whitsundays!
Best way to visit the reef and Whitehaven beach. Great crew and lunch. Fully recommend
Return hotel transfers are included from selected Airlie Beach locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.
Check availability to see starting times.
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Know before you go
The planned snorkelling destination is Bait Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, beyond the fringing reefs surrounding the Whitsunday Islands. This is one of the main differences between this experience and many Whitehaven tours that snorkel closer to the islands. The skipper may adjust the route or snorkelling location when sea conditions require it.
Yes. Snorkelling takes place in open ocean, with guests entering deep water from the rear of the boat rather than from a beach or pontoon. Equipment, flotation aids, a safety briefing and crew support are provided, but you must already be able to swim. Previous snorkelling experience is less important than being comfortable and confident in open water.
The boat ride is fast, exciting and an important part of the experience. Conditions can become bumpy when the wind or swell increases, particularly on the journey to the Outer Reef. This tour is best suited to active travellers who enjoy a high-performance ride and can remain seated with a seatbelt fastened during travel.
Every passenger must be at least 130 centimetres tall, physically mobile and able to walk without assistance. The experience is not suitable during pregnancy or for guests with existing back, neck, spine or hip injuries. Certain heart, lung or medical conditions may also prevent participation in high-speed boating or open-water snorkelling.
The walk is graded moderate and includes sloping dirt and sand tracks as well as large stone and timber steps. Guests may also need to step into shallow water when transferring between the boat and beach. Comfortable footwear, reasonable fitness and the ability to walk unassisted are required.
The vessel is designed to reduce unnecessary movement, but the Outer Reef crossing can still be lively in changing conditions. If you are prone to motion sickness, obtain suitable preventative advice from a pharmacist and take any recommended treatment before departure. Seasickness tablets are not sold on board.
Yes, there is a toilet on board. It is a marine toilet and is not wheelchair accessible. Access involves steps and narrow walkways, so guests need to be independently mobile while moving around the vessel.
Morning and afternoon tea generally include fruit and lamingtons, while lunch is a buffet with seasonal salads, cold meats, cheese, olives, bread rolls and condiments. Filtered water is provided, so bring a refillable bottle; soft drinks can be purchased on board. Some dietary requirements can be accommodated when added to the booking in advance, and guests may bring their own food or snacks.
Complimentary transfers operate within the Airlie Beach area, from Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket. Guests making their own way should meet at Meeting Point B, Coral Sea Marina North, at approximately 7:40am for the scheduled 8:00am departure. Paid all-day parking is available at the marina.
This was a fun way to see a lot of the area in one day. The crew were fun and informative. The boat was fast yet you felt very safe. The snorkeling over the reef was amazing and the crew catered for all abilities. The short hike to Whitehaven beach was great and the lookout points along the way gave great views before setting foot on the beautiful beach. The final stop allowed swimming time with a water slide and aqua mat and exploring or sunbathing time on the beach. Fantastic trip, highly recommend.
Our trip was amazing! Dan, Nico and Mads were an amazing crew and very helpful with everywhere we went.
Amazing thrill filled chilled and happy day. The lads running the boat are excellent. If you wanna see everything in one day and are happy to speed around the islands this is for you. Great value for money also
Excellent day at the outer barrier reef and Whitehaven beach. Highly recommended
good organisation, awesome day, nice and plenty of tasty food!!!!
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