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Make the most of a free morning on Hamilton Island, then turn your afternoon into a fast-paced Whitsundays reef escape. In just four hours, you’ll race between tropical islands, snorkel two different fringing reef sites and experience the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park from both above and below the water.
Hold on as the high-speed boat leaves Hamilton Island and cuts across the island-studded waterways. The ride is part of the adventure, with open sea, salt air and sweeping Whitsunday views leading you towards the day’s carefully selected reef locations.
Then it is time to swap the deck for the water. Each reef stop gives you around 45 minutes to explore, with guides leading the way through protected bays and colourful coral gardens. Watch schools of tropical fish move through the reef, look for turtles among the coral and enjoy two different underwater locations in one afternoon.
Between snorkels, recharge with afternoon tea and listen as your Eco Host brings the reef, islands and local marine life to life. Snorkelling equipment, flotation devices and a sunsuit or wetsuit are included, so the essentials are ready when it is time to enter the water.
From June to October, keep watch for migrating humpback whales during the boat ride. The afternoon departure returns to Hamilton Island at around 4:30pm, leaving your evening free for dinner, sunset drinks or a relaxed night back at your accommodation.
The exact reef locations are selected around the wind, tides and sea conditions, helping the crew make the most of the Whitsundays on the day.
Good way to spend an afternoon if you’re not keen on an early start. Saw a massive turtle which made the whole trip worth it. Crew were relaxed and easy going.
Booked this last minute and glad we did. Snorkelling was solid and the guides knew their spots. Afternoon sun made the water look incredible.
Meeting point: 22 Front Street, Whitsundays QLD 4802
Meeting time: 12:00PM
Check availability to see starting times.
Please note: This tour is only suitable for guests staying on Hamilton Island.
No previous snorkelling experience is required, but an average level of swimming ability is needed. Flotation devices are available, and the crew can assist less-experienced snorkellers in the water. Guests who are unable to swim may not be able to participate in the snorkelling sessions.
The tour visits two different fringing reef locations, with approximately 45 minutes of snorkelling at each site. The exact locations are selected on the day according to the wind, tides, visibility and sea conditions.
Choose the afternoon departure if you want to keep your morning free for breakfast, the beach or another Hamilton Island activity. It checks in at 12:00pm, departs at 12:30pm and returns at approximately 4:30pm. The morning tour offers the same style of reef experience with an earlier schedule.
The journey is fast, open and exciting, with the boat travelling through the waterways between Hamilton Island and the surrounding Whitsunday reefs. Depending on the conditions, the ride can include bumps and sea spray, so hold on, follow the crew’s instructions and treat the journey as part of the adventure.
This tour is not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries. Guests in the third trimester of pregnancy cannot participate, while suitability during earlier stages of pregnancy depends on the conditions. All relevant medical conditions must be declared on the pre-tour waiver.
The fast, open-style boat generally produces less of the slow rocking associated with larger vessels, but conditions can still vary. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual preventative medication before departure according to its directions.
Lunch is not included. Afternoon tea is provided, and selected drinks and snacks can be purchased onboard. As check-in begins at 12:00pm, it is a good idea to have lunch before arriving.
Perfect for sleeping in. Got back around 4.30 and still had time for dinner. The ride out was a bit bumpy but the crew made it fun. Really enjoyable.
Good way to spend an afternoon if you’re not keen on an early start. Saw a massive turtle which made the whole trip worth it. Crew were relaxed and easy going.
Booked this last minute and glad we did. Snorkelling was solid and the guides knew their spots. Afternoon sun made the water look incredible.
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