Airlie Beach Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

(6 Reviews)

Departs from Airlie Beach
1 hour

Highlights

Cruise on a glass-bottom boat to view vibrant reefs and marine life
Spot turtles, rays, and tropical fish without getting in the water
Enjoy a family-friendly tour with shaded seating and guided commentary

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What to expect

See the Whitsundays’ reef life without needing to swim, snorkel or commit to a full day at sea. Courtesy transfers from selected Airlie Beach locations take you towards Shute Harbour, with a stop at Lions Lookout for views across the harbour and Whitsunday Islands before you board.

Step onto Bottoms Up, a fully shaded vessel designed for glass-bottom viewing, and settle in as the boat cruises over the shallow reef areas around Shute Harbour. Look through the viewing panels at hard and soft corals, follow schools of tropical fish and watch for turtles, rays and other marine life moving beneath the boat.

Your guide brings the view to life with relaxed commentary about the coral, fish and local reef ecosystem. Because this is a natural marine environment, water clarity and wildlife activity change with the tide and weather, but you can enjoy the whole experience from the boat—no swimming or snorkelling gear required. After the cruise, the courtesy transfer returns to the selected Airlie Beach stops.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

Terri

24 August 2025

This was a wonderful experience. Our captain/guide was exceptionally knowledgeable. We were able to see the different corals on the reef, schools of fish etc. He was able to tell us about these things as we saw them as opportunities scuba diving where you can’t really talk to each other. He answered questions so well. The boat was comfortable and the views were so but better than I had anticipated. This was great.

★★★★★

Stewart

21 July 2025

Excellent trip from start to finish. Helpful friendly staff regarding pickup and very knowledgeable staff on board the boat. Very informative in a relaxed setting and got to see some fantastic sights ( the Hawksbill turtle being a big highlight).

What you need to know

Included in your tour

1-hour guided boat tour
Commentary
All safety equipment
Toilets on board
Return transfers from selected Airlie Beach locations

Extra

Food and drinks

Time and Departure Location

Return transfers are included from selected Airlie Beach locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Not allowed

Luggage or large bags
Walking frames

Not Suitable for

Wheelchair users

What To Bring

Weather-appropriate clothing

Cancellation Policy

All bookings are non-refundable
Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to swim or get wet on this tour?

No. You remain onboard throughout the tour and view the reef through the glass-bottom panels. Swimming ability, swimwear and snorkelling equipment are not required.

What marine life might I see?

The viewing areas are home to hard and soft corals, tropical fish and other marine life. Turtles, rays and occasionally other larger animals may also be seen, but wildlife sightings and underwater visibility depend on the tide, weather and natural conditions on the day.

Is the tour suitable for babies and young children?

Yes. The tour is open to all ages and works well for families because no swimming is required, the vessel is fully shaded and toilets are available onboard. Children must remain under parent or guardian supervision throughout the experience.

Can I bring a pram onboard?

No. There is not enough storage space for prams on the vessel, so families should plan to travel without one for this experience.

How do I get to the departure point?

Courtesy return transfers operate from selected locations around Airlie Beach, with the available pickup point selected during booking. If you are making your own way, meet outside the café at Shute Harbour Marine Terminal at least 15 minutes before departure. Parking is available at the terminal; follow the current parking signs and time limits.

Can I buy drinks onboard?

Yes. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be purchased from the fully licensed onboard bar. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

Airlie Beach Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Highlights

What to expect

Highlighted reviews from other travelers