Day Tour
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Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour from Airlie Beach

(9 Reviews)
  • Departs from Airlie Beach
  • 8 hours

 

Highlights

  • Snorkel at Bait Reef Lagoon or Stepping Stones in the Great Barrier Reef
  • Relax on the southern end of Whitehaven Beach with free time and lunch
  • Hike to Hill Inlet Lookout for iconic Whitsundays panoramic views

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What to expect

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.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

A
Alesia

2 August 2025

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!

★★★★★

A
Anthony

15 July 2025

Best way to visit the reef and Whitehaven beach. Great crew and lunch. Fully recommend

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Speedboat tour
  • Morning/afternoon tea
  • Lunch
  • Guide
  • Snorkeling gear
  • Stinger suits
  • Flotation devices
  • Guided snorkel tour on the Great Barrier Reef
  • Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
  • Beach time at Whitehaven Beach

Extra

  • Soft drinks and water (available for purchase onboard)

Time and Departure Location

Return hotel 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 suitable for

  • Pregnant women
  • People with back problems
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People with heart problems
  • Non-swimmers
  • People under 4 ft 3 in (130 cm)
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions

Know before you go

  • All passengers must be 130cm tall to ride. No refunds will be issued in the event a passenger is found to be too short to ride less than 24 hours from departure.
  • The bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout is graded moderate and consists of many stone steps. Comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are advised.
  • Customers wishing to snorkel MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM. We can not teach you to swim. We snorkel ‘wild’ off the back of the boat, on the outer Great Barrier Reef, where there is no infrastructure. If you have never snorkelled before, or you are a weak/non-swimmer this may be too dangerous for you and we may not be able to allow you into the water. Captain’s orders must be followed.
  • If weather conditions are unfavorable, there may be an alternate route to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

What To Bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
  • 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

Does this tour visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef or a fringing reef?

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.

Do I need to be a confident swimmer to join the snorkelling?

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.

What is the high-speed boat ride like?

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.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

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.

How difficult is the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout?

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.

What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?

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.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

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.

What food, drinks and transfers are included?

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.

9 Reviews
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Tahney

Group Traveller

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.

June 27, 2025

Sarah

Group Traveller

Our trip was amazing! Dan, Nico and Mads were an amazing crew and very helpful with everywhere we went.

June 18, 2025

Emma

Group Traveller

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

June 4, 2025

Susan

Group Traveller

Excellent day at the outer barrier reef and Whitehaven beach. Highly recommended

May 16, 2025

Elisabeth

Solo Traveller

good organisation, awesome day, nice and plenty of tasty food!!!!

May 13, 2025
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