Make one Hamilton Island day count with three Whitsundays highlights: Whitehaven Beach, the swirling sands of Hill Inlet and a guided snorkel over a fringing reef. Check in at the Ocean Rafting office on Front Street at 8:30am for a 9am departure, then head out across the islands aboard a fast, open-style vessel that makes the journey part of the adventure.
During the day, step ashore near Hill Inlet and follow your eco host on a guided National Park walk to the famous lookout. From above, watch the tide shape white silica sand and turquoise water into the patterns that make this view so recognisable.
At a snorkelling site chosen for the day’s conditions, gear up with the supplied mask, snorkel, fins, sunsuit or wetsuit and flotation equipment. Follow the crew into a Whitsundays fringing reef to look for coral gardens, tropical fish and other marine life, with guidance available throughout the swim.
Later, settle onto the southern end of Whitehaven Beach for a picnic lunch and time to swim, walk along the silica sand or simply slow down by the water. Morning and afternoon tea are also included before the boat returns to Hamilton Island at around 3:30pm. The order of stops, snorkelling location and time at each site may change with tides, wind and weather conditions.
What From start to finish, it was brilliant. The team were energetic, skilled, and always happy to help. Really enjoyed the lookout walk, the snorkelling, and hanging out on Whitehaven. If I am being picky, I would have loved a little extra time on the beach. It is such a gorgeous spot, one of Australia’s best.
Did the love boat tour from Hamilton Island and our guides that day were incredible!! So friendly and always checking we had everything we needed. Easily the most enjoyable full day Whitehaven trip I have been on.
Pretty good overall! The crew knew their stuff and were really great to be around. We caught Hill Inlet at high tide, then hurried over to see the beach at that end, had about an hour of snorkelling, and spent a relaxing two hours on Whitehaven Beach. The boat ride was quite bumpy though, so if you are prone to seasickness you might want to think twice. Lunch was a simple sandwich and we got a couple of snacks in between.
We had an amazing day out with Wonder Travel! This tour was super well organised and truly unforgettable. The crew were so friendly and attentive, and they made sure everyone felt safe and looked after. The views were gorgeous, and our kids absolutely adored the team who were so warm and welcoming. We are so grateful for those memories and would happily recommend Ocean Rafting and Wonder Travel to anyone.
Had a really fun time with the guides, they were great. The tide wasn’t on our side that day, but obviously that’s out of their control. My only small complaint is that I would have preferred snorkelling later in the day rather than right at the start.
Couldn’t have asked for better. The crew was lovely and really paid attention to everyone. The snorkelling spots had some of the healthiest coral I have come across, and the scenery was stunning. Just a brilliant experience all round.
We had an awesome time. Honestly, I would go back again tomorrow without hesitation. Jess and the rest of the crew were so down to earth, helpful, and genuine. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely tell anyone visiting Hammo island to book this one.
