Experience the Whitsundays in motion as you race across blue water on a fast semi-rigid inflatable boat, step onto Whitehaven’s brilliant silica sand, look down over the swirling colours of Hill Inlet and slip into the water at a fringing reef. Beach, lookout, reef and a high-energy boat ride all come together in one activity-filled day from Airlie Beach.
The ride through the islands is part of the experience. Feel the boat build speed across the open water while the crew brings the journey to life with local stories, reef knowledge and plenty of personality. Between the faster sections, the pace changes completely as you step ashore, walk through the national park and take in the white sand and turquoise channels from above.
At Hill Inlet, follow the guided track to the lookout platforms for one of the Whitsundays’ most recognisable views. The colours and sand patterns shift with the tide, so the scene is always changing. Back at sea level, there is time to walk the silica sand, swim or simply enjoy the island surroundings.
The reef stop brings a different side of the Whitsundays into view. Snorkel above coral gardens and look out for colourful fish and other marine life, with equipment, flotation devices and personalised instruction provided. The crew selects the most suitable reef locations for the conditions on the day.
Which option is right for you?
Northern Exposure — Choose this option if snorkelling is your priority. It normally includes two different reef locations around Hook Island, with approximately 45 minutes at each site, plus around 1 to 1.5 hours at Hill Inlet and northern Whitehaven. It departs Airlie Beach at approximately 8:45am and returns around 3:30pm.
Southern Light — Choose this option if you want longer on the sand. It normally includes one snorkel of approximately one hour and around two hours at southern Whitehaven Beach, while still visiting Hill Inlet. It departs Airlie Beach at approximately 10am and returns around 4:30pm.
Both options include the guided national park walk, snorkelling equipment and flotation devices, personalised instruction, tropical-style lunch, morning and afternoon tea, a sun suit or wetsuit, naturalist commentary and courtesy transfers from selected Airlie Beach locations. By the end of the day, you will have experienced the Whitsundays from the water, the reef, the beach and the Hill Inlet lookout.
Liked the fish, coral, white sand, whales, commentary, well organised caring guides. Wonderful experience for us. The only suggestion for improvement would be to number or put colour labels on the boxes so we easily locate where our bags were stored.
Absolutely perfect, crew were amazing so helpful and happy . Mateo was so good with people on board and was always keeping eye on safety and people’s wellbeing. The boat driver was amazing , his sea knowledge was another level. I have had a lot of boat rides before . His handling of the boat was first class . Thanks again for an awesome day . Don’t change a thing so good . Food was perfect for lunch . Keep up the great vibes .
Absolutely exceeded expectations with the trip the boating was extremely fun with Jessie and Rich? Made it a great experience! Snorkelling is probably pointless as most of the reef is dead unless you’re going further into the outer reef but everything was brilliant
Liked the fish, coral, white sand, whales, commentary, well organised caring guides. Wonderful experience for us. The only suggestion for improvement would be to number or put colour labels on the boxes so we easily locate where our bags were stored.
Perfect day – we felt like we were in good hands with Adrian & LouLou, they gave us a day to remember! Adrian handled our raft with expertise. Mother nature delivered perfect weather, & a visit to the lookouts at Hill Inlet are a must. I highly recommend this tour above all the others, we were the only ones able to come directly into shore without needing to be transferred to smaller boats. I will 100% do this exact tour if I am lucky enough to visit Airlie again
Loved the whole experience! Had the best guides Bernie and Dom, they gave interesting information about the place and the reef and you just feel that they want to share their love for nature and the beautiful sealife. My friend and I had the best day! Would definitely recommend!
It was amazing! Daisy, Hayley and Lily were fab and tailored the trip to everyone’s ability and preferences. They made it a memorable trip! Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef is amazing – a must do!
