Day Tour
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Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling from Airlie Beach

(10 Reviews)
  • Departs from Airlie Beach
  • 9 Hours

 

Highlights

  • Sail on a 62-ft schooner to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
  • Snorkel a vibrant fringing reef of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Avoid the crowds with a small group sailing adventure

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What to expect

Your day begins at Coral Sea Marina North, where you will board Providence V, a classic 62-foot timber schooner carrying no more than 24 guests. Once clear of the marina, settle onto the deck with morning tea as Airlie Beach falls away behind you. You can lend a hand with the sails, take a supervised turn at the helm or simply relax and watch the Whitsunday Islands unfold across the water.

By late morning, Providence V reaches Tongue Bay. Go ashore by tender and follow the guided track to Hill Inlet Lookout, where the shapes and colours of the sand shift with every tide. From the lookout, continue towards Betty’s Beach for time on the white silica sand, a swim or a quiet walk along the shore before returning to the boat.

Back onboard, stop for lunch while the boat makes its way towards the afternoon snorkelling site. Choose the catered lunch option or bring your own packed lunch. At a sheltered fringing reef, usually around Dumbell Island, the crew provides a briefing and snorkelling equipment before you enter the water to look for coral, tropical fish and other marine life.

On the journey home, find your favourite place on deck, enjoy a tea or coffee or order something from the licensed bar, and take in the afternoon light across the islands. Providence V returns to Coral Sea Marina at around 4:30pm. The order of the beach and snorkelling stops may change to suit the wind, tides and sea conditions on the day.

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

G
Giovanna

21 August 2025

Hi, thank you so much for so beautiful day, we really love it ✨

★★★★★

J
Joy

31 July 2025

The crew was really nice and lovely. Even with some rain it was a really good experience, the snorkeling was incredible! Thank you Jack and Kevin for this adventure ! Thanks guys for the cheese and crackers, I really appreciate it ! See you

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Lunch (if option selected)
  • Drinks (tea, coffee, and water)
  • Stinger suits (November to May)
  • Guide
  • All reef taxes
  • Free courtesy bus transfer from accommodations in Airlie Beach
  • Snorkeling gear

Extra

  • Extra drinks (alcoholic beverages are available to purchase at the bar)
  • Wet suits (must be hired the day before the tour from AquaDive at the departure marina)

Time and Departure Location

Free return transfers are included from selected Airlie Beach locations/hotels. Please check availability to see pick-up points.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Know before you go

  • Children can be accommodated if the weather is fine.
  • This tour requires a minimum of 15 to proceed. You are offered an opportunity to transfer to another day or can ask for a full refund.
  • If we cancel for any other reason ie due to weather, we will offer you the opportunity to sail on another date or give you a full refund.
  • We reserve the right to change the route or destination, if necessary, e.g. weather conditions.
  • If you lose or damage snorkeling gear or stinger suits you will be charged for the replacement of lost goods via eftpos on the boat.
  • The Master’s directions are to be always obeyed.
  • Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our guests, we cannot be responsible for any
  • damage, personal injury, or loss due to the actions of passengers that are beyond our control.
  • All departures and itineraries are subject to weather and maybe changed or cancelled at the discretion of the Master.
  • Stinger suits are provided during stinger season (November to May)
  • You can bring your own lunch

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users
 

What To Bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle

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

Will Providence V sail for the whole journey?

Providence V uses her sails whenever the wind and weather allow, but sailing for every part of the journey cannot be guaranteed. The engine may assist so the boat can complete the Whitehaven, Hill Inlet and snorkelling itinerary and return on schedule. The balance between sailing and motoring depends on conditions on the day.

Do I have to snorkel, and what equipment is provided?

No. Snorkelling is optional, and you can remain on the boat if you prefer not to enter the water. Snorkelling equipment and stinger suits during stinger season are provided, but swim fins are not used or supplied to help protect the coral. Winter wetsuits can be hired from Aqua Dive and must be collected before the morning of departure.

How much walking is involved at Hill Inlet?

The Hill Inlet lookout walk is approximately 1.4 kilometres return and normally takes about 40 minutes. It is considered an easy-to-moderate walk, with an uphill section and some steps. The visit may also involve a tender transfer and walking across sand towards Betty’s Beach, so please contact us before booking if uneven ground or steps may be difficult for you.

Is the tour suitable for families with children?

Yes. This day sail is suitable for families, including those travelling with children. It is best suited to children who will be comfortable with a full nine-hour day, boat and tender transfers and the Hill Inlet walk. A parent or guardian must complete the required waiver for children.

What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?

Providence V is a larger sailing vessel, but its movement can still feel different from travelling on a ferry or fast catamaran. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking suitable motion-sickness medication about one hour before departure. The crew cannot provide this medication onboard, so please organise it beforehand and follow the product or pharmacist’s instructions.

Is there shade, indoor space and a toilet onboard?

Providence V has an environmental toilet and a saloon below deck. Most sightseeing takes place on the open deck, and the available shade changes with the position of the sails. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and a light weatherproof layer so you remain comfortable throughout the day.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

A vegetarian option is available with the catered lunch and should be requested before the catering cut-off. Other dietary requirements and food allergies cannot be reliably catered for, but you may bring your own meal in a standard lunchbox for storage in the onboard esky. Personal eskies and large food platters cannot be brought onboard.

Where exactly do I check in?

If you are making your own way, check in at 7:00am at Meeting Point B, Coral Sea Marina North, near the roundabout. Providence V departs at approximately 7:30am, so please do not go to the southern end of the marina. If you have selected a courtesy pickup, follow the pickup time and location shown in your booking confirmation.

10 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Julia

Group Traveller

The view on the whitehaven beach was amazing, also the sailing in the ocean and this deep blue water. The way back there were rough sea. The reef was not very colourful where we went snorkeling, that was a bit disappointed. Breakfast and fruit sticks very good

July 24, 2025

Davide

Couple Traveller

Fantastic day with great guides. They kept us informed about what we were doing and made everyone feel involved. Stinger suits and snorkelling gear all provided and great quality of food provided in boxes. Amazing scenery and plenty of free time on Whitehaven beach. An excellent day out – I would highly recommend.

July 17, 2025

Nathalie

Group Traveller

Great day sailing with fantastic crew. We were really looked after. Saw dolphins, turtles and lemon sharks. Great spot for snorkelling but sad to see the coral dying slowly

June 6, 2025

Gemma

Solo Traveller

The trip on the boat was wonderful, the boardwalk and swimming at whitehaven was gorgeous and the snorkeling was some of the best coral I’ve seen. Lunch was very nice and served individually, so everyone got the same amount. Also, very much appreciated the complimentary pick-up and drop off. The driver and secondary on board the boat were great, the captain a little grumpy but gave clear instructions.

May 21, 2025

Ashley

Group Traveller

Snorkelling, lookout points and the beach were amazing, really enjoyed these! The trip over was good and the ship was really nice. Crew was good but bit quiet sometimes. Overall, really enjoyed the day and would go again!

May 16, 2025
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