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If you want to experience Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and two reef snorkels in one full day, this tour brings the Whitsundays’ biggest moments together. Travel quickly between the islands aboard a purpose-built catamaran, step onto brilliant white silica sand and swap the lookout view for a close-up of coral gardens and tropical fish beneath the surface.
From Coral Sea Marina, the fast island crossing opens up sweeping views across the Whitsundays before you arrive at Tongue Bay. Follow your guide through coastal forest to the Hill Inlet lookouts, where turquoise water winds through shifting white sand below, then make the most of around 1.5 to 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach to swim, wander the shoreline or simply slow down on the sand.
The day also includes two snorkelling stops on the fringing Great Barrier Reef. Your crew chooses the locations to suit the conditions, giving you two opportunities to slip into clear water among colourful coral, tropical fish and the marine life that moves through these sheltered bays. A mask and snorkel are included, together with a lycra suit or winter wetsuit, and the crew provides a briefing before you enter the water.
Morning tea, a fresh buffet lunch, afternoon fruit and transfers from selected local accommodation are all included. Departing at around 9am and returning at approximately 5pm, the day feels full without asking you to choose between Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet view or meaningful time on the reef.
Lazlo and Kurt were the SWEETEST guys and they were bursting with energy and knowledge. We stopped at 2 snorkel sights (one where the fish have no sense of personal space so they were REALLY close!), stopped for lunch in the middle of the ocean, then headed to Whitsundays island where Lazlo took us to the lookouts. We then had a couple of hours to explore the island before heading back to land. What an amazing day!
it was perfect, we had a really great time and the guides were very cool + the music was very cool also (good playlist, you should put it on Spotify ahah)
Return hotel transfers are included from selected Airlie Beach locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.
Check availability to see starting times.
Know before you go
Not suitable for
No previous snorkelling experience is required, but the activity takes place in open water and requires a reasonable level of fitness. You should be comfortable in and around the water, able to climb the boat ladder and able to follow the crew’s instructions. Snorkelling is optional, so you may remain on board during the reef stops.
The itinerary normally allows around 1.5 to 2 hours for the Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet part of the day. This includes the guided lookout walk and time to swim, explore the shoreline or relax on the sand. The exact order and time split may change with the tides and conditions.
Queensland Parks describes the Hill Inlet lookout walk as an easy-to-moderate 1.4-kilometre return walk, with around 40 minutes recommended. It includes an uphill section and some steps. You should also be comfortable boarding the boat by ladder and moving between the vessel and the shore.
The purpose-built catamaran is designed for speed and stability and generally rolls less than a traditional monohull, making it one of the steadier fast-boat options. It still travels through open water, so guests who are prone to motion sickness should use their usual preventative measure before boarding.
A snorkelling mask and snorkel are included, together with a lycra stinger suit or a wetsuit during the cooler months. Fins and prescription masks are not provided. If you need a prescription mask, bring your own or arrange one before departure.
The standard menu includes a selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free items, but individually tailored dietary requirements cannot be catered for. If the menu does not suit your needs, you may bring your own food or snacks and store them in the onboard esky.
Yes. Children aged two and over can join, and the combination of beach time, a short scenic walk and optional snorkelling gives families several ways to enjoy the day. It is best suited to active families whose children are comfortable with a full eight-hour boat trip. Parents and guardians remain responsible for supervision throughout the experience.
My son enjoyed the snorkeling, my wife enjoyed White Haven beach and the view point (so did I – magnificent).
It was a well organised, fun and safe day out with excellent guides who brought good energy throughout. Lunch was buffet-style and delicious with enough goo to go around. It was a busy and engaging day with enough time to rest between snorkel stops while on the boat! Thanks to Jade, Jared and Mark
Great activities and great guides. Shannon and Zack were both lovely 🙂 Shame for the weather during the hiking, so keep on eye on the forecast the day before Snorkelling was unbelievable, the reef is breathtaking and we managed to see a turtle and PLENTY of whales during the boat trip
It was just amazing!! So many experiences and emotions all in one day, snorkelling at the reef, seeing the animals in their natural habitat, getting to see numerous whales on the way! Then what to say about Whiteheaven… just like paradise. The organisation was great and also the guides Thank you for those incredible memories!
The activity has been simply perfect. Guides were amazing and we have seen incredible spots we could never reach alone. Absolutely amazing, really recommended.
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