Whether you want a laid-back sunset sail or a full-day island adventure, our Whitsundays cruises make exploring this tropical icon effortless, scenic, and unforgettable.
Step aboard modern catamarans or high-speed jet boats with clear signage and friendly crew, ensuring a seamless start as you set off toward the Whitsunday Islands.
Choose open-air decks for warm sea breezes and panoramic island views, or relax in air-conditioned lounges with sundecks, jacuzzis, and shaded areas for comfort all day.
Cruise past Whitehaven Beach’s soft silica sands, Hill Inlet’s swirling colors, Hook and Langford Islands, and Mackerel Bay’s reefs—perspectives only possible from the water.
Expert guides share stories about the islands, reef ecology, and marine wildlife. Live narration and small-group instruction make snorkelling and wildlife spotting both safe and educational.
Enjoy tropical lunch packs, BBQ spreads, seafood buffets, morning/afternoon teas, and drinks on premium catamarans, while some cruises offer floating beach club vibes or scenic flight add-ons.
Opt for night tours with illuminated reefs, high-speed jet boat thrills, or stand-up paddleboarding and clear-bottom kayaking—tailoring your Whitsundays experience to relaxation, adventure, or both.
| Cruise type | Boat type | Inclusions | Sights covered | Boarding point(s) | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Catamaran | Large high-speed or premium catamarans | Snorkel gear & stinger suits, guided bush walks, tropical buffet or BBQ lunch, morning & afternoon tea, reef & island naturalist talks, round-trip bus transfers; scenic-flight add-on (select cruises) | Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, Hook Island bays | Port of Airlie / Airlie Beach | 7–10 hours | From AU$229 |
Sunset | Stable catamarans or open-deck sailboats | Welcome glass of sparkling wine (or soft drink), shared platters/snacks, licensed bar onboard, shaded seating, stinger suit provided | Airlie Beach coastline, Turtle Bay, Pioneer Bay | Airlie Beach / Coral Sea Marina | Approximately 2 hours | From AU$69 |
Jet ski | Twin-seater Yamaha jet skis | Riding apparel (life jacket, stinger suit, rash/thermal tops, wetsuit shorts, riding hats, polarized shades), guide, fuel, bottled water, photos uploaded after trip, round-trip transfers | Coastal bays, turtle-spotting zones, island approaches | Airlie Beach | Approximately 1.5–2.5 hours (based on ticket) | From AU$259 |
Glass-bottom boat | Shallow-draft glass-bottom boat with dual panels | Live commentary, underwater UV lights on night tours, licensed bar on board, Lions Lookout photo stop (day tours), stinger suits, courtesy bus transfers | Fringing reefs near Airlie Beach | Shute Harbour | 70–90 minutes (day) / Approximately 1 hour (night) | From AU$89 |
Snorkel | Fast boats, snorkel vessels, or catamarans | Gear, wetsuit & Lycra/stinger suits, guided instruction, marine biologist on select outer-reef departures, lunch & snacks on full-day options, floating croc pad & slide (select), round-trip transfers | Mantaray Bay, Stonehaven, Border Island, Hook Island reefs; Whitehaven on full-day | Airlie Beach / Port of Airlie | 3–4 hours (half-day), 6–9.5 hours (full-day) | From AU$209 |
Stretching for 7 km, its pure white silica sand and turquoise shallows shimmer brilliantly under the sun. From the water, the beach looks like a swirl of marble-blue patterns — a photographer’s dream.
As your boat approaches Tongue Point, watch the tide carve streaks of turquoise and white through the sand below. The swirling inlet is even more striking when sunlight hits it just right.
Renowned for its coral gardens and bright fish, this snorkel spot bursts with colour beneath the waves. From the deck, you might spot turtles gliding near the reef edge.
Rugged cliffs and secluded bays define this island. From the water, its emerald-green slopes plunge straight into cobalt seas — a stunning contrast best caught on camera.
A tiny sand spit with shallow waters and coral reefs nearby. Watch for stingrays and turtles cruising along the sandbar as the tide shifts.
The coral walls of Bait Reef and Stepping Stones rise from crystal-clear depths, teeming with marine life. The vivid blues here are unlike anywhere else — pure Great Barrier magic.
As you sail between the islands, forested peaks and hidden coves frame your view. The calm turquoise waters and shifting light create postcard moments around every bend.
This volcanic islet near Hook Island is known for its calm snorkel sites and sandy beach fringed with coral. Its dark rock contrasts beautifully with the bright, clear shallows.
As you return, the Airlie waterfront comes into view — a lively marina, palm-lined promenade, and pastel sunset skies that make the perfect ending to your day.
Most Whitsundays cruises range from 1 hour for glass-bottom tours to 9–10 hours for full-day sailing trips, depending on your chosen route and inclusions.
Yes, but popular departures—especially full-day island-hopping tours or sunset sailing trips—sell out quickly. Advance booking guarantees your preferred date and time.
Sightseeing cruises focus on reef views, islands, and snorkelling stops. Lunch cruises include meals on board, open-deck seating, and extra onboard comforts.
Absolutely. These boat trips showcase pristine beaches, coral reefs, and panoramic island views that can’t be experienced from land. Ideal for photography, snorkelling, and water activities.
Live guides provide commentary on landmarks, reefs, and local ecology. They answer questions, point out photo opportunities, and help you make the most of your journey.
On most sightseeing and sailing trips, seating is open-deck first-come-first-served. Some premium or lunch cruises offer assigned seating for convenience.
Options include full-day island-hopping cruises, half-day snorkel tours, jet ski adventures, glass-bottom boat trips, and premium sailing experiences with upgrades.
Most essentials like stinger suits, snorkelling gear, and lunch are provided. Guests should bring swimwear, sun protection, and a small dry bag for personal items.
Yes. Life jackets are provided for all ages. Some tours offer kid-friendly activities like shallow-water snorkelling or guided island walks.
Due to the nature of the islands, beaches, and semi-rigid vessels, these cruises are not wheelchair accessible. Strollers may be used on larger boats, but please be mindful of steps and uneven surfaces.
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Soar above the Whitsundays and Heart Reef on a 65-minute flight for unbeatable aerial views.
Inclusions
65-minute scenic flight
Courtesy round-trip transfers from Airlie Beach or Port of Airlie
Headsets and live in-flight commentary from the pilot
Window seats for all passengers
Access to air-conditioned lounge
Water, coffee, and tea on request
All fees and taxes
Free airport car parking
A full-day adventure on a high-speed catamaran with snorkelling, lunch, and a guided hike included.
Inclusions
Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach
Morning tea, afternoon tea, & lunch (menu here)
Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout with an expert guide
Snorkelling at Mantaray Bay & Stonehaven Bay (inner fringing reefs)
Round-trip bus transfers
Lycra suit, stinger suit, snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel only), & wetsuit (during winter months)
Ride a jet ski from Airlie Beach with expert guidance and stunning island views.
Inclusions
1.5-hour guided jet ski tour from Airlie Beach
Experienced tour guide
Live commentary
Marine wildlife sightings
All riding apparel (including life jackets, stinger suits, rash tops/thermal tops, wetsuit shorts, polarised sunglasses, riding hats, and sunscreen)
Round-trip bus transfers (within the Airlie Beach area)
Bottled water
Photos of your trip (uploaded to Facebook)
Experience the only Whitsundays cruise with a floating beach club vibe and unlimited beach-to-boat transfers.
Inclusions
Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach
Unlimited on-demand transfers between the boat & the beach
High-speed A/C “SuperCat” catamaran with sun lounges, bathrooms, & onboard bar
South Whitehaven Lookout guided walk
Buffet lunch (menu here)
Stinger suit
Guided snorkel tour at Border Island Reef (inner fringing reef) (based on selected option)
Snorkelling equipment & flotation devices (based on selected option)
Exclusions
The only high-speed Viper jet-boat tour to hit the outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach in one day.
Inclusions
9-hour guided snorkel safari at Bait Reef Lagoon & Stepping Stones
Lunch & snacks
Filtered water
Fastest boat in the Whitsundays, powered by Rolls-Royce jets
Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
Marine biologist crew
Floating croc pad & slide at South Whitehaven Beach
Snorkelling equipment, stinger suits, wetsuits, & flotation devices
Exclusions
See the reef without getting wet on a stable glass-bottom boat—day or night options available.
Inclusions Day Tour + Lions Lookout Stop
70-minute glass-bottom boat tour from Airlie Beach
Fully-shaded glass-bottom boat with a licensed bar on board
Photo stop at Lions Lookout
Expert captain & crew
Live commentary
Courtesy bus transfers (from select locations)
All safety gear, including stinger suits
Night Tour
1-hour glass-bottom boat tour from Airlie Beach
Fully-shaded glass-bottom boat with a licensed bar on board and underwater UV lights
Expert captain & crew
Live commentary
Courtesy bus transfers (from select locations)
All safety gear, including stinger suits
Exclusions
Sail the Whitsundays aboard the largest catamaran in the region, combining space, comfort, and island views.
Inclusions
Sailing adventure through the Whitsundays to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
Morning & afternoon tea
BBQ lunch with soft drinks & water
Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
Snorkelling at Mackerel Bay (inner fringing reef)
Snorkelling equipment & stinger suits
Beer & wine (from 11am)
Beach activities
Social sunset cruise on a stable, purpose-built catamaran—island views and a welcome glass of sparkling wine included.
Inclusions Sundowner Cruise
2-hour Sundowner sunset cruise from Airlie Beach
Snacks & quick bites
A glass of sparkling wine/soft drink on arrival
48-seater shaded catamaran with a fully licensed bar
Stinger suit
Turtle spotting
Sundowner Cruise + Wine & Dine
2-hour Sundowner sunset cruise from Airlie Beach
Dinner at Sorrento Restaurant and Bar with reserved seating (menu here)
A cocktail of your choice
2-course meal (choose either entree & main, or main & dessert)
Snacks & quick bites
A glass of sparkling wine/soft drink on arrival
48-seater shaded catamaran with a fully licensed bar
Stinger suit
Turtle spotting
Exclusions
The only tour with direct access to Hill Inlet beaches in Whitehaven, with your choice of more snorkelling or more beach time.
Inclusions
Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach
Guided National Park walk
Snorkelling at Border Island (inner fringing reef) with personalised instruction (Southern Lights tour)
Snorkelling at Mantaray Bay and Maureens Cove (inner fringing reefs) with personalised instruction (Northern Exposure tour)
Reef and island naturalist talks by expert guides
Round-trip bus transfers
Stinger suit, snorkelling equipment & flotation devices
60-minute reef and island scenic flight with guaranteed window seats (based on selected option)
Tropical lunch pack (based on selected option)
Exclusions
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (additional cost)
Snacks (additional cost)
Enjoy an award-winning Whitsundays sailing adventure with snorkelling, banana boat rides, and a fresh lunch.
Inclusions
Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach
Snorkelling at Langford Reef (inner fringing reef)
Banana boat ride
Lunch and snacks (menu here)
Lycra suit, stinger suit (during summer months), & wetsuit (during winter months) for hire
Snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel only)
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
