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Airlie Beach scenic flight & Whitsundays cruise

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Passengers view Whitsundays from plane window during scenic flight.
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More things to do near Whitsundays

Great Barrier Reef Tours

Kuranda Scenic Train and Skyrail

Cairns Aquarium

Daintree National Park Tours

What to expect on your Airlie Beach scenic flight adventure

Aerial view of Whitsundays with scenic flight over turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Aerial view of Whitsundays with scenic flight over turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Aerial view of Whitsundays with scenic flight over turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Aerial view of Whitsundays with scenic flight over turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
Aerial view of Whitsundays with scenic flight over turquoise waters and white sand beaches.
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Take off over the Whitsundays

Lift off on your Airlie Beach scenic flight and glide above the turquoise maze of islands, swirling sands, and bright reef lagoons. Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet unfold beneath you, all from your guaranteed window seat.

Soak in iconic Whitehaven views

Get the best of both worlds as you touch down and head to Whitehaven Beach. Wander its silica sands, swim in clear shallows, and enjoy that Instagram-worthy stretch you just admired from the sky.

Hill Inlet from sky to summit

See Hill Inlet’s famous swirls twice, once from the air, then again from the lookout on a guided National Park bushwalk. Your photos will look like two different worlds, both equally stunning.

Snorkel the fringing reefs

Jump in at vibrant inner reefs like Border Island, Mantaray Bay, or Maureens Cove (depending on your variant). Guided snorkelling makes it easy for beginners while still delivering colourful coral and marine life for seasoned swimmers.

Cruise back through island waters

Relax on board with sea breezes, expert commentary, and soft ocean views as you cruise back to Airlie Beach. It's the perfect wind-down after a day of flying, snorkelling, walking, and exploring.

Things to know before booking your Airlie Beach scenic flight & Whitsundays cruise

  • Your booking strategy: The Airlie Beach scenic flight is an optional upgrade to the standard cruise, and it’s the most limited part of the experience. With small aircraft and all-window seating, flight variants sell out quickest, so book early if the aerial views are your priority.
  • Flight comes first (for upgraded tickets): If you choose the scenic flight variant, your day begins with a 60-minute aerial tour over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Whitsunday Islands. Starting with the flight gives you the best visibility before joining the cruise.
  • Flight conditions & visibility: The scenic flight depends on weather, especially cloud cover over reef formations. If visibility isn’t suitable, operators may delay or reschedule the flight. Booking early in your stay helps if plans need adjusting.
  • Cruise pace & variant differences: Once your flight lands, you’ll join the full-day cruise departing from Coral Sea Marina. Northern variants include more reef time with two snorkel stops, while Southern variants offer extra time relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. All flight-inclusive options follow the same sequence: scenic flight → Whitehaven Beach → Hill Inlet → snorkelling.
  • Snorkelling & comfort considerations: All variants include snorkelling equipment, stinger suits, and flotation gear. Flight-inclusive variants also include a tropical picnic lunch, adding a relaxed, premium touch to your beach time.
  • Boarding & departure: All tours operate from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, with round-trip hotel transfers included. Arrive 15–20 minutes early to allow a smooth check-in for both the flight and cruise.
  • Weather planning: Weather affects flights more than cruises. If conditions are unsuitable for flying, you’ll be offered alternative timings or a reschedule. Refunds or adjustments are usually available if the flight cannot operate.
  • Accessibility considerations: The scenic flight requires boarding a small aircraft via steps, and the cruise includes beach landings, snorkelling, and a walk to Hill Inlet. These parts of the tour are not wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should check suitability before booking.

Your Airlie Beach scenic flight at a glance

  • Boarding point: Shute Harbour (courtesy bus transfers available from select Airlie Beach locations).
  • Aircraft type: High-wing scenic aircraft with guaranteed window seating and live pilot commentary.
  • Inclusions: Courtesy transfers, 60-minute scenic flight, picnic lunch (flight-inclusive variants), full-day cruise, Whitehaven Beach visit, Hill Inlet Lookout guided walk, snorkelling at Border Island / Mantaray Bay / Maureens Cove (variant dependent), snorkel equipment, flotation devices & stinger suits, reef & island naturalist talks, national park fees, onboard refreshments.
  • Price: AU$535
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Your Airlie Beach scenic flight boarding point

Address: 1-3 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia | Find on map

Getting there:

  • By public transport: Whitsunday Transit buses run frequently between Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, Jubilee Pocket, and stops near Coral Sea Marina. From the nearest bus stop, it’s a short walk to the marina’s northern and southern departure zones.
  • By car/taxi: Coral Sea Marina is a quick 5–7 minute drive from central Airlie Beach. Taxis and rideshares are readily available. Paid parking is available at the marina’s designated parking areas, with both short-stay and day-rate options.

Famous for: Scenic marina beside the resort precinct, great for sailing adventures and sunset departures.

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What you’ll see on your Airlie Beach scenic flight & Whitsundays cruise

Aerial view of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Heart Reef

An unforgettable aerial moment. This naturally heart-shaped coral formation is best seen from above, glowing in shades of turquoise and royal blue.

Aerial view of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Aerial view of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Aerial view of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Aerial view of Heart Reef in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Plan your Airlie Beach scenic flight & Whitsundays cruise

Scenic flight timings:

  • North Whitehaven Scenic Flight + Cruise: 7:00 am – 2:45 pm
  • South Whitehaven Scenic Flight + Cruise: 8:15 am – 3:45 pm
  • Each flight lasts approximately 60 minutes, followed by your full-day Whitehaven Beach & snorkel cruise from Coral Sea Marina.

Best time of the day:

  • Scenic flights operate in the early morning, the ideal window for calm air, clear visibility, and the most vibrant aerial colours over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the Whitsunday Islands.
  • Morning light enhances sand swirls, reef patterns, and lagoon contrasts, perfect for photography.

Best season/month:

  • May–June & September–October: Clear skies, low humidity, and excellent visibility make these the best months for scenic flights.
  • December–February (Summer): Bright reef colours and warm seas; occasional tropical weather may affect visibility.
  • June–August (Winter): Cooler air but typically stable flying conditions and uncrowded beaches — great for travellers who prefer milder temperatures.

On the scenic flight:

  • Spacious fixed-wing aircraft with all-window seating.
  • Live pilot commentary and inflight headsets.
  • Air-conditioned cabin for comfort.
  • Secure storage for small bags.

On the cruise (post-flight):

  • High-speed semi-rigid vessels designed as rescue craft, offering a fun, stable ride powered by 500hp engines.
  • 70% shaded seating for comfort during tropical conditions.
  • Small-group capacity (25–32 guests) for a more personalised, uncrowded experience.
  • Open, easy-to-move layout that makes beach landings and snorkel entry simple and quick.
  • Dry storage areas for small personal belongings and essentials.
  • Professional crew onboard, including trained skippers and snorkel guides to support all experience levels.
  • Scenic flights require guests to be able to board small aircraft with assistance; wheelchairs cannot be taken aboard fixed-wing planes.
  • Beach landings, snorkelling, and National Park walks (including Hill Inlet) are not wheelchair accessible.
  • Cruise vessels offer stable decks but may have limited ramp access; restroom access varies depending on vessel size.
  • Elderly or mobility-restricted guests should notify the operator in advance so staff can assist during boarding and transfers.
  • Camera readiness: Keep your phone or camera easily accessible during the flight. Heart Reef, Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven come into view quickly, and you won’t want to miss the shot.
  • Window care: Bring a small microfiber cloth to keep your window clear; humidity can cause light fogging that affects photos.
  • Headset comfort: Adjust your inflight headset before take-off so you can clearly hear the pilot’s commentary during key moments like the Heart Reef pass.
  • Photo settings: Use burst mode or wide-angle mode when the aircraft banks. This helps capture smooth, stable shots of swirling sands and reefs.
  • Layering: Aircraft cabins are air-conditioned, so bring a light layer to stay comfortable during the flight.
  • Bag access: Store your small bag securely under the seat; space is compact, and having hands free helps when switching sides for photos during turns.

Frequently asked questions about Airlie Beach scenic flights & Whitsundays cruises

How far in advance should I book an Airlie Beach scenic flight?

Scenic flights often sell out days ahead, especially for morning departures. Booking early secures your preferred time and ensures availability for the cruise component.

Are Airlie Beach scenic flight tours suitable for first-time flyers?

Yes. These fixed-wing aircraft provide a smooth, low-altitude flight with live pilot commentary, making them ideal for guests who haven’t flown in small planes before.

Can I upgrade to the scenic flight if I originally booked only the cruise?

Upgrades depend on aircraft availability on the day. It’s best to check with the operator before departure, as flights have limited seats.

What happens if the weather affects the flight or cruise?

If conditions aren’t safe for flying or cruising, the operator may adjust the schedule, offer an alternative time, or provide a refund or reschedule option.

Do I need to bring ID for check-in?

A government-issued ID is recommended for check-in, especially for flight manifests and weight distribution requirements.

Is there a weight limit for the scenic flight?

Yes. Passenger weights are required at booking, and limits may apply to ensure aircraft safety and balance. Guests may also be weighed before boarding.

Can I join the tour if I’m not a confident swimmer?

Absolutely. The cruise offers beaches, viewpoints, and guided walks. Snorkelling is optional, and flotation devices are available for guests who want added support.

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