Whitsundays snorkeling




































































More things to do near Whitsundays

What to expect on a Whitsundays catamaran tour

Group enjoying a meal on a boat during Thundercat Whitsundays Full Day Tour, with clear blue water and islands in the background.
Tourists on a lookout deck viewing Whitehaven Beach's turquoise waters and sandbars, Whitsundays.
Plates of assorted food served on the Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure tour.
Snorkelers swimming with fish in the Whitsundays during Fly + Raft Package tour.
Paddleboarding on clear blue waters during Tongarra Sail Day Tour.
Sailing group enjoying sunset on Camira catamaran, Airlie Beach.
1/6

Smooth boarding & setting sail

Step aboard your Whitsundays catamaran tour from Airlie Beach and settle in on spacious decks or shaded lounges. Feel the sea breeze as your adventure begins across the turquoise Coral Sea.

Explore Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

Cruise to Whitehaven Beach and soak in the view from Hill Inlet Lookout. Guided bush walks, soft silica sands, and crystal-clear waters make this a must-see highlight of any Whitsundays catamaran tour.

Onboard comfort & gourmet meals

Depending on your chosen cruise, enjoy a chef-prepared BBQ or buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and complimentary soft drinks. Premium Camira Whitsundays cruises offer sun lounges, a jacuzzi, and onboard bars for ultimate relaxation.

Snorkelling & aquatic adventures

Dive into vibrant fringing reefs at Mantaray Bay, Stonehaven Bay, or Hook Island Reef. Some cruises include stand-up paddleboarding, clear-bottom kayaking, or even banana boat rides — perfect for both adventure seekers and casual explorers.

Fun & adventure-packed sailing

Take part in eco-certified sailing trips with exciting water activities, beach games, and reef exploration. From banana boat rides to guided snorkelling sessions, each Whitsundays catamaran tour is packed with memorable experiences

A scenic return

As the catamaran sails back to Airlie Beach, enjoy fresh perspectives of islands and reefs. Capture golden-hour photos, relax on deck, and soak in the last glimpses of the Whitsundays’ stunning natural beauty.

Things to know before booking a Whitsundays catamaran tour

  • Your booking strategy: Whitsundays catamaran tours are very popular, especially during peak season (June–September). Booking online in advance ensures your preferred cruise and seating. Last-minute walk-ups may be available but can sell out quickly.
  • Tour duration & pace: All tours are full-day adventures, typically lasting 6–8 hours. This includes sailing, snorkelling, beach visits, meals, and opportunities to relax or join water activities.
  • Meals & refreshments: All full-day cruises include lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and soft drinks. Premium Camira Whitsundays cruises include beer and wine. Special dietary requirements can usually be accommodated if notified in advance.
  • Water activities & gear: Snorkelling gear, stinger suits, and seasonal wetsuits are included on snorkelling-focused catamaran tours (Sail and Snorkel Tour). Selected premium tours (Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel) offer stand-up paddleboards and clear-bottom kayaks, while adventure-style cruises include banana boat rides. Swimming is optional on most tours.
  • Boarding & departure: Tours depart from Airlie Beach. Arrive 15–30 minutes early for check-in. Round-trip transfers from local accommodations are included on selected tours. For more information, check out the Boarding points page.
  • Accessibility: Most catamarans have shaded lounges and open decks, and some vessels feature ramps for boarding. However, water activities, snorkelling, and beach visits (including Whitehaven Beach) are not suitable for wheelchair users. Please check with the operator before booking to confirm any specific accessibility needs.
  • Weather notes: Catamaran cruises operate year-round, but itineraries may change due to rough seas, strong winds, or tropical weather. Most operators will reschedule or offer a refund if a tour is cancelled due to unsafe conditions.

Find your best Whitsundays catamaran tour match here

CruiseBoarding pointBoat typeTimings & durationInclusionsPrice

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise with Hill Inlet Tour and Buffet Lunch

Airlie Beach

High-speed catamaran

9am–5pm (8 hours)

Morning & afternoon tea, lunch, guided Hill Inlet walk, snorkelling with gear, stinger suit, lycra suit, return transfers

From AU$230

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Premium Cruise with Lunch & Activity Upgrades

Coral Sea Marina

High-speed catamaran (“SuperCat”)

9am–5pm (8 hours)

Beach–boat transfers, sun lounges, onboard bar, buffet lunch, stinger suit, South Whitehaven Lookout walk, optional guided snorkelling with gear

From AU$229

From Airlie Beach: Camira Sailing Adventure with BBQ Lunch

Airlie Beach

Large sailing catamaran (Camira Whitsundays)

8:15am–5:45pm (9.5 hours)

Morning & afternoon tea, BBQ lunch with soft drinks, Hill Inlet Lookout walk, reef snorkelling with gear, beach activities, beer & wine from 11am

From AU$249

Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel Premium Cruise with Lunch

Airlie Beach

Eco-certified sailing catamaran

9am–3pm (6 hours)

Morning tea, lunch, tea & coffee, A/C lounge, sundeck & jacuzzi, shaded lower deck, audio system, snorkelling with gear, stinger suit, noodles, paddleboards & clear kayaks

From AU$230

From Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Sail and Snorkel Tour with Lunch

Airlie Beach

Tongarra sailing catamaran

10am–6:30pm (8.5 hours)

Reef snorkelling with mask & snorkel, banana boat ride, lunch, snacks, lycra suit, stinger suit (summer), wetsuit hire (winter).

From AU$199

From Airlie Beach: Sundowner Whitsunday Cruise with Sparkling Wine

Airlie Beach

48-seater shaded catamaran

4:45pm–6:45pm (2 hours)

Snacks & quick bites, a glass of sparkling wine/soft drink, fully licensed bar, stinger suit, turtle spotting

From AU$69

Your Whitsundays catamaran tour boarding points

What you'll see on a Whitsundays catamaran tour

Tourists relaxing on Whitehaven Beach with turquoise water and distant hills.

Whitehaven Beach

Renowned for its swirling white silica sands and turquoise waters, this iconic beach is a highlight of every Whitsundays catamaran tour. Step ashore for a stroll or a swim in paradise.

Visitors enjoying the view at Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitsundays, with turquoise waters and lush greenery.
Snorkelers exploring coral reef in clear waters, Whitsundays Fly + Raft Package.
Langford Island sandbar surrounded by turquoise waters, Whitsundays, Australia.
Rafting boats and seaplane over turquoise waters near Whitsundays beach.

Plan your Whitsundays catamaran tour

Frequently asked questions about Whitsundays catamaran tours

All Whitsundays catamaran tours are full-day experiences, typically running between 7am and 5pm. This includes sailing, snorkelling, beach visits, meals, and guided activities.

More Reads