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Whitsundays glass-bottom boat tour

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Glass bottom boat cruising near Airlie Beach with scenic island views.
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More things to do near Whitsundays

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What to expect on your glass-bottom boat Whitsundays adventure

People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.
People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.
People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.
Lookout with binoculars overlooking ocean at Rottnest Island.
People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.
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Easy boarding & breezy views

Hop onto your fully shaded glass-bottom boat in Airlie Beach and settle in as the crew welcomes you aboard. Glide across calm Whitsundays waters with stunning coastal views from the moment you depart.

Crystal-clear reef viewing

Look straight through the glass panels to see coral gardens, fish, rays, and maybe even a curious turtle cruising by. No snorkel needed.

Guided reef storytelling

Hear fun, expert commentary that brings the reef to life. Learn how coral grows, how marine species interact, and what makes this part of the Great Barrier Reef so special.

Lions Lookout photo stop (day tour)

Enjoy a scenic stop at Lions Lookout, where you’ll capture sweeping panoramas of Airlie Beach and the turquoise Whitsunday Islands.

UV-lit reef magic (night tour)

Choose the night upgrade to see the reef transform after dark. Underwater UV lights reveal glowing corals and nocturnal marine life you’d never spot during the day.

Things to know before booking your glass-bottom boat Whitsundays tour

  • Your booking strategy: Glass-bottom boat Whitsundays tours are especially popular with families, non-swimmers, and travellers short on time. Daytime departures fill quickly during school holidays and winter peak season (June–September), while night tours have limited seats. Booking online in advance is the safest way to secure your preferred time.
  • Tour duration & pace: These tours are short, relaxed, and ideal for anyone wanting a simple, low-effort way to see the reef. Expect around 1 hour on the water with enough time to enjoy the views, learn about the reef, and spot wildlife without committing to a full-day excursion.
  • Comfort on board: The vessel is fully shaded with comfortable seating and a stable ride, making it a great choice for guests who prefer to stay dry or are prone to seasickness. A small licensed bar is usually available on board, offering drinks you can enjoy while cruising.
  • What you’ll see: The experience focuses on viewing coral formations, tropical fish, rays, and turtles directly through the boat’s large glass panels. Day tours offer brighter visibility, while the night tour reveals nocturnal marine life under UV lighting, both offering unique perspectives of the reef.
  • Boarding & departure: Tours depart from Shute Harbour with courtesy bus transfers available from select accommodations. Plan to arrive 15–20 minutes early for a smooth check-in and to find the best viewing spot on the glass panels.
  • Accessibility notes: The tour is suitable for most ages and mobility levels since you stay on the boat for the entire experience. However, boarding involves stepping onto the vessel from the jetty, and assistance may be required. If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s best to confirm with the operator before booking.
  • Weather considerations: Tours operate year-round, but visibility can vary with tides, cloud cover, and wind conditions. In cases of rough seas or unsafe weather, operators will typically reschedule the tour or offer an alternative.

Your glass-bottom boat Whitsundays tour at a glance

• Boarding point: Shute Harbour (courtesy bus transfers available from select locations)
• Boat type: Fully shaded, stable glass-bottom boat with large viewing panels, licensed bar, and UV lights on night tours
• Timings & duration: Day tour (70 mins, departures vary daily between 8:00 am–4pm); Night tour (1 hour, departures vary daily between 6:30 pm–7pm)
• Inclusions: Reef viewing, live commentary, stinger suits, safety gear, courtesy transfers; Lions Lookout stop (day tour); UV lighting (night tour)
• Price: AU$89 (day tour) / AU$99 (night tour)

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Your Whitsundays glass-bottom boat tour boarding point

Address: Lot 296 Whitsunday Dr, Shute Harbour QLD 4802, Australia | Find on map

Getting there:

  • By public transport: Whitsunday Transit buses run every 15–30 minutes on weekdays between Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, and directly to the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal.
  • By car/taxi: Shute Harbour is about a 10–12 minute drive from Airlie Beach. Paid parking is available at the marina terminal.

Famous for: A scenic, rainforest-backed marina offering calm waters and panoramic views.

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What you'll see on a Whitsundays glass-bottom boat tour

People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.

Coral gardens

Colourful coral formations visible right beneath your feet through the boat’s glass viewing panels.

People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.
People observing marine life through glass floor on Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat tour.
Blue-spotted stingray swimming over coral reef in clear ocean water.
Blue-spotted stingray swimming over coral reef in clear ocean water.

Plan your Whitsundays glass-bottom boat tour

General glass-bottom boat timings:

  • Day tour: 70-minute cruises, with departure times varying daily between 8am and 4pm.
  • Night tour: 1-hour cruises, with departures varying daily between 6:30 pm and 7pm.
  • Tours operate multiple times per day in peak season; limited departures during quieter months

Best time of the day:

  • Day tours offer the clearest visibility, as sunlight enhances colours and detail in the coral gardens.
  • Night tours are perfect for those curious about the nocturnal side of the reef, with UV lights revealing fluorescent corals and hidden sea life.
  • Morning departures generally mean calmer seas, while late-afternoon cruises glow with warm sunset light.

Best season/month:

  • May–October: Ideal conditions with cooler temperatures (20–26°C), calmer seas, and reliable visibility for reef viewing.
  • November–April: Warmer weather (26–31°C) and more tropical humidity; marine stinger season is active, but stinger suits are provided.
  • School holidays and winter months are the busiest. Book early if you want prime viewing seats.
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  • Comfortable, fully shaded seating designed for stable reef viewing.
  • Large glass-bottom panels offering clear views of coral and marine life.
  • Licensed bar onboard the vessel for drinks during your cruise
    Onboard restroom for guest convenience.
  • All essential safety gear, including stinger suits and life jackets
    UV lighting system on night tours to highlight fluorescent reef features.
  • Pier-side facilities at Shute Harbour: restrooms, seating areas, and check-in desks for a smooth boarding process.
  • Space for bags and small personal items (though storage is limited).
  • Tours are suitable for most ages and mobility levels since you remain on the vessel for the entire experience.
  • Boarding involves stepping onto the boat from the jetty. The crew can assist if needed.
  • Restrooms are available, but space may be limited for wheelchairs or walkers.
  • Great option for guests who may not be comfortable swimming, snorkelling, or doing beach landings.
  • Guests with mobility concerns should contact the operator in advance to discuss boarding assistance.
  • Best viewing spots: Choose seats closest to the glass panels for uninterrupted reef viewing. Arrive early for the best positions.
  • Photography: Turn off flash when shooting through the glass to avoid reflections; polarised lenses help reduce glare.
  • Night tour advantages: UV lights reveal fluorescent coral colours and nocturnal marine life like shrimp, crabs, and sleeping fish.
  • Comfort tips: Bring a light jacket. Breezes can feel cool on evening cruises.
  • Seasickness: The boat is stable, but sitting near the centre helps minimise motion.
  • Sun safety: Even though the boat is fully shaded, wearing sunscreen and a hat is still recommended for time at the terminal.
  • Marine life spotting: Keep your eyes on sandy patches. Turtles and rays often glide through these areas.
  • Arrive early: Boarding is quick, but arriving 15–20 minutes before departure ensures relaxed seating and better viewing positions

Frequently asked questions about Whitsundays glass-bottom boat tours

Is the glass bottom boat Whitsundays tour suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes. This tour is designed specifically for guests who want to see the reef without getting in the water. You stay on the vessel the entire time, making it ideal for non-swimmers, families, and guests who prefer a relaxed reef experience.

What will I see on the glass bottom boat Whitsundays tour?

Expect to spot colourful corals, reef fish, rays, and sometimes turtles. Day tours offer the clearest visibility, while night tours reveal fluorescent coral and nocturnal marine creatures under UV lights.

Do I need to bring anything for the tour?

Bring sun protection, a light jacket (especially for night tours), and your camera. All safety gear including stinger suits is provided, and there’s a licensed bar onboard for drinks.

Are seats assigned on the glass bottom boat?

Seating is open, so arriving early is the best way to secure a preferred viewing position near the glass panels or shaded areas.

Is the tour child-friendly?

Absolutely. Children love the underwater viewing windows, and the stable, shallow-water cruising route makes the experience safe and enjoyable. Infants can join, but prams may need to be folded during boarding.

Will the tour run in bad weather?

Tours generally operate in light rain, but departures may be cancelled during strong winds or unsafe sea conditions. If this happens, guests are usually offered a reschedule or a refund.

Can I bring food or drinks onboard?

You’re welcome to bring water and small snacks, but outside alcohol is not permitted. A licensed bar is available onboard for drinks during the cruise.

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