Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Cruise | Itinerary & Inclusions

The Great Barrier Reef lies just off the Whitsundays’ coast — one of the closest mainland gateways to this natural wonder. From Airlie Beach, you can cruise straight to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and turquoise waters await. Read on to find out what’s included, where you’ll go, and why this Whitsundays reef tour is one of the region’s most unforgettable adventures.

Here's what's included on a Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise

Snorkel safari at the Outer Reef

Explore Bait Reef Lagoon and Stepping Stones with marine biologists guiding you through colourful coral gardens and tropical marine life.

Lunch & snacks included

Refuel between adventures with a fresh, satisfying lunch and tasty snacks served onboard.

High-speed jet boat ride

Zip across the Whitsundays on the region’s fastest vessel, powered by twin Rolls-Royce jets for a thrilling yet smooth ride.

Hill Inlet Lookout walk

Take a guided bushwalk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout and capture sweeping views of Whitehaven Beach’s swirling sands.

Floating fun zone

Unwind at South Whitehaven Beach with the floating croc pad and slide — perfect for a splash and a laugh.

Snorkelling gear & safety equipment

Enjoy peace of mind with quality gear, stinger suits, wetsuits, and flotation devices all included.

Expert marine biologist crew

Learn fascinating reef facts and insights from onboard marine biologists who know the Great Barrier Reef inside out.

Visit the Great Barrier Reef page for more experiences!

Things to know before booking your Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise

Peak time slots to book: This 9-hour adventure starts at 8 am, making early mornings ideal to enjoy calmer waters, cooler temperatures, and a full day at the reef and Whitehaven Beach. Weekends and peak season (June–October) fill quickly, so early booking is recommended.
Your ticket covers the full-day cruise: The price includes a high-speed jet boat ride, guided snorkel safari, lunch and snacks, access to snorkeling and safety gear, the Hill Inlet Lookout walk, and fun extras at South Whitehaven Beach like the floating croc pad and slide.
Snorkelling and marine activities: Snorkelling at Bait Reef Lagoon and Stepping Stones is included, with marine biologists on hand to guide and ensure safety. Wetsuits, stinger suits, and flotation devices are provided, making it suitable for all experience levels.
Boarding point: All departures are from Airlie Beach, with check-in instructions provided upon booking. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure smooth boarding.
Weather considerations: The cruise operates in a range of conditions. Extreme weather, cyclones, or rough seas may result in cancellations or rescheduling. Guests are advised to check local conditions before departure.
What to bring: Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a camera or phone in a waterproof case are recommended. Comfortable shoes are suggested for the Hill Inlet Lookout walk.
Accessibility: The boat is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests to enjoy the cruise itself. Please note that activities like the lookout walk, snorkeling, and the floating fun zone at Whitehaven Beach are not wheelchair accessible.

Your Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise itinerary

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Boarding at Port of Airlie

Start your adventure at 8am with check-in at Port of Airlie. Step aboard the Whitsundays’ fastest jet boat, settle in, and enjoy a thrilling ride across turquoise waters toward the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef

Feel the excitement as your high-speed jet boat glides past the Whitsunday Islands. Look out for dolphins or flying fish along the way, while the crew shares fascinating insights about the reef and local marine life.

Snorkelling at Bait Reef Lagoon

Dive into vibrant coral gardens at Bait Reef Lagoon, home to colourful fish, soft corals, and maybe even sea turtles. Snorkel alongside marine biologists who guide you to the reef’s hidden nooks and share insights about the unique ecosystem.

Stepping Stones Reef adventure

Explore the shallow, crystal-clear waters of Stepping Stones, perfect for spotting clownfish, parrotfish, and delicate coral formations. This calm reef is ideal for photography and leisurely snorkelling while learning fun reef facts from the crew.

Hill Inlet Lookout walk

Take a guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout and enjoy sweeping views of the Whitsundays’ iconic swirling white sands and turquoise waters. From this vantage point, see the northern tip of Whitehaven Beach blending seamlessly into the Coral Sea, and watch the tide create the famous sand patterns below.

South Whitehaven Beach fun

Arrive at South Whitehaven Beach for lunch and snacks while soaking in pristine white sands and turquoise waters. After eating, enjoy the floating croc pad and slide — a unique, inflatable playground on the water that’s perfect for a splash and some playful fun for all ages.

Return to Airlie Beach

Hop back on the jet boat for a scenic cruise to Airlie Beach. Reflect on a day packed with reef adventures, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable views, arriving back at port around 5 pm.

More things to do at the Great Barrier Reef

Scenic flight over Whitsundays with passengers enjoying aerial views of turquoise waters.

Scenic flights over the reef

See the reef from above on a seaplane or helicopter, capturing sweeping views of islands, coral formations, and turquoise waters.

Glass bottom boat view of coral reefs in Whitsundays.

Tourists snorkeling with ocellated eagle rays in clear blue water.

Frequently asked questions about Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruises

How do I get to the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise departure point?

All departures leave from Airlie Beach. It’s easy to reach by car or shuttle from nearby towns, and check-in instructions are emailed with your booking.

Can I take photos or videos on the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Yes! Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture reef life, marine animals, and the stunning island scenery. Crew members can also help with tips for great shots.

What should I wear on a Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Light swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are recommended. Comfortable shoes are suggested for the Hill Inlet Lookout walk, and stinger suits are provided for snorkelling.

Are children allowed on the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Yes, the cruise is family-friendly. Children can snorkel with supervision and enjoy the floating croc pad and slide at South Whitehaven Beach.

Is the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise suitable for beginners at snorkeling?

Absolutely. The crew includes marine biologists who provide guidance and safety instructions. Wetsuits, stinger suits, and flotation devices are supplied to make the experience safe and enjoyable.

Can I buy food or drinks onboard the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Lunch, snacks, and filtered water are included. Guests can bring extra drinks or snacks if they wish, but alcohol is generally not served onboard.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef cruise?

Look out for tropical fish, colorful corals, sea turtles, and occasionally dolphins near the islands. Birdlife and reef creatures add to the rich marine ecosystem you’ll experience on the cruise.