Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour

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Whitehaven Beach aerial view, turquoise waters and white sands, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef.





























































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What to expect on Your Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour

Coral Sea Marina with yachts and boats, surrounded by lush hills in Airlie Beach, Australia.
Tourists on Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, with a boat anchored near the shore.
Visitors enjoying the view at Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitsundays, with turquoise waters and lush greenery.
Snorkelers exploring coral reef in Whitsundays, Australia.
Tourists sunbathing on a sailboat deck in the Whitsundays.
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Arrive, board & cruise out of Airlie Beach

Step aboard your Whitsundays cruise to Whitehaven Beach and get comfortable on spacious the spacious decks. Enjoy smooth boarding, shaded lounges, and those first turquoise-water views as you set off across the Coral Sea.

Check out Whitehaven Beach’s famous silica sand

Glide into the heart of the Whitsundays and step onto Whitehaven’s pure white silica shoreline. Wander, swim, sunbathe, or simply take in the unreal colours that make this beach one of the world’s best.

Walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout

Follow your guide through lush national park trails to the Hill Inlet Lookout. Watch swirling aqua and white sand patterns merge below you, a signature Whitsundays moment you’ll want your camera ready for.

Snorkel vibrant fringing reefs

Dive into calm, coral-filled bays around the Whitsunday Islands. With gear, guidance, and warm waters, this is one of the best spots for Whitsundays snorkelling, ideal for beginners and ocean lovers alike.

Relax with lunch, beach time & onboard comforts

Refuel with a freshly prepared lunch, enjoy beach-to-boat flexibility, or unwind on the deck with a drink in hand. Your day moves at a laid-back pace, with plenty of time to explore, swim, or simply soak up paradise.

Things to know before booking a Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour

  • Your booking strategy: Whitehaven Beach tours sell out fast during peak season (June–September) and school holidays. Booking online early secures your preferred departure time and cruise style, especially if you're planning to snorkel. Same-day spots are limited.
  • Choosing the right tour style: If you want maximum beach time, choose tours with unlimited or extended Whitehaven access, such as the Whitehaven Beach premium cruise or the Camira sailing adventure. For a balanced day that includes Hill Inlet Lookout, snorkelling, and guided activities, go for the Whitsundays snorkel and Hill Inlet tour. If snorkelling is your main goal, pick multi-reef itineraries like the Whitehaven Beach snorkel cruise or the Outer Great Barrier Reef snorkel tour.
  • Snorkelling options: Not all Whitehaven cruises include snorkelling. Some cruises like the Whitehaven Beach premium cruise offer upgrades at checkout, while others include one or two reef stops as part of the itinerary. Gear, stinger suits, flotation devices, and guided instruction are standard on snorkelling tours.
  • Duration & pace: Most Whitehaven Beach tours run 6–9 hours depending on reef stops, scenic lookouts, and travel time. Tours with outer reef snorkelling or scenic flights run longer and follow a more structured schedule.
  • Meals & refreshments: Most full-day tours include lunch, morning tea, and afternoon tea. Some offer chef-prepared buffets, BBQ lunches, or tropical lunch packs. Dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice.
  • Boarding & departure: All tours depart from Airlie Beach or Coral Sea Marina with check-in typically 15–30 minutes before departure. Select tours include round-trip hotel transfers.
  • Beaches & lookout access: Tours vary in how they access Whitehaven Beach. Some anchor at the southern end, others provide direct access to Hill Inlet’s shifting sands, and a few offer both. Hill Inlet Lookout walks require moderate fitness.
  • Boat styles: Choose between high-speed catamarans for quicker travel, large sailing vessels for spacious comfort, or adrenaline-driven jet boats for fast-paced itineraries. Larger boats feel more stable, while smaller vessels offer a more intimate experience.
  • Weather notes: Tours operate year-round, but itineraries may adjust for wind, tide, or marine conditions. Snorkel sites may change for visibility or safety. If a tour is cancelled due to weather, operators typically offer rescheduling or a refund.
  • Accessibility: Whitehaven Beach landings require stepping into shallow water, and bushwalks, snorkelling, and beach access are not suitable for wheelchair users. Some vessels offer ramp access for boarding, but mobility needs should be confirmed before booking.

Find your ideal Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour here

CruiseBoarding pointBoat typeDurationInclusionsPrice

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

Coral Sea Marina

High-speed A/C “SuperCat” catamaran

8 hours (9 hours with snorkel upgrade)

On-demand beach transfers, buffet lunch, South Whitehaven Lookout walk, stinger suit, guided snorkel tour + gear (selected option)

From AU$229

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Snorkel and Hill Inlet Tour with Hotel Transfers

Coral Sea Marina

Semi-rigid inflatable vessels

6.5 – 8 hours (based on ticket option)

Hill Inlet Lookout walk, guided snorkelling with instruction, reef talks, stinger suit & equipment, round-trip transfers, scenic flight with tropical lunch(selected option)

From AU$209

From Airlie Beach: Camira Sailing Adventure with BBQ Lunch

Airlie Beach

Large sailing catamaran (Camira Whitsundays)

9.5 hours

Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout walk, morning & afternoon tea, BBQ lunch, snorkel gear, stinger suits, beer & wine, beach activities

AU$249

Airlie Beach: Outer Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Tour

Airlie Beach

High-speed Viper jet-boat (fastest in Whitsundays)

9 hours

Marine biologist crew, outer reef snorkel safari, Hill Inlet Lookout walk, lunch & snacks, croc pad & slide, snorkelling gear, wetsuits, stinger suits

AU$319

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

Coral Sea Marina

High-speed catamaran

8 hours

2 snorkel sessions, Hill Inlet Lookout walk, lunch + morning & afternoon tea, transfers, lycra/stinger suits, snorkelling gear, wetsuit (winter)

AU$230

Your Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour boarding points

Address: Port of Airlie, Shop 7/33 Port Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia | Find on map

Getting there:

  • By public transport: Local buses stop at Airlie Beach Central, about a 10-minute walk from the marina.

  • By car/taxi: Around 5 minutes from the main town centre; limited paid parking is available at the marina.

Famous for: A modern waterfront marina with cafes, shops, and ocean views — the main departure hub for Whitsundays cruises and reef tours.

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

Getting there:

  • By bus: Nearest stop at Coral Sea Marina Resort.

  • By car/taxi: 3 minutes from Airlie Beach main street; free parking zones nearby.

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

What you'll see on a Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour

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

Whitehaven Beach

Renowned for its swirling white silica sands and glassy turquoise shallows, every Whitsundays snorkeling cruise leads you straight to this island icon.

Tourists enjoying the view from Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitsundays, overlooking turquoise waters.
Coral reef with small fish in clear blue waters of Surin Islands.
Snorkeler exploring underwater rocks in Dubrovnik.
Cruise Whitsundays boat sailing on the Great Barrier Reef.

Plan your Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tour

Group on a boat tour near Whitsundays, guide holding a paper, lush hills in the background.
  • Whitehaven Beach premium cruise: 9am–5pm
  • Whitsundays snorkel and Hill Inlet tour:
    • Southern Whitehaven Beach snorkel tour: 10am–4:30pm
    • Northern Whitehaven Beach snorkel tour: 8:45am–3:30pm
    • North Whitehaven snorkel + scenic flight: 7am–2:45pm
    • South Whitehaven snorkel + scenic flight: 8:15am–3:45pm
  • Camira sailing adventure: 8:15am–5:45pm
  • Outer Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach snorkel tour: 8am–5pm
  • Whitehaven Beach snorkel cruise with Hill Inlet tour: 9am–5pm
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Aerial view of jetski trails near lush island in Whitsundays, Australia.

Best time of the day:

  • Whitehaven Beach tours operate during daylight hours, giving you the brightest coral visibility and the iconic turquoise-and-white contrast the beach is famous for.
  • Mornings offer calmer seas for snorkelling, while afternoons deliver golden light across Hill Inlet and the beach.

Best season/month:

  • May–June & September–October: Ideal weather, warm water, fewer crowds, and excellent visibility for reef snorkelling.
  • December–February (Summer): Peak swimming conditions with warmer seas, though humidity and visitor numbers increase.
  • June–August (Winter): Cooler but comfortable days with stable sailing winds and reliable beach conditions.
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Lunch served on Whitsundays beach with a boat in the background.
  • Comfortable seating with shaded areas and open-air decks for scenic cruising.
  • Onboard restrooms available on all Whitehaven cruise vessels.
  • Morning tea, afternoon tea, lunch, and soft drinks included on most full-day tours.
  • Climate-controlled cabins on larger high-speed catamarans; spacious outdoor decks on sailing vessels.
  • Snorkelling gear, stinger suits, flotation equipment, and safety gear provided.
  • Storage for small bags and personal belongings.
  • Professional local crew and marine experts enhancing the experience.
  • Pier-side facilities at Port of Airlie and Shute Harbour for smooth check-in and boarding.
No wheelchair access symbol with red diagonal line.
  • Most vessels offer stable decks and shaded lounges; some provide ramp-assisted boarding
  • Beach landings at Whitehaven and snorkelling sites require stepping into shallow water and are not suitable for wheelchair users
  • Restroom access varies—larger catamarans offer spacious facilities, while smaller vessels may have limited accessibility
  • Guests with limited mobility should inform the crew before boarding for personalised assistance
Man swimming in clear waters at Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef.
  • Beach time: Whitehaven’s silica sand stays cool, but the sun doesn’t. Bring a hat and light cover-up for long beach stays. The water is clearest before midday, so swim early. If your cruise includes free time, walk the northern or southern stretch for quieter pockets of sand.
  • Hill Inlet (if included): Visit Hill Inlet Lookout as soon as you land. Swirling sands are brightest mid-morning. Wear sturdy sandals for the short forest walk with gentle inclines and shaded boardwalks.
  • Whitehaven Beach photos: Angle your camera low for that classic white-sand-meets-turquoise shot. Late afternoon light creates soft, gold-tinted portraits. Drones are restricted in parts of Whitehaven.
  • Comfort on the beach: Bring a towel or sarong. The silky sand can cling to damp clothing. Use reef-safe sunscreen; it protects the reef and won’t fog your snorkel mask.
  • Marine life: Look for stingrays and small reef sharks in the shallows at the southern end of Whitehaven. Turtles are often spotted on the boat ride to Tongue Bay or near Haslewood Island.
  • Water activities: If your cruise includes a snorkelling stop (usually Haslewood or Border Island), keep your gear ready for quick entry once anchored. Wear your stinger suit even for shallow swims during stinger season (Oct–May).

Frequently asked questions about Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach tours

Most full-day tours run 7–9 hours and include beach time, scenic cruising, and optional snorkelling. Inclusions vary by operator, so check the itinerary before booking.

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