Whitehaven Beach Attractions & Things to do

Join us on the "Adventure of a lifetime" around the crystal clear turquoise and untouched waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Departing Airlie Beach you will board "Thundercat" a certified climate action leader and custom-built vessel to suit your next adventure - say goodbye to seasickness!

During this action-packed day you will explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, climb to Hill Inlet lookout and snorkel two epic locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Of course, during all of these activities, we will also provide snacks, water and a buffet-style lunch !!

Duration: 8 hours.

"THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS"

Visit three top destinations whilst having the ride of your life! Each Ocean Rafting day includes an exhilarating ride to world famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks, all in one day! The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing you to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. 

Ocean Rafting offers two different Whitehaven Beach tours to choose from, the Northern Exposure and the Southern Lights tour. The significant difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights offers more Whitehaven beach time.

Ocean Rafting is the only tour operator to have direct access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach and secret snorkel sites around the Whitsundays ensuring a memorable underwater experience.


Duration: 7 hours.

Enjoy a 60 minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet!

See the Whitsundays from above with a stunning Whitsunday 60 minute scenic flight over the islands and Great Barrier Reef, including famous Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, pilot commentary and the best views of the Whitsundays!

Ocean Rafting’s scenic flights depart from Whitsunday Airport, located at 12 Air Whitsunday Drive, Flame Tree, between the popular tourist destinations of Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands and just 8 minutes drive from the main street of Airlie Beach.

Departs daily at 7am, 8.30am, 10.00am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm
Duration: 1 hour.

ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour departs daily from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach Queensland 4802

The boat takes a maximum of 30 guests and visits

Whitehaven Beach
South Whitehaven Beach
Chalkies Beach
Haslewood Island Lookout (over coral reefs)
1 Snorkel Location

ZigZag Whitsundays is a fast (1200HP) open boat with a sunshade roof. The boat is a remarkably comfortable ride with newly installed high-back padded seats (only fast boat in the region with padded seats) allowing guests of all ages and adventure levels to enjoy the tour without seasickness and with the highest comfort and safety possible on a boat.

Snorkel coral-filled bays with tropical fish, you may even see a turtle!

Explore Whitehaven Beach and the new South End Lookout guided tour!

Feast on a fully prepared cold buffet lunch while at the beach

Our prices are fully inclusive and include - snacks, buffet lunch, high-quality snorkel equipment and fins, wetsuit, and refills of ice-cold water.
Duration: 8 hours.

Embark on a scenic cruise from Port of Airlie, stopping at
Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect more guests
before discovering the Southern end of the pristine 7km
stretch of silica sand at Whitehaven Beach. Once on the
beach, you will experience a diverse range of beach activities
including swimming, hiking, beach games and stand-up paddle
boarding, or simply relax and enjoy this world-famous icon for
up to two hours.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes.

Sit back and enjoy the sea air on-board the largest sailing catamaran in The Whitsundays. With capped capacity numbers, you can stretch out and relax as Camira sails through the Whitsunday Islands and takes you to the region’s most iconic locations. Hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, leave footprints in the white silica sand, snorkel the fringing reef and enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch with all-inclusive drinks

• Sail through the Whitsunday Islands
• Morning and afternoon tea
• Delicious BBQ lunch, soft drinks and water
• Beer, wine and cider from 10am
• Snorkeling equipment and stinger suits
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet and lookout (tidal dependent)

Return coach transfers available from most Airlie Beach accommodation, Adults $13.00 & children $7.00.
Duration: 10 hours.

Experience the best of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one day with a Whitsunday scenic flight and Ocean Rafting adventure! Experience the Whitsundays’ ultimate destinations… Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and secret snorkelling locations.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, pilot commentary and the best views of the Whitsundays!

Following your flight, enjoy an Ocean Rafting adventure, offering three days in one, including an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks. The Southern Lights tour offers more beach time and the Northern Exposure tour offers more snorkelling time.
Duration: 8 hours.

Viper is the only tour fast enough to get you to the hero destinations all in one day! No other tour can have you snorkelling on the outer Great Barrier Reef, doing the Hill Inlet bushwalking, and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach itself, in just a single day.
Our Marine Biologist on board conducts a guided snorkel safari on the reef for those who are interested. The spacious swim platform and in-water stairs make getting in and out of the water easy.
Our Rolls Royce jets offer comfortable cruising speeds of around 36 knots, with very little environmental impact.
Due to the speed and manoeuvrability of the boat, all passengers MUST be 130cm or taller to ride.
Duration: 8 hours.

Explore the stunning white, silica sand of the world-famous
Whitehaven Beach on this full-day excursion. This is the best
way to experience all that Whitehaven Beach has to offer.
This guided tour includes a trip to Hill Inlet for a short hike
to take in the breathtaking views from the famous Hill Inlet
Lookout and explores the Northern end of Whitehaven Beach
before returning to the Southern end. Here you can unwind
on the beach, bask in the sun, take a walk to the Southern
Lookout or participate in fun beach activities and indulge
in a delicious beach BBQ.

Inclusions
• Cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, with a brief pick-up stop at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect more guests
• Up to 6 hours on Whitehaven Beach
• Optional walk to the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout and Chance Bay
• BBQ lunch served on the beach & Morning and afternoon tea
• Protective stinger suits
• Optional Extras: All-inclusive Beverage packages and shade cabana hire available for purchase.
Duration: 11 hours 30 minutes.

Visit two of Australia’s best-loved destinations on a scenic Whitsundays cruise – Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach. Hamilton Island is a sophisticated, family-friendly resort, with excellent eating, drinking and shopping opportunities. Not far away on Whitsunday Island, glorious Whitehaven Beach is one Australia’s most beautiful stretches of sand

From Port of Airlie, cruise across the Whitsunday Passage and into the Whitsunday Islands. On Hamilton Island, hop-on/hop-off shuttle buses take you past key attractions and scenic lookouts. Cool-off in the main pool with its swim-up bar, visit iconic Catseye Beach, or browse the waterfront shops and galleries before lunch at Marina Tavern. You’ll also have the chance to explore Whitehaven Beach, where you can wander along the 7km shoreline – beachcombing, bushwalking and wading in the warm, crystal-clear water.
Duration: 9 hours.

Come and experience an iconic Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet day trip, captained by a true-blue Aussie skipper.

THE EXPERIENCE: Enjoy 5 hrs at 2 beaches with an Aussie Beach BBQ lunch served on Whitehaven! Ice cold beers and drinks taken ashore for your convenience.

Participate on a Guided Bush-Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout (+ an optional walk to Whitehaven Lookout) or simply relax on the beach.

Don't forget your camera as we cruise past Daydream & Hamilton Islands as well as the full length of Whitehaven Beach.

This family owned and operated tour is hosted by Capt Dan & crew, and has been in the family since 1989.

FARE INCLUDES: BBQ lunch, stinger suits, morning & afternoon tea and transfers from your accommodation.

THE VESSEL: Indoor, outdoor and upstairs seating - the choice is yours. With a licensed bar & toilets onboard for your convenience. One of the few fast vessels you can walk around when underway.

Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Experience the ultimate eco-friendly adventure with an advanced eco-certified full-day scenic cruise through the breathtaking Whitsunday Islands stopping at the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Complete with modern facilities including a 360° view rooftop deck to ensure that you have a brilliant experience.

Highlights
- Cruise the Whitsunday Islands in air-conditioned comfort
- Buffet lunch, Moring tea and afternoon tea
- Enjoy Hill Inlet Lookout which is one of the jewels of the Australian landscape
- Listen to onboard commentary throughout the tour of history and culture
- Swim in the crystal waters and lie on the silica white sand at Whitehaven Beach
- Cruise past Hamilton Island, Molle Islands, Cid Harbour, Hook Island and so many more

What to bring
Swimwear & Towel
Sunscreen & Hat
Comfortable walking shoes
Water Bottle
Cash/card for onboard purchases
Duration: 8 hours.

Experience the Whitsundays aboard a 62-ft gaff-rigged schooner, one of the few tall ships to regularly visit Whitehaven Beach. Get involved with handling the sails or simply relax on deck as you sail towards the iconic Whitehaven Beach. Upon arrival, disembark at Tongue Bay and enjoy a short 10-minute walk to the Hill Inlet lookout for stunning views and photo opportunities of the world’s most photographed beach. After taking in the scenery, spend an hour and a half soaking up the sun and the soft, white sand of Whitehaven Beach.

Return to the schooner for lunch as you continue your journey to a beautiful snorkelling spot. Here, you'll have the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and swim among a variety of colourful fish. As the day winds down, sail back to Coral Sea Marina North, with the sails—wind permitting—guiding you home.
Duration: 9 hours.

If you've got limited time to make friends and visit the Whitsunday icons, Siska is the boat for you. This Australian built ex-Ocean Racing Maxi has a few nautical miles under her belt. But this hasn't stopped her from continuing to provide amazing tours of the Whitsundays!

She's one of the most loved Maxi yachts here, maybe because of her striking red hull against the blue Whitsunday Water, granting her the nickname 'Sexy Siska'! With a particularly roomy interior, there is ample seating and spaces for socialising in.

Visit the must see Whitsunday Islands icons: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout via a guided bush walk, and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Siska operates on odd days of the month. (i.e. 7th, 19th etc). You have the option of booking either a single bunk or half of a double bunk.
Duration: 2 days.

Spank Me Whitsundays 2 day/2 night adventure tour explores the World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling the fringing Great Barrier Reef. You can help the crew and pull up the main sail, otherwise relax on the spacious deck and enjoy the view of the pristine Whitsunday Islands. The 82-foot sailing vessel Spank Me Whitsundays caters to guests between 18 and 35 years old and the young at heart. She Sleeps 26 guests and 3 crew in open plan bunk rooms with mixtures of single and double bunks. All meals are freshly prepared on board and include roast chicken, spaghetti bolognese, wraps, continental breakfasts, fresh breads, green salad, pasta salads plus loads more, you wont go hungry!
Duration: 2 days.

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply*
Tour The Whitsunday Islands from above in our Robinson 44 Helicopter. Visit one of the most beautiful and recognised beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach, for a relaxing one and a half hour stay** with canapés and refreshing beverages. Take a walk on the stunning white sanded beach and visit the swirling sands of Hill Inlet, one of the most photographed locations in the world.

*This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 250kg/551lb.
**Time spent on the beach is approximate and helicopter flight time is 30 minutes long.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply*
Looking to fill something from your bucket list? This is the tour for you! This one hour helicopter tour gives you a birds eye view of The Whitsunday Islands, and The Great Barrier Reef.

First we head out past South Molle Island Island as we approach Whitsunday Island where we take in the natural beauty of Whitehaven Beach, and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.

We then set out to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef. We'll be seeing some of it's most famous reefs, including Hook Reef, Bait Reef and Hardy Reef, with it's world Famous Heart Reef.

As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island and Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance.

*This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb.
Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Experienced Operator providing the most comprehensive and all inclusive air tour in the Whitsundays, with guaranteed window seats for every passenger. Fly over the stunning Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and Hill Inlet and learn interesting facts about the region thanks to your pilot's commentary. Take advantage of guaranteed window seats to snap incredible photos.
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes.

The homely monohull sailing yacht Prima offers you the best in a Whitsunday Islands adventure. With only 12 guests on board, leave the crowds behind and enjoy the more personalised experience with greater flexibility. Enjoy the best of the islands, join in with the sailing of the vessel and while away your time on Prima.
Duration: 2 days.

Sail and Dive the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands on our 16.4m ketch and enjoy your first dive for free. Kiana is the only vessel in the region that caters for small numbers to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Explore, dive or snorkel the incredible diversity of the islands and outer Great Barrier Reef. This eco accredited trip offers great opportunities for both certified and first-time divers (*Terms & Conditions apply to 45+ years non Certified Divers).
• Outer Reef snorkelling and scuba diving (weather permitting)
• Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands
• Fully equipped for scuba diving with Dive Instructor and compressor on board
• Freshly prepared meals on-board
• All cabins and saloon area fully air-conditioned
• Fully covered aft deck to protect you from the tropical heat
• Licensed bar on board, Beer and Wine
• Relaxed tour with lots of in and out of water activities

Don't forget that the 1st dive is FREE (not transferable).
Duration: 3 days.

Avatar Whitsundays is the only commercial sailing trimaran in the Islands. What does this mean for you? Minimal lean while sailing, maximum deck space with nets for sun baking, you can soak up the stunning World Heritage-listed Whitsunday Islands while never feeling over crowded. Just the way it’s meant to be. Avatar caters to guests between 18 and 35 years old and the young at heart. She Sleeps 26 guests and 3 crew in a mixture of open plan bunks and private doubles  . All meals are freshly prepared on board and include home cooked roast with trimmings and gravy, spaghetti bolognese, pies, fresh meats, salads, breads, fruits, dips and crackers Plus loads more! You wont go hungry!
Duration: 2 days.

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply*
Dreamed of visiting Whitehaven Beach, or the gorgeous Heart Reef? Then look no further! This two & a half hour helicopter tour takes you to Whitehaven Beach, where you'll enjoy a one & a half hour stay, complete with nibblies and ice cold beverages.

First we head out to the beautiful Whitsunday Island, where we'll land on the world famous Whitehaven Beach for a one and a half hour stop**. Enjoy a drink & a bite to eat before some free time to explore the beach.

We then take off past the beautiful Hill Inlet, heading for the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Where we visit some the renowned Heart Reef.

As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island, Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance.

*This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb.
**Time spent on the beach is approximate
Duration: 150 to 210 minutes.

Move away from the tourist hot spots and discover something spectacular in the Whitsundays with our customisable experiences. Explore the unique world beneath the waves and snorkel some of the most abundant coral reefs, stop-over at the many beaches and bays, enjoy the various island trails or soak up the sun while lazing on the soft white sands - the possibilities are endless. Check out our website for inspiration to create your ideal private charter or chat to our team today!
Duration: 1 to 11 hours.

Move away from the tourist hot spots and discover something spectacular in the Whitsundays with our customisable experiences. Explore the unique world beneath the waves and snorkel some of the most abundant coral reefs, stop-over at the many beaches and bays, enjoy the various island trails or soak up the sun while lazing on the soft white sands - the possibilities are endless. Check out our website for inspiration to create your ideal private charter or chat to our team today!
Duration: 2 to 8 hours.

Please note: Weight Limits Apply*
Let us take you to one of Australia’s best and world recognised beaches. Take in the view of all 74 Whitsunday Islands as we make our way passed Hamilton Island, Hazelwood Island and more, before show casing the second most photographed destination in Australia ‘Hill inlet’.
*This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 250kg/551lb.
Duration: 30 to 90 minutes.

Charter your own skipper and crew on a tallship  in the Whitsunday Islands for up to 24 guests with this private tour that gives you a choice from three day sail options and one sunset option. Set off across Whitsunday Passage in the footsteps of Captain Cook, and catch the breeze on a 62-foot (16-meter) gaff-rigged schooner, aka a tall ship. Your tailored charter includes a spot for snorkeling and visiting Langford Reef where you have a good chance of swimming with turtles.
Duration: 8 hours.

Private charter for up to 28 guests enjoying a day sailing on a LUXURY Yacht visiting the most popular locations in the Whitsundays. The crew include a Master Reef Guide who will explain the intricacies' of the Great Barrier Reef which is the largest and most diverse eco system in the world containing more than 10% of the world’s species of marine fish, over four thousand species of hard & soft corals and six of the world’s seven species of turtles. View Giant Humpback Whales that migrate to its warm crystal clear waterways during winter.

Friendly owners John and Lynne designed and built their yacht incorporating all the features necessary for safety and comfort at sea. Their dream boat “Sydney Sundancer” is now Australia’s most awarded charter yacht. John & Lynne have been exploring the Marine Reserve for more than 30 years look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience. They are your key to discovering the water wonderland that is Australia’s most treasured natural icon.

Duration: 1 day.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest & most diverse eco system in the world. It is the world’s largest Marine Reserve, about half the size of Texas. The Reef is visible from outer space appearing as a thin white line along the Queensland coast. Within the Reserve are more than 10% of the world's species of marine fish, over four thousand species of hard & soft corals and six of the world’s seven species of turtles. Giant Humpback Whales migrate to its warm crystal clear waterways every year to give birth to their babies

John & Lynne Boyce are your key to discovering Australia’s most treasured water wonderland. In recognition of Lynne's expertise The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has granted her the title : Master Reef Guide She has published “Gourmet Sailing..Delicious Dining on the Great Barrier Reef”, a cook book detailing the meals they serve. The duo have been exploring the Reserve for more than 30 years & they look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience

Duration: 7 days.

When you live aboard our yacht, your days adventure begins when you wake and continues unabated till well after dark. John & Lynne like to say that “their guests can go snorkelling over colourful corals accompanied by hundreds of friendly fish before breakfast and each day just gets better from there…”

All daily activities are personally guided which ensures your in depth appreciation of the wonders of nature both above and below the water. Lynne has been selected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to be a “Master Reef Guide” (the highest honour that GBRMPA can bestow). She is a “Citizen Scientist” specialising in the Reef World which has been her passion for more than 50 years. John & Lynne have a unique permit issued by GBRMPA granting them access to most of the Marine Park and they have spent a lifetime discovering its secrets that they willingly share with their guests.

Potential guests should read the TripAdvisor reviews for Whitsunday Luxury Sailing
Duration: 7 days.