Whitsundays

Made up of 74 stunning islands, the Whitsundays is not only home to one of the world’s best beaches – Whitehaven Beach – but it’s also the heart of the Great Barrier Reef with a naturally heart-shaped reef to prove it.

From thrill-seeking water sports at Airlie Beach, to multi island Great Barrier Reef tours from Mackay and sailing on a luxury yacht around the islands of the Whitsundays, to camping under the stars in the middle of the Reef, day hikes through spectacular national parks and luxuriating on Hamilton Island, there's a Whitsundays holiday to suit every traveller.    

So where to even begin when there are so many destinations – both on and off the mainland – to choose from and which are the best Great Barrier Reef tours in the Whitsundays?

The good news is that with so many Great Barrier Reef tours and liveaboard snorkelling and dive tours departing from the Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina, the Port of Airlie, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Shute Harbour you can explore as much of this region as you like. Or, if you’d prefer a more relaxed, indulgent experience, there are options for that too.

Top things to do Whitsundays:

• The best way to experience the Whitsundays is on liveaboard sailing tours and luxury yacht charters.
• Snorkel and dive the Great Barrier Reef. Choose from our great value Whitsundays snorkel and dive tours for couples, families and singles/groups (18-35s), charters boats and our great value $$$ saving combo package deals. 
• Take a half-day trip, a full day trip or overnight sailing adventure to Whitsunday Island to sink your toes into the white silica sands and swim in the crystal clear waters of famed Whitehaven Beach.
• Visit Whitehaven Beach - with a range of options including half day, full day reef trips and even scenic flights.
• Paddle around Hamilton Island in a sea kayak, make some furry friends at the island's wildlife park or walk the island's spectacular trail to Passage Peak for awe-inspiring 360 views of the Whitsundays. 
• Spend a memorable night glamping on the reef and under the stars with Reefsleep or the new luxury Reef Suites.
• Soar over Heart Reef by seaplane or helicopter to view this amazing natural formation.
• Skipper a bareboat yacht through Whitsunday Passage. Or find a spot on the deck of a crewed yacht and sip champagne while the islands, (and the humpback whales if you’re there between July and September) slip past.
• Absorb the breathtaking beauty of Nara Inlet. If you visit the inlet after it rains, you could cool off beneath a waterfall.
• Walk among baby stingrays at the world’s biggest open-air aquarium on Daydream Island's, the Living Reef. 
• Enjoy a multi island snorkel tour to some of the most beautiful islands in the Whitsundays from Mackay.
• Enjoy family fun at Cannonvale's sheltered beach, located just minutes from Airlie Beach. 
• Follow in the footsteps of the Whitsundays traditional owners on the Ngaro Sea Trail.

How to get to the Whitsundays:

• By plane. Fly direct to Hamilton Island’s airport from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, or Melbourne.
• There is also the Whitsunday Coast Airport, on the mainland near Airlie Beach. From there you can board a ferry for your island adventure.

How to do the Great Barrier Reef from the Whitsundays:

• There are many ways to do the Great Barrier Reef from the Whitsundays.  To see the Great Barrier Reef you can choose a one day snorkelling trip from Airlie Beach, or from one of the Whitsunday Islands.  There are also overnight Whitsuandays sailing trips, and charter yachts to cruise around the Whitsundays and snorkel on the reef or you can even sleep on the reef on the pontoon, or luxury yacht!  Another great way to see and do the reef from the Whitsundays is from the air on an amazing scenic flight over the reef!  

How many days do you need in the Whitsundays?:

• To fully experience the beauty and excitement of the Whitsundays, we recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days in the Whitsundays. This allows you to explore the stunning Whitehaven Beach, snorkel or dive among the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, sail around the islands, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of migrating whales if you're visiting during the right season.  With 5 days, you'll have time to relax on secluded beaches, indulge in the local cuisine, and truly immerse yourself in the tropical paradise. If you're short on time, a 3-day visit can still give you a taste of the Whitsundays' highlights.  Read more about Whitsundays Sailing options to help you plan your trip.

Where to stay when visiting the Whitsundays?:

• When visiting the Whitsundays, you have a range of places to stay. You can choose to stay at Airlie Beach, stay at one of the Whitsunday Islands, or stay on the water on a sailing trip or private yacht charter. The Whitsundays offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. Airlie Beach has a wide range from luxury to budget and is perfect for all holiday makers, families and those seeking a lively atmosphere, while Daydream Island provides a tranquil, escape. Long Island is ideal for nature lovers with its eco-resorts and bushwalking opportunities, and for the adventurous, camping on the islands or staying on a private yacht offers unique, immersive experiences. For luxury and convenience, Hamilton Island and Hayman Island offer upscale resorts and all-inclusive amenities, alternatively a luxury yacht charter offers the ultimate experience. Each option ensures you'll enjoy the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays.

How to choose the best Great Barrier Reef tours in the Whitsundays?:

• The Whitsunday Islands cover an area of 282.82klm and each reef, island, beach and bay offer something totally different for visitors to the Great Barrier Reef. The easiest way to choose the best Great Barrier Reef tour is to firstly look at the location of where you will be staying either at Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island or even another location and use the sort tool on Barrier Reef Australia to discover all the tour options that depart from that location. Once you have sorted the tours to that location then sort again by the type of tours on offer such as helicopter and reef combo rides, seaplane flights, sailing and snorkelling or luxury charter yachts, non-swimmer reef tours and so much more.
• You also need to look at how much time you will be spending in the Whitsundays and also the ages and capabilities of the people you are travelling with. If you have a young family or elderley parents then you can choose some more softer options. If you have busy teenagers then view the adrenaline tours, for groups of friends luxury yacht charters, a day out on a charter boat or sunset cruises.
• If you would like to learn more about all the best Great Barrier Reef tour options and what they entail you can read about them on the Barrier Reef Australia Blog.     
• And of course you can speak to the team at Barrier Reef Australia 7 days a week and they will provide you with more helpful advice. 
• For ultra luxury yacht charters speak to the crew at YOTSPACE.