• Snorkelling and glass bottom boat tour at Heart Reef
• Maximum of six guests per departure for a truly private experience
•  Luxury three-hour Great Barrier Reef helicopter and snorkel tour
• Landing at a private pontoon in Hardy Lagoon adjacent to Heart Reef
• The only licensed tour operator permitted to land and access Heart Reef
• Scenic helicopter flight departing Hamilton Island with aerial views of Heart Reef
• Exclusive helicopter flight and snorkelling experience for guests staying on Hamilton Island

An ultra-exclusive Heart Reef helicopter landing and snorkel tour from Hamilton Island, featuring private pontoon access, glass bottom boat tour, snorkelling, sparkling wine and scenic flights over the Whitsundays.

This is the most exclusive Heart Reef experience available in the Whitsundays. Departing from Hamilton Island, guests fly by helicopter to a private pontoon positioned in Hardy Lagoon near Heart Reef, allowing rare access to one of the most protected coral formations on the Great Barrier Reef.

What to Expect

The Heart Reef Experience is a tightly controlled, licence-restricted tour operating with extremely limited daily availability. Designed for privacy and intimacy, each departure carries no more than six guests at a time.

Your experience combines aerial sightseeing, exclusive pontoon access, snorkelling and glass bottom boat viewing — offering perspectives of Heart Reef that are simply not available on standard reef tours.

This tour is ideal for couples, honeymooners and travellers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Great Barrier Reef experience from Hamilton Island.

Exclusive Helicopter Flight from Hamilton Island

Scenic Flight Route

Your experience begins with a scenic helicopter flight departing Hamilton Island. During the return flight, you will enjoy sweeping aerial views of some of the most iconic locations in the Whitsundays, including:

• Heart Reef
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hill Inlet
• Whitsunday Island
• Hook Reef

Heart Reef is only visible from the air, making this helicopter flight an essential part of the experience.

Private Heart Reef Pontoon Experience

Exclusive Pontoon Access

After landing by helicopter, guests arrive at a private pontoon located in Hardy Lagoon adjacent to Heart Reef. This pontoon is reserved exclusively for this tour and is not shared with other vessels or visitors.

• Maximum of 6 guests
• 90 minutes private access
• Mirrored exterior designed to blend into the reef environment
• Luxury fittings and shaded areas

This level of access is only possible due to strict licensing and environmental controls.

Glass Bottom Boat Tour of Heart Reef

Above-Water Reef Viewing

Guests will enjoy a guided glass bottom boat tour of Heart Reef lagoon, offering clear views of the coral formations and marine life beneath the surface.

This component is ideal for:
• Non-swimmers
• Guests wanting reef interpretation
• Photography and observation without entering the water

The glass bottom boat allows you to view the coral structure of Heart Reef itself, something very few visitors ever experience.

Snorkelling at Heart Reef & Hardy Lagoon

In-Water Experience

For guests wishing to enter the water, snorkelling is available directly from the pontoon.

• Calm lagoon conditions
• High coral visibility
• Colourful reef fish and coral formations
• Snorkelling equipment provided

Snorkelling at Heart Reef is subject to conditions and environmental protections, ensuring the Great Barrier Reef remains preserved for future generations.

Luxury Inclusions & On-Board Comfort

• Sparkling wine and chilled water
• Snorkelling equipment supplied
• Small-group service with personalised attention
• Complimentary hotel transfers for selected Hamilton Island resorts

This experience is designed to feel private, relaxed and unhurried, with no crowds and no shared reef platforms.

Tour Duration & Key Details

• Total tour duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Departure point: Hamilton Island
• Maximum guests: 6
• Minimum numbers apply
• Advance bookings essential due to limited availability

Who This Tour Is Ideal For

• Couples and honeymooners
• Luxury travellers
• Guests staying on Hamilton Island
• Non-swimmers wanting reef viewing options
• Travellers seeking the most exclusive Heart Reef access available

Who This Tour Is Not Suitable For

• Budget travellers
• Guests seeking extended reef time
• Travellers staying in Airlie Beach without Hamilton Island transfers
• Those uncomfortable with helicopter flights

Travellers looking for longer snorkelling sessions may prefer full-day reef tours instead.

Barrier Reef Australia – Local Knowledge & Licensed Access

Barrier Reef Australia works directly with licensed operators permitted to access Heart Reef. Due to strict environmental controls, only one operator is authorised to land and operate snorkelling experiences at this location.

Availability is extremely limited and weather dependent. Our local team helps manage timing, conditions and access to ensure this once-in-a-lifetime experience runs smoothly. Book a Discovery Call with our team.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hamilton Island

Departure Time

As per booking confirmation

Departure Instructions

Departure instructions as per confirmed booking

Destinations

• Heart Reef
• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach
• Hill Inlet
• Whitsunday Island
• Hook Reef
• Heart Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Closed Christmas Day
Note: a 10% surcharge applies to Sundays and Qld public holidays - this surcharge is not included in the online total and will be added afterwards

Duration

3 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Restrictions

• Not suitable for Non-Swimmers - Non Swimmers are not permitted to enter the water
• Not Suitable for Children
• Weight Restrictions/Surcharge: rates are calculated based on maximum passenger weights of 110kg per person or 180 kg’s per booking for two people. Should any individual or combined two guest weight exceed this threshold, a nett seat surcharge applies. Maximum individual weight per seat is 130kg, anyone over 130 kg’s is not welcome.
• Luggage Restrictions: 5 kg soft back pack per person maximum.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

Additional Information

• No catering available on this tour.
• This tour is only available for guests staying on Hamilton Island
• Note: a 10% surcharge applies to Sundays and Qld public holidays - this surcharge is not included in the online total and will be added afterwards

• Small soft bag with beach gear and towels
• Bring your own towel and change of clothes

Children must be strong confident swimmers