• See the swirling sands of Hill Inlet as you circumnavigate around Whitehaven Beach.
• Taking a seaplane flight from Hamilton Island for the very first time and land on the water at Whitehaven Beach is an exhilarating thrilling experience.
• The opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef on a low level scenic flight in a seaplane and flying over the iconic Heart Reef to get some photos is a once in a lifetime experience.
• Take offs and landing on the water in a seaplane is an amazing experience along with seeing all the pilots instruments adds to the excitement of flying over the Great Barrier Reef

Hamilton Island scenic flight to Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and a landing at Whitehaven Beach in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands via a seaplane flight. See three icons in one scenic reef flight on the Great Barrier Reef.

What to Expect

Take off on a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island and see the iconic destinations of Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef from the seat of a seaplane. This is our best scenic flight tour from Hamilton Island that allows you to see the Whitsundays from above and then land on the water off Whitehaven Beach to experience the beauty from below on the soft white silica sands.  This scenic flight tour offers a breathtaking combination of scenic aerial views and an unforgettable beach experience. Departing three times daily, this half-day tour provides an exceptional opportunity to explore the beauty of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

Your journey begins with a low-level scenic seaplane flight over the pristine turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Highlights of the flight include sweeping views of the iconic Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach with its pure white silica sands, and the ever-changing sandbars of Hill Inlet. The aerial portion of the half day tour lasts approximately one hour, providing ample time to capture the stunning vistas.

Following the flight, the seaplane lands at Whitehaven Beach, often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You’ll have 1 hour and 15 minutes to relax on the soft sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and immerse yourself in the serenity of this iconic destination. Sparkling wine and chilled water are provided to enhance your tour experience.

The day tour concludes with a smooth seaplane flight back to Hamilton Island, where complimentary drop-off service to selected hotels ensures a seamless end to your Great Barrier Reef scenic flight adventure.

Features and Highlights

Hamilton Island Hotel Transfers

• Begin your journey with a complimentary pick-up from selected hotels on Hamilton Island.
• End your adventure with a convenient drop-off, making the tour stress-free from start to finish.

Scenic Seaplane Flight Over Whitsundays

• Experience a stunning one-hour scenic flight over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
• Fly over Heart Reef, a naturally heart-shaped coral formation, and capture unforgettable aerial views of this world-famous site.
• Marvel at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, known for their mesmerising turquoise waters and swirling white sand formations.

Whitehaven Beach Water Landing

• Land on the soft silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Enjoy 1 hour and 15 minutes to swim, relax, or explore the beach at your leisure.
• Sip on refreshing sparkling wine and water provided during your stay on the beach.
• Bring your own food from in-room dining or island takeaway outlets to enhance your picnic experience.

Comfortable Return Scenic Flight

• Board the seaplane for a smooth return flight to Hamilton Island.
• Relax and reflect on your incredible journey while enjoying the bird’s-eye views one last time.

Sample Scenic Flight Itinerary

1. Hotel Pick-Up
   • Be greeted by our team at your selected Hamilton Island hotel for a convenient transfer to the Hamilton Island Air Terminal.
2. Pre-Flight Check-In and Safety Briefing
   • Upon arrival, the friendly team will guide you through a safety briefing and assist with check-in.
3. Scenic Flight Over the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef
   • Take off for a one-hour scenic seaplane flight, showcasing the Whitsunday Islands, Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet.
4. Whitehaven Beach Experience
   • Land on the serene Whitehaven Beach and spend 1 hour and 15 minutes soaking up the beauty of this idyllic location.
   • Enjoy sparkling wine and water and bring your own food for a personalised picnic.
5. Return Flight to Hamilton Island
   • Board the seaplane for a final scenic flight back to Hamilton Island.
   • Take in the spectacular views of the reef and islands during your return journey.
6. Hotel Drop-Off
   • Conclude your tour with a complimentary transfer back to your Hamilton Island accommodation.

Why Choose This Hamilton Island Tour?

This Hamilton Island Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach tour is the perfect choice for travellers seeking a luxurious and memorable way to explore the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. With a seamless itinerary, breathtaking scenery, and a relaxing beach escape, this tour promises an exceptional experience that blends adventure and serenity. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in the beauty of Australia’s natural wonders, this tour guarantees unforgettable memories.

View all Hamilton Island scenic flights. 

Read the Barrier Reef Australia Blog for all the things you need to know before you go. 

Half day tour to Whitehaven Beach with scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef

Your package includes a complimentary hotel pick-up, available from selected hotels. Upon arrival at the Hamilton Island Air Terminal, our friendly team will guide you through a safety briefing and assist you with check-in for your tour.

Scenic Seaplane Flight to Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef via Great Barrier Reef

• Prepare your camera for a breathtaking scenic seaplane flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, including stunning views of Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour.
• Then it’s on to beautiful Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. 

Explore Whitehaven Beach

• Unwind on the stunning Whitehaven Beach for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, enjoying refreshing sparkling wine and water.
• You are welcome to bring along your own food from in-room dining or from one of the islands take away outlets.

Return Seaplane Flight to Hamilton Island

• Sit back and relax during your return flight to Hamilton Island. Afterward, we will drop you off at selected hotels as a thank you for choosing to fly with Hamilton Island Air.

See more Hamilton Island tours and attractions

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hamilton Island

Departure Time

Up to 3 departures daily subject to availability

Pickup Locations

Hamilton Island

• Ground transfers are limited to hotels and designated pick up and drop off zones only

Destinations

• Heart Reef
• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Up to 3 departures daily
Closed Christmas Day

Duration

2 Hours 45 Minutes

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Minimum passenger numbers apply to all Tours and Transfers, seaplanes and aeroplanes 4 persons.
• For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding – individual weights in excess of 110kg will incur an extra seat surcharge. Combined body weights per two passengers booking’s in excess of 180 kg’s will incur an extra seat surcharge. Maximum per seat weight is 130 kg’s.
• HI-AIR will not be held liable for costs associated with airfares, accommodation or anything else due to any flight on any aircraft type which does not proceed as booked or confirmed
• Due to the nature of Seaplane operations flights are subject to changeable weather conditions enroute, including tidal, sea state, prevailing winds, air traffic control, unscheduled maintenance and other influences outside of our control
• In the event of inclement weather and we are unable to operate the tour or transfer for any reason, subject to availability Hamilton Island Air will ensure that guests are offered an alternative destination and/or transferred on the next available window in which the transfer or tour can proceed safely.
• All flights and flight paths are subject to prevailing weather, tidal conditions and availability; therefore itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Weight: Up to 130 Kg / 287 Lb

• Towels
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Snacks

Infants are welcome and are carried at the discretion of Hamilton Island Air; however, our tours are designed predominantly to accommodate adults. Some Tours are not suitable for infants, if in doubt please ask. Infants are classified as 0-2 years, one infant may travel free of charge on a parents lap in the rear of the aircraft. Please note that only one infant may travel FOC per aircraft, two infants may occupy 1 seat, the seat price applies. Children are classified as 3 – 13 years of age inclusive, must be accompanied by an adult on the flight.