• The only Airlie Beach reef tour to have direct access to Hill Inlet beach
• Fastest boats in the Whitsundays - meaning you get to explore more!
• Two unique snorkel destinations with snorkel instruction, snorkelling equipment and flotation devices provided
• Visit the most photographed spot in the Whitsundays - Hill Inlet Lookout
• Multi award-winning tour operator in the Whitsundays

Snorkel two fringing reefs, visit Whitehaven Beach and walk to Hill Inlet Lookout on this fast-paced Whitsundays tour departing Airlie Beach

For travellers wanting maximum snorkelling combined with iconic Whitsunday Island scenery, this tour delivers a full day of reef, beach and bush experiences in one itinerary.

Departing from Airlie Beach, this high-speed snorkelling tour is the only day tour in the region to include two separate snorkelling locations along with direct access to Hill Inlet beach and time at Whitehaven Beach. The focus of the day is snorkelling, with more time spent in the water compared to other Whitehaven tours.

The itinerary includes snorkelling at sheltered fringing reef sites around Hook Island, followed by beach time and a guided national park walk at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

Travellers comparing snorkelling-focused experiences may also wish to review other Whitsundays snorkelling tours before booking.

What to Expect

The day begins with courtesy pick-up from Airlie Beach accommodation and check-in at Coral Sea Marina North. After boarding a custom-built semi-rigid inflatable vessel, travel at speed through the Whitsunday Islands to reach snorkelling locations quickly and maximise time in the water.

Snorkelling takes place at two separate fringing reef sites around Hook Island, such as Mantaray Bay or Maureens Cove, chosen for conditions on the day. These sheltered reefs are known for coral formations and marine life including turtles, reef fish and, during winter months, migrating whales passing through the area.

After snorkelling, the tour visits Whitehaven Beach, landing directly at the northern end near Hill Inlet. Guests have time to swim, relax on the silica white sand and join a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for panoramic views of the swirling sands below.

For first-time visitors, understanding how fringing reef snorkelling differs from outer reef snorkelling can help set expectations for coral types and visibility.

This tour departs from Airlie Beach and is best suited to guests comfortable with fast boat travel, walking on sand and snorkelling in open water.

Features and Highlights

• High-speed ocean rafting experience
• Two snorkelling locations in one day
• Sheltered fringing reef snorkelling
• Visit Whitehaven Beach
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
• Afternoon tea included on return journey

Itinerary and Timing

• Departure
• Daily departure at approximately 8:45am
• Return approximately 3:30pm

Check-in and departure

• Courtesy pick-ups operate from Airlie Beach accommodation before check-in at Coral Sea Marina North. After boarding, depart the marina and travel at speed through the Whitsunday Islands.

Snorkelling

• Snorkel at two separate fringing reef sites around Hook Island. Snorkelling instruction, equipment and flotation devices are provided, with generous time spent in the water.

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet

• Land at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach with exclusive access to Hill Inlet beach. Optional buffet lunch is available and must be pre-booked. Join a guided national park walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for elevated views over the swirling sands.

Return

• Cruise back to Airlie Beach in the afternoon with cake served for afternoon tea before arriving back at Coral Sea Marina North.

Important notes

• Order of activities may vary due to weather and sea conditions
• Snorkelling locations are selected on the day for safety and visibility

Who This Tour Is For

This tour suits confident snorkellers and active travellers who want more time in the water combined with Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in a single day. It is popular with families, adventure-seekers and travellers wanting a fast-paced Whitsundays experience.

Travellers seeking a slower-paced day with more beach time may prefer other Whitsundays tours.

Essential Tour Information

• Departure location
• Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach

Physical requirements

• Guests must be able to board the vessel, snorkel in open water and walk on sand and uneven paths.

Accessibility

• Not suitable for wheelchairs or guests requiring mobility assistance.

Sea conditions

• High-speed travel can be bumpy depending on weather

Expert Questions About This Tour

Is this tour suitable for pregnant guests?

• No. High-speed vessel travel makes this tour unsuitable during pregnancy.

Is this tour suitable for guests with back or joint injuries?

• No. The ride can be physically jarring and is not recommended for existing injuries.

Is this tour suitable for guests with limited mobility?

• No. Guests must walk on sand and climb steps to Hill Inlet Lookout.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

• You should be comfortable in open water. Flotation devices and instruction are provided.

Is this an outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour?

• No. Snorkelling takes place at fringing reefs around the Whitsunday Islands.

Will I see marine life?

• Marine life sightings vary but commonly include reef fish, turtles and, seasonally, whales.

BARRIER REEF AUSTRALIA — LOCAL KNOWLEDGE & SUPPORT

We live and work in the Whitsundays and base our recommendations on real conditions and firsthand experience, not generic itineraries.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXPERIENCE

Barrier Reef Australia helps travellers compare tours and charters based on comfort, timing and expectations so you book what actually suits you.

SUPPORT AND DISCOVERY CALLS

We are available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day. If you’d like help choosing the right tour or charter, speak with our team or request a Discovery Call.

WHY BOOK THROUGH BARRIER REEF AUSTRALIA

You’ll deal with real people who know the region, understand seasonal conditions and enjoy helping travellers plan meaningful experiences.

Northern Exposure

Our thrilling snorkel tours depart daily for the Great Barrier Reef at 8.45am from Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach and returning at 3.30pm, this ‘3 days in 1’ Whitsundays snorkel tour offers the opportunity to enjoy three iconic Whitsunday Islands destinations and a range of reef, beach and bush activities in just one day.   

• Ride one of the fastest and most adventurous reef tour boats in the Whitsundays
• Snorkel the coral reefs at two special snorkel sites around Hook Island
• Snorkel lessons and snorkelling equipment provided
• Enjoy exclusive direct access to stunning Hill Inlet beaches at Whitehaven Beach
• Swim in the turquoise waters or laze on the white silica sand at Whitehaven Beach
• Take a guided national park walk to iconic Hill Inlet Lookout
• Listen to reef and island naturalist talks offered by your Skipper and Eco Host
• Enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch (optional) served on beautiful Whitehaven Beach
• Courtesy pick-up/drop-offs and yummy cake for afternoon tea are included.

What to bring:

• Swimmers
• A beach bag including a towel, hat and shoes.
• A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling.
• Cameras in a waterproof case or Tupperware.
• Cash for water, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices and chocolates for sale on board.

Our Whitsundays snorkel tour includes an optional lunch at an additional cost. If you have chosen not to have our buffet-style lunch, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day.

Afternoon tea cake is included in tour cost.

Cold drinks and chocolates are available to purchase onboard.

Tropical Lunch - Optional Extra Needs to be Pre Booked

Tropical Lunch

• POTATO SALAD: Potato, mayonnaise (does not contain egg or dairy and is also suitable for vegans), salt and pepper. GF LF VEG VGN NF 
• ASIAN NOODLE SALAD: Angel hair pasta, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, salt and pepper, topped with roasted vegetables including carrot, zucchini, capsicum and onion mixed in Italian herbs and paprika. LF VEG VGN NF
• GARDEN SALAD: Mesclun lettuce, cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, cucumber, capsicum, julienne carrots, stuffed green olives with a vinaigrette dressing. GF VEG
• FRESH BAKED BREAD ROLL: Topped with cheese, sweet chilli sauce, spices. VEG NF
• COLD MEATS: Sliced ham GF LF NF, sliced salami GF NF, sliced chicken breast. GF LF NF
• CHICKPEA SALAD (FOR DIETARY PACKS – SEE BELOW): Chickpeas, fresh tomato, parsley, lemon juice, salt and pepper. GF VGN

Morning or Afternoon Tea

• SELECTION OF SEASONAL FRUITS
• LAMINGTONS VEG

Special Dietary Options

• GLUTEN FREE: Noodle salad replaced with chickpea salad.  Dinner roll replaced with gluten free bread.
• LACTOSE FREE: No cheese or salami provided. Plain dinner roll provided.
• VEGETARIAN: No meat provided. Extra salad and dinner roll provided.
• VEGAN: No cheese or meat provided. Extra salad and chickpea salad provided.
• NUT FREE: No salad dressing or olives

Sample Whitsundays Northern Exposure Snorkel Tour Itinerary

Departing : Daily at 8.45am
Returning : Daily at 3.30pm

7.45am - 8.15am: Courtesy pick-ups

• Courtesy pick-up is included for guests from local Airlie Beach accommodations between 7.45am and 8.15am. 

7.45am: Check-in

• Check-in at 7.45am at Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach (next to Sorrento Restaurant & Bar) then get ready for an action-packed day exploring the pristine islands, beaches and bays of the Whitsundays. 

8.45am: It’s time to head off

• Depart the Airlie Beach marina at 8.45am on our super-fast semi-rigid inflatable vessel and enjoy a fun, high-speed ride amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays and the famous Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

Mid-morning: Snorkel the reef at two pristine sites off Hook Island

• We head to two exclusive locations off Hook Island where you can snorkel the pristine reefs, explore the colourful corals and discover an array of unique marine life. Personal snorkelling lessons are also included.  

Lunchtime: Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet

• After our amazing snorkelling tour, we head to iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in the Whitsunday Islands. Enjoy exclusive access to Hill Inlet beaches where you can swim in the clear blue ocean, laze on the silica white sand and enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch (optional) on the beach.
• After lunch, take a guided national park walk to Hill Inlet Lookout where you’ll encounter stunning views of the swirling sands below.

Mid-afternoon: Time to head home

• There’s more fun to be had as we make our way back to Airlie Beach! Indulge your sweet tooth with some cake for afternoon tea and enjoy adrenaline-fuelled fun as the boats speed back to Abell Marina, often racing each other on the way.

3.30pm: Arrive Airlie Beach

• Arrive back at Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach.
• Please note: The above tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on tide, wind and other weather conditions.

See more Great Barrier Reef tours from Airlie Beach.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

• Airlie Beach - Check in 7.45am - Departs at 8:45am. Courtesy coach pick-ups are available from local accommodation houses from 7:45-8.15am - Returns 3.30pm
• Daydream Island – Departs 9.00am - Returns 3.15pm

Departure Instructions

• Tours depart daily from Coral Sea Marina North (previously known as Abell Point Marina), Airlie Beach (next to Sorrento Restaurant & Bar).
• Daydream Island tours depart daily from the Daydream Island Marina

Destinations

• Daydream Island
• Hill Inlet
• Whitsunday Island
• Hook Island
• Mantaray Bay
• Maureens Cove

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

6.5 hours (approx.)

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Tropical lunch pack - NEEDS TO BE PREBOOKED: $21 per person to pay on check in
• Sunsuit / wetsuit hire ($8 per person; free for students and pensioners)
• Prescription mask hire ($15 per person)
• Water
• Soft drinks / juice
• Beer / cider
• Chocolate

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are in their third trimester of pregnancy (other pregnancy stages are weather dependant).

Additional Information

Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.

Eco Certifications

• Swimmers
• A beach bag including a towel, hat and shoes.
• A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling.
• Cameras in a waterproof case or Tupperware.
• Cash for water, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices and chocolates for sale on board.
• If you have chosen not to have our buffet style lunch, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day.