Tour Highlights
- Morning tea, afternoon tea and gourmet BBQ lunch included
- Beer, wine and cider included from late morning
- Approximately 45 minutes snorkelling at fringing reefs with coral and marine life
- Guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout overlooking Whitehaven Beach (tidal dependent)
- Visit one of the most photographed locations in the Whitsundays
- Sail through the Whitsunday Islands on a world-first high-speed sailing catamaran
- Snorkelling equipment and Lycra sun suits provided
- Daydream Island ferry transfers included to meet the vessel in Airlie Beach
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Snorkelling the fringing reefs of the Whitsundays
- Snorkelling equipment and Lycra sun suits
- Guided walk to Hill Inlet and lookout (tidal dependent)
- Approx. 45 minutes snorkelling at fringing reef locations
- Daydream Island Guests : Return Ferry transfers to Airlie Beach included
- Scenic return sailing adventure through the Whitsundays
- Gourmet BBQ lunch
- Soft Drink & Water
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Beer, wine and cider from late morning
Sail through the Whitsundays to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, enjoy a guided lookout walk, snorkel fringing reefs and relax onboard a high-speed catamaran with lunch, drinks and snorkelling gear included.
This full-day Whitsundays sailing tour combines Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and snorkelling in one seamless experience aboard a sleek, high-performance catamaran.
The tour is designed for travellers who want to see the Whitsundays’ most iconic landscapes from both above and below the water, without needing to commit to overnight sailing or multiple tours.
What to Expect
This is a fast-paced but well-balanced Whitsundays day tour that blends sailing, guided walking, beach time and reef snorkelling.
Departing from Airlie Beach, the catamaran sails through the Whitsunday Passage, passing islands such as Daydream, Hamilton and Hook Island before reaching the northern end of Whitsunday Island.
Depending on tide conditions, guests disembark for a guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout, where the swirling silica sands meet turquoise water in constantly changing patterns.
Following the Hill Inlet visit, the vessel relocates to a sheltered fringing reef location for snorkelling. All equipment is provided, however guests must be confident swimmers as flotation devices are not supplied.
Features and Highlights
Scenic Sailing Through the Whitsundays
Sailing is a key part of the experience. The high-speed catamaran uses wind power wherever possible, offering a smooth yet exhilarating ride through the island group with expansive deck space and shaded areas.
Guided Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
Guests follow established walking tracks used by the Ngaro Traditional Owners, leading to elevated lookouts over Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. This is one of the most recognised photographic viewpoints in the region.
Snorkelling the Fringing Reefs
Snorkelling takes place at selected fringing reef sites chosen for visibility and conditions on the day. Coral gardens are home to reef fish, parrotfish, angelfish and other marine species.
All snorkellers must be confident in the water, as flotation devices are not provided.
Onboard Comfort and Catering
• Spacious shaded deck areas and indoor saloon
• Morning tea and afternoon tea served onboard
• Gourmet BBQ lunch prepared fresh
• Soft drinks and water available throughout the day
• Beer, wine and cider served from late morning
Itinerary and Timing
Standard Itinerary
• 8:15am – Depart Port of Airlie Marina
• Morning sail through the Whitsunday Islands with morning tea
• Snorkelling session at fringing reef location
• BBQ lunch served onboard
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout (pre- or post-lunch depending on tides)
• Afternoon sail back through the islands
• Approximately 5:30pm – Return to Port of Airlie Marina
Itinerary order may change depending on tidal conditions.
Daydream Island Guests
• 7:35am – Ferry departs Daydream Island
• 8:05am – Arrive Port of Airlie and board vessel
• 8:15am – Tour departs
• 5:30pm (approx) – Return to Port of Airlie
• 7:00pm – Ferry departs Port of Airlie
• 7:30pm – Arrive Daydream Island
Daydream Island ferry transfers are included in the tour price.
Who This Tour Is Suitable For
This tour suits active travellers who want to see Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and snorkel the Whitsundays reefs in one day.
It is ideal for:
• First-time visitors to the Whitsundays
• Couples and small groups
• Confident swimmers
• Travellers wanting a sailing-based experience
This tour is not suitable for infants and is best for guests with a moderate level of fitness due to walking tracks and swimming requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
- No. All snorkellers must be confident swimmers, as flotation devices are not provided.
Is Hill Inlet always visited?
- Hill Inlet visits are tide dependent. The crew adjusts the itinerary to maximise the experience based on daily conditions.
Are alcoholic beverages included?
- Yes. Beer, wine and cider are included from late morning.
Are children allowed?
- Children are welcome, however the tour is best suited to older children who are confident swimmers.
Barrier Reef Australia – Local Knowledge & Support
Barrier Reef Australia works directly with Whitsundays sailing operators and understands how tides, wind and seasonal conditions affect Hill Inlet access, snorkelling locations and sailing routes.
Our team is available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day, to help travellers choose the right Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tour based on fitness level, swimming ability and time available.
If you would like help comparing this tour with other Whitehaven Beach or Hill Inlet options, speak with our local team or request a Discovery Call.
Itinerary
Sailing on a Luxury Catamaran
Your Whitsundays sail boat today happens to be a world first in expansive deck area and awe-inspiring performance.
With sleek design and modern technology, this speedy catamaran binds the perfect balance of relaxation and exhilaration!
You can choose to recline in the saloon, or let the balmy breeze caress your skin while sightseeing from the deck.
Your friendly crew is there to cater to any need or request, and will offer sumptuous food and even a few fascinating facts about the area.
And since today doesn’t just involve a thrilling sailing expedition and the epitome of paradise on a tropical beach, but also a discovery of coral gardens, your crew will be on hand to share some snorkelling tips too!
An adventure through the Whitsunday Passage is an unforgettable journey...
Arrive at Hill Inlet Overlooking Whitehaven Beach
If there were an award for outstanding performance of tropical beauty, Whitehaven Beach would take out the Oscar for best beach year after year.
As it stands, the powder-fine, luminous shores and halo of azure waters surrounding Whitsunday Island is listed in the top 5 beaches on the entire planet.
As you approach glorious shores, you’ll see exactly why.
Whitehaven is a phenomenal fan of pure white sands and crystal-clear ocean.
The silica here acts as magic, and captures sunlight to reflect the azure and alabaster colours with jaw-dropping magnificence.
Both your eyes and spirit will be awed as you take in evergreen rainforest, feel silken sand under your feet and immerse yourself in the aqua-crystal waters.
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
Whitehaven Beach is renowned for the enchanted beauty of its appearance, yet beneath the waters of the Whitsundays there lies endless magic too!
When your friendly crew suit you up with a snorkel and mask, and a few snorkelling tips to enhance your experience, you’ll have a direct looking glass into the fantasy below.
The reefs surrounding these islands are a sublime sanctuary of vivid coral gardens and the many amazing inhabitants that live there.
The stunning formations swirl with living colour in the form of breathtaking orange Clown fish (Nemo), and the turquoise delight of Parrot fish munching on coral.
On the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Passage is likewise a haven for sea-turtles, with the spectacular sights of whales and dolphins migrating from Antarctica during the cooler months!
Also keep your eyes peeled for a meandering dugong or a ‘fever’ of manta-rays!
Did you know you can also take a scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet and land on the beach?
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Airlie Beach
Departure Time
- Departs Airlie Beach 8.15am, returns 5:30pm
- Departs Daydrean Island 7.35am, returns 7.30pm
Departure Instructions
DAYDREAM ISLAND GUESTS: Depart from Daydream Island onboard the 7:35am ferry to Port of Airlie to meet the Camira vessel. You will be dropped back to Port of Airlie at the end of the day, from there you will catch the last ferry to Daydream Island at 7.00pm, arriving on Daydream Island at 7.30pm, ferry transfer included in price
Destinations
- Hill Inlet
- Whitehaven Beach
- Whitsunday Island
- Hill Inlet
- Whitsunday Island
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Daily
Operates Christmas and New Years Day
Duration
Ex Airlie Beach 9 hours approx.
Ex Daydream Island 12 hours including ferry time from the island and return
Fitness Level Required
Medium, Active
What to Bring
- Swimwear and towel
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
- Light jacket/sweater for a cool or windy day
- Camera
- Swimwear and towel Sunscreen, hat and protective clothing Light jacket for a cool or windy day Camera to capture memories Water bottle
Child Policy
- Due to the length and activity during the day this cruise is unsuitable for infants.
- Child ages 4-14yrs
Cancellation Policy
Our T&Cs
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Vessels may operate in inclement weather such as wind and rain, where we deem it safe to operate according to our operational and safety protocols. If you choose not to travel in these circumstances, this will be considered a cancellation by you and standard cancellation fees will apply. You should check weather forecasts and request to amend your Booking within the permitted timeframes if the forecast on the date of your scheduled Journey is not optimal for your desired experience.
CANCELLATIONS & AMENDMENTS
Day Cruises:
Amendments permitted up to 24 hours prior to Journey commencement. $10 amendment fee applies.
"Cancellations received: – more than 48 hours prior to Journey commencement: fully refundable – within 48 hours prior to Journey commencement: cancellation fee is 100% of the Journey Price."
ReefSleep:
Amendments permitted up to 72 hours prior to Journey commencement.
"Cancellations received: – more than 14 days prior to Journey commencement: fully refundable – 14 days or less prior to Journey commencement: cancellation fee is 100% of the Journey Price."
ReefSuites:
Amendments permitted up to 30 days prior to Journey commencement.
"Cancellations received: – more than 30 days prior to Journey commencement: fully refundable – 30 days or less prior to Journey commencement: cancellation fee is 100% of the Journey Price."
Resort Connections:
Amendments permitted up to two hours prior to Journey commencement.
Cancellations received up to the day prior to Journey commencement are fully refundable.
* Amendments are subject to availability and the following conditions (a) a change of date must be within the same season; (b) name changes are subject to the substitute person agreeing to be bound by our Booking Conditions in effect at the time of substitution; (c) the payment of any Journey Price difference (and any Journey Price difference must be paid by you prior to us confirming amendments); (d) you and any substitute person are not permitted to make further amendments; and (e) cancellation of the amended Journey will be subject to cancellation fees of 100% of the Journey Price irrespective of when notice to cancel is received.
PRICES
Journey Prices stated are in Australian Dollars ($AUD), are inclusive of GST and are subject to change prior to you making a Booking. Your Booking Confirmation will confirm your Journey Price. Payments by debit or credit card are subject to a surcharge equal to the costs we incur to process the payment.
CHILD FARES
Journey Prices for children are applicable to children aged 4 -14 years of age inclusive. Infants aged under 4 years of age travel free of charge, provided that some Journeys are not available to infants. You must advise us at the time of Booking if you intend to travel with an infant. Note that infant meals are not included on day cruises with the exception of ‘Great Barrier Reef Adventures’.
FAMILY FARES
Family fares are available for bookings that include a minimum of two adults and two children aged 4 to 14 years, must be booked at the same time to qualify for the discount, are subject to availability on selected routes and travel dates, may require valid identification for children to verify their age at the time of travel, are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other products, are subject to the standard change and cancellation policies of Journey Beyond, cannot be used with other discounts or promotions unless stated, are not applicable on certain premium services or during peak seasons, and by purchasing a family fare, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
If you book any Additional Services through us, you acknowledge that we will not confirm these Additional Services until we receive payment for these services. If the price for any Additional Services increases prior to us receiving payment, then you must pay the increased price otherwise we will not confirm the Additional Services and we will refund payments received by us attributable to those Additional Services. Child fare pricing and age limits may vary for any Additional Services booked through us. The Journey Price does not include any scuba diving activities, which are Additional Services supplied by Reef Safari Pty Ltd as principal. Any payments you make to us for scuba diving activities are accepted by us as booking agent only.
EXCLUSION
International and domestic airfares and airport/hotel transfers are not included in a Journey unless specifically stated. Costs associated with passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, meals (other than those stipulated), emergency evacuation costs, gratuities, and all items of a personal nature are not included and are your responsibility. If we incur any of these costs on your behalf, then you agree to reimburse us for them on demand.stipulated), emergency evacuation costs, gratuities, and all items of a personal nature are not included and are your responsibility. If we incur any of these costs on your behalf, then you agree to reimburse us for them on demand.
From
au$235.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$195.00
Family: au$749.00
Tour Code: 375
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