• Guided bushwalk to South Whitehaven Lookout (approximately 1 km) for sweeping views across Whitehaven and the islands
• Choose beach time only or upgrade to include a 1-hour snorkel session at a Whitsundays fringing reef
• Unlimited tender transfers between Super Flyer and Whitehaven Beach
• Super Flyer is a large, purpose-built high-speed catamaran carrying up to 80 passengers with air-conditioned indoor lounge areas, shaded decks and onboard bathrooms
• Buffet lunch, snacks, water bottle refills and lycra suits included

Whitehaven Beach day tour from Airlie Beach with unlimited beach transfers, buffet lunch, snacks and a guided South Whitehaven Lookout walk. Upgrade to a 1-hour snorkel session at a Whitsundays fringing reef. Departs daily on Super Flyer.

Spend the day at Whitehaven Beach with the flexibility to make it as relaxed or as active as you want. This tour is built around time on the sand, comfort on the water, and simple logistics that make the day run smoothly, including unlimited tender transfers between the vessel and the beach.

If you want more than beach time, upgrade to include a 60-minute snorkel session at a fringing reef site selected on the day for conditions. Both the beach-only and snorkel-inclusive guests travel together, so it works well for families and groups where not everyone wants the same activities.

What To Expect

This Whitehaven Beach day tour departs from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach and cruises through the Whitsunday Islands before arriving off Whitehaven Beach. Super Flyer operates as your base for the day, with tender transfers running throughout your stay so you can go ashore, return to the vessel for shade, bathrooms or lunch, then head back to the beach again without feeling locked into one time slot.

Once on Whitehaven, you will have 4–5 hours to swim, relax, take photos and enjoy the shoreline. Included is a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout. The track is approximately 1 kilometre and leads to an elevated viewpoint over Whitehaven Beach, Chance Bay and the surrounding islands. It is a straightforward walk for most travellers and is one of the most rewarding ways to appreciate the scale and colour of this coastline.

If you book the snorkel tour upgrade, you will transfer mid-day on a separate fast boat to a fringing reef snorkel site. The snorkel location is chosen by the crew based on visibility, wind and swell to give you the best possible experience for the day. Expect around 60 minutes in the water, with guidance provided to help you feel confident and to keep the session safe and enjoyable.

Back on Super Flyer, lunch is served on board, along with snacks and water refills. There are lounge areas, shaded seating and indoor air-conditioned spaces for comfort during the warmer months.

Features and highlights

The vessel and onboard comfort

Super Flyer is designed to deliver a comfortable Whitsundays day experience, not an exposed speedboat ride.

• Capacity up to 80 passengers
• 80-passenger SuperCat powered by twin Yanmar 911hp engines
• Cruises comfortably at approximately 24 knots
• Climate-controlled indoor lounge
• Shaded outdoor seating areas
• Two bathrooms onboard
• Adults-only top deck area
• Bar available for drinks and snacks (pay-as-you-go)
• Complimentary tea and coffee available during the day

Unlimited beach transfers to Whitehaven

Unlimited tender transfers run between Super Flyer and Whitehaven Beach, so you can structure your time around swimming, walking, relaxing and returning to the vessel when you want shade, lunch or facilities.

South Whitehaven Lookout guided walk

The guided lookout walk is included and is a key part of this tour’s value.
• Approximately 1 km walking track
• Leads to a panoramic viewing platform over Whitehaven Beach and the southern bays
• Ideal for photos, first-time visitors and travellers who want the classic Whitehaven perspective without a longer hike

Optional snorkelling session at a Whitsundays fringing reef

If you upgrade to snorkel, you will travel to the snorkel site on a separate fast transfer boat.
• Transfers operated by a custom fast boat fitted with four 300hp engines and padded seating
• Snorkel site selected daily for conditions and visibility
• Approximately 60 minutes snorkelling time
• Suitable for beginners and experienced snorkellers, with guidance provided

Snorkelling equipment and suits

Snorkel equipment is provided for snorkel-option guests and is selected for comfort and fit.
• TUSA silicone masks
• Turbo fins
• Snorkels
• Wetsuits or seasonal lycra / stinger protection as required

Itinerary overview

Tour schedule

• Check-in: 8:20am at Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
• Departure: 9:00am
• Whitehaven Beach time: approximately 4–5 hours (with unlimited tender transfers)
• South Whitehaven Lookout walk: included during beach time
• Snorkelling (if selected): approximately 60 minutes via fast boat transfer
• Lunch: buffet lunch served onboard Super Flyer
• Return: approximately 5:00pm at Coral Sea Marina

Please note: timings are a guide only and may change due to weather and sea conditions.

Tour details

Departs from

• Airlie Beach (Coral Sea Marina)

Duration

• Full day

Destination highlights

• Whitehaven Beach
• South Whitehaven Lookout
• Optional snorkelling at a Whitsundays fringing reef site

Safety, fitness and suitability

Fitness level required

Low to moderate. You should be comfortable walking on sand and completing a 1 km track to the lookout.

Swimming ability

Beach-only guests can enjoy Whitehaven without snorkelling. For the snorkel option, you should be comfortable in open water.

Pregnancy

This tour may suit some pregnant travellers for beach time and the lookout walk. Conditions on the water vary, and the snorkel option may not be suitable. Please speak with our team before booking so we can advise based on conditions and comfort.

Back, neck and mobility considerations

• The boat ride can be affected by wind and swell. If you have back, neck or joint injuries, choose calm-weather days where possible and speak with us before booking.
• Guests must be able to step on and off tenders and walk short distances on sand.
• This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to tender transfers, beach access and the lookout track.

Who should not book this tour

• Travellers who want a dedicated, longer snorkelling day with multiple reef stops
• Anyone unable to step on and off a tender boat unaided
• Guests with severe back or neck conditions that may be aggravated by variable sea conditions
• Anyone who is not comfortable in open water should avoid the snorkel upgrade

Frequently asked questions

How long do we spend at Whitehaven Beach?

Approximately 4–5 hours, with unlimited tender transfers so you can move between the beach and the vessel throughout the day.

How long is the South Whitehaven Lookout walk?

Approximately 1 kilometre. It is a straightforward walk for most people, with a viewing platform at the end.

Can my group split activities?

Yes. Beach-only and snorkel-upgrade guests travel together on Super Flyer, then snorkel guests transfer out for their 60-minute snorkel session.

What if I do not want to snorkel?

Book the beach-only option. You will still have the full Whitehaven Beach experience plus the lookout walk, lunch and onboard facilities.

What equipment is provided for snorkelling?

Snorkel guests are provided with quality gear including masks, fins, snorkels and suits suitable for conditions on the day.

Is this tour suitable for families?

Yes. The vessel size, seating zones, onboard bathrooms and unlimited transfers make this a practical option for families and mixed-age groups. The snorkel upgrade is best for children and adults who are confident in open water.

Barrier Reef Australia local knowledge and support

Barrier Reef Australia works directly with Whitsundays operators and helps travellers choose the right Whitehaven Beach tour based on real conditions, comfort preferences and the level of activity you want on the day.

We are available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day. If you want help deciding whether to book beach-only or add snorkelling, or you want honest advice on sea conditions and comfort, speak with our team or request a Discovery Call.

Tour Schedule

Check-In: 8:20 AM at Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Departure: 9:00 AM
Whitehaven Beach & Lookout Walk: 4–5 hours of shore time
Snorkelling (If Selected): 60-minute reef experience via fast boat transfer
Buffet Lunch: Served onboard Super Flyer
Return: Back at Coral Sea Marina by approximately 5:00 PM

Why Choose This Whitehaven Beach Tour

This Whitehaven Beach day tour from Airlie Beach offers the ideal mix of relaxation, adventure, and flexibility. Whether you're looking to photograph iconic landscapes, snorkel among thriving coral reefs, or simply enjoy uninterrupted time on Australia’s most famous beach, this tour delivers a premium, comfortable experience tailored to your preferences.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

9:00am

Departure Instructions

The meeting time for the tour is 8:20 AM at Meeting Point D, Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach.

Destinations

Whitehaven Beach

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

8 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Low

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Swimming costume
• Towel

• Infants aged 1 to 3 years travel for free, while children aged 4 to 14 require a paid child ticket
• For Whitehaven Beach Plus Snorkelling, children must be 5 years or older to participate.
• If you are travelling with a child under 5 years old, they must be booked on a Whitehaven Beach All Day Ticket, and at least one adult must be booked under the same ticket. Life jackets and stinger suits are available for all children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.