• 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

The ultimate Whitsunday Islands tour departing from Airlie Beach, lots of adventure one day. Perfect for snorkellers and families, our multi award-winning Great Barrier Reef tour includes an exhilarating boat ride to two pristine snorkelling reefs, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet.

What To Expect

Scenic views, shimmering white sands and brilliant snorkelling in the Whitsundays all in the one day tour. The Northern Exposure eco adventure is our most popular tour amongst keen snorkellers because it is the only Whitsunday day tour which includes two different snorkel destinations. Enjoy snorkelling around Hook Island including Mantaray Bay, Maureens Cove and other specially selected Whitsundays snorkelling spots, ensuring a memorable underwater experience. More time on Whitsunday Island and time spent at the Hill Inlet Beach Lookout where you can take those famous selfies of the silky white sands that form Whitehaven Beach as they carve their way through the Inlet making differnt patterns at each tidal change.

Features and Highlights

Snorkelling at Two Pristine Coral Reef Sites

This is a unique snorkelling tour for you to enjoy two special Whitsundays snorkel sites at Hook Island and Border Island where you’ll discover pristine corals and an array of marine life, including:

• Giant Maori Wrasse
• Turtles
• Dolphins
• An array of colourful tropical fish
• Whales (during July - October).

There’s no need to bring any gear as snorkelling equipment and flotation devices are included and wetsuits can be hired if required. Never snorkelled before? No problem! Snorkelling lessons are included, and our small group numbers mean you’re assured of personal attention. 

Visit Ionic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet

We visit the northern end of beautiful Whitehaven Beach where the swirling sands of Hill Inlet are located.

• We are the only tour operator to have direct access to Hill Inlet beaches.
• Choose to swim in the turquoise waters or simply relax and sunbathe on the silica white sand.
• You can also enjoy a delicious optional buffet-style lunch served at the beach.

Guided National Park Walk - Hill Inlet

Once you’ve recharged, it’s time for a guided national park walk to Hill Inlet Lookout above the silica sand of Whitehaven Beach.

• Keep your eyes peeled for exotic bird and animal life along the scenic walk.
• Keep  your cameras at the ready to snap the world famous, panoramic views of the swirling sands below.

At the end of the day, enjoy more heart-pumping fun as the boats speed back to Airlie Beach Coral Sea Marina, often racing each other on the way.

Take a ride on the wild side!

• Leaving from Airlie Beach we travel to three of the iconic Whitsunday Islands destinations in one day on one of the fastest, thrilling boat rides in the Whitsundays with a maximum of only 32 passengers on our Northern Exposure tour on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
• Departing from Coral Sea Marina at Airlie Beach, you’ll experience the ride of your life aboard our custom-built, super-fast 12-metre semi rigid inflatable vessels, travelling at speeds of up to 30 knots (60 km/hour).
• Originally designed and built as rescue craft and driven by a 500hp engine, you’ll find getting to our Whitsunday Islands destinations is half the fun. Plus, speedy travel means more time for snorkelling adventures!
• Your Skipper and Eco Host will provide some fascinating Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Island facts along the way.

More action-packed Whitsundays Tours

We also offer the Southern Lights tour, view here and view our Heart Reef & Whitehaven Beach scenic flight combo package tour. 

The main difference between the two tours is that the Southern Lights has more beach time and the Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time.

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

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 - Departs at 8:45am. Courtesy coach pick-ups are available from local accommodation houses from 7:45-8.15am
• 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

Pickup Locations

• Airlie Beach
• Daydream Island

• Courtesy coach pick-ups/drop-offs are available from Airlie Beach accommodation.
• Pick up from Daydream Island also available (must be pre-booked).

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 style lunch - NEEDS TO BE PREBOOKED: $20 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

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.