• The only Airlie Beach Great Barrier Reef tour to have direct access to Hill Inlet from Lookout Beach 
• Fastest boats in the Whitsundays - meaning you get to explore more!
• Snorkelling at sheltered fringing coral reefs
• Free snorkelling instruction, snorkelling equipment and flotation devices
• High-speed ocean rafting jet boat tour from Airlie Beach  
• Guided national park walks and Hill Inlet Lookout
• Visit both North and South Whitehaven Beach in one day and see the two lookout points  
• Snorkelling instruction, equipment and flotation devices included
• Courtesy return transfers from Airlie Beach accommodation

A fast-paced Whitsundays snorkelling adventure from Airlie Beach featuring two reef snorkel sites, Hill Inlet Lookout and time at both North and South Whitehaven Beach.

This tour is designed for travellers who want maximum variety in one Whitsundays day, combining reef snorkelling, island walking and beach time without long transit delays.

Departing from Airlie Beach, the experience uses custom-built high-speed inflatable vessels to access locations faster than traditional boats. That speed is not about thrill alone, it directly translates into longer snorkelling sessions, longer beach visits and more flexibility throughout the day.

What genuinely sets this tour apart is its direct landing at Lookout Beach within Hill Inlet. Most Whitsundays tours approach Hill Inlet via Tongue Bay, requiring longer walks and tighter schedules. Landing directly on the beach allows guests to explore Hill Inlet first, when light and tide conditions are often at their best, before continuing to both ends of Whitehaven Beach.

Snorkelling takes place at sheltered fringing reef systems around Hook Island and nearby islands. These reefs are protected from open ocean swell, making them ideal for both first-time snorkellers and confident swimmers. The coral formations here are shallow and close to shore, which is why marine life encounters are frequent, and water clarity is often excellent.

What to Expect

The day begins with courtesy pick-up from Airlie Beach accommodation and check-in at Coral Sea Marina North. After a safety briefing, the vessel departs at speed toward the Whitsunday Islands.

Snorkelling locations are selected on the day by the skipper based on tide, wind direction and visibility. This flexibility is important, as conditions change daily in the Whitsundays. Typical snorkelling sites include areas around Hook Island and Border Island, where fringing reefs support coral gardens, giant clams, reef fish and regular turtle sightings.

Snorkelling instruction is provided before entering the water, and flotation devices are available. Even guests who have never snorkelled before are usually comfortable within minutes due to the calm conditions and shallow reef structure.

After snorkelling, the tour lands directly at Hill Inlet beach. From here, a guided national park walk leads to Hill Inlet Lookout. The swirling silica sands below are shaped by tidal movement, meaning the colours and patterns change throughout the day. This natural phenomenon is why Hill Inlet looks different in every photograph and is widely regarded as one of the most striking coastal views in Australia.

Time is also spent at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, where guests can swim, walk along the shoreline or simply experience the contrast between pure white silica sand and turquoise water.

The return journey to Airlie Beach is fast and fun, often with a little friendly racing between vessels, followed by afternoon tea served onboard.

Features and Highlights

High-speed ocean rafting from Airlie Beach

• Custom-built 12-metre semi-rigid inflatable vessels travel at speeds of up to 35 knots, reducing travel time and maximising time at each destination.

Direct Hill Inlet beach access

• Landing at Lookout Beach allows guests to explore Hill Inlet efficiently and experience the lookout without long approach walks.

Sheltered fringing reef snorkelling

• Two snorkelling sessions at protected reef systems chosen daily for comfort, clarity and marine life activity.

Local commentary and guided walks

• Skipper and Eco Host commentary adds context to the reef, islands and national park landscapes throughout the day.

Full Itinerary

Departure

• Daily departure at 10:00am from Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach
• Return approximately 4:30pm

Morning

• Courtesy pick-ups and check-in
• Safety briefing and high-speed departure

Mid-morning

• Snorkelling session at sheltered fringing reefs around Hook Island or Border Island

Lunch period

• Arrival at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
• Optional buffet-style lunch (must be pre-booked)
• Guided national park walk to Hill Inlet Lookout

Afternoon

• Additional time at Whitehaven Beach
• High-speed return to Airlie Beach with afternoon tea

Please note itineraries are a guide only and may change due to tide, wind and weather conditions.

Expert Questions About This Tour

Is this tour suitable for pregnant guests?

• No. Due to high-speed vessel travel, this tour is not suitable during pregnancy.

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

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

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

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

Is this an outer Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour?

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

What marine life can we expect to see?

• Common sightings include turtles, reef fish and giant clams. Dolphins and whales may be seen during the winter migration season.

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 Whitsundays snorkelling and Whitehaven Beach tours based on comfort, activity level and time on the water so you book what genuinely suits you.

SUPPORT AND DISCOVERY CALLS

We are available seven days a week, excluding Christmas Day. If you would like help choosing the right Whitsundays tour, 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.

Departure Airlie Beach

Departing daily at 10.00am from Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach and returning at 4.30pm, this ‘3 days in 1’ Whitsundays tour offers the opportunity to enjoy three iconic Whitsunday Islands destinations, two hours of relaxation at the southern end of iconic Whitehaven Beach, and a range of reef, beach and bush activities in just one day.  

• Ride one of the fastest and most adventurous reef tours in the Whitsundays
• Visit both ends of world-famous Whitehaven Beach
• Snorkelling the stunning fringing reefs at Border Island or Dumbell Island
• Personal snorkel instruction, snorkelling equipment and floatation devices 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 and Great Barrier Reef 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 Beach Adventure Itinerary

Departing : Daily at 10.00am
Returning : Daily at 4.30pm

9.00am - 9.30am: Courtesy pick-ups

• Courtesy pick-up is included for guests from local Airlie Beach accommodations between 8.45am and 9.30am. 

9.00am: Check-in

• Check-in at 9.00am 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. 

10.00am: We’re on our way

• Depart the marina at 10.00am on our super-fast semi-rigid inflatable raft and enjoy a fun, high-speed ride amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands.

Mid-morning: Whitehaven Beach

• We visit both ends of beautiful Whitehaven Beach, enjoying approximately two hours relaxing at the southern end of the 7km stretch of famous white silica sand.  Explore the beach, swim in the turquoise ocean or sunbathe on the soft silica sand - the choice is yours.

Lunchtime: Hill Inlet

• Enjoy exclusive access to all areas of Hill Inlet where you can enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch (optional) on the swirling sand bars. 
• 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: Snorkelling pristine coral reefs at Border Island or Dumbell Island
• Snorkelling for over an hour at the stunning fringing reefs at Border Island, Dumbell Island or one of our “secret” snorkel spots. As you explore the colourful corals you’ll encounter an array of unique marine life, including:
• turtles
• dolphins
• an array of colourful tropical fish
• giant clams.
• Personal snorkelling lessons, snorkelling equipment and floatation devices are included. 

Afternoon: It’s 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.

4.30pm: Return to Airlie Beach

• Arrive back at Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach at 4.30pm.
• 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 Whitehaven Beach Great Barrier Reef tour options.  

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

• Airlie Beach - Departs 10.00am (check in at 9.00am) – Returns 4.30pm. Courtesy coach pick-ups are available from local accommodation houses from 8:45-9.30am
• Daydream Island – Departs 10.15am – Returns 4.00pm

Departure Instructions

• Airlie Beach 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

• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach

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: From $20 per person to pay on check in
• Sunsuit/Wetsuit Hire - From $8
• Prescription Mask Hire - From $15
• 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).

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 fresh tropical lunch pack, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day.
• A sense of humour is always welcome!