• The only Great Barrier Reef tour to have direct access to Hill Inlet beaches at Whitehaven Beach
• Fastest boats in the Whitsundays - meaning you get to explore more!
• Visit both ends of world-famous Whitehaven Beach
• Free snorkel instruction, snorkelling equipment and flotation devices

Thrilling Whitehaven Beach rafting tour, snorkelling and Island bushwalks. The only Airlie Beach tour to see all of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet in a day. Super-fast boat to iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, and snorkel new reefs.

More Whitehaven Beach time and Hill Inlet Lookout

Ride, beach, snorkel and bushwalk…all in one day! 

Southern Lights tour offers the perfect Whitehaven Beach tour, visiting both ends of the world famous beach and enjoying approximately two hours relaxing at the southern end of the 7km stretch of Whitehaven Beach.

Travel to three iconic Whitsunday Islands destinations in one day on one of the fastest boats in the Whitsundays with a maximum of only 32 adventure seeking passengers.

Departing from Abell Point 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 35 knots (65 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 Whitehaven Beach adventures!

Your Skipper and Eco Host will provide some fascinating Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Island facts along the way.

Visit iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet – Southern Lights

This is the only Great Barrier Reef tour to visit both ends of beatiful Whitehaven Beach, enjoying approximately two hours relaxing at the southern end of the 7km stretch of famous white silica sand.

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, take a guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout and view the stunning swirling silica sands and aquamarine waters of Whitehaven Beach below.

• We are the only Great Barrier Reef 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.

Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Border Island or Dumbell Island

Snorkel 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.

If you’re visiting between July and October, you’ll be amazed by the sight of Humpback whales as they breach and play in the azure waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

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. 

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

More action-packed Whitsundays tours

We also offer the Northern Exposure tour, view here.

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

Departure

Departing daily at 10.00am from Abell Point 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
• Snorkel 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 Abell Point 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: Snorkel pristine coral reefs at Border Island or Dumbell Island

Snorkel 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 Abell Point 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

Departs/Returns: 10.00am (check in at 9.00am) from Airlie Beach / 4.30pm to Airlie Beach

Departure Instructions

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

Destinations

• Shute Harbour
• Whitehaven Beach
• 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

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!

100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations after midday the day prior.