Reef And Whitehaven Combo

Airlie Beach: Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour runs through Iconic Whitsunday Adventures. Rated 4.6 across 346 reviews. Runs 8 hours. From A$333.

Overview

This day trip from Airlie Beach packs the two headline experiences of the Whitsundays into one outing: a snorkel session on the outer Great Barrier Reef and time on Whitehaven Beach, all reached by fast jet speedboat. The whole thing runs about 8 hours, starting and finishing at Viper Whitsunday, with check in at Coral Sea Marina North.

The shape of the day depends on tides and conditions. The boat cruises through the islands, with a guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet lookout and free time and a buffet lunch on Whitehaven Beach, before a run out to the reef, where guests snorkel Bait Reef Lagoon or Stepping Stones, either independently or with a guide. The operator states plainly that the order can flip, and that bad weather may force an alternate route.

It suits confident swimmers in reasonable shape. The snorkelling is done off the back of the boat on the outer reef with no infrastructure, and swimmers who cannot manage are kept out of the water. The bushwalk to the lookout is graded moderate with many stone steps, and the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or back, neck or spine problems. Children must be over 130cm tall to ride.

What's Included

Included

Speedboat tour
Morning/afternoon snacks
Lunch
Guide
Drinking water fountain
Snorkeling gear
Stinger suits
Flotation devices
Guided snorkel tour on the Great Barrier Reef
Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
Beach time at Whitehaven Beach

Not Included

Soft drinks and water (available for purchase onboard)
Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Meet at Coral Sea MarinaMeet at Meeting Point B, Coral Sea Marina North, at the roundabout by 7.40am. There is no hotel pickup.
Boat cruise, Whitsunday IslandsA 40 minute cruise through the islands on the jet speedboat.
Hill Inlet lookoutA 45 minute visit with a guided bushwalk to the lookout, plus photo stops and sightseeing.
Whitehaven BeachTwo hours for lunch, free time, swimming and beach photos.
Boat cruise, Great Barrier ReefA 40 minute high speed run out to the reef.
Reef snorkellingTwo hours at the reef with guided snorkel tour, free time and wildlife viewing.
Speedboat returnOne hour back to Viper Whitsunday at Coral Sea Marina.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape whether this day works for you.

Swimming ability. You must be able to swim to snorkel. The boat moors on the outer reef with no platforms or infrastructure, and weak or non swimmers may be refused entry to the water. The captain's calls are final.
Fitness and footwear. The walk to Hill Inlet lookout is graded moderate with many stone steps, so comfortable shoes and decent fitness are advised. One reviewer also noted a transfer to a smaller rubber boat to reach the islands, which takes some agility getting in and out.
Food included. Lunch is a buffet of salads, cold meats, cheese and bread, with fruit and lamingtons for snacks. Reviewers repeatedly praise the food. Drinking water comes from a fountain onboard, and soft drinks are sold separately.
Seasickness. The ride is fast. One reviewer praised the guides' help with severe seasickness on the crossing.
Weather flexibility. The reef leg is not guaranteed. One reviewer reported the outer reef was skipped due to choppy water, another advised that reaching the outer reef depends on currents, and the operator reserves the right to change the route or the order of stops.
What to bring. Pack swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Snorkel gear, stinger suits and flotation devices are provided.

Common issues. The outer reef portion depends on conditions: one reviewer reported missing the reef snorkel because the water was too choppy, though Whitehaven and Hill Inlet still ran that day, and another warned that reaching the outer reef is not guaranteed and depends on currents. The listing itself flags that the route and order of stops may change with tide and weather. There is no hotel pickup, the tour is not suitable for cruise ship passengers or anyone with mobility, back, neck or spine problems, and children under 130cm cannot ride, with no refund if a child is found too short within 24 hours of departure. One reviewer wished the operator gave clearer advance notice about outer reef access and the backup plan.

How To Choose

What is included in the price?

The speedboat tour, a guide, snorkelling gear, stinger suits and flotation devices, a guided reef snorkel, lunch, morning and afternoon snacks, and drinking water from a fountain onboard are all included. Soft drinks and bottled water cost extra, and hotel pickup is not provided.

Where does the tour meet?

At Meeting Point B, Coral Sea Marina North, at the roundabout, by 7.40am. The departure point is Viper Whitsunday. There is no hotel pickup, and the tour is not suitable for guests arriving by cruise ship.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Children must be over 130cm tall to ride. No refund is given if a child is found to be too short less than 24 hours before departure, so measure beforehand.

Can I join if I have limited mobility or back problems?

No. The listing states the tour is not suitable for anyone with a mobility impairment, back, neck or spine complaints, or those unable to walk unassisted. You also need to be able to swim, since snorkelling happens off the back of the boat on the outer reef.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes for the Hill Inlet bushwalk, swimwear, a towel, a hat and sunscreen. Snorkelling equipment, stinger suits and flotation devices are supplied, and you should advise dietary requirements in advance.