Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise with Hill Inlet Tour and Buffet Lunch Tickets at Coral Sea Marina
Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise with Hill Inlet Tour and Buffet Lunch
Customer reviews
Summarised reviews
- Spectacular visuals
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty of Whitehaven Beach and the exceptional service provided by the tour crew. With a 4.9-star rating based on over 2,600 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Whitsundays. Guests praise the delicious buffet lunch, the opportunity to snorkel at reef hotspots, and the breathtaking views of Hill Inlet. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing day out, this tour has something for everyone.
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Airlie Beach Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise with Hill Inlet Tour
Experience the best of the Whitsundays on this comprehensive full-day cruise departing from Airlie Beach. You'll sail to world-renowned Whitehaven Beach, where 98.9% pure silica sand stays cool underfoot even on the hottest days. The tour combines beach time with snorkelling at two prime coral reef locations and a guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout for panoramic views of the swirling sand patterns.
Your day includes approximately two hours at Whitehaven Beach for swimming and relaxing, plus snorkelling stops at Mantaray Bay and Stonehaven Bay. These inner fringing reefs are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, where you'll spot tropical fish, colourful coral formations, and potentially sea turtles in their natural habitat. The guided trek to Hill Inlet Lookout reveals one of Australia's most photographed natural wonders - the swirling turquoise and aquamarine waters over brilliant white sand bars.
What is Included
- Full-day cruise departing from Airlie Beach
- Morning tea, afternoon tea and buffet lunch
- Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel, lycra/stinger suit, wetsuit in winter)
- Return bus transfers from Airlie Beach
Good to Know
The tour departs from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. Arrive 20 minutes before departure time. Round-trip bus transfers from Airlie Beach accommodation are included in your booking.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the Hill Inlet bushwalk and bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. A camera is essential for capturing the Hill Inlet views. Pack a jacket for cooler weather conditions.
All fitness levels are welcome, and snorkelling instruction is provided for beginners. Children under 2 require approval. The vessel cannot accommodate wheelchairs, and strollers may not suit all areas of the tour. Plastic bags, glassware and red wine are prohibited onboard.
The experienced crew optimises sailing routes and snorkelling locations based on daily weather and tide conditions. Fresh, chef-prepared meals accommodate most dietary requirements, though specific restrictions cannot be guaranteed due to onboard kitchen limitations.
Why you'll love it
- Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach to world-famous Whitehaven Beach
- Walk on 98.9% pure silica sand that stays cool even in summer heat
- Snorkel at two prime coral reef locations in the Whitsundays
- Guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout for views of swirling sand patterns
- Buffet lunch included on board during your day on the water
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate in this tour. Children under 4 years old are not permitted.
- Know before you go
Before embarking on your Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise, please ensure you bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for water activities. Plan to arrive at the Coral Sea Marina at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. The marina is wheelchair accessible, but please note that the tour may not be suitable for guests with severe mobility impairments. It's also recommended to bring a water bottle and a small backpack to carry your essentials during the tour.
- Visitor guidelines
Wear comfortable shoes and pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle
Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure
Bring a camera and a jacket for cooler weather
Plastic bags, glassware and red wine are not allowed onboard
Wheelchair access is unavailable; strollers may not suit all areas
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
Frequently asked
Sail to the Famous Whitehaven Beach
The tour begins with a scenic cruise through the heart of the Whitsundays, ferrying you directly to world-renowned Whitehaven Beach. Renowned for its powdery white sand composed of 98.9 percent pure silica, this beach is exceptional for both its natural beauty and unique, cool-to-the-touch sand. Spend approximately two hours here – stroll along the shoreline, take a refreshing swim, or simply relax under the sun.
Hill Inlet Lookout Trek
From the beach, join your knowledgeable guide on a bushwalk up to Hill Inlet Lookout. The panoramic views here capture swirling turquoise and aquamarine waters over blinding white sand bars – an unmissable highlight and a photographer’s dream.
Snorkel the Whitsunday Reefs
Your journey continues with snorkelling stops at the inner fringing reefs of Mantaray Bay and Stonehaven Bay. These sites are famous for their extraordinary marine life. Snorkel among colourful coral formations, tropical fish including clownfish and giant wrasse, and keep an eye out for sea turtles gliding by in their natural habitat. All snorkelling equipment, including lycra or stinger suits, masks and snorkels (plus wetsuits in winter) is provided.
Boutique Dining Aboard
Fuel up with a delicious chef-prepared buffet lunch served onboard, along with morning and afternoon tea. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and dietary considerations are offered to accommodate most requests. While dietary restrictions cannot be guaranteed due to the onboard kitchen limitations, there are usually options for everyone.
Effortless Travel and Support
Round-trip bus transfers from Airlie Beach are included, removing the need to worry about logistics. The experienced crew not only offers safety briefings and local insights but ensures every stage of the journey – from sailing conditions to snorkelling spots – is optimised for the best weather and tides on the day.
What’s Special?
The Whitsundays’ fringing reefs are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering a unique ecosystem of corals and sea life that thrives just beneath the surface. Hill Inlet’s swirling sands are one of Australia’s most photographed natural wonders, making this a truly bucket-list trip.
Where you'll be
Coral Sea Marina, 1-3 Shingley Dr
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