"This activity was awesome. The crew was really caring, food was good and there was a veggie option. The tour was complete. We were with Elli, Randall and Arden, they were all so dynamic, kind and patient. I totally recommended this activity !"
Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet
Take a boat ride to the best snorkeling locations in the Whitsunday Islands. Travel on the area's fastest catamaran on a climate action leading tour.
Free cancellation on most bookings · Bookings handled by GetYourGuide

After pickup from your accommodation, head to the marina in Airlie Beach by bus. Board the custom-built catamaran and enjoy fresh, homemade, gluten-free brownies as a morning snack. The first stop is at one of the area's many beautiful reefs to go snorkeling. Be blown away by the vivid colors, beautiful fish, and coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef's fringing reef. This spot offers a quieter way to experience the UNESCO-protected reef. Then, head to the second snorkeling spot on the northern tip of Hook Island. You will discover the area's underwater valleys, caves, and a variety of marine life. Continue to Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch served with cold sliced meats, cheeses, a mix of salads, and fresh bread. After lunch, join a guided bush walk and history talk to Hill Inlet Lookout, located at the northern end of the beach. Admire the world-famous spot where white sands and turquoise waters blend in a unique swirling effect. Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach and soak up the scenery. An afternoon snack of fresh fruit will be provided before the scenic journey back to Airlie Beach by boat. Be dropped back at your accommodation at approximately 5:00 PM.
Highlights
- Visit Whitehaven beach on this tour accredited as "Climate Action Leading"
- Travel on a fast, comfortable, and stable custom-built boat
- Go snorkeling to discover underwater valleys, marine life, and coral formations
- Enjoy a guided bush walk to the breathtaking Hill Inlet Lookout
- Refuel with a generous buffet lunch, along with a morning and afternoon snack
What's included
- ✅ Hotel pickup and drop-off by bus
- ✅ Return bus transfers from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, or Jubilee Pocket
- ✅ Full-day cruise
- ✅ Morning snack
- ✅ Afternoon snack
- ✅ Lunch
- ✅ Use of snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel)
- ✅ Stinger suit hire (summer) and wetsuit hire (winter months only)
- ✅ Park fees and fuel levy
What's not included
- ❌ Alcohol
- ❌ Snorkelling fins
Good to know
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Jacket
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Reusable water bottle
Not allowed
- High-heeled shoes
- Luggage or large bags
- Plastic bags
Know before you go
- This tour is suitable for families, couples, and groups
- There is an onboard toilet for your convenience
- Feel free to bring your own alcohol to consume on the boat. However, glass and red wine are not permitted
- Soft drinks and water can be purchased for $3 on the boat
- The order of locations visited may change from day to day depending on the tides and wind
- Your crew will select the best snorkeling locations based on weather and visibility conditions
- The boat has been designed for stability and speed, so is perfect for passengers who are concerned about seasickness
- You should be a comfortable swimmer if you want to go snorkeling
- We reserve the right to adjust or change snorkelling sites at any time due to tidal shifts, location changes, weather conditions, or other safety concerns. The comfort and safety of our guests are always our top priorities, ensuring every guest has an enjoyable experience.
What it looks like on board
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Reviews
"The activity was wonderful and Whitehaven beach surreal!! Liza, Maddi and Randall always made sure everyone was having a good time and was safe. The snorkeling was very enjoyable, even though the crew fed the fish to attract them, which made the experience less authentic."
"Ellie and Savannah were our crew and they made the trip AMAZING. The playlist was fantastic, the energy was high, and they both helped keep the positive attitudes flowing. The two snorkeling spots were amazing. It did get cold so bring something warm and a change of clothes. Whitehaven beach is stunning. The boat…"
"We had an absolutely unforgettable time out on the water today with Skipper Shannon, Madi, and Claudia. The all woman crew was fun, safe, and professional. We had perfect weather, memorable snorkeling, and gorgeous views. The water was calm, boat was steady & smooth, lunch was delicious. We couldn’t have asked…"
"Amazing, our skippers Randal, Tilly and Reece were exceptional, super fun and made the whole day awesome. Wouldn’t hesitate doing it again 🙌"
"👉 **[Book on GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t394848?partner_id=RIYXUWR)**"
Questions guests ask before booking this tour
GetYourGuide lists the exact inclusions on the booking page — typically snorkel gear and life vests, drinks (often open bar), light food or lunch on the longer trips, and crew. Hotel pickup is sometimes included depending on the operator. Check the operator's inclusion list before booking; this comparison page surfaces the headline product, not every detail.
This tour starts at From $155 per person on GetYourGuide on our last refresh. Prices vary by date, season, and group size, and private-charter options are priced by the boat rather than per head. Click the Book button to see live pricing for your dates.
Most tours on GetYourGuide offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Look for the cancellation policy on the GetYourGuide tour page before booking — it's flagged prominently on the offer card.
May – October (dry season). Shoulder months (april, november (transition months)) are the best-value window — smaller crowds, lower prices, mostly the same conditions. Avoid november – april (wet season, fewer operators).
10 % cash; often included on premium charters. Cash to the captain at the end of the trip — they share with the deckhands. Service is sometimes included on private charters; check the booking confirmation.
Strict reef-safe rules in French Polynesia marine parks (mineral-only). Pick up a mineral (zinc-oxide) sunscreen before you board; on-board sales are usually marked up.
More catamaran tours in Australia
Three more catamaran days in Australia ranked by verified guest reviews. Cross-shopping these usually surfaces a better-value option for the same week.
Ready to sail?
Check live availability and lock in your date. Most catamaran tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
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