Australia · WHITSUNDAYS & WHITEHAVEN BEACH

The 15 Best Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach Trips

32 tours  ·  from $61 a head

The Hill Inlet lookout works on the tide, not the timetable, so departure time matters more than the boat. These 15 compare the rafting runs, the sailing days and the seaplane add-ons on price, beach time and how far they walk.

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout - Hill Inlet is the essential first view
Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, White Water Rafting, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

1.Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,777 reviews · from $149Our pick

Ocean Rafting takes you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and secluded fringing reefs aboard a fast inflatable boat. Choose Northern Exposure for more snorkeling or Southern Lights for extra beach time. Guides such as Bernie, Hailey, Georgie, and Max combine safety advice, reef talks, and plenty of boat-ride fun.

“Superb! Everything is so satisfied. All members of Wipeout are so friendly and enthusiastic to us! Totally recommend!”

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Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour - Group size, pace, and the beginner question
Guided, Jet Boat & Jet Ski Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

2.Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,348 reviews · from $92Best value

Ride a Sea-Doo from Coral Sea Marina into the Whitsunday Islands Marine Park on a guided small-group tour. Choose the shorter Airlie Adventure, the 50-kilometre Two Island Safari, or the solo-rider Ultimate Island Trek with a Palm Bay Resort stop and lunch. Guides such as Josh, Brook, Sami, and Phoebe lead the routes.

“We went on the Airlie Adventure. Izzy was an amazing tour guide. We had such a great time! Will definitely be referring this tour to others!”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Thunder Cat turns the journey into part of the trip
Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

3.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,953 reviews · from $164

Spend about eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ high-speed Thunder Cat, with two snorkeling stops, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, buffet lunch, snacks, and live commentary. The crew, including guides such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, and Jared on different departures, helps first-time snorkelers and confident swimmers alike.

“We went as a young couple and had an amazing day, we were in great hands with the skipper Shannon and the crew Vicky and Trish were super as well. The music, food everything was a vibe, Trish had the whole boat laughing with her jokes. The snorkeling was great as well. Highly recommend the red cat!!!”

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Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet - Getting from Airlie Beach to the marina
Buffet Experiences, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet

4.Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,644 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Red Cat Adventures takes you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and two Hook Island snorkeling sites aboard a fast, stable catamaran. Expect guided walks, reef time, buffet lunch, brownies, fruit, and a friendly English-speaking crew. Guides such as Tristan, Jordy, Jade, Flynn, and Hannah have been praised for keeping the day lively and reassuring.

“I had one of the best days I’ve had in Australia during this tour - everything ran smoothly without a hitch. I was most impressed when I was honest about a certain disability and, instead of ignoring it, they helped to accommodate it and made sure I felt super comfortable. Everything was high quality (boat, food, snorkel equipment etc.), even the friendly tour guides. Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach are so beautiful - you’ve to see it in person! Even off the app I’ve been recommending Red Cat to my other WHV friends”

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Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach - Choosing Northern Exposure or Southern Lights
Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach

5.Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,119 reviews · 390 minutes - 1 day · from $147

Join Ocean Rafting from Airlie Beach for a full day on a fast semi-rigid inflatable boat. Choose a northern route with two snorkel stops or a southern route with more Whitehaven Beach time. Guides such as Ben, Jenna, Brent, Daisy, and James lead the safety briefings, nature talks, walks, and reef sessions.

“Brent and James were our guides and led us to a great time hopping the islands. Relaxing sunny day with loud music and lots of good waves.”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - From Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Coast Airport
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

6.Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,810 reviews · 1h 10m · from $211

Fly from Whitsunday Coast Airport over Conway National Park, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the islands, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, live English commentary, and a small group of up to seven people. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach are included, though the airport transfer can take 30 to 40 minutes each way.

“I was obsessed with the scenic flight over the Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef. 10/10 recommend.”

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From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise - Leaving Port of Airlie for the island chain
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise

7.From Airlie: Whitsundays and Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,548 reviews · 7 hours · from $109

Cruise Whitsundays takes you from Port of Airlie through the island chain to southern Whitehaven Beach. Choose a morning or afternoon sailing, enjoy tea and snacks, use beach gear and stinger suits, and walk to the Southern Whitehaven Lookout. Expect island transfers, including a vessel change at Hamilton Island. Hill Inlet is not included.

“Everything was very well organized, the staff extremely friendly amd there were even complementary hot dogs and fruits provided. Half a day was perfect for us”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight - Pickup from Airlie Beach and the short ride to Shute Harbour
Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

8.Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,426 reviews · 1 hour · from $237

Fly from Whitsunday Airport with Ocean Rafting for one hour over the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, pilot commentary, hotel pickup, lounge access, and a short transfer from Airlie Beach. Pilots such as Josh, Katie, Lewis, and Joey are praised for clear explanations and calm service.

“The most AMAZING experience! Perfect from start to finish, couldn’t recommend enough!”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure - Whitehaven Beach and the walk to Hill Inlet
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

9.Whitsundays Full-Day Camira Sailing Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,307 reviews · 10 hours · from $183

Join Cruise Whitsundays for a full-day catamaran sail from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You’ll get morning tea, a BBQ lunch, afternoon snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks, plus a guided walk and fringing-reef snorkeling. Crew members such as Dakota, Mossi, and Alison have been singled out for friendly, helpful service.

“Such a great day! The team went above and beyond for the entire day! Special shoutout to Joel who was so accommodating with my gluten allergy and also for his amazing music playlist - everyone was loving it! :)”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight - Getting from Airlie Beach to the airport
Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

10.Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,188 reviews · 1h 5m · from $274

Take a 65-minute flight from Airlie Beach over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the Whitsunday Islands, and Heart Reef. You get a window seat, large panoramic windows, live commentary in English or Chinese, and return transfers from central pickup points. Pilots such as Chris, Alex, and Bilal are praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

“This really was the icing on the cake for our stay at Airlie beach. Words cannot describe how stunning this trip was and how beautiful the reef is. Great information from the pilot and a magical trip to remember.”

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Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel - South Whitehaven Lookout is worth the uphill walk
Full-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options – All Day Beach Or Snorkel

11.Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options – All Day Beach Or Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,028 reviews · from $164

Spend about eight hours on ZigZag Whitsundays’ high-speed boat from Airlie Beach, with four hours at Whitehaven Beach, a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout, buffet lunch, and flexible boat-to-beach transfers. Choose the beach-only option or add a reef snorkeling stop with equipment included.

“Staff so nice helpful and friendly! Everything provided that you need. Food plentiful and delicious. Snorkelling spot perfect, saw plenty of colourful fish, corals, HUGE ray and a turtle! Dave, Jess, Emily, Fi, Cass, Mr Mustache, Mr Magnetic, Chickybabe and the others (did my best) are all wonderful, engaging staff. Definitely choose this tour, you won't regret it!”

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Airlie Beach: Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach Cruise - Starting from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach Cruise

12.Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 861 reviews · 8 hours · from $156

Spend eight hours cruising the Whitsundays aboard SeaLink’s air-conditioned catamaran. Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, relax on Whitehaven Beach, enjoy buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea, and hear live commentary from the crew. Complimentary bus transfers, a rooftop deck, accessible toilets, and stinger suits in season make this a well-organized day out.

“Day trip was perfect with my partner, staff were fantastic and the food was extremely good. Amazing value for money and more than enough time to enjoy Whitehaven beach. The guided walk to the Hill Inlet was done very well that added good variety to the trip (extra nice of the guide to take people's pictures)! Incredible way to start off the new year! Must recommend!”

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2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar - Whitehaven Beach and the first big view
Cruises & Boat Tours, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

13.2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 771 reviews · from $466

Spend two nights aboard Avatar, the Whitsundays’ only commercial sailing trimaran, departing Coral Sea Marina at 11:00 am. You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach, snorkel calm reef waters, and sleep onboard with meals included. Crews may include skippers such as Alex or Sammy, with a maximum of 26 people.

“The staff really made this trip that much more enjoyable. Beautiful reefs, amazing staff what an experience.”

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2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef - Snorkeling around Hook, Hayman, and Whitsunday islands
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

14.2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 752 reviews · from $466

Spend two nights aboard the 82-foot sailboat Spank Me, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkeling sites around Hook, Hayman, Border, and Whitsunday islands. Meals, bunks, park fees, and gear are included. Crew members may include Captain Alex and hosts such as Kayla, Kianna, Kate, or Tobey.

“My sister sister-in-law and I joined a younger group of guests and we were apprehensive about whether we would be able to be comfortable sitting on a flat sailboat or sleeping in bunks but it was fine. We sat or laid on the deck or there's Read more”

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1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight - From Flametree to the first island views
1-Hour Experiences, Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

15.1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 746 reviews

Fly from Airlie Beach over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef on a 60-minute flight with a guaranteed window seat. Your pilot points out Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and marine life below. Pickup is available, groups are capped at 13, and the full experience takes about 90 minutes.

“Amazing experience and journey, pilot was amazing and very informative. Real bucket list journey. Scenery and reef stunning.”

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New in Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

★ 4.8Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel TourFrom $16290 reviews
★ 4.6Whitehaven Beach Cruise and Hill InletFrom $19071 reviews
★ 3.9Whitehaven Beach ClubFrom $112152 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach TourFrom $225308 reviews
★ 4.42-Day Whitsunday Islands Sailing Snorkel TourFrom $488215 reviews
★ 4.0Whitsundays Sunset Sailing CruiseFrom $60339 reviews
★ 3.5Whitehaven Beach Morning or Afternoon TourFrom $88392 reviews
★ 4.5Providence Whitsundays Tallship Sunset SailFrom $63389 reviews
★ 4.72-Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip with MealsFrom $460389 reviews
★ 4.5Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday IslandsFrom $185452 reviews
★ 4.5Whitsunday Islands 2-Day Sailing TourFrom $350452 reviews

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