Water Tours
Get Out On The Water
Water tours connect visitors to the reef, islands, and beaches through day trips, overnight sailing, and island transfers. Options range from small group sailing to large catamaran cruises, with departures from Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour, Hamilton Island, and Port of Airlie, covering Whitehaven Beach, fringing reef snorkelling sites, and outer reef pontoons where swimming and diving happen in protected spots.
Most reef and island tours include snorkelling gear, guidance, and meals, with some offering introductory scuba diving or glass-bottom boat rides for non-swimmers. Day trips last six to eight hours with morning departures, while overnight sailing can range from two-night weekends to week-long trips.
Water Tours
Travellers Tips
What types of water tours are available in The Whitsundays? How can I protect the reef while snorkelling? What's included on boat tours? Whatever you need to know about exploring The Whitsundays by water, we've got the answers. Scroll down further for more in-depth local knowledge.
Exploring By Water
The Whitsundays is best experienced from the water, with high-speed catamarans taking you to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and vibrant snorkelling spots. Multi-day sailing adventures, ranging from overnight to week-long trips, offer the opportunity for island-hopping and reef diving. Outer reef pontoons offer underwater observatories and guided snorkelling, while closer to shore, paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis let you explore at your own pace. Most tours depart from Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie, or Shute Harbour, with pickups from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island.
Exploring By Water
The Whitsundays is best experienced from the water, with high-speed catamarans taking you to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and vibrant snorkelling spots. Multi-day sailing adventures, ranging from overnight to week-long trips, offer the opportunity for island-hopping and reef diving. Outer reef pontoons offer underwater observatories and guided snorkelling, while closer to shore, paddleboards, kayaks, and jet skis let you explore at your own pace. Most tours depart from Airlie Beach, Port of Airlie, or Shute Harbour, with pickups from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island.
Keeping The Reef Safe
Tour operators in The Whitsundays adhere to strict guidelines to protect the Great Barrier Reef, working within zones managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Most crews participate in the Eye on the Reef program, monitoring reef health and reporting their observations to support ongoing conservation efforts. Visitors also play a vital role. Always wear reef-safe sunscreen that doesn't contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate, which can damage coral. Remember the golden rule: look but don't touch.
Keeping The Reef Safe
Tour operators in The Whitsundays adhere to strict guidelines to protect the Great Barrier Reef, working within zones managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Most crews participate in the Eye on the Reef program, monitoring reef health and reporting their observations to support ongoing conservation efforts. Visitors also play a vital role. Always wear reef-safe sunscreen that doesn't contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate, which can damage coral. Remember the golden rule: look but don't touch.
Where The Reef Comes Alive.
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