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From Airlie Beach: Ocean Rafting to Whitehaven Beach with Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout
Experience the original, most-awarded tour in the Whitsundays and visit three must-see spots while riding in high-speed semi-rigid inflatable vessels - you’ll get an exhilarating transfer to world-famous Whitehaven Beach, explore the pristine sand and views at Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, snorkel vibrant reefs, and join guided walks through Whitsunday Island National Parks all in one unforgettable day; choose the Northern Exposure for extra snorkelling or the Southern Lights for more time on the iconic beach, and enjoy exclusive direct access to Hill Inlet and hidden snorkel sites around the Whitsundays that create a memorable underwater experience when you book from Airlie Beach, Queensland.
About this activity in Airlie Beach
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Highlights
- Experience the original, multi‑award ocean rafting day that takes you to three must‑see spots: world‑famous Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet lookout and pristine snorkel reefs.
- Feel the thrill on high‑speed semi‑rigid inflatable vessels that combine an adrenaline ride with guided nature and marine interpretation from expert reef guides and a marine biologist.
- Choose the Northern Exposure for extra snorkelling or the Southern Lights for more time on Whitehaven Beach - both include guided Whitsunday Island National Park walks.
- Access exclusive Hill Inlet shoreline and secret snorkel sites around the Whitsundays for an unforgettable underwater and island experience.
Important Information
- Your day includes reef and island naturalist talks, guided walks, inner fringing coral reef snorkelling, use of snorkelling equipment, all fees and taxes, and courtesy bus transfers from central Airlie Beach.
- Optional items are a tropical lunch (AUD 20 payable direct), assorted drinks and snacks for purchase, and hire items such as sunsuits/wetsuits (AUD 8) or prescription mask hire (AUD 20); public holiday surcharges may apply.
- This tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travellers, those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult’s lap - please advise dietary requirements at booking.
- Pack a small bag with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes, and arrive prepared for a full day of water‑based activities and guided walks.
Meeting Point
Check in at the Ocean Rafting desk at the marina in Airlie Beach (Port of Airlie / Abell Point Marina). A complimentary courtesy bus runs from central Airlie Beach accommodations - confirm your pickup time on booking and arrive 20–30 minutes before departure for check‑in.
Includes
- Hear reef and island naturalist talks led by our master reef guides, eco host and a marine biologist-perfect for anyone curious about the Whitsundays’ marine life
- Explore inner fringing coral reef snorkelling with complimentary snorkel equipment included for worry-free reef viewing near Airlie Beach
- Visit iconic Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet with guided national park walks to learn about the region’s coastal ecology
- Enjoy courtesy bus transfers to and from meeting points in the area for an easy start and finish to your day
- All fees and taxes are included, so the price you see covers the core experience
Excludes
- Tropical lunch is available on board for AUD 20 payable directly-add this in your booking notes if you’d like to include it
- Assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are available to purchase on board (cash or credit card)
- A Queensland public holiday surcharge applies: AUD 20 per adult, AUD 10 per child and AUD 50 per family (2 adults, 2 children)
- Hire of sunsuits/wetsuits is AUD 8 per person at check-in (students with ID, seniors and children free)
- Prescription mask hire is available for AUD 20 per person at check-in
Other
- Public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to the meeting point in Airlie Beach
- Infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the experience
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels-the day includes easy guided walks and snorkelling
- Pack a small bag with swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes for the day
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking
Customer Reviews
10
/
10
Based on 10 Reviews
Summary:
We had the best day since we started. travelling the east coast! We were booked onto Ocean Rafting’s trip by our tour group and didn’t know what to expect , but came away having had the most amazing day! Abbie & Chris were absolutely great so friendly and made the whole trip so fun. The trip is great for all groups of people & even accommodating for families & babies! Would definitely recommend as a must do for anyone staying in Airlie.
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Summary:
Adrenaline pumping fun in the beautiful Whitsundays with Tori & Daisy on the boat Thriller! We went to Hill Inlet for some pics & lunch. Then it was off to some snorkeling spots for a look at some beautiful coral & a closeup with a turtle, a giant clam and some reef fish. Lunch was a good size and there were drinks, chocolates and an afternoon snack of fruit and lamingtons on the way back. All in all an awesome day and a great way to spend our anniversary! Thank you so much guys!
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Summary:
This was a fantastic experience on the Thunderstruck Boat with Rich and Tamika. Snorkeling in the Mackerel Bay area was fantastic and the photos and videos were once in a lifetime. Don't be put off if you are not a strong swimmer as there are life vests and noodles available (I used a life vest and it made life so much easier).
After this, there is a walk to three viewing towers which gives an unbelievable view of the island and Whitehaven Sands, which you eventually come to when you walk down the other side. The beach is amazing and when walking through the shallow water to get to the boat, you see stingrays close up. After lunch and a couple of hours on the beach, there is a fast pace home, with Rich doing some excellent moves in the boat.
I highly recommend this trip, however make sure you get on Thunderstruck with Rich and Tamika as they made it such an enjoyable experience.
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Discover Airlie Beach, Queensland: Book Water-Based Tours You’ll Love
Explore Airlie Beach, Queensland for unforgettable Water-Based adventures, scenic tours and Outdoor & Nature experiences that make the region a top pick for sailing, snorkeling and island-hopping Events. You’ll find family-friendly cruises, Adventure & Thrill excursions and Romantic & Couples escapes that pair perfectly with local Tours & Sightseeing and Multi-Day / Full-Day itineraries, so you can book stays that center your plans around things to do. Use Varoom to discover and book Group-Friendly and Wellness & Relaxation options here, making it simple to match accommodation with the activities you care about in this destination.
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Know more about Airlie Beach
You’ll visit three top Whitsundays destinations in one day: world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, plus guided walks in Whitsunday Island National Park. The trip also includes pristine inner fringing coral reef snorkelling, reef and island naturalist talks by master reef guides and a marine biologist, and high-speed semi-rigid inflatable rides for an adventurous experience.
You’ll snorkel inner fringing coral reefs with guided naturalist talks. Ocean Rafting is the only operator with direct access to Hill Inlet beach and secret snorkel sites around the Whitsundays, ensuring a memorable underwater experience among pristine coral and marine life.
Included are reef and island naturalist talks, snorkelling equipment, visits to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, guided national park walks, courtesy transfers, and all fees and taxes. Extras to budget for include a tropical lunch (AUD 20 payable direct), assorted drinks/snacks, hire sunsuits/wetsuits, and prescription mask hire if needed.
Choose Northern Exposure if you want more snorkelling time on the Whitsundays reefs; pick Southern Lights if you prefer more time relaxing on Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Both tours include guided national park walks, access to iconic viewpoints, and the fast Ocean Rafting ride.
Yes. The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels and family-friendly-infants must sit on an adult’s lap. Guided walks and snorkelling are accessible, though the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious cardiovascular conditions.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. If you need to change plans, make sure to notify the operator in line with this timeframe.
