Airlie Beach: Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour

Name: Airlie Beach: Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Tour
Brand: GetYourGuide
Price: 239.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.66 (341 reviews)

4.7 (341 verified reviews)

The jet speedboat running past Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday hills

Aerial view of coral bommies at Bait Reef with the boat moored alongside

The speedboat carving a full circle into flat turquoise water, seen from above

Guests at the Hill Inlet lookout above the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach

A snorkeller photographed underwater above the reef at Bait Reef Lagoon

About This Experience

This is the Whitsundays version of a reef day: a jet speedboat from Airlie Beach that snorkels the outer Great Barrier Reef at Bait Reef Lagoon or Stepping Stones, then runs to Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout in the same eight hours.

Snorkelling is wild - off the back of the boat on the outer reef, with no platform and nothing to stand on - and you can go at your own pace or follow the guides. Gear, stinger suits and flotation devices are provided, and lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks are included.

The bushwalk to Hill Inlet lookout is graded moderate with a lot of stone steps, so comfortable shoes matter. Children must be over 130cm to ride the speedboat, and the operator will not refund a child found too short within 24 hours of departure.

Highlights

Snorkel at the outer Great Barrier Reef and discover a vibrant underwater world
Spot a variety of colourful fish and marine species at Bait Reef Lagoon
Take some time to relax and unwind on the famous Whitehaven Beach
Embark on a bushwalk to the Hill Inlet lookout
Ride at high speed across the waves on a specialized jet speedboat

What's Included

✓ Speedboat tour
✓ Morning/afternoon snacks
✓ Lunch
✓ Guide
✓ Drinking water fountain
✓ Snorkeling gear
✓ Stinger suits
✓ Flotation devices
✓ Guided snorkel tour on the Great Barrier Reef
✓ Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
✓ Beach time at Whitehaven Beach

Not Included

Soft drinks and water (available for purchase onboard)

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes
Hat
Swimwear
Towel
Sunscreen

Good to Know & Caveats

Kids must be >130cm tall. No refunds will be given if a child is found to be too short to ride less than 24hrs from departure
The bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout is graded moderate with many stone steps. Comfortable shoes & a good level of fitness are advised
To snorkel you must be able to swim. We snorkel 'wild' off the back of the boat, on the outer Great Barrier Reef, where there is no infrastructure. If you have never snorkelled before, or you are a weak/non-swimmer this may be too dangerous for you and we may not be able to allow you into the water. Captain's orders must be followed
This tour is not suitable for: mobility impairments, back/neck/spine issues, or those unable to walk unassisted. If you hesitate at any of these, please call us to discuss
If weather is unfavorable, we may take an alternate route to ensure safety of passengers & crew. No refunds or discounts will be issued for missed or changed stops
*not suitable for guests arriving by cruise ship*

Not Suitable For

People prone to seasickness
People with heart problems
Cruise ship guests
Wheelchair users
People under 130 cm
People with recent surgeries
People with a pre-existing medical condition
70 yrs and over
People with mobility impairments
Pregnant women
People with back problems
Non-swimmers
People with epilepsy
Children under 8 years

Meeting Point

Meeting Point B, Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach, at the roundabout at 7:40am.

What Travelers Say

Rated 4.7/5 by 341 verified GetYourGuide travelers.

Fantastic day, crew were amazing and we even got to swim with whales :)
— Susan, July 15

I had a wonderful day and found the whole experience fantastic. Food provided was outstanding, the scenery and inclusions were above expectations. I am a decent swimmer but have a huge fear of the ocean and the team helped me to have an amazing experience snorkelling the reef. I would do this again without a doubt.
— Darlene, July 12

Probably the single most amazing trip I’ve ever done ! Incredible value for money, staff were amazing ! Free buffet included ! The reef was life changing the Whitsundays is to die for & cruising around on a big speedboat to each location made the trip even better. couldn’t recommend more !!
— Joshua, June 29

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this trip visit the outer reef?

Yes - it snorkels the outer Great Barrier Reef at Bait Reef Lagoon or Stepping Stones before running to Whitehaven Beach, so you get reef and beach in the same day.

How hard is the Hill Inlet walk?

Graded moderate, with many stone steps. Comfortable shoes and a reasonable level of fitness are advised; it is the part of the day people most often underestimate.

Is there a minimum height for children?

Yes, children must be over 130cm to ride the speedboat. No refund is given if a child is found to be too short within 24 hours of departure.

What kind of snorkelling is it?

Wild snorkelling off the back of the boat on the outer reef - no platform, no infrastructure and nothing to stand on. You must be able to swim, and the captain can keep weak swimmers out of the water.

Is food included?

Yes, lunch plus morning and afternoon snacks, along with snorkel gear, stinger suits and flotation devices. Soft drinks and water are available to buy on board.