Snorkelers near Thundercat boat in Whitsundays, Australia, enjoying a full day tour.
Tourists on a lookout deck viewing Whitehaven Beach's turquoise waters and sandbars, Whitsundays.
Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Snorkel Cruise with Hill Inlet Tour and Buffet Lunch Image 11
Gallery
Top Rated

Loved by recent travelers

Bestseller

One of our most booked experiences

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours before the experience starts

Traveler reviews

Find your best option

Choose your package

Select an option to see its live dates and timings.

Highlights

  • This full-day Whitsundays cruise from Airlie Beach is perfect for couples, families, and adventurers keen to snorkel, hike, and explore in one epic day.
  • Spend two hours on Whitehaven Beach’s dazzling silica sand, then follow your guide on a scenic bush walk to Hill Inlet for incredible island views.
  • Snorkel vibrant inner fringing reefs at Mantaray and Stonehaven Bays, spotting clownfish, giant wrasse, sea turtles, and colourful coral just off the shore.
  • Enjoy a chef-prepared lunch, plus morning and afternoon tea, with bus transfers from Airlie Beach making your day hassle-free.
  • Fun fact: Whitehaven’s sand is 98.9% pure silica—it doesn’t retain heat, so even on hot days, you can walk barefoot on the beach without burning your feet.

Inclusions

  • Full-day cruise from Airlie Beach
  • Morning tea, afternoon tea, & lunch (menu here)
  • Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout with an expert guide
  • Snorkelling at Mantaray Bay & Stonehaven Bay (inner fringing reefs)
  • Round-trip bus transfers
  • Lycra suit, stinger suit, snorkelling equipment (mask & snorkel only), & wetsuit (during winter months)

This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.

Ticket Delivery

  • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
  • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
  • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.

Booking FAQs

Early morning between 6-8 AM offers fewer crowds and stunning golden light for photos. Avoid Fridays when it's closed for prayers. October to March provides cooler weather, making snorkeling more comfortable. Sunrise visits offer magical views and a serene atmosphere.

The typical visit lasts about 2 hours including travel time from Airlie Beach. It includes a short boat ride to the inlet, snorkeling sessions, and exploration of the beach surroundings.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and swimwear. Consider waterproof phone cases or underwater cameras for photography. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to rocky terrain around the inlet.

Yes, it's suitable for children aged 6 and above who can swim independently. Families enjoy snorkeling in calm waters and exploring marine life. Ensure your child wears a life jacket if needed.

Reach Airlie Beach via the Whitsunday Coast Airport or by car from nearby cities. From there, join organized tours that provide transportation and equipment for the snorkeling trip.

Tickets include round-trip transport from Airlie Beach, all necessary snorkeling gear like masks and fins, a professional guide, and entry fees. Some tours offer meals and drinks on board as well.

Booking ahead is recommended due to limited spots and high demand, especially during peak season from October to March. Early booking ensures availability and better rates for your chosen tour.

Photography is allowed but be mindful of marine life protection rules. Use waterproof cases or underwater cameras to capture stunning images without disturbing the environment. Remember to share responsibly on social media.

Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, swimwear and towels, a camera, a jacket, weather-appropriate clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

Glassware, red wine (as it may stain), high-heeled shoes, luggage or large bags, and plastic bags are not allowed.

The cruise is not wheelchair accessible.

Whitehaven’s sand, which is 98.9% pure silica, doesn’t retain heat, allowing you to walk barefoot without burning your feet even on hot days.

You'll enjoy two hours exploring Whitehaven Beach's dazzling silica sand.

While snorkeling, you might spot clownfish, giant wrasse, sea turtles, and colorful coral at Mantaray Bay and Stonehaven Bay.

Yes, the cruise includes a chef-prepared lunch along with morning and afternoon tea.

Round-trip bus transfers are included in your package for hassle-free travel between Airlie Beach and the cruise departure point.

Yes, an expert guide will accompany you on the guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout as well as while snorkeling at Mantaray Bay & Stonehaven Bay.

The cruise provides a lycra suit, stinger suit, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit (during winter months).

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, & sunscreen Swimwear & towels Camera Jacket Weather-appropriate clothing Reusable water bottle

Glassware Red wine (as it may stain the boat’s surface) High-heeled shoes Luggage or large bags Plastic bags

Reviews

4.9
2.6K reviews

Similar experiences you'd love

Starting From
$ 177.58