What to Expect

Experience the thrill of cruising the Whitsunday Islands with our fleet of high-speed charter boats, perfect for any group event. With daily departures from Airlie Beach we cater for corporate gatherings to weddings and family celebrations, our charter boats offer flexible half-day or full-day excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, tailored to provide an unforgettable adventure.

Features and Highlights

Versatile Group Options

• Our Airlie Beach charter boat fleet includes seven boats, each capable of carrying 25 to 32 passengers. For larger groups, book multiple vessels to accommodate up to 206 guests, ensuring everyone can join in the fun. These trips are ideal for any special occasion, providing a unique venue for both celebration and sightseeing.

High-Speed Travel

• Each of our 12-meter semi-rigid inflatable vessels is built for speed, making them the fastest charter boats in the Whitsundays. This means less travel time and more time enjoying the stunning locations you visit. The exhilarating ride adds an element of excitement to your journey, enhancing the adventure.

Exclusive Destinations

• Our Great Barrier Reef tours grant access to some of the most coveted spots in the Whitsundays, including the pristine Hill Inlet Beach at Whitehaven Beach. We hold special permits that allow us to explore protected areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, offering a blend of adventure and tranquillity.

Snorkelling Adventures

• Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef at secret snorkelling spots known only to our experienced crew. Encounter a vibrant underwater world home to giant Maori wrasse, turtles, dolphins, and colourful tropical fish. During the whale migration season from July to October, you might also spot these majestic creatures.

Customizable Itinerary

• Tailor your private charter boat itinerary to suit your group’s preferences. Departing from Airlie Beach we can take you snorkelling, beach hopping, or to simply soaking up the sun on the soft sands of Whitehaven Beach, our flexible scheduling allows you to choose your perfect day out on the water.

Catering Options

• Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch onboard, featuring a variety of dishes to cater to all tastes and dietary needs. Our menu includes fresh seafood, a selection of meats, and vibrant salads, complemented by soft drinks, water, and ice.

Sample Itinerary

Departure: From Airlie Beach we take off to your chosen location and head towards the adventure-packed waters of the Whitsundays.

Morning: Arrive at Hill Inlet Beach for some beach time and a guided snorkel session.

Lunch: Savor a delicious buffet while anchored in a picturesque location.

Afternoon: Explore more hidden reefs or relax on the iconic Whitehaven Beach before returning.

Note: Activities and destinations may vary based on weather conditions and tides to ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience for all guests.

Our T&Cs:

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.

Additional Operators T&Cs:

All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST.  Ocean Rafting reserves the right to charge our customers a fuel levy if fuel is over $1.50 per litre.

Sites are weather and tide permitting. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to arrange alternate itinerary when necessary. Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tidal dependant. Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.

Ocean Rafting may use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, however if you do not consent please advise Ocean Rafting.

Liability: Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are in their third trimester of pregnancy (other pregnancy stages are weather dependant).  Minimum age 6 months. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance.

Fitness and Health: Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior experience to partake in an Ocean Rafting adventure.

Cancellations/Refund Policy: Your booking includes a 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations. Ocean Rafting accepts cancellations and amendments for bookings up until 12:00pm the day prior to departure for the Northern Exposure tour, Southern Lights tour, Fly Raft package and Scenic Flight tour. Any cancellations after 12:00pm the day prior are not eligible for a refund. Please Note: On occasion, in the interest of guest safety, we may have to cancel tours due to unfavourable weather conditions. In this unlikely event, you will be offered travel on another suitable day or issued a refund, minus 5% booking fee of your fare price.

Credit Card Surcharge: If you are paying by credit card please be aware these transactions incur a non-refundable 1.6% surcharge.

Rates: Tour rates shown are valid for travel until 31 March 25.  For travel after that date, relevant rates will display when future dates are selected in the booking table.

Cruise Ships: Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.

Queensland Public Holidays: The following days incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch) on the Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft package, as well as charters and all Rafting Squad bookings, including birthday travel. Scenic flights will NOT incur surcharge:

APR 25 – MAR 26

• 18 April 25 – Good Friday
• 19 April 25 – Easter Saturday
• 20 April 25 – Easter Sunday
• 21 April 25 – Easter Monday
• 25 April 25 – Anzac Day
• 05 May 25 – Labour Day
• 20 June 25 – Show Whitsundays
• 06 October 25 – King’s Birthday
• 25 December 25 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
• 26 December 25 – Boxing Day
• 01 January 26 – New Year’s Day
• 26 January 26 – Australia Day

APR 26 – MAR 27

• 03 April 26 – Good Friday
• 04 April 26 – Easter Saturday
• 05 April 26 – Easter Sunday
• 06 April 26 – Easter Monday
• 25 April 26 – Anzac Day
• 04 May 26 – Labour Day
• *Still to be announced* – Show Whitsundays
• 05 October 26 – King’s Birthday
• 25 December 26 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
• 26 December 26 – Boxing Day
• 28 December 26 – Boxing Day public holiday

Fly and Raft and Scenic Flights.

As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above. Minimum numbers of four passengers for flights/flight packages apply. Flights are subject to pilot discretion, weather and air traffic control. For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding. Maximum per seat weight is 125 kgs. Full names and exact weights per passenger must be advised when booking  due to flight weight availability. Flights are conducted by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures trading as WAVEAir Pty Ltd, AOC# CASA.AOC.0067 and Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd AOC#1-KPVQ0 -06, licensed and certified Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carriers. Cancellation Policy:  100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations after midday the day prior.

Charters

As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above except for charter payment and cancellation policy as follows:

• Payments can be made via Credit Card or Bank Deposit. (A 1.6% credit card surcharge applies)
• Cancellation up to 5 days prior to departure – Full refund less 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations.
• Cancellation less than 5 days prior to departure – 100% cancellation fee applies
• A $200 Public Holiday surcharge is applied to rates for charters booked on Queensland public holidays