• Morning tea, afternoon tea and gourmet BBQ lunch included
• Beer, wine and cider included from late morning
• Approximately 45 minutes snorkelling at fringing reefs with coral and marine life
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout overlooking Whitehaven Beach (tidal dependent)
• Visit one of the most photographed locations in the Whitsundays
• Sail through the Whitsunday Islands on a world-first high-speed sailing catamaran
• Snorkelling equipment and Lycra sun suits provided
• Daydream Island ferry transfers included to meet the vessel in Airlie Beach

One of the most popular full-day Great Barrier Reef tours from Airlie Beach. Explore Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, snorkel the reef all in one day on a high speed catamaran.

What to Expect

Spend a full day exploring the Whitsundays on a premium Great Barrier Reef tour from Airlie Beach, sailing aboard a high-performance catamaran to the iconic Whitehaven Beach. This tour offers the ideal mix of relaxation, scenic cruising, and adventure, with access to one of the world's most photographed natural destinations — Hill Inlet.

Departing from Port of Airlie, this tour is suited for all types of travellers and includes snorkelling, beach activities, guided walks, and gourmet dining. Travel in comfort, enjoy expert commentary, and experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in one unforgettable day.

Features and Highlights

Full-Day Whitehaven Beach Tour – Whitsunday Islands

• Modern Catamaran Sailing Experience
  Cruise aboard a custom-built sailing catamaran featuring spacious open decks and shaded areas. Designed for speed and comfort, the vessel offers panoramic views of the Whitsunday Passage and surrounding islands.
• Tropical Scenery Along the Journey
  Sail past a chain of unspoiled islands and turquoise bays as you make your way toward Whitehaven Beach, a 7km stretch of pure silica sand on Whitsunday Island.
• Whitehaven Beach Visit
  Spend time on the soft white sands of Whitehaven, consistently rated among the world’s best beaches. Enjoy swimming, beach games, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
• Hill Inlet Lookout Walk
  Join a guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet lookout, the famous vantage point overlooking the swirling white sands and aqua waters that make this one of the most photographed spots in Australia.
• Snorkelling Adventure
  Dive into the reef-protected waters for guided snorkelling. Explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter tropical marine life in one of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays.
• Gourmet Beach BBQ Lunch
  Refuel with a delicious barbecue lunch served beachside. Vegetarian and dietary options available with advance notice.
• Morning Tea & Regional Commentary
  Enjoy light refreshments during your journey while the knowledgeable crew shares insights into the Whitsunday Islands, marine life, and reef conservation.

Sample Itinerary – Departing Daydream Island

• 7:35 am – Ferry departs Daydream Island to Port of Airlie

• 8:05 am – Arrive at Port of Airlie, board sailing catamaran

• 8:15 am – Catamaran departs Port of Airlie for Whitehaven Beach

• 5:30 pm (approx.) – Return to Port of Airlie

• 7:00 pm – Ferry departs back to Daydream Island

• 7:30 pm – Arrival at Daydream Island

This Whitehaven Beach catamaran tour offers one of the best ways to experience the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef in a single day. From sailing and snorkelling to bushwalking and beachside dining, it delivers the ultimate Whitsundays itinerary with expert guides, premium comfort, and unforgettable natural beauty.

Learn more about Hill Inlet

• How to Get To Hill Inlet

• Is Hill Inlet Worth Visiting

• What is the Difference Between Hill Inlet & Whitehaven Beach 

• What is the Difference Between North & South Whitehaven Beach

Picturesque Airlie Beach

From the palm-tree lined streets, you can pretty much walk to any Airlie Beach feature.

Whether it be the unique eateries, distinctive local boutiques, or stunning swimming lagoon. 

With tropical eye-catching architecture and a vibrant buzz, Airlie Beach began as a backpacker’s haven, along with the birthplace of the famed ‘Hog’s Breath Café’, and of course, the gateway to the Whitsundays.

You’ll still find it all these things. Yet nowadays, looking at the town’s picturesque hub and mountainous turrets lined with opulent mansions and stunning resorts, the epicentre of paradise holds whichever dream holiday you desire.

A walk along the modern and scenic esplanade will take you to the beginning of your journey today.

The Point of Airlie marina is where your vessel awaits, and perhaps even a freshly squeezed juice or smoothie at the marina cafe before stepping on board!

Futuristic Sailing on a Luxury Catamaran

Your vessel today happens to be a world first in expansive deck area and awe-inspiring performance.

With sleek design and modern technology, this speedy catamaran binds the perfect balance of relaxation and exhilaration!

You can choose to recline in the saloon, or let the balmy breeze caress your skin while sightseeing from the deck.

Your friendly crew is there to cater to any need or request, and will offer sumptuous food and even a few fascinating facts about the area.

And since today doesn’t just involve a thrilling sailing expedition and the epitome of paradise on a tropical beach, but also a discovery of coral gardens, your crew will be on hand to share some snorkelling tips too!

An adventure through the Whitsunday Passage is an unforgettable journey...

Witness the Phenomenal Whitsunday Passage

You may have grasped that your modern vessel is heading toward a breathtaking destination.

You might have heard about the exceptional and legendary nature of the Whitsundays.

Yet many travellers are unprepared for the sheer magnificence as it unfolds on the horizon.

As Australia’s largest archipelago of islands, imagine a vast cluster of emerald coloured prisms rising from a sapphire sea. 

Now picture panoramas of rainforest-covered peaks, surrounded by auras of dazzling white sands and aqua coves.

And that’s just a little of what you can expect as you sail by these icons.

The Whitsundays are a superb gift of nature doing its finest work and likewise a haven for spectacular marine life.

And out of the 74 splendorous islands, only 8 are occupied. Which means your destination today is not only world renowned for beauty, but you’ll be stepping onto a genuine uninhabited isle!

Arrive at Legendary Whitehaven Beach

If there were an award for outstanding performance of tropical beauty, Whitehaven Beach would take out the Oscar for best beach year after year.

As it stands, the powder-fine, luminous shores and halo of azure waters surrounding Whitsunday Island is listed in the top 5 beaches on the entire planet.

As you approach glorious shores, you’ll see exactly why.

Whitehaven is a phenomenal fan of pure white sands and crystal-clear ocean.

The silica here acts as magic, and captures sunlight to reflect the azure and alabaster colours with jaw-dropping magnificence.

Both your eyes and spirit will be awed as you take in evergreen rainforest, feel silken sand under your feet and immerse yourself in the aqua-crystal waters.

Eat, Play, Love

Some are content to laze on the legendary white sands, and others choose to spend their time drifting in the turquoise waters of Whitehaven’s shores.

Yet there might be a few of you that like to work up an appetite!

With a delicious morning tea of tropical fruits, cakes and biscuits, you’ll have fueled up for the optional spot of cricket, kick of a ball, or the more leisurely, but no-less-fun building of sandcastles with buckets and molds!

Lunch consists of a delicious "Tropical" BBQ lunch with seasonal salads and includes beer and wine.

So if you’re a beach-worshipper, indulge yourself on this majestic tropical island with an icy cold beverage!

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Whitehaven Beach is renowned for the enchanted beauty of its appearance, yet beneath the waters of the Whitsundays there lies endless magic too!

When your friendly crew suit you up with a snorkel and mask, and a few snorkelling tips to enhance your experience, you’ll have a direct looking glass into the fantasy below.

The reefs surrounding these islands are a sublime sanctuary of vivid coral gardens and the many amazing inhabitants that live there.

The stunning formations swirl with living colour in the form of breathtaking orange Clown fish (Nemo), and the turquoise delight of Parrot fish munching on coral.

On the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Passage is likewise a haven for sea-turtles, with the spectacular sights of whales and dolphins migrating from Antarctica during the cooler months!

Also keep your eyes peeled for a meandering dugong or a ‘fever’ of manta-rays!

Did you know you can also take a scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet and land on the beach? 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Airlie Beach

Departure Time

• Departs Airlie Beach 8.15am, returns 5:30pm
• Departs Daydrean Island 7.35am, returns 7.30pm

Departure Instructions

DAYDREAM ISLAND GUESTS: Depart from Daydream Island onboard the 7:35am ferry to Port of Airlie to meet the Camira vessel. You will be dropped back to Port of Airlie at the end of the day, from there you will catch the last ferry to Daydream Island at 7.00pm, arriving on Daydream Island at 7.30pm, ferry transfer included in price

Destinations

• Hill Inlet
• Whitehaven Beach
• Whitsunday Island
• Hill Inlet
• Whitsunday Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Operates Christmas and New Years Day

Duration

Ex Airlie Beach 9 hours approx.
Ex Daydream Island 12 hours including ferry time from the island and return

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
• Light jacket/sweater for a cool or windy day
• Camera
• Swimwear and towel Sunscreen, hat and protective clothing Light jacket for a cool or windy day Camera to capture memories Water bottle

• Due to the length and activity during the day this cruise is unsuitable for infants.
• Child ages 4-14yrs