The Whitsundays sit right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, with 74 islands scattered between the mainland and the outer reef itself. Most cruises depart the Port of Airlie, with some also picking up from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, so the choice mostly comes down to how much of Whitehaven Beach, the fringing reef or the outer reef you want packed into your day, or whether you would rather stay out for 2 nights on a sailing yacht.
Whitehaven Beach day tours
The Whitehaven Beach Half Day Afternoon Cruise departs Port of Airlie at 11.35am for 2 hours on the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, ideal if you would rather sleep in than catch an early boat. The Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour takes the scenic route, circumnavigating Whitsunday Island via the Ngaro Sea Trail past South Molle and Hook Island, with a guided walk to the Hill Inlet lookout and a buffet lunch on board.
For 2 islands in one day, the Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Tour with Lunch spends the morning on Whitehaven's silica sand, then the afternoon on Hamilton Island with a pub style lunch and free run of the resort pools and Catseye Beach.
Snorkelling adventures
The Whitehaven Beach Northern Exposure Tour is the only Whitsundays day trip built around 2 separate snorkel sites around Hook Island, paired with a walk to the Hill Inlet lookout above Whitehaven Beach. The Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure heads further out from Shute Harbour Marina, keeping groups to a maximum of 80 guests for a fuller day snorkelling the outer reef itself.
Outer reef pontoon
The Whitsundays Outer Reef Day Tour cruises to the Reefworld pontoon moored at Hardy Reef, with 4 hours at the platform for snorkelling, a semi submersible tour and an underwater observatory, plus a gourmet buffet lunch. Scuba diving and scenic helicopter flights can be added on the day for anyone who wants more than snorkelling.
Multi day sailing
For a longer stay on the water, the Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Broomstick is a 2 day, 2 night trip aboard an ex racing yacht, with guided snorkelling, island hikes, meals and onboard accommodation included. The Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Hammer runs the same itinerary aboard a fast Maxi yacht, snorkelling up to 4 locations across the 2 nights in shared dorm style cabins.
Frequently asked questions
Where do Whitsundays reef and island cruises depart from?
Most cruises depart the Port of Airlie, with several also offering pickup from Hamilton Island or Daydream Island.
What is the difference between the morning and afternoon Whitehaven Beach tours?
Both give around 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach. The afternoon tour departs later in the morning, so it suits travellers who would rather not catch an early boat.
Can I snorkel and visit Whitehaven Beach on the same tour?
Yes. The Northern Exposure tour combines 2 snorkel sites around Hook Island with a walk to the Hill Inlet lookout above Whitehaven Beach in a single day.
What is Reefworld?
Reefworld is a permanently moored pontoon at Hardy Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef, with a semi submersible, an underwater observatory and snorkelling facilities.
How long are the multi day sailing trips?
The Broomstick and Hammer sailing adventures both run 2 days and 2 nights, with onboard accommodation, meals and guided snorkelling and hiking included.
Local tip: book a half day Whitehaven tour if it is your first visit and you are short on time, then come back for a full day or multi day trip once you know how much the Whitsundays can offer.
Compare the Whitsundays reef and island cruises above and choose the islands, reef access and length that suit your trip.