Whitehaven Beach Full-Day Cruise from Airlie Beach

Swim and hike two of the Whitsundays' most photographed spots in one day

A full-day catamaran cruise from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet on Whitsunday Island, with guided walks to two lookout platforms, swimming time on the beach, and meals throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach are included, and the boat carries a restroom and air conditioning. The tour runs eight hours and suits travelers with moderate fitness who want structure and guidance rather than self-directed exploration.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Whitehaven Beach2h
2. Hill Inlet2h

Whitsundays cruise and beach visit

• Bus pickup from Airlie Beach
• Travel to Shute Harbour
• Board catamaran to Whitsundays
• Scenic cruise around Whitsunday Island
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout
• Guided walk on Solway Circuit track
• Relax and swim at Whitehaven Beach
• Enjoy morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
• Return cruise and bus transfer to Airlie Beach

The experience

The day starts with a bus pickup from your Airlie Beach hotel and a drive to Shute Harbour, where you board a catamaran for the cruise out to the Whitsundays. Once you arrive at Whitehaven Beach, you can either join a guided walk along the Solway Circuit (a track that climbs to a lookout with views down the entire length of the beach and across to Pentecost Island and the Lindeman group), or spend the time swimming in the clear water and exploring the sand on your own. The choice is yours at each stop.

From Whitehaven Beach, the boat moves to Hill Inlet, where a guide leads a walk to the lookout platforms. Along the way, you learn about the region's history and the local plants and animals. The platforms themselves sit high enough to give you the view most people come to the Whitsundays to see. After that, the cruise loops around Whitsunday Island, the largest in the group, before heading back to Shute Harbour and the return drive to Airlie Beach.

Meals are built into the schedule: morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea arrive on board. The catamaran has a restroom and air conditioning, which matters on a full day in the sun. An English-speaking guide travels with the group and handles the walks and the commentary about what you're seeing.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach.
• air-conditioned bus and catamaran.
• morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
• guided walks to Hill Inlet lookout platforms and the Solway Circuit viewpoint on Whitehaven Beach.
• swimming time on Whitehaven Beach.
• scenic cruise around Whitsunday Island.
• onboard restroom and coffee and tea throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 14 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 84

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 16 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Red Cat Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full-day catamaran tour with guided walks to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach on a fixed schedule: the eight-hour commitment and moderate climbing suit an active day rather than a relaxed one.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Solway Circuit walk like on Whitehaven Beach?

The Solway Circuit is a guided walk along a track that climbs to a lookout point overlooking the entire length of Whitehaven Beach, with views across to Pentecost Island and the Lindeman Islands. It's optional. You can swim and explore the beach instead if you prefer.

How much time do I get to swim and relax on Whitehaven Beach?

The itinerary sets aside dedicated time for swimming and relaxation on Whitehaven Beach, though the exact duration depends on the day's schedule. You can choose to join the guided Solway Circuit walk or use that time in the water and on the sand.

What meals and drinks are included on the cruise?

Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are all included on board. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day. Any bar purchases require cash or a credit card.

Does the tour include a guide, and what language does he or she speak?

Yes, a live English-speaking guide travels with the group and leads the walks to Hill Inlet and the Solway Circuit lookout, sharing information about the region's history and local wildlife.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?

The tour operates in most conditions, but if rain is forecast, bring a rain coat. The catamaran has a restroom and air conditioning, and the boat itself provides shelter.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom on board the catamaran for use during the cruise.