Snorkeling Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
Two coral reefs, one white-sand beach, and a lookout that stops you mid-walk.
Snorkel two fringing coral reefs around Hook Island and Border Island in the Whitsundays, then visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout in a single 7-hour day. The boat holds 32 passengers at most, so you get personal snorkel lessons and a guided National Park walk with a marine biologist. Two tour options let you choose: Northern Exposure gives more reef time and two snorkel stops. Southern Lights gives more hours on Whitehaven Beach and one snorkel site. Courtesy pickups, wetsuits, lunch and all snorkel gear are included.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Whitsundays tour with beach and snorkelling
- Check in at Ocean Rafting office
- Ride to Whitehaven Beach
- Relax at Whitehaven Beach
- Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkel at fringing coral reefs
- Enjoy buffet lunch on the beach
- Whitsunday Passage 5h
- Hill Inlet 1h
What’s included
- Snorkel equipment, wetsuits and sunsuits.
- tropical buffet lunch on Whitehaven Beach.
- two snorkel stops (Northern Exposure) or one (Southern Lights).
- guided walks through Whitsunday Island National Park to Hill Inlet Lookout.
- morning and afternoon tea with cake and fruit.
- courtesy coach pickups from your accommodation.
- all fees and taxes.
Times
- Every day 08:45 10:00
Before you book
Operated by Ocean Rafting
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
What happens if you want to snorkel the Whitsundays but don't want to piece together a boat, a beach day and a lookout separately? Ocean Rafting runs both in one trip. The boat is a fast semi-rigid inflatable that gets you between stops quickly, so the day doesn't dissolve into travel time. You check in at Coral Sea Marina or take the courtesy coach from your accommodation, then ride out to the reefs. The snorkel sites are fringing coral around Hook Island and Border Island, home to tropical fish, turtles and other marine life in uncrowded locations. You get snorkel lessons from the guide before you go in, and the equipment (mask, fins, snorkel) is there waiting.
After the reefs, the boat takes you to Whitehaven Beach. The two tour options split here: Northern Exposure spends an hour on the beach and then heads to Hill Inlet for lunch. Southern Lights gives you two hours on Whitehaven and lunch there instead. Either way, you're on silica-white sand with time to swim in turquoise water or just sit. A buffet lunch is served at the beach. Bring any dietary needs to the booking and they'll note it. Morning and afternoon tea with cake and fruit come during the day.
The third stop is Hill Inlet Lookout, where you walk with your guide through the National Park to see the swirling white sands below. Ocean Rafting has direct access to this beach and the lookout, which most other operators don't. The boat runs with a Skipper and an Eco Host or marine biologist who talks through what you're seeing: the reef life, the birds, the islands. The whole day is seven hours from start to finish.
Is this one for you?The Northern Exposure suits snorkelers who want to maximize reef time and see two different coral sites in one day. The Southern Lights suits beach lovers who want hours on Whitehaven's sand and one good snorkel stop. Both tours include the same Hill Inlet Lookout walk and lunch, so the choice is really about whether you'd rather spend more time underwater or more time on the beach.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Chinese.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): 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's the difference between the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights tours?
Northern Exposure includes two snorkel stops and one hour on Whitehaven Beach with lunch at Hill Inlet instead. Southern Lights includes one snorkel stop and two hours on Whitehaven Beach with lunch there. Pick Northern Exposure if you want more reef time. Pick Southern Lights if you want to spend longer on the sand.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
No. Snorkel equipment, wetsuits and sunsuits are all included. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes for the National Park walk.
Is the boat ride rough?
The semi-rigid inflatable is fast, and the operator describes it as an exhilarating ride. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Infants must sit on an adult's lap.
What kind of marine life will I see when snorkeling?
The fringing coral reefs around Hook Island and Border Island are home to tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine life. The reefs are in uncrowded locations, and your guide will give you snorkel lessons before you enter the water.
How do I get to the boat?
You can check in at Ocean Rafting's office at Coral Sea Marina North, or take the included courtesy coach pickup from your accommodation in the area.
Can I buy drinks or snacks on the boat?
Lunch and morning and afternoon tea are included. Assorted alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and chocolates are available to buy on board with a credit card.
Snorkeling Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
7h · EN +1
from AU$ 249 per person
≈ US$ 177 in your currency
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