Whitsundays: Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Tour

Summary

Whitehaven’s swirling sands, reef snorkelling and wild inlet views in one wild day

You’ll race across Whitsunday waters by raft with local guides, spend time on Whitehaven Beach’s famous silica sand, climb to Hill Inlet Lookout for unreal views, and snorkel vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. With small groups and beachside lunch included, it’s a wild mix of adventure and quiet moments you’ll keep replaying long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to bounce over the Whitsunday waves at full speed? I didn’t, honestly — not until we were already skimming across that blue water, salt spray on my lips and hair a complete mess. Our Ocean Rafting crew had this way of making you feel like part of the gang right from the start. At Coral Sea Marina, our guide Jess handed out gear with a grin and a quick “You’ll thank me for the wetsuit!” (She was right. The water’s warm but not that warm.)

The first stop was Whitehaven Beach — yeah, that one with sand so white it almost hurts your eyes. It squeaks under your feet, which I thought was just a thing people said online but no, it’s real. We had time to just flop down or swim, and I ended up lying back watching clouds drift over those turquoise shallows. There’s something about being there in a small group — you don’t feel rushed or crowded. Lunch came out picnic-style on the sand; I still remember the tang of pineapple after swimming.

After that we zipped around to Hill Inlet. The bushwalk up was short but steep enough to make me wish I’d brought less stuff in my bag (classic mistake). But then you get up there and see those swirling patterns where the tide meets the sandbanks — honestly, photos don’t do it justice. Jess pointed out stingrays gliding through the clear shallows below; someone else spotted a turtle head pop up for air. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet for a second, taking it in.

Snorkelling was last — two sites if you pick Northern Exposure (which we did), or one if you go Southern Lights. Either way, drifting over coral gardens off Hook Island is something else; fish everywhere, flashes of electric blue and yellow darting past your mask. The guides are patient even if you’re new to snorkelling (I swallowed half the ocean at first). On the ride back, sunburnt and salty, Jess told us how Ocean Rafting gets special permits for these spots — made me feel lucky we’d picked this tour instead of something bigger or slower.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitsundays tour with beach and snorkelling

• Check in at Ocean Rafting office
• Ride to Whitehaven Beach
• Relax on Whitehaven Beach
• Guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
• Snorkel at pristine coral reefs
• Enjoy buffet lunch on the beach

Top questions

How long does the Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach tour take?

The day trip lasts around 7 hours including transfers from Airlie Beach or Coral Sea Marina.

Is snorkelling equipment provided on this Whitsundays tour?

Yes, all snorkelling gear is included along with wetsuits if needed.

What’s included in lunch on Whitehaven Beach?

A buffet-style picnic lunch is served on the beach; dietary needs can be advised when booking.

Can beginners join the snorkelling part of this day trip?

Yes, guides offer personal instruction so no experience is required.

Does this Ocean Rafting tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, courtesy bus transfers from local accommodation are included in your booking.

Which Whitsunday Islands are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet; snorkelling takes place at Hook Island or Border Island reefs.

What’s different between Northern Exposure & Southern Lights tours?

Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time; Southern Lights gives extra time relaxing at Whitehaven Beach.

Are there guided walks included in this Ocean Rafting day trip?

Yes, there’s a guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout led by your eco host or guide.

What’s included

Your day includes courtesy hotel pickup from Airlie Beach or nearby areas, all entry fees and taxes covered, use of snorkelling equipment (and wetsuits if needed), reef talks by marine biologists or eco hosts onboard, guided bushwalks to Hill Inlet Lookout, plus a buffet-style lunch served right on Whitehaven Beach before heading back in the afternoon.