Whitehaven Beach Snorkeling Cruise with Two Reef Stops

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/12

Duration8h

GroupUp to 38

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Two snorkel stops on the reef, plus the walk to Hill Inlet that every photo needs

A full-day snorkeling cruise from Airlie Beach visits Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout on a high-speed catamaran, with two stops to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. The boat is designed for stability, lunch and afternoon tea are included, and a guide provides live commentary throughout. Pickup from Airlie Beach meeting points is part of the package; children from age one are welcome with an adult, though the walk to Hill Inlet and ladder boarding suit travelers with moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Whitsundays cruise and snorkeling

Set sail on high-speed catamaran
Snorkel at first Great Barrier Reef spot
Snorkel at second Great Barrier Reef spot
Walk to Hill Inlet lookout
Enjoy views of Whitehaven Beach
Relax and dip toes at Whitehaven Beach

The Experience

How do you fit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and two reef snorkels into one day without spending it on a boat? The catamaran leaves Airlie Beach in the morning and runs at speed between stops, so the day holds together. You cruise to Hill Inlet first for the walk up to the lookout—the view down into the inlet is the one most people frame and keep. Then comes Whitehaven Beach itself, where you wade into water so clear the sand looks lit from below.

The two snorkel stops happen on the fringing Great Barrier Reef, where the reef sits close enough to the islands that you're in the water and looking at coral and fish within minutes of each site. Snorkel gear is provided—mask, snorkel and wetsuit—and the guide points out what lives there. The boat's design keeps it stable even when the water moves, which matters if you're someone who gets queasy on the water. Between stops there's time to dry off, and lunch arrives mid-day: a buffet with afternoon tea and snacks follow. You're back in Airlie Beach by late afternoon.

The operator reserves the right to shift snorkel sites if tides, weather or safety call for it, so the exact reefs you visit may change—but the two stops stay. Children under two need pre-approval and must bring their own lifejacket; anyone from twelve months up needs a ticket. The boat boards via ladder, so you need to be able to climb down and back up. Dietary requirements can't be catered to, though you're welcome to bring your own snacks if the buffet doesn't suit.

What’s included

Buffet lunch with afternoon tea and snacks.
snorkel gear including mask, snorkel and wetsuit.
two guided snorkel stops on the Great Barrier Reef.
entry to Whitehaven Beach and the walk to Hill Inlet Lookout.
national park fees.
expert guide with live commentary.
pickup and drop-off from designated Airlie Beach meeting points.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Red Cat Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you want to snorkel the reef twice and see Hill Inlet from above without arranging separate transport or managing multiple bookings—the catamaran's speed and stability mean the full day stays comfortable even if rough water usually bothers you.