Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Cruise with Snorkeling

Summary

White sand, reef snorkeling and Hill Inlet views by fast catamaran

You’ll speed across the Whitsundays by catamaran, sink your toes into Whitehaven’s powdery sand, snorkel vibrant coral reefs with all gear provided, and hike up to Hill Inlet Lookout for those famous swirling views. With an easygoing local guide and lunch included, it’s one of those days you’ll probably replay in your head later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the sand at Whitehaven Beach actually squeaks under your feet — it’s so fine it almost feels fake. We’d just zipped over from Airlie Beach on this wild red catamaran (the Thundercat, which made me laugh), and honestly, I didn’t expect to go that fast. Our guide Sam kept cracking jokes about “Aussie rollercoasters” as we bounced over the waves. The air smelled salty and sharp, and there were these tiny bursts of wind that would suddenly cool you off right when the sun started to sting.

After our first stop for snorkeling — somewhere near Whitsunday Passage, I think? — I got a bit nervous because I’m not exactly a pro swimmer. But Sam handed me a mask and just said, “You’ll be right.” And he was right. The water was clearer than any pool I’ve been in, and there were these flashes of blue and yellow darting around my legs. At one point I just floated there listening to my own breathing through the snorkel while everyone else flapped around nearby. It felt weirdly peaceful for something so busy.

We climbed up to Hill Inlet Lookout after lunch (buffet style — nothing fancy but it hit the spot). The walk is short but my legs still burned a bit from scrambling up the stairs in bare feet. That view though… It’s like someone spilled paint across the water, all those swirls of turquoise and white. Some folks tried to get the perfect photo but honestly I just stood there for a while not saying much. The breeze up top had this eucalyptus smell mixed with sunscreen from everyone’s arms. On the way back down, someone dropped their hat and we all kind of laughed about it — maybe you had to be there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Whitsundays cruise and snorkeling tour

• Set sail from Airlie Beach
• Cruise at high speed to Hill Inlet
• Walk to Hill Inlet lookout
• Enjoy views of Whitehaven Beach
• Stop at Whitehaven Beach
• Dip toes in crystal clear water
• Snorkel at first Great Barrier Reef spot
• Snorkel at second Great Barrier Reef spot
• Return to Airlie Beach

Top questions

How long does the Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet cruise last?

This is a full-day tour departing from Airlie Beach in the morning and returning late afternoon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Whitsundays day trip?

Yes, all snorkeling gear including mask and snorkel is included in your tour package.

Are meals included during the tour?

A buffet lunch plus afternoon tea and snacks are included on board.

Does this tour include pickup from Airlie Beach hotels?

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points in Airlie Beach.

Can children join this Whitehaven Beach cruise?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; children under two require pre-approval by the operator.

What if I have dietary requirements?

The operator can’t cater to special diets; you’re welcome to bring your own snacks if needed.

Is this cruise suitable for people prone to seasickness?

The Thundercat catamaran is designed for stability at speed which helps reduce seasickness risk.

How physically demanding is this day trip?

You should be moderately fit; boarding involves ladders and there’s some walking to Hill Inlet Lookout.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Airlie Beach meeting points, all national park entry fees covered, use of snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel), a buffet lunch plus afternoon tea snacks on board, two snorkeling stops on fringing Great Barrier Reef sites (locations may change with tides or weather), guided commentary throughout from an expert local crew member, time at Whitehaven Beach for swimming or relaxing, plus that short but memorable walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout before heading back in late afternoon.