Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Combo Tour
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Duration: 10hr 25min
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Guaranteed Refund In 3 Days
Eligible refunds processed within 3 days
About
The Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach tour combo from Airlie Beach lets you experience two of Queensland's most iconic natural wonders across two unforgettable days. Spend one day exploring Hardy Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where four hours of snorkelling, reef viewing and optional scuba diving await, then return on another day to discover the silica-white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
Hardy Reef: Four Hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise from Airlie Beach through the Whitsunday Islands before heading into the open Coral Sea towards Hardy Reef. As the islands fade into the distance, the water deepens to brilliant shades of blue, signalling your arrival at the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
You'll spend around four hours at the permanently moored Reefworld Pontoon, your gateway to the vibrant marine life of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Slip straight into the water to snorkel among colourful coral gardens and tropical fish, with all snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and stinger suits provided.
If you prefer to stay dry, the underwater observatory and semi-submarine offer an equally fascinating window into the reef below. For those wanting an even closer encounter, introductory and certified scuba dives are available as optional upgrades.
Between exploring the reef and relaxing on the pontoon, you can enjoy a generous buffet lunch with morning and afternoon tea and soak up uninterrupted views across this remarkable World Heritage-listed seascape.
Whitehaven Beach: Queensland’s Most Famous Beach
On a separate day, you can cruise back into the heart of the Whitsunday Islands to discover the beauty of Whitehaven Beach with pitstops at Daydream Island & Hamilton Island if there are guests to pick up. Once there, you'll have up to two hours to experience this world-famous stretch of coastline. Stroll across its brilliantly white silica sand, cool off in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the beach games and activities. For a different perspective, follow the Solway circuit to the Southern Whitehaven Beach to enjoy panoramic vistas that have made this corner of the Whitsundays famous around the world.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to make the most of limited time in the Whitsundays without choosing between its two defining experiences. Families, couples and solo adventurers will all find their stride here as the reef adventure caters equally well to confident snorkellers and guests who prefer to stay completely dry.
Hardy Reef: Four Hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Your adventure begins with a scenic cruise from Airlie Beach through the Whitsunday Islands before heading into the open Coral Sea towards Hardy Reef. As the islands fade into the distance, the water deepens to brilliant shades of blue, signalling your arrival at the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
You'll spend around four hours at the permanently moored Reefworld Pontoon, your gateway to the vibrant marine life of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Slip straight into the water to snorkel among colourful coral gardens and tropical fish, with all snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and stinger suits provided.
If you prefer to stay dry, the underwater observatory and semi-submarine offer an equally fascinating window into the reef below. For those wanting an even closer encounter, introductory and certified scuba dives are available as optional upgrades.
Between exploring the reef and relaxing on the pontoon, you can enjoy a generous buffet lunch with morning and afternoon tea and soak up uninterrupted views across this remarkable World Heritage-listed seascape.
Whitehaven Beach: Queensland’s Most Famous Beach
On a separate day, you can cruise back into the heart of the Whitsunday Islands to discover the beauty of Whitehaven Beach with pitstops at Daydream Island & Hamilton Island if there are guests to pick up. Once there, you'll have up to two hours to experience this world-famous stretch of coastline. Stroll across its brilliantly white silica sand, cool off in the crystal-clear waters and enjoy the beach games and activities. For a different perspective, follow the Solway circuit to the Southern Whitehaven Beach to enjoy panoramic vistas that have made this corner of the Whitsundays famous around the world.
Who Is This Tour Best Suited For
This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want to make the most of limited time in the Whitsundays without choosing between its two defining experiences. Families, couples and solo adventurers will all find their stride here as the reef adventure caters equally well to confident snorkellers and guests who prefer to stay completely dry.
- Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays to the Outer Hardy Reef
- Four full hours at Hardy Reef to explore at your own pace
- Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
- Access to the underwater observatory
- Guided semi-submarine tour
- Full catering: morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
- Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge included
- Whitehaven Beach tour ticket
- Scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands with island pick-up stops
- Up to two hours on the southern end of Whitehaven Beach
- Morning or afternoon tea onboard
- Protective stinger suits provided
- Access to the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout
- Departure also available from Daydream Island and Hamilton Island on request
- Explore the two greatest Whitsundays icons with separate trips to the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach.
- Experience the vibrant marine life of Hardy Reef, with access to different types of reef immersion activities
- Enjoy the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, where cool silica sand, crystal-clear waters and beach activities await
- Travel with everything taken care of, scenic cruises, meals, snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and stinger suits.
- Adult $409
- Child $188
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Choose to go on a 50-min dive up to a depth of 18 metres with PADI qualified instructors. Medical restrictions apply.
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Learn to scuba dive with a PADI qualified instructor. Dive up to a depth of up to 10 metres for up to an hour. No prior experience required. Medical restrictions apply.
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Guided Snorkel Safari - CW +$85
Great Barrier Reef Tour: Port of Airlie - Maritime Terminal
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Whitehaven Beach Morning/Afternoon Cruise: Airlie Beach - 24 The CVRoad
*Alternate departure options for both tours are available from Daydream Island and Hamilton Island; please mention in comments at the time of booking.
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Whitehaven Beach Morning/Afternoon Cruise: Airlie Beach - 24 The CVRoad
*Alternate departure options for both tours are available from Daydream Island and Hamilton Island; please mention in comments at the time of booking.
- Great Barrier Reef Tour
- 7:30am: Check in at Port of Airlie Maritime Terminal
- 8:00am: Depart Airlie Beach, cruising through the Whitsunday Islands
- 11:00am-3:00pm: Arrive at Hardy Reef pontoon, 39 nautical miles offshore; spend four hours exploring Hardy Reef
- 3:00pm: Depart Hardy Reef, returning through the Whitsundays
- 6:10pm: Return to Port of Airlie
- Whitehaven Beach - Morning Departure
- 6:45am: Check in at Port of Airlie
- 7:15am: Depart for Whitehaven Beach via the Whitsunday Islands (brief pick-up stops at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island)
- 9:30am: Arrive at Whitehaven Beach; up to 2 hours on the southern beach with access to the Lookout
- 2:15pm: Return to Port of Airlie
- Whitehaven Beach - Afternoon Cruise
- 11:05am - Check in at Port of Airlie
- 11:35am - Depart for Whitehaven Beach
- 1:30pm - Arrive at Whitehaven Beach; up to 2 hours ashore
- 6:00pm - Return to Port of Airlie
- Drinks and snacks (bar available onboard for purchase)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Visit to Hill Inlet Lookout (not available on this tour)
- Optional activities: guided snorkelling safaris, introductory and certified scuba diving (available at extra cost)
- Cancellation requests must be submitted via email to help@australiancruisegroup.com.au
- Refunds, where applicable, will be processed to the original payment method.
- No correspondence will be entertained for cancellations made after the free-cancellation period.
- A ‘no-show’ refers to any confirmed passenger who fails to board the vessel prior to scheduled departure. Please note, we make every effort to ensure our cruises depart on time. It is highly recommended that all passengers are ready for boarding 15 minutes prior to the stated time.
- An individual booking is defined as all bookings having less than 10 passengers on a single E-ticket. Individual bookings require full payment at time of booking.
- Up to 4 days prior: Full refund
- Within 3 days: 100% cancellation fee
- Group bookings are defined as all bookings for 10 or more passengers on a single E-ticket. Group bookings can be made with a partial payment of 20% as deposit. The balance amount must be paid 7 days before the cruise date.
- Up to 7 days prior: Full refund
- Within 6 days: 100% cancellation fee
What does the Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach combo tour include?
The combo covers two separate experiences: a full-day Great Barrier Reef Adventure at Hardy Reef with snorkelling gear, a semi-submarine tour, underwater observatory access, and full catering; plus a Whitehaven Beach visit with up to two hours on the beach and access to the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout. Both tours depart from Port of Airlie.
Are the two tours on the same day?
The Great Barrier Reef Adventure and the Whitehaven tour run as separate departures because the duration of the tours makes it impractical to do them in a single day. The combination is designed to make the most of the Whitsundays' iconic experiences
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy this combo?
No. The Great Barrier Reef Adventure is accessible for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Guests who prefer to stay dry can explore via the underwater observatory or take the guided semi-submarine tour without entering the water. At Whitehaven Beach, swimming is optional and the beach is calm enough for a gentle wade.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Both experiences are family-friendly and suitable for children. Water activities at the reef, such as snorkelling, should be assessed based on each child's age, confidence and comfort in the ocean. The reef pontoon and beach environment are well-suited to families travelling with younger guests.
Can I scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes. Both introductory and certified scuba diving are available at Hardy Reef at additional cost, subject to medical requirements, availability, and operator conditions. Introductory dives are open to guests without prior certification. Certified dives are open to guests with prior dive certification. Both can be booked as upgrades.
Will I experience seasickness on the way to the reef?
The journey to Hardy Reef covers 39 nautical miles of open ocean, and some guests may experience motion sickness on the way out. If you are prone to seasickness, taking preventative medication before departure is recommended. Seasickness tablets are also available for purchase onboard.
How long does it take to reach Hardy Reef?
Travel time to Hardy Reef is approximately three hours from Airlie Beach and around two hours from Hamilton Island aboard the large catamaran.
Can I snorkel at Whitehaven Beach?
Snorkelling is not available at Whitehaven Beach. The beach is a silica sand shoreline rather than a reef environment, so there is no coral or significant marine life to snorkel with. If snorkelling is a priority, the Great Barrier Reef leg of this combo is where that experience takes place.
Is there Wi-Fi or phone reception onboard?
Phone reception is available intermittently at the start of the journey but is typically lost once the vessel travels further offshore toward Hardy Reef, or through the Whitsunday Island chain on the beach cruise. There is no Wi-Fi on vessels. Both tours offer a great chance to disconnect and be fully present in one of the world's great natural environments.
What are the bar rules on the Great Barrier Reef tour?
The onboard bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, with alcoholic beverages available from 10:00am for the remainder of the tour. Guests are asked to drink responsibly, particularly before entering the water. The crew may restrict water activities for any guest considered unfit or intoxicated to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The combo covers two separate experiences: a full-day Great Barrier Reef Adventure at Hardy Reef with snorkelling gear, a semi-submarine tour, underwater observatory access, and full catering; plus a Whitehaven Beach visit with up to two hours on the beach and access to the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout. Both tours depart from Port of Airlie.
Are the two tours on the same day?
The Great Barrier Reef Adventure and the Whitehaven tour run as separate departures because the duration of the tours makes it impractical to do them in a single day. The combination is designed to make the most of the Whitsundays' iconic experiences
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy this combo?
No. The Great Barrier Reef Adventure is accessible for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Guests who prefer to stay dry can explore via the underwater observatory or take the guided semi-submarine tour without entering the water. At Whitehaven Beach, swimming is optional and the beach is calm enough for a gentle wade.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Both experiences are family-friendly and suitable for children. Water activities at the reef, such as snorkelling, should be assessed based on each child's age, confidence and comfort in the ocean. The reef pontoon and beach environment are well-suited to families travelling with younger guests.
Can I scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes. Both introductory and certified scuba diving are available at Hardy Reef at additional cost, subject to medical requirements, availability, and operator conditions. Introductory dives are open to guests without prior certification. Certified dives are open to guests with prior dive certification. Both can be booked as upgrades.
Will I experience seasickness on the way to the reef?
The journey to Hardy Reef covers 39 nautical miles of open ocean, and some guests may experience motion sickness on the way out. If you are prone to seasickness, taking preventative medication before departure is recommended. Seasickness tablets are also available for purchase onboard.
How long does it take to reach Hardy Reef?
Travel time to Hardy Reef is approximately three hours from Airlie Beach and around two hours from Hamilton Island aboard the large catamaran.
Can I snorkel at Whitehaven Beach?
Snorkelling is not available at Whitehaven Beach. The beach is a silica sand shoreline rather than a reef environment, so there is no coral or significant marine life to snorkel with. If snorkelling is a priority, the Great Barrier Reef leg of this combo is where that experience takes place.
Is there Wi-Fi or phone reception onboard?
Phone reception is available intermittently at the start of the journey but is typically lost once the vessel travels further offshore toward Hardy Reef, or through the Whitsunday Island chain on the beach cruise. There is no Wi-Fi on vessels. Both tours offer a great chance to disconnect and be fully present in one of the world's great natural environments.
What are the bar rules on the Great Barrier Reef tour?
The onboard bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, with alcoholic beverages available from 10:00am for the remainder of the tour. Guests are asked to drink responsibly, particularly before entering the water. The crew may restrict water activities for any guest considered unfit or intoxicated to ensure the safety of all passengers.
- The onboard bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; alcoholic beverages available from 10:00am on the reef tour
- A beach bar is set up at Whitehaven Beach on the afternoon cruise for drinks ashore
- BYO alcohol is not permitted onboard; guests may bring their own eskies for food and drinks at the beach
- Phone reception is limited once underway; no WiFi is available onboard Cruise Whitsundays vessels
- In the unlikely event of northerly winds, the captain may direct the Whitehaven tour to an alternate beach location
- Dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice; please advise at time of booking
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
- Swimwear and towel
- Protective clothing, hat, and sunscreen
- Camera for the beach and reef
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler or windy conditions
- Credit card for optional upgrades (scuba diving, snorkel safaris) and onboard purchases
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