“An amazing glass-bottom boat tour! The guide was knowledgeable about the Whitsundays, fish, and coral, making the experience fun and informative. A fantastic way to discover marine life without swimming or snorkelling. Highly recommended!”
1-Hour Glass Bottom Boat Island Explorer
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Duration: 1hr 15min
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The 1-Hour Glass Bottom Boat Island Explorer is a short, reef cruise departing twice daily from Hamilton Island Marina aboard a semi-submersible glass-bottom boat. Unlike a standard glass-bottom vessel, the semi-sub design places the underwater viewing chamber closer to the waterline, creating a more immersive perspective of the reef without getting wet. Suitable for all ages, the tour showcases the Whitsundays' fringing reefs, coral gardens and marine wildlife with live commentary from an experienced crew, making it an easy way to experience the underwater world without swimming or snorkelling.
Reef Views Without Getting Wet
Cruise away from Hamilton Island Marina and settle in for an easy hour on the water. As the boat cruises past Dent, Henning and Plum Pudding Islands, your crew shares stories about the surrounding Whitsundays while you look down through the glass viewing area beneath your feet. Coral gardens, reef fish and resident turtles drift into view. No fins, mask or swimming ability required, just a comfortable seat and a bit of curiosity. Between June and September, keep watch on the horizon too; this stretch of water is a regular thoroughfare for migrating Humpback Whales.
Families with young children love the pace of this cruise, as there's plenty to hold a child's attention without the intensity of a full-day reef trip. If conditions allow, kids are invited to take the helm for a few minutes, turning a relaxed sightseeing cruise into a hands-on highlight of their Hamilton Island holiday.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise is ideal for families with young children, visitors who prefer not to swim or snorkel, Hamilton Island guests who want a short and accessible Whitsundays reef experience from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel.
Reef Views Without Getting Wet
Cruise away from Hamilton Island Marina and settle in for an easy hour on the water. As the boat cruises past Dent, Henning and Plum Pudding Islands, your crew shares stories about the surrounding Whitsundays while you look down through the glass viewing area beneath your feet. Coral gardens, reef fish and resident turtles drift into view. No fins, mask or swimming ability required, just a comfortable seat and a bit of curiosity. Between June and September, keep watch on the horizon too; this stretch of water is a regular thoroughfare for migrating Humpback Whales.
Families with young children love the pace of this cruise, as there's plenty to hold a child's attention without the intensity of a full-day reef trip. If conditions allow, kids are invited to take the helm for a few minutes, turning a relaxed sightseeing cruise into a hands-on highlight of their Hamilton Island holiday.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise is ideal for families with young children, visitors who prefer not to swim or snorkel, Hamilton Island guests who want a short and accessible Whitsundays reef experience from the comfort of a semi-submersible vessel.
- 1hr glass-bottom semi-sub tour on the Island Explorer
- Spacious vessel with wide underwater viewing windows
- Close views of corals gardens and reef fish/turtles
- Informative commentary by professional crew
- Opportunity for kids to take the helm, if conditions permit
- More immersive than a standard glass-bottom boat with Eye-level reef viewing from a semi-submersible chamber
- No swimming required; Discover coral, tropical fish and turtles while staying completely dry
- An accessible reef experience for families, non-swimmers and seniors alike
- Big experience in just one hour; perfect for visitors short on time or adding to their Hamilton Island itinerary
- Adult $70
- Child $35
- Family $175
- 9:00am or 11:00am: Depart Hamilton Island Marina aboard the semi-submersible glass-bottom boat and cruise into the sheltered waters surrounding Hamilton Island.
- Island Sightseeing: Cruise past Dent, Henning and Plum Pudding Islands with live commentary on the region's history, marine life and local landmarks.
- Semi-Sub Reef Viewing: Up-close views from underwater viewing chamber, offering eye-level views of coral gardens, tropical fish and resident sea turtles.
- 10:00am or 12:00pm: Return to Hamilton Island Marina.
- Food and beverages (available for purchase onboard)
- Return transfers to Hamilton Island
Not wheelchair accessible
How long is the Island Explorer cruise?
The tour runs for 1 hour, with two departures available each day.
What will I see on the glass-bottom boat?
Conditions permitting, you'll view the fringing reef, coral formations and marine wildlife such as turtles, plus migrating Humpback Whales during winter (June–September).
Is the Island Explorer suitable for young children?
Yes. The cruise is suitable for guests of all ages, and children may even get the chance to take the helm if conditions allow.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No swimming or snorkelling is involved; you view the reef and marine life through the boat's glass viewing area while staying completely dry.
Where does the tour depart from?
All departures leave from Hamilton Island Marina. Check in at Explore Jetty A9/10, opposite the Explore Shop, 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?
No, the Island Explorer is not wheelchair accessible.
Will the tour go ahead in bad weather?
The cruise operates subject to weather and sea conditions; reef and wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed and may vary depending on conditions on the day.
The tour runs for 1 hour, with two departures available each day.
What will I see on the glass-bottom boat?
Conditions permitting, you'll view the fringing reef, coral formations and marine wildlife such as turtles, plus migrating Humpback Whales during winter (June–September).
Is the Island Explorer suitable for young children?
Yes. The cruise is suitable for guests of all ages, and children may even get the chance to take the helm if conditions allow.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No swimming or snorkelling is involved; you view the reef and marine life through the boat's glass viewing area while staying completely dry.
Where does the tour depart from?
All departures leave from Hamilton Island Marina. Check in at Explore Jetty A9/10, opposite the Explore Shop, 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Is the vessel wheelchair accessible?
No, the Island Explorer is not wheelchair accessible.
Will the tour go ahead in bad weather?
The cruise operates subject to weather and sea conditions; reef and wildlife sightings can't be guaranteed and may vary depending on conditions on the day.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
What to Bring
What to Bring
- Sunglasses & hat
- Protective clothing - long-sleeved shirt or rashguard
- Camera / GoPro
- Water bottle
- Comfortable footwear
- These Terms and Conditions set out the terms on which you (on behalf of yourself and any person on whose behalf you are booking, together "you" or "your") book through Australian Cruise Group Pty Ltd ABN 89 152 554 302 (referred to as, we, us and our, in these Terms and Conditions) for all bookings, reservations, products and cruises operated by us including Sydney Showboats, Magistic Cruises, Clearview Cruises Sydney Harbour Dinner Cruises, Sydney Harbour Lunch Cruises, Vivid Sydney Cruises, Sydney Christmas Party Cruises, Sydney New Year’s Eve Cruises, and any other cruises, websites, operations or entities operated by us. These Terms and Conditions constitute the agreement between you and us.
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