“I really enjoyed a day cruise and snorkelling at Hardy Reef. We saw amazing marine life, corals and fish. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Thank you for a wonderful experience!”
10Hr Reef World Hardy Reef Exploration
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Duration: 10hr 40min
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About
The Reef World Hardy Reef Exploration is a full-day Great Barrier Reef tour departing from Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays, giving you four full hours at the Outer Hardy Reef. The experience combines snorkelling, an underwater observatory experience, and a semi-submarine guided tour with a full day of meals and scenic cruising through the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, making it one of the most comprehensive ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef from the Whitsundays.
Scenic Cruising
Your day begins as the large catamaran departs Port of Airlie and threads through the island-studded aqua waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Morning tea is served with a quick pickup stop at Hamilton Island, and then it is the open ocean ahead. By the time Hardy Reef comes into view roughly three hours later, anticipation has been building beautifully.
Three meals are included through the day: morning tea on the cruise out, a generous buffet lunch with hot and cold options back on the vessel, and afternoon tea on the journey home. The bar is open for cold drinks should you want them anytime during the day.
Hardy Reef Exploration
Hardy Reef is part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, further offshore than many Whitsundays reef tours, and the difference shows in the water. You have four unrushed hours to explore. Pull on a wetsuit or stinger suit (included) and snorkel above coral gardens where turtles, parrotfish and reef sharks are regular sightings.
Not confident in the water? Head down to the underwater observatory to watch the reef come alive around you from a dry, comfortable vantage point. Or join the semi-submarine guided tour for an insightful window into the ecosystem – no wetsuit required.
For those who want to go deeper, optional guided snorkel safaris and scuba diving upgrades are available (at extra cost), led by expert reef guides. Whether you're a first-time diver or an experienced snorkeller keen to learn more about reef ecology, there are different types of reef engagement here for every kind of traveller.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This tour is ideal for anyone wanting to experience the best of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where coral gardens and marine life are at their most spectacular, rather than the shallower fringing reefs closer to shore. Families, non-swimmers and nervous snorkellers can enjoy the reef through the underwater observatory and semi-submarine, while confident swimmers and certified/first-time divers can upgrade to an unforgettable scuba diving experience.
Scenic Cruising
Your day begins as the large catamaran departs Port of Airlie and threads through the island-studded aqua waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Morning tea is served with a quick pickup stop at Hamilton Island, and then it is the open ocean ahead. By the time Hardy Reef comes into view roughly three hours later, anticipation has been building beautifully.
Three meals are included through the day: morning tea on the cruise out, a generous buffet lunch with hot and cold options back on the vessel, and afternoon tea on the journey home. The bar is open for cold drinks should you want them anytime during the day.
Hardy Reef Exploration
Hardy Reef is part of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, further offshore than many Whitsundays reef tours, and the difference shows in the water. You have four unrushed hours to explore. Pull on a wetsuit or stinger suit (included) and snorkel above coral gardens where turtles, parrotfish and reef sharks are regular sightings.
Not confident in the water? Head down to the underwater observatory to watch the reef come alive around you from a dry, comfortable vantage point. Or join the semi-submarine guided tour for an insightful window into the ecosystem – no wetsuit required.
For those who want to go deeper, optional guided snorkel safaris and scuba diving upgrades are available (at extra cost), led by expert reef guides. Whether you're a first-time diver or an experienced snorkeller keen to learn more about reef ecology, there are different types of reef engagement here for every kind of traveller.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This tour is ideal for anyone wanting to experience the best of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, where coral gardens and marine life are at their most spectacular, rather than the shallower fringing reefs closer to shore. Families, non-swimmers and nervous snorkellers can enjoy the reef through the underwater observatory and semi-submarine, while confident swimmers and certified/first-time divers can upgrade to an unforgettable scuba diving experience.
- Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays to the Outer Reef
- 4 full hours at Hardy Reef on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Snorkelling with gear and wetsuits/stinger suits included
- Access to the underwater observatory
- Guided semi-submarine tour
- Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
- Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge
- Departures available from Daydream Island and Hamilton Island as well. Please mention in comments at the time of booking.
- Hardy Reef sits on the Outer Great Barrier Reef – further offshore and in better condition than many fringing reef sites closer to shore
- Four full unrushed hours on the reef; enough time to snorkel, do an upgrade activity and relax on the pontoon between sessions
- Snorkelling, underwater observatory and semi-submarine give every guest a front-row reef experience regardless of swimming ability
- The Whitsunday Islands cruise is a highlight in itself - 74 tropical islands dotted across turquoise waters on the way out and back
- Adult $339
- Child $169
- Family $927
- Senior $308
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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
Port of Airlie Maritime Terminal
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Check in by 7:30am. Departs 8:00am. Returns 6:10pm.
Other departures
- Daydream Island
- Hamilton Island
- 8:00am: Depart Port of Airlie. Your scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands begins.
- 9:00am: Brief stop at Hamilton Island to collect guests before heading out to open ocean. The Outer Reef is next.
- 9:30am: Morning tea is served onboard. Whether you skipped breakfast or just built up an appetite on deck, the crew has you covered.
- 10:00am: Crew briefing on Guided Snorkel Safaris and Scuba Diving for those who have booked the upgrade. If there are spots available you can book on the day.
- 11:00am: Arrive at Hardy Reef. Four hours of wet and dry activities begin. Snorkel the reef, visit the underwater observatory, and join a semi-submarine guided tour.
- 11:30am - 2:00pm: Buffet lunch is served onboard. Hot and cold options to refuel between reef sessions. Cold drinks available from the bar.
- 3:00pm: Time to say goodbye to Hardy Reef. Begin the return cruise through the Whitsundays.
- 4:00pm: Afternoon tea served; a welcome snack after a full day in and around the water.
- 5:00pm: Brief stop at Hamilton Island to drop off guests.
- 6:10pm: Arrive back at Port of Airlie. Full day complete.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available to purchase onboard
- Guided Snorkel Safari (available as upgrade)
- Introductory Scuba Dive (available as upgrade)
- Certified Scuba Dive (available as upgrade)
- 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
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests with health, fitness, or mobility concerns are encouraged to speak with the crew or reservations team before travel to ensure the day is comfortable and safe.
- Non-swimmers are welcomed on this tour. The underwater observatory and semi-submarine tour provide a complete reef experience without entering the water.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy this tour?
Not at all. The Hardy Reef Exploration caters to swimmers and non-swimmers alike. Guests who prefer to stay dry can experience the reef through the underwater observatory and the guided semi-submarine tour.
Can I go scuba diving on this tour?
Yes. Both introductory and certified scuba diving are available as optional upgrades, booked and paid on the day. Introductory dives are suitable for those with no prior experience; certified dives are for licensed divers. Age and medical restrictions apply, and a questionnaire must be completed with the crew before entering the water.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. This is a family-friendly experience with a child fare available for ages 5 to 14. Whether or not children participate in water activities is a personal decision based on their comfort and confidence in the ocean. The crew is on hand to assist and advise on the day.
What if I'm prone to seasickness?
The cruise to Hardy Reef takes approximately 3 hours from Airlie Beach and involves open ocean travel, so some guests may feel the motion. If you're susceptible, take preventative medication before departure. Seasickness tablets are also sold onboard if you need them.
How long does it take to reach Hardy Reef?
Approximately 3 hours from Port of Airlie, and around 2 hours from Hamilton Island, depending on sea and weather conditions. The cruise through the Whitsunday Islands is beautifully scenic both ways.
Is there WiFi or phone reception on the vessel?
Phone reception fades as the vessel moves further offshore and is generally unavailable once you're out at sea. There is no WiFi onboard. Consider it a rare and welcome opportunity to fully disconnect.
When does the bar open?
The onboard bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are available from 10:00am and remain on sale for the duration of the tour. Guests are asked to drink responsibly, particularly before water activities. Crew may restrict access to the water if a guest is considered unfit or intoxicated.
What meals are included?
Three meals are included: morning tea (served on the cruise out), a buffet lunch with hot and cold options (served onboard at the reef), and afternoon tea (on the return journey). Dietary requirements can often be accommodated with advance notice; let the team know at the time of booking.
What should I bring on the day?
Pack your swimwear and towel, sunscreen, hat and a light jacket for the breeze on the water. Bring a camera for the reef and the island scenery. A credit card is handy if you plan to book optional upgrades such as a scuba dive or snorkel safari on the day.
Not at all. The Hardy Reef Exploration caters to swimmers and non-swimmers alike. Guests who prefer to stay dry can experience the reef through the underwater observatory and the guided semi-submarine tour.
Can I go scuba diving on this tour?
Yes. Both introductory and certified scuba diving are available as optional upgrades, booked and paid on the day. Introductory dives are suitable for those with no prior experience; certified dives are for licensed divers. Age and medical restrictions apply, and a questionnaire must be completed with the crew before entering the water.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. This is a family-friendly experience with a child fare available for ages 5 to 14. Whether or not children participate in water activities is a personal decision based on their comfort and confidence in the ocean. The crew is on hand to assist and advise on the day.
What if I'm prone to seasickness?
The cruise to Hardy Reef takes approximately 3 hours from Airlie Beach and involves open ocean travel, so some guests may feel the motion. If you're susceptible, take preventative medication before departure. Seasickness tablets are also sold onboard if you need them.
How long does it take to reach Hardy Reef?
Approximately 3 hours from Port of Airlie, and around 2 hours from Hamilton Island, depending on sea and weather conditions. The cruise through the Whitsunday Islands is beautifully scenic both ways.
Is there WiFi or phone reception on the vessel?
Phone reception fades as the vessel moves further offshore and is generally unavailable once you're out at sea. There is no WiFi onboard. Consider it a rare and welcome opportunity to fully disconnect.
When does the bar open?
The onboard bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks are available from 10:00am and remain on sale for the duration of the tour. Guests are asked to drink responsibly, particularly before water activities. Crew may restrict access to the water if a guest is considered unfit or intoxicated.
What meals are included?
Three meals are included: morning tea (served on the cruise out), a buffet lunch with hot and cold options (served onboard at the reef), and afternoon tea (on the return journey). Dietary requirements can often be accommodated with advance notice; let the team know at the time of booking.
What should I bring on the day?
Pack your swimwear and towel, sunscreen, hat and a light jacket for the breeze on the water. Bring a camera for the reef and the island scenery. A credit card is handy if you plan to book optional upgrades such as a scuba dive or snorkel safari on the day.
- The Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge is included in your fare; no additional reef levy to pay.
- Hardy Reef is a protected area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Guests are asked to follow crew guidance on reef interaction to protect the ecosystem.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Guests with health, fitness, or mobility concerns are encouraged to speak with the crew or reservations team before travel to ensure the day is comfortable and safe.
- Non-swimmers are welcomed on this tour. The underwater observatory and semi-submarine tour provide a complete reef experience without entering the water.
What to Bring
- Swimwear, towel, sunscreen and hat
- Protective clothing for time in the sun
- Light jacket or sweater
- Camera or Go Pro
- Bring a credit card for optional upgrades and bar purchases onboard
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(a) We exclude all other guarantees, terms, conditions and warranties; and
(b) Our liability for breach of such guarantee, term, condition or warranty is limited to the supply of the relevant cruise again or the cost of re-supplying the cruise. - We exclude all liability for any loss or damage to clothing or personal items/belongings howsoever arising and whether or not our liability arises in tort, contract or otherwise.
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