Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach Combo Tour

• 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.

Great Barrier Reef Tour
Morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea included

Whitehaven Beach Tour
Morning or afternoon tea included depending on departure time

*Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please advise at the time of booking.

Great Barrier Reef Tour: Bar opens at 8:00am for snacks and non-alcoholic beverages; alcoholic beverages available from 10:00am for the duration of the tour
Whitehaven Beach Tour: Full bar service available from 10:00am onboard; beach bar also available at Whitehaven Beach during time ashore

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.

Please refer to our full passengers terms and conditions on the following link;

https://www.australiancruisegroup.com.au/national-terms-of-services