8Hr Lady Enid Hook Island Cultural Tour & Snorkelling

From $275

Start Time 08:00

Duration 8hr 20min

  • 8hr sail & snorkel tour of the Whitsundays on the ‘Lady Enid’
  • Guided visit to ancient Ngaro rock art site at Nara Inlet, Hook Island
  • Snorkelling at a fringing reef with equipment provided
  • Morning tea: fresh scones, strawberries and hot beverages
  • Buffet lunch with fresh prawns, salmon, chicken and salads
  • Afternoon treats: chocolate brownies and fruit platter
  • Antipasto and cheese platter with a glass of sparkling wine
  • Alcoholic drinks available for purchase from the licensed bar on board
  • Complimentary transfers within Airlie Beach (Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket) on request

About This Experience

The Hook Island Snorkel & Cultural Tour aboard ‘Lady Enid’, a beautifully restored heritage sailing yacht, is an 8-hour adults-only experience combining sailing, snorkelling, dining and culture. Cruise to the secluded Nara Inlet on Hook Island, snorkel in pristine waters, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on board and a guided visit to an ancient Ngaro Aboriginal rock art site – recognised as the oldest known Indigenous cultural site on Australia's east coast. It's a unique way to discover a quieter, more meaningful side of the Whitsundays.

The Hook Island Cultural Experience
Relax with morning tea on deck and soak up the timeless charm of traditional sailing as you make your way to the secluded Nara Inlet on Hook Island.
Flanked by steep, forested slopes, Nara Inlet is home to one of the Whitsundays' most significant cultural landmarks — an ancient Ngaro Aboriginal rock art site recognised as the oldest known Indigenous cultural site on Australia's east coast. After a short but rewarding walk from the shoreline, you'll explore the site at your own pace, listening to fascinating recordings and uncovering stories of the Ngaro people, whose connection to these islands stretches back thousands of years.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling
The adventure continues beneath the surface as the vessel anchors at one of Hook Island's renowned fringing reef locations within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. With snorkelling equipment provided and guidance from the experienced crew, you'll have the opportunity to explore vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish and diverse marine life in some of the Whitsundays' most pristine waters. If you prefer to stay dry, you’re free to simply relax on deck and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Gourmet Dining
Dining is an integral part of the ‘Lady Enid’ experience, with fresh food and attentive service throughout the day. Start with freshly baked scones and hot drinks served on deck as you sail through the islands. At lunchtime, enjoy a generous gourmet buffet with local prawns, seasonal salads and other fresh favourites.

In the afternoon, indulge in chocolate brownies and fresh fruit before settling in for the return journey to Airlie Beach. As the sails fill and the islands drift, enjoy complimentary glass of sparkling wine and an antipasto platter.

Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This experience is perfect for culturally curious travellers, history enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is also well suited to snorkellers looking for quieter reef locations away from the crowds and couples seeking a relaxed adults-only experience.
 
So book this ‘Lady Enid’ experience for a day that moves between ancient history and the living reef.

Cruise Details

Location Coral Sea (Abell Point) Marina / South End

Departure Boards Departs Returns Duration
1 07:40 08:00 16:00 8hr 20min
 

  • 8hr sail & snorkel tour of the Whitsundays on the ‘Lady Enid’
  • Guided visit to ancient Ngaro rock art site at Nara Inlet, Hook Island
  • Snorkelling at a fringing reef with equipment provided
  • Morning tea: fresh scones, strawberries and hot beverages
  • Buffet lunch with fresh prawns, salmon, chicken and salads
  • Afternoon treats: chocolate brownies and fruit platter
  • Antipasto and cheese platter with a glass of sparkling wine
  • Alcoholic drinks available for purchase from the licensed bar on board
  • Complimentary transfers within Airlie Beach (Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket) on request

  • A Whitsundays day tour that combines cultural significance, natural history and reef snorkelling in a single itinerary 
  • Adults-only experience with just 24 guests aboard a rare 1962 heritage timber sailing yacht
  • Visit Nara Inlet on Hook Island, a dramatic fjord-like waterway – one of the most striking landscapes of the region
  • Explore the ancient Ngaro people's rock art site, the oldest known Indigenous cultural site on Australia's east coast
  • Snorkel Hook Island's celebrated fringing reefs within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

  • Adult Price

    from $275

Coral Sea Marina South, outside The Garden Bar Bistro (carpark side), Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach.

Google Map - CLICK HERE

Check in: 7:40am. Please arrive ready to board.

  • 7:40am: Meet at Coral Sea Marina South, outside The Garden Bar Bistro
  • 8:00am: Depart Coral Sea Marina aboard Lady Enid
  • Morning: Morning tea served on board while sailing through the Whitsunday Islands
  • Mid-morning: Arrive Nara Inlet, Hook Island - guided visit to the ancient Ngaro rock art site
  • Midday: Buffet lunch served on board
  • Afternoon: Snorkelling at Hook Island's fringing reef; treats served (brownies and fruit platter)
  • Late afternoon: Return sail with Australian sparkling wine and antipasto platter
  • 4:00pm: Approximate return to Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
*Itinerary is subject to change depending on tides, wind and weather conditions. 

  • Additional alcoholic beverages (available for purchase from the licensed bar)
  • Island resort transfers 

 

8Hr Hook Island Cultural Tour & Snorkelling (this package): The culturally distinct full-day option with ancient Ngaro rock art at Nara Inlet, Hook Island reef snorkelling and full gourmet dining at a lower price point than the Whitehaven Beach cruise.

10Hr Lady Enid Whitehaven Beach Sail + Snorkel Cruise (see alternate package): The iconic full-day Lady Enid experience with Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet's swirling sands and reef snorkelling. Gourmet dining from morning tea through to your return sail.

2Hr Lady Enid Sunset Sailing Experience (see alternate package): The intimate evening option, this is a two-hour adults-only sunset cruise from Airlie Beach with a welcome Aperol Spritz and grazing platter aboard the heritage Lady Enid. No full day required.

  • 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
  • Not suitable for guests with heart conditions, lung conditions or serious medical conditions
  • Terrain at the Nara Inlet cultural site includes sand, dirt, stone and steps - not suitable for guests with limited mobility
  • Moderate physical fitness required
  • Hill Inlet walk is uphill on mixed terrain (sand, dirt, stone and steps) - not suitable for limited mobility
  • Small ladder required to board the dinghy to the island 

What is the Hook Island Cultural Tour?
It is an eight-hour adults-only day sailing cruise departing Airlie Beach aboard the heritage-listed ‘Lady Enid’. The tour visits the ancient Ngaro people's rock art site at Nara Inlet on Hook Island, offers snorkelling in the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and includes a full day of gourmet dining.

What is the significance of Nara Inlet?
Nara Inlet on Hook Island is home to an ancient Aboriginal rock art site belonging to the Ngaro people. It is recognised as the oldest known Indigenous cultural site on the east coast of Australia, with paintings and history that predate European settlement by thousands of years.

Is snorkelling included, and do I need experience?
Snorkelling at Hook Island's fringing reefs is included in the tour. It is recommended for competent, confident swimmers only. Non-swimmers are welcome to participate in all other parts of the tour and remain on board during the snorkel stop.

Are transfers included?
Complimentary transfers are available within the Airlie Beach area (Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket) on request. Please note your transfer requirement in the booking comments. Island resort pickups are not available
.
How is this tour different from the Whitehaven Beach day sail?
The Hook Island Cultural Tour focuses on the cultural heritage of the Whitsundays and reef snorkelling at Hook Island, rather than Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. It is a shorter day (8 hours vs 9.5 hours) at a lower price point and offers a distinctly different itinerary centred on First Nations history and less-visited reef locations.

  • Guests must be 18+
  • Must be physically fit and mobile - Lady Enid has steps, ropes, uneven surfaces and a tender ladder
  • Competent swimming ability required for snorkelling; non-swimmers are welcome to remain on board
  • Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.


What to bring
  • Swimwear for snorkelling and swimming
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Towel
  • Lightweight long-sleeved shirt or rash guard for sun protection
  • Footwear suitable for a bush walk (sandals or flip flops are sufficient for steady walkers)
  • Camera or GoPro
  • Reusable water bottle

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

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

From $275

Start Time 08:00

Duration 8hr 20min

  • 8hr sail & snorkel tour of the Whitsundays on the ‘Lady Enid’
  • Guided visit to ancient Ngaro rock art site at Nara Inlet, Hook Island
  • Snorkelling at a fringing reef with equipment provided
  • Morning tea: fresh scones, strawberries and hot beverages
  • Buffet lunch with fresh prawns, salmon, chicken and salads
  • Afternoon treats: chocolate brownies and fruit platter
  • Antipasto and cheese platter with a glass of sparkling wine
  • Alcoholic drinks available for purchase from the licensed bar on board
  • Complimentary transfers within Airlie Beach (Cannonvale to Jubilee Pocket) on request

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