“We did the Southern Lights tour … and had an incredible flight over the reef where we got to see Heart Reef.”
6Hr Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Southern Lights Tour
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Duration: 6hr 45min
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The award-winning Ocean Rafting Southern Lights experience is a 6-hour tour that visits the southern end of Whitehaven Beach for two hours, includes a guided National Park bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkelling at one fringing coral reef. A tropical beach lunch, morning and afternoon tea, all snorkel equipment, and courtesy bus transfers are included. The transfer boat is one of the fastest day boats in the Whitsundays, maximising destination time over transit time.
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
The highlight of the Southern Lights tour is an extended stay at the southern end of world-famous Whitehaven Beach. With two full hours on its glittering 7km stretch of 98% pure silica sand, you'll have plenty of time to swim in the crystal-clear waters, stroll the shoreline, relax under the tropical sun, or simply soak in one of Australia's most spectacular beaches. A fresh tropical buffet lunch is served on Whitehaven Beach.
The day also includes a guided National Park walk to the iconic Hill Inlet Lookout. From here, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the swirling white silica sands and brilliant turquoise waters that have made Hill Inlet one of the most photographed locations in the Whitsundays.
Coral Reef Snorkelling
Beyond the beach, the Southern Lights tour treats you to the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with over an hour of snorkelling at fringing reef sites near Border Island, Dumbell Island and Hook Island. These sheltered reefs are home to colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, giant clams and sea turtles, offering an accessible reef experience for both beginners and experienced snorkellers.
With a maximum of just 32 passengers onboard, the friendly Skipper and Eco Host provide personalised snorkelling instruction, flotation devices and fascinating insights into the region's marine life and ecology.
Who Is This Tour Best-Suited For
The Southern Lights tour is best suited to beach lovers who want maximum time on Whitehaven Beach while still enjoying a memorable snorkelling experience. It's an excellent choice for couples, honeymooners, families, photographers, and first-time visitors who want to experience an iconic Whitsundays beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and vibrant fringing reefs at a more relaxed pace.
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- 6hr (approx) Whitehaven Beach Southern Lights tour
- Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Guided National Park bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkel at fringing reefs near Border Island or Dumbbell Island
- Personalised snorkel instruction for all experience levels
- Full snorkel equipment and flotation devices
- Tropical-style beach lunch
- Morning and afternoon tea served during the day
- Reef and island talks by eco-guide
- Courtesy bus transfers to mainland accommodation; mention in comments at the time of booking
- Two full hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach — the most beach time on any Ocean Rafting day tour
- Direct access to Hill Inlet Lookout via guided National Park walk ; the single most iconic viewpoint in the Whitsundays
- Snorkelling with guided instruction at a secret inner reef site near Border Island or Dumbell Island
- Island transfers on one of the fastest day boats in the Whitsundays, giving you more beach time and less boat time
- Adult (15yrs+) $249
- Child (2-14yrs) $168
- Family (2A 2C) $749
Coral Sea Marina, 1–3 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach.
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Courtesy bus transfers available; include accommodation details in booking notes.
Google Map - CLICK HERE
Courtesy bus transfers available; include accommodation details in booking notes.
- 8:30am: Check in, Coral Sea Marina
- 9:00am: Depart Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach at 9:00am to Whitsunday Island
- First stop: Hill Inlet - guided bushwalk to the lookout
- Second stop: Whitehaven Beach - time to swim and explore; lunch served (up to 2hrs)
- Third Stop: Snorkel at Border Island, Dumbell Island or a secret inner reef site (up to 1hr)
- Approx. 3:15pm: Depart Whitehaven Beach
- Approx. 4:30pm: Return to Coral Sea Marina
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase on board)
- Gratuities
6Hr Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Southern Lights Tour (this package): The beach-first Whitehaven day with two full hours on the iconic southern stretch of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and one reef snorkel stop, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea all included.
6Hr Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Northern Exposure Tour (see alternate package): The snorkel-first Whitehaven day with visits to two coral reef dives around Hook Island, Hill Inlet Lookout and an hour on the northern stretch of Whitehaven beach, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea all included.
6Hr Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Northern Exposure Tour (see alternate package): The snorkel-first Whitehaven day with visits to two coral reef dives around Hook Island, Hill Inlet Lookout and an hour on the northern stretch of Whitehaven beach, with morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea all included.
- 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 recommended for travellers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travellers
- Not suitable for guests with heart conditions or serious medical conditions
- Infants must sit on laps
What is the difference between the Southern Lights and Northern Exposure tours?
The Southern Lights prioritises beach time, offering two hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and one snorkel site. The Northern Exposure tour focuses more on snorkelling, visiting two separate reef sites around Hook Island, with 1–1.5 hours at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. Choose Southern Lights for maximum beach time; choose Northern Exposure for maximum snorkel time.
Is seasickness a concern on this type of vessel?
It's much less common than on traditional cruise boats. The semi-rigid inflatables travel at speed with an open design, you don't get the slow, rolling motion that tends to trigger nausea. Though if you know you're sensitive, a non-drowsy seasickness tablet taken before departure is a sensible precaution.
How much time will I actually spend travelling on the boat?
The transit from Airlie Beach out to the Whitsunday Islands takes just over an hour each way—that's the longest stretch you'll be aboard without stopping. Everything in between is time at the beach, the lookout or the reef.
What if I'm nervous about snorkelling or not a strong swimmer?
Let the crew know at check-in and they'll look after you. Flotation devices and pool noodles are available on board, and the crew provides personalised instruction before you enter the water.
Where do I park if I'm driving to the marina?
Coral Sea Marina has car parks at both the northern and southern ends. You'll find the Ocean Rafting office in the Northern Village. Expect to pay between $6 and $14 for a full day's parking.
How long will I have on Whitehaven Beach?
Two hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. It's enough time to walk the shoreline, swim, find a quiet spot and properly soak it in rather than feeling rushed back to the boat. Lunch is also served here.
Will there be photos from the day, and how do I get them?
The crew shoots with GoPros throughout the tour. Within 72 hours of your return, you'll receive an email with a link to preview the gallery. Single photos are $8, or drop to $4 each when you buy four or more.
How much shade is there on Whitehaven Beach?
Very little, particularly around midday. The beach is exposed and the light reflects off the white silica sand; SPF50+ sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest are all strongly recommended. Reapply regularly throughout your two hours on the beach.
Are there any facilities or shops on the island?
Whitsunday Island is a protected National Park — there are no shops, cafes or permanent buildings on the beach beyond basic toilet facilities. Everything you need for the day is either included in your tour or available for purchase on board before you reach the island.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No BYO alcohol is permitted on board. You're welcome to bring your own soft drinks or bottled water if you prefer, and a full range of drinks including beer, juices and soft drinks is available for purchase on the vessel throughout the day.
The Southern Lights prioritises beach time, offering two hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and one snorkel site. The Northern Exposure tour focuses more on snorkelling, visiting two separate reef sites around Hook Island, with 1–1.5 hours at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. Choose Southern Lights for maximum beach time; choose Northern Exposure for maximum snorkel time.
Is seasickness a concern on this type of vessel?
It's much less common than on traditional cruise boats. The semi-rigid inflatables travel at speed with an open design, you don't get the slow, rolling motion that tends to trigger nausea. Though if you know you're sensitive, a non-drowsy seasickness tablet taken before departure is a sensible precaution.
How much time will I actually spend travelling on the boat?
The transit from Airlie Beach out to the Whitsunday Islands takes just over an hour each way—that's the longest stretch you'll be aboard without stopping. Everything in between is time at the beach, the lookout or the reef.
What if I'm nervous about snorkelling or not a strong swimmer?
Let the crew know at check-in and they'll look after you. Flotation devices and pool noodles are available on board, and the crew provides personalised instruction before you enter the water.
Where do I park if I'm driving to the marina?
Coral Sea Marina has car parks at both the northern and southern ends. You'll find the Ocean Rafting office in the Northern Village. Expect to pay between $6 and $14 for a full day's parking.
How long will I have on Whitehaven Beach?
Two hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. It's enough time to walk the shoreline, swim, find a quiet spot and properly soak it in rather than feeling rushed back to the boat. Lunch is also served here.
Will there be photos from the day, and how do I get them?
The crew shoots with GoPros throughout the tour. Within 72 hours of your return, you'll receive an email with a link to preview the gallery. Single photos are $8, or drop to $4 each when you buy four or more.
How much shade is there on Whitehaven Beach?
Very little, particularly around midday. The beach is exposed and the light reflects off the white silica sand; SPF50+ sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest are all strongly recommended. Reapply regularly throughout your two hours on the beach.
Are there any facilities or shops on the island?
Whitsunday Island is a protected National Park — there are no shops, cafes or permanent buildings on the beach beyond basic toilet facilities. Everything you need for the day is either included in your tour or available for purchase on board before you reach the island.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No BYO alcohol is permitted on board. You're welcome to bring your own soft drinks or bottled water if you prefer, and a full range of drinks including beer, juices and soft drinks is available for purchase on the vessel throughout the day.
- Bushwalk and snorkel sessions may not be suitable for pregnant guests or those with serious medical conditions.
- Motion sickness is uncommon, but medication is recommended if you're prone to it.
- The crew adjusts the route based on weather and sea conditions.
- The Hill Inlet walk is recommended for children aged 5+.
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
What to Bring:
- Swimwear
- Beach bag with towel, hat, and shoes (thongs/sandals are fine)
- Jacket (recommended in winter)
- Camera/GoPro
- Credit card for on-board purchases
- Refillable water bottle
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