“Had an awesome day on the Thundercat. Whitehaven Beach was beautiful, the snorkelling spots were full of marine life, and the crew were extremely helpful throughout the trip. The boat ride was exciting and the whole day was well organised. Highly recommended!”
8Hr Thundercat Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef Cruise
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Duration: 8hr 30min
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The 8hr Thundercat Adventure Cruise departs Coral Sea Marina at 9am and cruises to Whitehaven Beach, one of the world's most photographed stretches of silica sand, for a two-hour visit that includes a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. The tour continues north to two fringing Great Barrier Reef snorkel sites, with chef-prepared lunch, snorkelling gear, wetsuits included, before returning to Coral Sea Marina by 5pm.
Visit The World's Most Photographed Beach
Your day begins at the Coral Sea Marina, where you'll board the ‘Thundercat’ and set off across the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. The first stop is Tongue Bay, where a short bushwalk leads to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. This is the postcard view you've probably seen countless times – swirling turquoise waters blending into startlingly white silica sands.
After taking in the panoramic views, it's time to experience Whitehaven Beach up close. You'll have about two hours to swim in the crystal-clear water, stroll along the pristine shoreline or simply relax on one of the world's most beautiful beaches. During the visit, the friendly crew shares fascinating insights about the island's unique landscape, wildlife and history, adding another layer to the experience.
Lunch and snacks are prepared by local chefs and served onboard, where there is shaded seating for full-day comfort. Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol, with eskies and ice supplied for the day – a rare inclusion on Whitsundays reef tours.
Two Reefs, Two Different Snorkel Experiences
Once you've soaked up the beauty of Whitehaven, the adventure continues beneath the surface. ‘Thundercat’ cruises to the northern end of the Whitsunday Islands, where you'll visit two very different snorkelling locations. First is Mantaray Bay, renowned for its colourful marine life, followed by Stone Haven Bay, where vibrant coral gardens create an entirely different underwater landscape.
Whether you're an experienced snorkeller or trying it for the first time, the crew is there to help you make the most of each stop. All snorkelling equipment, lycra suits and seasonal wetsuits are provided, and if you'd rather simply enjoy the scenery from the boat, you're welcome to relax onboard instead.
Lunch and snacks are prepared by local, qualified chefs and served onboard, with an onboard toilet and shaded seating for full-day comfort. Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol, with eskies and ice supplied for the day — a rare inclusion on Whitsundays reef tours.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise suits couples, families with older children, and first-time Whitsundays visitors who want to tick off Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef in a single, well-paced day. It's a strong fit for travellers who want structure and guidance — a set itinerary, a briefed crew and two dedicated snorkel stops — rather than a fully self-directed sailing charter.
Visit The World's Most Photographed Beach
Your day begins at the Coral Sea Marina, where you'll board the ‘Thundercat’ and set off across the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. The first stop is Tongue Bay, where a short bushwalk leads to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. This is the postcard view you've probably seen countless times – swirling turquoise waters blending into startlingly white silica sands.
After taking in the panoramic views, it's time to experience Whitehaven Beach up close. You'll have about two hours to swim in the crystal-clear water, stroll along the pristine shoreline or simply relax on one of the world's most beautiful beaches. During the visit, the friendly crew shares fascinating insights about the island's unique landscape, wildlife and history, adding another layer to the experience.
Lunch and snacks are prepared by local chefs and served onboard, where there is shaded seating for full-day comfort. Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol, with eskies and ice supplied for the day – a rare inclusion on Whitsundays reef tours.
Two Reefs, Two Different Snorkel Experiences
Once you've soaked up the beauty of Whitehaven, the adventure continues beneath the surface. ‘Thundercat’ cruises to the northern end of the Whitsunday Islands, where you'll visit two very different snorkelling locations. First is Mantaray Bay, renowned for its colourful marine life, followed by Stone Haven Bay, where vibrant coral gardens create an entirely different underwater landscape.
Whether you're an experienced snorkeller or trying it for the first time, the crew is there to help you make the most of each stop. All snorkelling equipment, lycra suits and seasonal wetsuits are provided, and if you'd rather simply enjoy the scenery from the boat, you're welcome to relax onboard instead.
Lunch and snacks are prepared by local, qualified chefs and served onboard, with an onboard toilet and shaded seating for full-day comfort. Guests are welcome to BYO alcohol, with eskies and ice supplied for the day — a rare inclusion on Whitsundays reef tours.
Who Is This Cruise Best Suited For
This cruise suits couples, families with older children, and first-time Whitsundays visitors who want to tick off Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef in a single, well-paced day. It's a strong fit for travellers who want structure and guidance — a set itinerary, a briefed crew and two dedicated snorkel stops — rather than a fully self-directed sailing charter.
- 8hr award-winning tour around the Whitsundays Islands
- Guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet lookout
- 2 hours at the world-famous Whitehaven Beach
- Two snorkelling stops at Mantaray Bay and Stone Haven Bay
- Lycra suits, snorkel gear and wetsuits
- Catered lunch and snacks prepared by local chefs
- Local bus transfers included for your convenience
- BYO alcohol (cans) allowed (esky and ice available on board)
- Multi award-winning tour, recognised with Gold (2024) and Silver (2025) Whitsundays Tourism Awards
- Enjoy close to two hours at Whitehaven Beach to swim, relax and explore at your own pace
- Snorkel two distinct reef locations, each offering different coral formations and marine life
- Learn more about the region with guided commentary and local insights from the experienced crew
- Adult $250
- Child $219
- Family $835
Coral Sea Marina, North End — Meeting Point B
- 8:30am: Check-in at Coral Sea Marina, North End (Meeting Point B)
- 9:00am: Depart Coral Sea Marina aboard the Thundercat, heading for Tongue Bay
- Hill Inlet Lookout: Guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout to take in the swirling sand and turquoise water
- Whitehaven Beach: Approximately 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach to swim, walk and relax on the sand
- Mantaray Bay Reef: Cruise north to Mantaray Bay for the first snorkel stop, rich with marine life
- Stone Haven Bay Reef: Second snorkel stop at Stone Haven Bay, exploring the coral gardens
- 5:00pm: Return to Coral Sea Marina
- Prescription snorkel masks (available to hire in advance or bring your own)
- Personal travel insurance
- 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 be 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
This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Will I get to see Whitehaven Beach and go snorkelling on the same day?
Yes. This cruise combines a visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout with two separate snorkelling stops on the Great Barrier Reef, all within the same day.
What kind of marine life is there a chance of spotting?
Guests commonly spot sea turtles, tropical reef fish, rays and giant clams, with Humpback Whales sometimes visible during the seasonal migration.
Do I need previous snorkelling experience to join this tour?
No. The tour is suitable for both complete beginners and experienced snorkellers, with full equipment and crew guidance provided.
Is snorkelling compulsory on this cruise?
No. Snorkelling is entirely optional, and guests are welcome to stay onboard or simply relax on Whitehaven Beach instead.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
The onboard menu suits most common dietary needs, but highly specific requirements can't always be accommodated. Guests with particular needs are welcome to bring their own food onboard.
What should I pack for the day?
Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, a refillable water bottle and any BYO drinks you'd like for the trip.
Are transfers to and from the marina included?
Complimentary bus transfers are available from a range of local accommodation providers in the Whitsundays.
Can I hire a prescription snorkel mask on the day?
Prescription masks aren't available for hire on the day, so guests who need one should bring their own or arrange a hire in advance.
Do the supplied stinger suits cover hands and feet?
The lycra stinger suits cover around 90% of the body but don't cover the hands, feet or face.
Is there a bathroom onboard the vessel?
Yes, the Thundercat is fitted with an onboard toilet for guest comfort throughout the day.
I'm not a confident swimmer or don't speak much English — can I still join?
Guests should be comfortable in and around the water, able to climb a boarding ladder and able to follow crew safety instructions. A basic understanding of English, or travelling with someone who can translate safety briefings is recommended.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Yes. This is a BYO vessel, and eskies with ice are provided to keep drinks cold. Cans are preferred, and glass containers and red wine aren't permitted for safety reasons.
How long will I spend at Whitehaven Beach?
Guests spend approximately two hours at Whitehaven Beach, giving plenty of time to swim, walk and take photos.
Where exactly does the snorkelling take place?
Snorkelling happens at two sites within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – Mantaray Bay and Stone Haven Bay – with the exact locations chosen daily based on conditions.
What happens if the weather turns bad on the day?
The tour operates in most weather conditions; if conditions become unsafe, the team will contact affected guests directly to advise on changes.
Yes. This cruise combines a visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout with two separate snorkelling stops on the Great Barrier Reef, all within the same day.
What kind of marine life is there a chance of spotting?
Guests commonly spot sea turtles, tropical reef fish, rays and giant clams, with Humpback Whales sometimes visible during the seasonal migration.
Do I need previous snorkelling experience to join this tour?
No. The tour is suitable for both complete beginners and experienced snorkellers, with full equipment and crew guidance provided.
Is snorkelling compulsory on this cruise?
No. Snorkelling is entirely optional, and guests are welcome to stay onboard or simply relax on Whitehaven Beach instead.
Can dietary requirements be catered for?
The onboard menu suits most common dietary needs, but highly specific requirements can't always be accommodated. Guests with particular needs are welcome to bring their own food onboard.
What should I pack for the day?
Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, a refillable water bottle and any BYO drinks you'd like for the trip.
Are transfers to and from the marina included?
Complimentary bus transfers are available from a range of local accommodation providers in the Whitsundays.
Can I hire a prescription snorkel mask on the day?
Prescription masks aren't available for hire on the day, so guests who need one should bring their own or arrange a hire in advance.
Do the supplied stinger suits cover hands and feet?
The lycra stinger suits cover around 90% of the body but don't cover the hands, feet or face.
Is there a bathroom onboard the vessel?
Yes, the Thundercat is fitted with an onboard toilet for guest comfort throughout the day.
I'm not a confident swimmer or don't speak much English — can I still join?
Guests should be comfortable in and around the water, able to climb a boarding ladder and able to follow crew safety instructions. A basic understanding of English, or travelling with someone who can translate safety briefings is recommended.
Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?
Yes. This is a BYO vessel, and eskies with ice are provided to keep drinks cold. Cans are preferred, and glass containers and red wine aren't permitted for safety reasons.
How long will I spend at Whitehaven Beach?
Guests spend approximately two hours at Whitehaven Beach, giving plenty of time to swim, walk and take photos.
Where exactly does the snorkelling take place?
Snorkelling happens at two sites within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – Mantaray Bay and Stone Haven Bay – with the exact locations chosen daily based on conditions.
What happens if the weather turns bad on the day?
The tour operates in most weather conditions; if conditions become unsafe, the team will contact affected guests directly to advise on changes.
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund up to 72 hours (local time) before cruise date. After 72 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies.
- Snorkelling is a physical activity, so a reasonable level of fitness and swimming ability is required to take part
- Conduct of guests and site access follow the Snorkelling Code of Practice 2024 under the Safety in Recreational Water Activities Act 2011
- Snorkelling sites may be changed at short notice due to tides, weather or other safety considerations, so every guest has the best possible experience
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a hat
- Practical clothing and footwear (warmer layers in winter)
- An underwater camera to capture the reef and beach
- BYO alcohol for the boat only (no glass or red wine)
- A refillable water bottle
- A sense of fun and adventure
- 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.
- Full payment is required at the time of booking for all scheduled and special event cruises. Click here to read the Cancellation Policies that apply to the respective cruises.
- A ‘Book with Deposit’ option is available for online group bookings (6 or more guests) on select scheduled cruises, provided the cruise date is more than 10 days from the booking date.
- For partially paid bookings, the balance payment must be settled 7 days prior to the cruise date. Bookings not settled by the due date will be automatically cancelled and the deposit forfeited.
- Online group discounts are applicable on select cruises throughout the year, excluding the periods from 1 November to 1 January and 20 May to 15 June.
- Group bookings (10 guests or more): The guest has a choice to pay 20% deposit to confirm the booking, if the cruise date is more than 21 days in advance. The customer must confirm the final number of guests 7 days prior to the cruise date and are required a full and final payment 21 days prior to the cruise. Credit will be issued for any reduction in final passenger numbers up to 7 days prior to the cruise date.
- Change cruise date (transfer your booking): Any request to transfer a booking to another date must be made 72 hours prior to the cruise date. Such transfer of bookings are subject to availability of seats at the same price for the new cruise date. If the price is higher for the new cruise date, you will be required to pay the difference in addition to the minimum transfer fee.
- Transfer fee: There is a $10 per person minimum transfer fee will apply. New Year’s Eve cruise tickets cannot be transferred to a different date.
- All passengers including the infants must be manifested for safety and security reasons. Un-manifested guests will be refused boarding.
- All cruise fares are quoted in Australian Dollars and include Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).
- We reserve the right, if we consider necessary (for example, due to mechanical breakdown, for safety reasons or weather conditions), to substitute vessels without notice (including any vessels of a third party), deviate from a vessels advertised route, change any menu, service, schedule, program, performance or cruise fare. We will endeavour to provide a similar quality vessel, route, menu, service, schedule, program, performance or cruise fare (as the case may be) in these circumstances. In such circumstances, we will not be liable for your direct or indirect loss, or to refund any fares or portions of fares, nor will we be liable for any other damage, loss, expense, loss of time, disappointment, inconvenience, or any other consequential loss suffered by you.
- Requests from our guests for dietary requirements (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free), substitutions and modifications of menus on board our cruises will be politely declined, as our kitchen team prepares the meals in our onboard kitchens. As we cater for large number of guests in a relatively small meal time, it is not practical for us to accommodate to such requests within the given time frame. All of our cruises have at least on vegetarian menu option for seated & served menus. Banquet/buffet menus also offer vegetarian choice. We cannot guarantee that certain products or ingredients (nuts, gluten, diary, etc.) will not be in our food, and we explicitly accept no liability in this regard. For serious food allergies you must make own decisions on selecting meals. Our staff’s comments are only to assist you in making an informed decision. In exceptional circumstances, with our prior written consent you (or one of your guests) may bring your own meal.
- Our cruises operate on busy waterways and are subject to the risks and perils of cruising on such waterways including loss, damage and injury arising out of or in connection with changing tidal and weather conditions and the navigation of other craft. To the extent permissible by law, we will not be responsible in tort, contract or otherwise for any loss or damage arising out of injury or death sustained by you or any other passenger, howsoever arising and whether or not arising as a result of our negligence or failure to render due care and skill. You enter into this agreement and book and travel on our cruises at your own risk. If however any guarantees, terms, conditions or warranties are implied into this agreement by any law of the Commonwealth or New South Wales, the exclusion of which would contravene that law or cause part or all of this clause to be void, then to the extent permissible by law:
(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.
- Some of the tours, products and cruises we operate may be considered dangerous and you should be aware of the risks involved before participating, which may include injury or death. Where the tours, products and cruises include activities that could be considered dangerous, you assume all of the inherent risks which are applicable to those activities. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude you from participating in activities and you are responsible for confirming your ability to participate. You must use caution when participating in activities and inform us of any medical or other conditions.
- It is a condition of this agreement that any claim for loss or damage must be notified to us in writing within seven (7) days from the day the cruise finishes, and any court action, suit or proceeding must be brought no later than one (1) year from the same day. If you fail to comply with either of these conditions, we will be forever discharged from all claims, suits, actions and/or proceedings relating to or arising out of or in any way connected with the cruise and we will be discharged from all liability whatsoever, including any liability for negligence.
- We may contract or arrange for third parties to provide the whole or part of the cruise and any related services to you. You must not bring any claims or actions against such third parties. If you bring such a claim or action in breach of this agreement, you agree to indemnify us and the person against whom the claim or action is made against the consequences of that claim or action. You agree that in entering into this agreement, we are acting as the agent of and trustee for each of our employees, officers, agents and subcontractors, and each of these persons is deemed to be a party to the contract for the purpose of entitling each of them to enforce, have the benefit of and rely upon these Terms and Conditions.
- We strictly do not permit any alcohol to be brought on board for consumption. Any discussions with our representatives should not be construed as an acceptance to bring alcohol of any nature on board for any event or function. In line with our Responsible Service of Alcohol policy, such requests will be refused politely.
- You must not bring any alcohol or illegal substances onto the vessel. We reserve the right to refuse you entry to the vessel, or to require you to disembark from the vessel, including due to your intoxication or for the safety of other passengers or the vessel.
- This agreement is to be governed by and is to be construed in accordance with the laws in force in New South Wales. Any action, claim, suit or proceeding arising out of or connected in any way with this agreement or the cruise will only be brought in the Courts of New South Wales.
- If any of these provisions are unenforceable, this shall not affect the enforceability of any other part of the provision or any other provision. In the event of inconsistency between these Terms and Conditions and any other terms, these Terms and Conditions will prevail to the extent of the inconsistency. No waiver or variation of this agreement will have binding effect unless such waiver or agreement is in writing and signed by us.
