11 EPIC WHITSUNDAY DAY TRIPS FROM AIRLIE BEACH: HALF DAY, FULL DAY & MULTI DAY OPTIONS!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST WHITSUNDAY DAY TRIPS?
Airlie Beach, a small residential town located on the East Coast of Australia, is best known for being the mainland gateway to The Whitsundays National Park!
From Airlie, you can very easily sail to the infamous Whitsunday Islands for once-in-a-lifetime activities and Whitsunday day trips. Island hopping to Whitehaven beach and Hamilton Island, or even sea kayaking / snorkelling vibrant coral reefs.
When we visited during our 2 months in East Coast Australia, we soon realised taking an pre-booked Whitsundays day tour from Airlie Beach is by far the easiest way to see the best locations and hidden gems even in just a day!
With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of this UNESCO rated paradise!
Scroll down for 11 epic Whitsunday day trips below, easily categorised for you into half day, full day and multi day:
EDITOR’S TOP PICKS
Don’t have time to read the full article? Check out our top picks:
⭐ Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight – 70 Minutes (Half day)
⭐ Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & Top Snorkel Spots (Full day)
⭐ 2-Day Great Barrier Reef “Reefsleep” Experience (Multi day)
WHITSUNDAY HALF DAY TRIPS & TOURS
For those on a tight timeline and may only be stopping at Airlie Beach for the day, there are options to cut straight to the chase and book a half day Whitsunday Island tour.
They will take you straight to Whitsunday Island to spend 1.5 to 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach, one of the most idyllic beaches in the world, and arguably the main attraction of the Whitsundays:
TOUR OPTION 1 (WHITSUNDAY HALF DAY TRIP)
“Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruises” 🛥️🏝️
Venture out on this large air-conditioned catamaran to the idyllic Whitehaven beach straight from the Port of Airlie on this highly rated Whitehaven Beach half day cruise with Cruise Whitsundays.
Whitehaven Beach is one if the World’s top beaches, and is truly a paradise on Earth! Spend 1.5 to 2 hours here at your leisure, relaxing on the beach, visiting jaw-dropping lookouts or swimming in the dreamy crystal clear waters!
Choose from either an early morning or afternoon departure to suit your itinerary, and be treated to complimentary tea and coffee on board either service.
Tour operator: Cruise Whitsundays.
Top highlights: Highly rated half day catamaran cruise. Head straight to Whitehaven Beach to spend 1.5 to 2 hours as you would like on this slice of paradise.
Departure point: Choice from Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) or Hamilton Island.
Hotel pick-up included? No.
Duration: Approx. 4 hours (half day trip).
Price: From $140 AUD each.
Tour type: Public Daily Catamaran Service.
TOUR OPTION 2 (WHITSUNDAY HALF DAY TRIP)
“Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight – 70 Minutes” 🛩🏝️
Rated with a Badge of Excellence on Viator and 237/254 5* reviews, this Whitsunday Island & Heart Reef scenic flight gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Whitsunday islands from above!
See infamous spots such as Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and even the Great Barrier Reef! This flight is a generous 70 minutes – a great amount of time to see everything and truly take it in, along with expert commentary from your pilot throughout.
This scenic flight is small group, with a maximum of only 5 passengers per flight, making for a special and intimate experience.
Tour operator: Fly Australia Charter Pty Ltd.
Top highlights: 70 minute scenic flight with panoramic windows. Witness Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and the infamous Hill Inlet from above.
Departure point: 12 Air Whitsunday Rd, Flametree QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? Yes, at an additional $15 AUD per person (payable on the day)
Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours (half day trip).
Price: From $279 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 5 passengers.
TOUR OPTION 3 (WHITSUNDAY HALF DAY TRIP)
“Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour” 🚤
For those who just want to get out there on the crystal clear waters, this 5* Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour is for you! Head out on a single or shared jet ski, tracing the World Heritage listed Whitsunday islands and its tropical coves.
Lead by an expert guide, this tour is small group with a maximum of 20 people, allowing for a more intimate feel.
Look out for epic marine life, including (but not limited to) sea turtles, dugongs, sea birds and even humpback whales!
Tour operator: Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
Top highlights: See the Whitsundays in style cruising on a single or shared jet ski! Spot amazing marine life on the way.
Departure point: Airlie Adventure Central, Coral Sea Marina South Village, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach.
Hotel pick-up included? Yes, courtesy pick ups are available from local accommodation houses. Re-confirm pick up time 24 hours prior with Whitsunday Jetski Tours on 0459 538 754.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours (half day trip).
Price: From $125 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 20 people.
WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIPS & TOURS
For those who have the opportunity to take a full day Whitsunday tour, the world is your oyster! Whether its island hopping, catamaran sailing or snorkelling you’re after, we have hand-selected the best options to choose from:
TOUR OPTION 4 (WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIP)
“Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Day Tour – 2 Beach 2 Lookouts 1 Snorkel Location” 🏝️🤿
This full day Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Day Tour has everything you could want to do and see in the Whitsundays!
On the super comfortable and powerful tour boat, visit locations such as Whitehaven Beach, Haslewood Island and Chalkie’s Beach before snorkelling amongst vibrant reefs, colourful fish and sea turtles.
All snorkelling gear need is required, as is a buffet beach lunch and morning / afternoon tea. Notably, this Badge of Excellence rated tour is a great choice for families (children aged 5+).
Tour operator: ZigZag Whitsundays
Top highlights: Visit hotspots such as Whitehaven Beach and lesser know Haslewood Island and Chalkie’s Beach. Snorkel in a secluded reef location with tropical fish, vibrant reefs and even sea turtles!
Departure point: Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? No.
Duration: Approx. 8 hours (full day trip).
Price: From $209 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 30 people.
TOUR OPTION 5 (WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIP)
“Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & Top Snorkel Spots” 🏝️🚤
With over 3633 raving 5* reviews and a Badge of Excellence award on Viator, this Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet & Top Snorkel Spots is one of the Whitsundays day trips not to be missed!
Zooming across the Whitsundays Islands in a specialised deluxe raft is not only a super fun experience, but also gets to all destinations much quicker, meaning you cover so much more ground in just one full day!
This multi award winning tour takes you first to Whitehaven Beach, before having ultimate access to walk the infamous Hill Inlet. Explore the usually unseen ‘Wild Side’ of the Whitsundays uninhabited islands before snorkelling two vibrant fringing reefs. Ocean Rafting has special permits to visit protected areas of the Great Barrier Reef!
Tour operator: Ocean Rafting.
Top highlights: Super fun and quick transport on deluxe raft. Venture to Whitehaven Beach, get ultimate walking access to Hill Inlet, explore the ‘Wild Side’ of Whitsundays uninhabited islands before snorkelling at 2 vibrant reefs. Ocean Rafting hold special permits to visit protected Great Barrier Reef sites.
Departure point: Coral Sea Marina, 1-3 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? Pick up available upon request.
Duration: Approx. 7 hours (full day trip).
Price: From $191 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 32 people.
TOUR OPTION 6 (WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIP)
“Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight and Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip” 🛩️🏝️🚤
For those wanting to explore by air and sea in just one day, this ULTIMATE dual package Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight and Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip tour is the perfect pick for you!
Combining the Ocean Rafting adventure as described in Tour Option 5, this tour also includes the added bonus of a 60 minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef!
Note: You can opt for more beach time with the Southern Lights tour or extra snorkelling with the Northern Exposure itinerary.
Tour operator: Ocean Rafting.
Top highlights: Ultimate combination package of Ocean Rafting adventure with snorkelling plus the added bonus of a 60 minute scenic flight!
Departure point: Coral Sea Marina, 1-3 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? Pick up available upon request.
Duration: Approx. 8 hours (full day trip).
Price: From $472 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 32 people.
TOUR OPTION 7 (WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIP)
“Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch” ⛵🏝️🐚
This Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch is special as the itinerary breaks away from the usual tourist hotspots, and instead takes you off the beaten track to some of the Whitsunday Island’s most hidden gems – including Hook Island, Langford Island and Black Islands.
On visiting the islands, you will get the opportunity to snorkel within vibrantly colourful fringed reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef, with insane tropical marine life to spot.
The atmosphere on-deck is super chilled, you can relax on the provided spacious seating to chilled tunes in the balmy sunshine or listen to the experienced guides commentary. There is also the opportunity to ride on the thrilling Red Cat banana boat!
Suitable for families, with children 6+ years allowed on-deck.
Tour operator: Red Cat Adventures.
Top highlights: All-inclusive day tour sailing to Whitsunday Island’s hidden gems instead of tourist hotspots, including Hook, Langford and Black Islands. Great opportunities to snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs with epic tropical marine life.
Departure point: Coral Sea Marina North End – Meeting Point B, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? No.
Duration: Approx. 8.5 hours (full day trip).
Price: From $179 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 30 people. Age requirement: 6+ years, suitable for families.
TOUR OPTION 8 (WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIP)
“Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure in Airlie Beach” ⛵🤿🐠
Head out to the stunning Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach on this 5* rated Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure!
Together with a small-group aboard a comfortable, super fast eco-vessel, the experienced guides will take you the best outer reef locations to snorkel the infamous Great Barrier Reef!
Everything is taken care of on this all-inclusive tour, including a delicious lunch, snacks and all snorkelling equipment. All you have to do is turn up and have the most incredible day snorkelling one of the Great Wonders of the World!
This tour is suitable for all, including families, groups of friends, solo travellers or couples.
Tour operator: Red Cat Adventures.
Top highlights: Small-group Great Barrier Reef snorkelling adventure from Airlie Beach. Snorkel at a variety of different outer reef locations throughout the day.
Departure point: Coral Sea Marina North End – Meeting Point B, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? No.
Duration: Approx. 8 hours (full day trip).
Price: From $249 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 40 people.
TOUR OPTION 9 (WHITSUNDAY FULL DAY TRIP)
“Whitsunday Crocodile Safari including Lunch” 🚤🐊
This Whitsunday Crocodile Safari including Lunch is a quirky, wildlife-based alternative to any other Whitsunday day trips!
Swap sailing the seas for an adventurous day exploring the wetlands and estuaries on the ‘wild side’ of the Whitsunday Islands.
Enjoy a calm 2-hour cruise down the Proserpine River in search of wild saltwater crocodiles, as well as numerous other wetland wildlife on a tractor-pulled wagon. Experience a mud crab capture and the taste of typical Aussie “bush tucker” before enjoying a delicious Aussie BBQ lunch.
Tour operator: Whitsunday Crocodile Safari.
Top highlights: Take a calm 2 hour cruise down the ‘wild Whitsundays’ estuaries and wetlands in search of wild Saltwater Crocodiles! Enjoy a typical Aussie “bush tucker” experience and provided BBQ lunch.
Departure point: Airlie Beach pick up destination required.
Hotel pick-up included? Yes, pick up and drop off offered to Airlie Beach accomodation.
Duration: Approx. 6 hours (full day trip).
Price: From $150 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 30 people.
WHITSUNDAY MULTI DAY TRIPS & TOURS
There’s never enough time spent amongst the beauty of the World-Heritage awarded Whitsunday Islands. If you have the luxury of taking an overnight sailing tour – from our own personal experience – we would highly recommend this option!
Having that extra time to indulge everything these pristine, magical islands have to offer is not to be missed if you can!
While we unfortunately wouldn’t (and won’t) recommend the tour company we personally used, we have searched high and low for you for the absolute best alternative multi day trip options to the Whitsundays, which you can see listed below:
TOUR OPTION 10 (WHITSUNDAY MULTI DAY TRIP)
“2-Day Great Barrier Reef “Reefsleep” Experience” 🏝️🌅✨
This 2-Day Great Barrier Reef “Reefsleep” Experience gives you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep under the stars in a deluxe swag bed on the Reefworld pontoon, located on the idyllic Great Barrier Reef!
It’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t officially explore the Whitsunday Islands, but more focuses on exploring the Great Barrier Outer Reef near Airlie Beach.
Head out on a high-speed catamaran towards Reefworld Pontoon, an epic base for included water-based activities such as swimming, snorkelling, semi-submersible exploration tours and scuba diving (additional cost). There is also an interactive underwater viewing chamber and even a spacious sun deck to relax during the day.
By night, indulge in the peace and quiet as daytime visitors head back to shore, leaving your small group with the Reefworld Pontoon (and the Great Barrier Reef!) all to yourself. Sleep under the stars in an outdoor deluxe swag tent, complete with mattress and covers.
🌟 Want even more luxury? Check out this option to stay in a Luxury Overnight Reef Suite with Underwater Viewing Window while at Reefworld Pontoon instead! 🌟
If you can’t stay the night, you can simply visit on a Reefworld Pontoon day trip tour from Airlie Beach!
Tour operator: Cruise Whitsundays.
Top highlights: Day of water-based activities on the Great Barrier Reef at Reefworld Pontoon before sleeping under the stars in a Deluxe Reefbed swag!
Departure point: Choice from Port of Airlie (Airlie Beach) or Hamilton Island.
Hotel pick-up included? No.
Duration: 2 days (multi day trip).
Price: From $650 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 24 people.
TOUR OPTION 11 (WHITSUNDAY MULTI DAY TRIP)
“3 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach“ 🏝️🌅⛵
With an incredible 963/1023 reviews being 5*, this buzzing 3 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach is an epic Whitsundays multi day cruise experience!
Spend three days sailing and taking time to fully explore all of the top hotspots of the Whitsunday Islands, as well as enjoying time on the modern New Horizon vessel.
On-board, indulge in activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, scuba diving and even a large inflatable slide!
This tour is voted best for young couples and groups of friends.
Tour operator: Whitsundays Sailing Adventures.com Ltd.
Top highlights: On-board inflatable slide!
Departure point: Coral Sea Marina (South End, Meeting Point C), 38 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia.
Hotel pick-up included? No.
Duration: 3 days (multi day trip).
Price: From $618 AUD each.
Tour type: Small Group / Public. Maximum 32 people. Age requirement: 18+.
WHITSUNDAY ISLAND PACKING LIST
- Loose comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and cotton shorts.
- Your swimsuit.
- Protective beach shoes! This is crucial for Fitzroy Island & Green Island.
- A microfibre beach towel (fast drying & lightweight).
- A spare waterproof bag to store your wet towel / swimsuit after your tour.
- A GoPro / waterproof camera to capture amazing footage!
- Or! A waterproof dry bag (with a lanyard!) to take photos and videos on your smartphone instead.
- High factor sun cream
- After sun moisturising cream.
- Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses.
- Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip.
- Flip-flops / sliders for walking on the sand.
- A medical pouch / first aid kit.
- Refillable water bottle to bring on your tours.
- Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN AIRLIE BEACH
Visiting the Whitsunday Islands is the main reason to stop at Airlie Beach, an otherwise quiet and quaint residential town.
After your Whitsunday day trips, you could add an additional few days onto your Airlie Beach itinerary to relax on the beach or at the lagoon. Another 1 or 2 days is the perfect amount to spend in Airlie beach town.
Free things to do in Airlie Beach:
• Chill and swim in the Airlie Beach Esplanade Lagoon, a large and free public swimming pool next to the beach.
• Take a stroll along Airlie Beach’s Bicentennial walkway. Spanning a total of 6km, trail along the wooden boardwalk past Cannonvale beach from Airlie Beach, and continue on for as long as you would like.
WHERE TO STAY IN AIRLIE BEACH
PREMIUM AIRLIE BEACH ACCOMMODATION
SUNLIT WATERS STUDIO APARTMENTS
Our Review
✔ Self-catering studio apartments all located next to each other. Little terrace area overlooking pool and Abell Point marina. You can see why it’s called ‘Sunlit Waters’!
✔ Quaint and intimate feel. Instantly feel at home.
✔ Kitchenette includes microwave, 2x hobs and a fridge. No oven.
✔ On-site laundry facilities (additional cost).
✔ On-site dogs and friendly visiting wild cockatoos!
✔ Good signal free WiFi!
Tips:
• Sunlit Waters is set on top of a very steep hill up Begley Street, a heart-pumping climb especially with a backpack!
SPOTTED WILDLIFE!
The Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
Spotted relaxing on our balcony at Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments! You will certainly hear Australia’s large white CockaToo before you see them! These noisy birds are very cheeky and inquisitive, happily residing in either the deep bush or in the cities! They feed on nuts, berries and seeds!
LOW-COST AIRLIE BEACH ACCOMMODATION
MAGNUMS HOSTEL AIRLIE BEACH
Our Review
✔ Brilliant location – right in the centre of Airlie Beach high street!
✔ Self-catering dormitory or private rooms.
✔ A 20-second walk from large Woolworths superstore and McDonalds.
✔ Very good value for money – basic but feels like a tropical beach shack.
✔ Washing and tumble drying machines on-site to use.
✔ Very large complex! Large communal kitchen facilities
✘ Free Wifi, though only reach at a certain outside area.
✘ No oven / hobs for cooking in the studio apartment. Only plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery to use.
CONCLUSION: WHITSUNDAY DAY TRIPS
Undoubtedly, Whitsunday day trips are by far the best way to see the very best of the idyllic Whitsundays National Park!
There are so many great half day, full day and even multi day options available to best suit your individual budget, travel plans, requirements and time.
Whether you set sail for multiple days on a live aboard boat, sightsee and snorkel all of the best Whitsunday spots with Ocean Rafting, take to the skies on a scenic flight, sleep under the stars at the Reefworld Pontoon or enjoy a thrilling guided jet ski tour , there is a Whitsunday day tour to suit everyone!
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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