While there’s no shortage of natural beauty and adventure in Australia, no trip is complete without a visit to the Whitsundays. Known as a mecca for sailing, diving, and snorkeling, these rugged, verdant islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches are a slice of paradise.
If you’d like to experience the best that they have to offer, I highly suggest checking out these 7 top Whitsunday Islands boat tours currently out there!
I’ve handpicked this fine selection based on my own experiences and those of others, ensuring each is well worth your time and money. Let’s jump right in!
Best Whitsunday Boat Tours & Cruises
| Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout | 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach | Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip with Reef Scenic Flight | |
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| Location: | Coral Sea Marina, 1-3 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach, (or hotel pickup and drop-off) | 38 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802 | Airlie Beach, 12 Air Whitsunday Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802 |
| Start: | 8:45 AM | 1:30 AM or 2:00 PM | 7:00 or 8:30 AM |
| Duration: | 7 hours | 3 days | 8 hours |
| Includes: | Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and guided National Park walks, coral reef snorkeling, naturalist talks by master reef guides/eco host/marine biologist, courtesy bus transfers | Lunch, 2 nights accommodation, use of snorkeling equipment, professional guide, coffee and/or tea, snacks, water, breakfast and dinner | Lunch, 60-minute reef and island scenic flight, tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, guided National Park walks, inner fringing coral reef snorkeling and sunsuit/wetsuit |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Whitsunday Islands Cruises For 2024
- Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
- 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach
- Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip with Reef Scenic Flight
- The Big Island Day Tour – Full Day Tour to Whitehaven Beach
- Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays
- 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill
Best Whitsunday Islands Boat Tour Reviews
1. Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout
- Duration: 7 hours
- Departure: Coral Sea Marina, 1-3 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach, (or hotel pickup and drop-off)
- Departure Time: 8:45 AM
- Includes: Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and guided National Park walks, coral reef snorkeling, naturalist talks by master reef guides/eco host/marine biologist, courtesy bus transfers
Some of the most fun I’ve ever had was out on the water around the Whitsunday Islands, on this first tour. The Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout is the perfect way to spend a day, balancing relaxation and education with adventure quite nicely.
With 2 different two options to choose from, you are the one who gets to call the shots, choosing what your schedule will look like for the day.
The tour starts off early in the morning, so make sure you have your swimwear, sandals, and sunscreen at the ready by the time your guide comes to pick you up from your airport.
As we set out on the road on our way to the raft, they offered us an educational commentary about the ecology and local wildlife so when we arrived we already had a good idea of what to expect.
When we arrived to the marina, we checked in and the guide escorted us onboard, offering a safety briefing and answering all of our questions before heading out to Whitehaven Beach.
This isn’t just any raft you’ll be riding in, though – it’s very sturdy with a sunshade that covers the vast majority of the vessel, so no need to worry about getting too much sun exposure.
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We had a blast zipping around on it, and I had full confidence in the crew who drove the boat so well! We then arrived at the renowned Whitehaven Beach, with sands that were almost surprisingly soft and white – even more beautiful in person!
At one of the ends of the beach sits Hill Inlet, with absolutely breathtaking views where you’ll see the meeting of sand and sea in the distance so make sure you snap some photos and videos!
I also had a fantastic time at the Whitsunday Islands National Park, where we had a naturalist teach us all about the local marine, bird, and animal life! With plenty of time to snorkel at different islands or simply relax on the silica white sand, there’s something for everyone on this tour!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach
- Duration: 3 days
- Departure: 38 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
- Departure Time: 1:30 AM or 2:00 PM
- Includes: Lunch, 2 nights accommodation, use of snorkeling equipment, professional guide, coffee and/or tea, snacks, water, breakfast and dinner
If you’re at all interested in the first tour but want to go on something much more in-depth, you’re going to love this next tour!
The 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Cruise on New Horizon from Airlie Beach is a 3-day excursion where you’ll get to sleep aboard a beautiful boat and explore all that this stunning area has to offer! From solo travelers to entire families, this is the experience of a lifetime!
We had a couple of nervous people in our party, but the amazing crew was so welcoming and experienced, that everyone felt confident and calm soon enough.
With all meals included (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner), as well as all activities and the required equipment, it’s an amazing deal and one of the “biggest bang for your buck” experiences, in my opinion.
The vessel is spacious enough to sleep 32 passengers, with climate control to ensure everyone is comfortable at all hours of the day and night.
You get to choose which activities to participate in, so you are never obligated to do anything – if anything, you can just relax in your cabin or on the sun deck the entire time!
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It is a great opportunity to make new friends, and the small group setting made it almost feel like one, big family. While there were moments where the weather got quite cold in the evening, and the water got a bit choppy at times, but everything was well-handled.
We went snorkeling, diving, splashing around with inflatable toys, and played games onboard with the crew, which made our time fly by! The food was also surprisingly tasty, and the facilities were also top-notch, so we were very pleased.
If you’d really like to experience the very best of the Whitsunday Islands with professionals who know this area like the back of their hands, look no further.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip with Reef Scenic Flight
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Airlie Beach, 12 Air Whitsunday Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
- Departure Time: 7:00 or 8:30 AM
- Includes: Lunch, 60-minute reef and island scenic flight, tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, guided National Park walks, inner fringing coral reef snorkeling and sunsuit/wetsuit
I understand that not everyone has a full couple of days to go on a trip out to Whitehaven, and that’s perfectly fine! You can have a fantastic time on a full-day tour, just like the Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach Day Trip with Reef Scenic Flight tour!
If you’re looking for quite possibly the best views of this region, look no further than this unforgettable experience!
With this tour, you do get quite a bit of say over your itinerary, and we decided to opt for some snorkeling with the “Northern Exposure” itinerary.
When we first arrived to the Whitsunday Airport, we were greeted by the staff and checked in with ease, listening to a safety briefing before meeting with our pilot.
We then hopped in our plane where we took a seat and enjoyed the large viewing windows, with simply jaw-dropping views of the beaches and vibrant turquoise waters, below.
I was already enamored by the incredible beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from our bird’s-eye view, but once we touched down on the ground, we then got to experience it up close.
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Setting off on an exhilarating ocean rafting adventure, we zipped around to explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and the bright coral reefs! Our expert guides did a great job instructing us on snorkeling and pointing out the diverse marine life.
Back on dry land, we had plenty of time to relax and unwind on the perfectly soft, white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
We took a dip in the clear waters, explored along the shoreline, and soaked up plenty of natural beauty all around us. From the natural wonders to the unparalleled service and hospitality, we had a fantastic time!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. The Big Island Day Tour – Full Day Tour to Whitehaven Beach
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Lot 296 Whitsunday Dr
- Departure Time: n/a
- Includes: Snacks, lunch, coffee and/or tea, restroom on board
If you’re looking for an idyllic escape to the Whitsunday Islands for the day, look no further than The Big Island Day Tour – Full Day Tour to Whitehaven Beach.
This adventure through some of the most stunning Australian landscapes combines thrills, natural beauty, and a bit of luxury thrown in. No having to worry if you brought your sunscreen or enough snacks, because everything is taken care of for you!
We arrived at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal early in the morning, where we were greeted by the friendly staff and led onboard the luxurious catamaran. I noticed that ours was one of the bigger vessels in the harbor, which ended up being a huge bonus as that day was a bit windy.
The size of the catamaran greatly reduced the sway of the vessel, and obviously offered more than enough room to move around and get comfortable. The captain was one of the more friendly I’ve encountered, and did a lovely job of narrating along our trip.
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They pointed out marine life when they popped up, offering us the chance to take plenty of photos and videos.
Upon arrival to the Whitsunday Islands, we took a scenic, guided walk up to the famous lookout over Hill Inlet, which is one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had.
After that, we had a delicious lunch onboard, which consisted of a wide array of different dishes, drinks, and there was something for every taste. After that, we digested a bit while cruising around the Solway Circuit Walking Track on Whitehaven Beach as we took in the gorgeous views.
We felt safe, well tended to, and almost like “VIPS” – definitely give this tour a good look!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 9:00 AM
- Includes: Water and refreshments, all fees and taxes, personal skipper, use of the vessel and snorkeling equipment
Speaking of VIP, this next tour really makes you feel like the most important person in the room and is easily one of the most convenient tours of its kind.
The Private Standard Charter Experience in Whitsundays is completely customizable and tailored to your preferences and interests, practically guaranteeing a memorable day.
As it’s also the shortest tour on this guide, it’s the perfect option if you have plans at night but still want to take advantage of the sunshine.
I’m going to go out on a limb and say it’s going to be near impossible to find a private charter for the price of this tour – much less, complete with a captain and crew of this caliber.
Not to mention, it’s one of the very few tours on this guide that includes a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, so no need to figure out transportation to a meetup point. With just me and my party, we were picked up and boarded our vessel designed to hold just 8 passengers.
We chatted with our skipper upon arrival about what interested us most, creating a “dream” itinerary complete with snorkeling reefs, relaxing on white sand beaches, and hiking remote yet lush trails.
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This means, of course, that your tour could be quite a bit different in terms of stops but I’m positive that high level of quality and customer service we experience will not waiver.
The boat ride was very smooth and enjoyable, taking in the beautiful views as the crew narrated an interesting commentary about the local sealife and ecosystems, along with the culture of the region.
What I love about this experience, is that it works amazingly for solo travelers to entire families as it’s all about your private party. No having to deal with big crowds of people or cookie-cutter tours, and this really exhibited the in-depth knowledge our guide possesses.
This was a fantastic time where we had everything we needed or wanted looked after by one of the best hosts out there!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
6. 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef
- Duration: 2 days
- Departure: Coral Sea Marina South Village, Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
- Departure Time: 10:30 AM
- Includes: 2 nights onboard accommodation, all taxes, fees and handling charges, Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax), National Park fees, breakfast, lunch, dinner, all activities, tour escort/host
This is another one of the longer tour experiences that I absolutely loved, taking place on an 82-foot maxi yacht that offers a unique, exhilarating way to explore the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef boasts a nice combination of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty.
From the moment I stepped aboard, I was treated like royalty by the friendly crew, who seemed determined to ensure we had the time of our lives on the water.
With a sleek design and large deck spaces, there were endless ocean views, lots of soaking up the sun, and opportunity for relaxation. It’s a great way to experience this region on your terms, choosing what you want to do, when you want to do it.
I chose to go snorkeling with many others on board, and we made stops at the famous Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay, and a couple of other cool spots.
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They provided all snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and the guides were there to help teach the newbies how to snorkel. However, I also made sure I relaxed on the white sand beaches while the tall palm trees swayed in the nice sea breeze.
Another highlight of my tour was spotting whales, dolphins, turtles, and many other amazing sea critters, thanks to the assistance of the crew who pointed them out to us!
The quarters were super comfortable and cozy, and the food was truly some of the best I’ve tried in Australia. I’d recommend this tour to just about anybody, so put it at the top of your list!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
7. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill
- Duration: 11.5 hours
- Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: Burger (either beef or veggie), afternoon tea, live commentary onboard, local guide, protective stinger suits
There are 3 things that Australians undoubtedly do well: natural beauty, sports, and grilling. One tour on this guide perfectly wraps them all up into one, streamlined experience with the Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill tour.
Located in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands sits a gorgeous piece of paradise that calls to travelers from all over the planet, and you’ll get to know it better in just one day.
This tour also thoughtfully included a complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, which was very welcomed as it made it easier to bring all of my gear with me.
The breathtaking scenery of the Whitsundays is definitely not understated, and it looks even more impressive in person. The journey kickstarted with a gorgeous cruise through the blue waters, with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the famed Hill Inet.
Once we arrived at Whitehaven Beach, we were met with the powdery white sands stretching seemingly endlessly against the bright blues and greens of the water.
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It felt almost like I’d stepped into some sort of postcard, especially with the views of the Hill Inlet Walk. It was here where we had a professional guide take us on an educational tour where I learned about the history of the area.
I loved the tasty lunch buffet, with all kinds of fresh dishes made with local ingredients, offering insight into the type of cuisine they do best here.
One of the highlights for me was enjoying our lunch in the open air, with the nice little breeze blowing by – it seemed sureal. No matter the age or background of traveler, I highly recommend this beautiful experience.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
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Value
The Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout is our Editors Choice the best Whitsunday Islands boat tour
