Eco TourCertifiedi
Start & End TimeVariousi
Pick-Up & Drop-OffIncludedi
Minimum AgeAll Ages
MealsOptionali
Best Seller2022 TOP TOURWhat's Included
Northern Exposure Tour:
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Get up to $15 cash back per person when you book with us
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More snorkel time in remote and protected sites
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Snorkel in pristine reefs around Hook Island
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Unparalleled access to Hill Inlet Beaches at North Whitehaven
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A guided bushwalk with stunning views at Hill Inlet Lookout
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Reef and island naturalist talks
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Eco hosts with over 20 years combined Whitsunday experience
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Use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices
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Cake and Fruit platter
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Whale watching (June - October)
Southern Lights Tour:
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Get up to $15 cash back per person when you book with us
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More beach time
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An exhilarating ride to the white silica sands at both ends of Whitehaven Beach
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2 hours of relaxing and enjoying South Whitehaven
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A guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout
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Snorkel at a top Whitsunday snorkel site
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Reef and island naturalist talks
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Use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices
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Eco hosts with over 20 years combined Whitsunday experience
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Cake and Fruit platter
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Whale watching (June - October)
What's Excluded
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Lunch - Pre-book during the booking flow for $20pp, payable on check-in
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60 Minute Scenic Flight - Book a Fly & Raft Package HERE or CONTACT US
Why Do We Love This
OUR TEAM OF TRAVEL EXPERTS RATED THIS AS A 2022 TOP TOUR
- Ocean Rafting have been involved in the Whitsunday Reef restoration project since 2018.
- Ocean Rafting have been acknowledged as a Green Travel Leader through Ecotourism Australia, highlighting extensive and ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability.
- Ocean rafting are Marine Safe Certified
What to Expect
This tour is multi-award-winning, and for good reason! Visit the 'wild side' of the Whitsunday Islands and explore uninhabited islands packed with beautiful natural scenery, marine, bird and animal life and stunning beaches.
Choose from two tour options to really get the most out of your experience. For those keen on getting as much snorkelling done as possible, the Northern Exposure trip offers extra water time and fish spotting action! If you're more keen on soaking up the sun at the beach, the Southern Lights tour is for you. Both ocean rafting tours offer an itinerary jam-packed with activities. It will feel like three days in one!
On both tours, you'll be accompanied by a professional skipper and eco host, who will offer personalised service, snorkelling lessons, a guided Whitsunday Island walk and informative reef interpretations. This will ensure your tour is filled with fun and will leave you with an appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.
Option 1 - Northern Exposure
If you love snorkelling, this tour is for you. The only Whitsunday adventure to include two different snorkel destinations and is full of underwater actions. Discover the ocean paradise at Hook Island and Border Island, snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, explore the spectacular coral reefs and watch pods of dolphins and majestic Humpback Whales splash in the sea!
There'll also be the chance for you to check out the stunning beach at Hill Inlet, explore the north end of Whitehaven Beach and enjoy a guided National Park walk to a lookout! You'll also be able to explore the restricted area of beautiful Hill Inlet at Whitehaven Beach and enjoy the serene, untouched sand.
Option 2 - Southern Lights
This is a tour for the beach bums. You'll visit both the northern and southern ends of Whitehaven Beach and enjoy at least two hours relaxing on the world famous white sand. You'll also have the time to take a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and experience the Southern Whitehaven Lookout. Take in breathtaking views of Pentecost Island and the tropical waters of the Whitsundays. On your hike keep your eyes out for interesting wildlife like goannas.
If you're keen on a bit of water action (who wouldn't be?), there'll also be the chance to snorkel at Border Island, Dumbell Island or a 'secret' snorkel spot!
Departure info
Tours depart daily from Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach (next to Sorrento Restaurant and Bar).
Northern Exposure Tour: Departs 8:45am and returns 3:30pm (Check in 7:45am)
Southern Lights Tour: Departs 10am and returns 4:30pm (Check in 9am)
Fly and Raft Experience Upgrade
Book a 60 Minute Scenic Flight & Raft Package HERE or CONTACT US
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure tour has more snorkeling time and the Southern Lights tour offers more beach time.
*Please note: the tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on the tide, wind and other weather conditions.
These boats are suitable for any ages (weather permitting). The youngest passenger has been 3 months old and the eldest to date was 87.
Due to the open-style design and speed which the vessels travel, it is very rare for passengers to experience sea-sickness on board, unlike slower vessels where you experience a slow-rocking motion that can cause sea sickness. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. The Supplier welcomes anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.
The longest part of the journey is just over an hour, which is the ride out to the Whitsunday Islands and the return journey back to the mainland. Between the other stops, the journey will be anywhere from 10 – 20 minutes, depending on where the skipper chooses next, given conditions on the day.
These custom-built vessels travel up to speeds of 35 knots (65 km/hour) allowing you to experience a fun, high-speed ride whilst exploring the islands and beaches of the beautiful Whitsundays.
The Northern Exposure tour visits two snorkelling locations around Hook Island, each for approximately 45 minutes. The Southern Lights tour visits just one snorkelling location around either Border Island or Dumbell Island for approximately 1 hour.
*Please note: The tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on the tide, wind and other weather conditions. The sites that you will snorkel at are carefully selected by highly trained skippers to ensure that you have the most memorable underwater experience possible for the conditions of the day.
Masks, snorkels, and fins are included. The Operator also offers prescription masks (if you wear glasses) available for hire for the day for $15 and equipment for the little Rafters.
Wetsuits are also available for hire from $8 per adult.
The Northern Exposure tour spends between 1 – 1.5 hours at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. The Southern Lights tour spends between 2 – 2.5 hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach.
*These timings may change, subject to weather conditions.
Bring along a small bag of things that you would usually take to the beach i.e. a towel, swimmers, sunscreen and a hat.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Hill Inlet tours and walk to the lookout. A jacket during the winter period is recommended to protect you from the wind and warmth after snorkelling.
Cash for any drinks or snacks on board is recommended and if you haven’t chosen to purchase the buffet lunch, please ensure that you bring your own, as you will not visit any resorts or shops during the day.
Passengers do frequently bring along cameras or phones for the day. Although there are dry boxes under the seats designed to keep your belongings safe, all electrical and personal belongings are brought at your own risk.
At certain times of the day, there is very little/minimal shade coverage at Whitehaven Beach. Therefore, frequent application of sunblock to protect yourself from harmful UV rays is recommended.
LUNCH MENU
- Potato salad
- Asian noodle salad
- Garden salad including, mesclun lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, cucumber, capsicum, julienne carrots, stuffed green olives with a vinaigrette dressing
- Fresh baked bread roll
- Sliced ham
- Sliced salami
- Sliced chicken breast
MORNING OR AFTERNOON TEA
- Selection of fruits
- Lamingtons
The most recent menu can be found HERE.
Yes! Please ensure that any lunch that you do bring is kept in a small concealed bag.
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Policies
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Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tidal dependant.
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The Operator only 25 passengers per tour. Spaces are limited. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted up until 5.00pm the night prior to day of the tour.
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All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST.
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Sites are weather and tide permitting. The Operator reserves the right to arrange an alternate itinerary when necessary. Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tidal dependant. Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.
In the event a booking is cancelled, the following fees will apply:
- Cancellations more than 24 hours before departure: No fee
- Cancellations within 24 hours of departure: 100% of the cost
All customer cancellation & refund requests are also subject to our website’s own refund conditions.
Flexible booking
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