Whitehaven Beach Tours and Tickets

Q: How do I get to Whitehaven Beach?

Whitehaven Beach is located on the southeast coast of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, and can only be reached by boat, seaplane, or helicopter. By boat, it’s about a 1.5-hour journey from Airlie Beach on the mainland, while seaplane and helicopter take about 15 minutes.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Whitehaven Beach?

The tropical climate of the Whitsundays means you can swim at Whitehaven Beach through all four seasons. Summer (December-February) is the most popular, but it’s also stinger season. Come in early spring (September) instead when there are fewer crowds, warm waters, and opportunities to watch the winter whale migration.

Q: Are there any tours available to Whitehaven Beach?

Yes. Whitehaven Beach is one of the most popular attractions in the Whitsunday Islands, and most travelers visit on a day tour from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach. Cruise around the Whitsundays, stopping to stroll Whitehaven Beach, admire the views from Hill Inlet Lookout, or take a scenic flight.

Q: What are the highlights of Whitehaven Beach?

Whitehaven Beach is known for its “swirling sands,” a natural phenomenon caused when the white silica sands shelf down into the aquamarine ocean, creating a dramatic visual effect from above. A seaplane or helicopter flight over the beach is a highlight, as are swimming, bushwalking, and beachside camping.

Q: Is camping allowed on Whitehaven Beach?

Yes, camping is allowed on Whitehaven Beach, but only at the dedicated bush camping area. The campground is at the south end of the beach and has 10 walk-in tent-only sites with non-flush toilets and a sheltered communal picnic table. Camping permits are required and must be booked in advance.

Q: Can I swim at Whitehaven Beach? Are there any safety precautions I should take?

Yes, you can swim at Whitehaven Beach, and the waters are warm and calm year-round. However, swimming is at your own risk. There’s no lifeguard service or phone reception at the beach, and stingers, sharks, and occasionally crocodiles can be present. Stinger suits are recommended in summer.

24 results

Best Seller

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

Enjoy a full-day tour of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, traveling on a sturdy motorized raft to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Beach. Choose from two tours that offer either more snorkeling or more beach time. Gain exclusive access to secluded spots where you can snorkel around pristine coral reefs, and take a walk with your guide in the national park to a lookout point with spectacular views.

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4.9

(4,860)

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $184

Special Offer

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel

Make the most of the beautiful Whitsundays—without the hassle of planning or organizing—with this full-day adventure. Head out on a high-speed, 80-passenger boat (complete with air-conditioning and a spacious outdoor area to sunbathe) and spend the day relaxing on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout and dine on a buffet lunch served onboard the boat. Upgrade your day with the option to include snorkeling at a secluded reef location—all snorkel equipment is provided for ease. As you swim, spot tropical fish and maybe even a sea turtle or two.

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4.9

(1,056)

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$152

$176

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

Set sail for a day of swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the Whitsundays on this full-day tour. Cruise around the islands on a high-speed catamaran and discover the colorful underwater world of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef as you stop at two snorkeling hotspots. Explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, admire dramatic coastal views on a hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, then tuck into a delicious buffet lunch on-board (included).

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4.9

(3,022)

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $177

1hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR

Take off on a flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and see sights including Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet. Catch a bird’s-eye view of many of the Whitsunday Islands and fly over Whitehaven Beach and picturesque Hill Inlet before heading toward the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll see one of the most photographed reef locations, Heart Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers big window viewing, plus enjoy pilot commentary.

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4.9

(140)

1hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR

1 hourFree Cancellation

from $254

Whitehaven Beach Morning or Afternoon Tour

Set out on a half-day catamaran tour to stunning Whitehaven Beach for swimming at this postcard–perfect slice of paradise. Considered one of the world's top beaches and the most beautiful one in the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is a must-see in the Great Barrier Reef region. Travel in comfort from Port Airlie on a motorized catamaran with air-conditioning. Morning or afternoon tea is provided on board and your crew supplies beach activities and informative commentary along the way.

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3.7

(394)

Whitehaven Beach Morning or Afternoon Tour

6 hours 15 minutes

from $112

Likely to Sell Out

4.4

(236)

Whitehaven Beach Day Pass

7 hoursFree Cancellation

from $117

Purely Whitehaven: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach

Discover the highlights of the Whitsunday Islands including Hill Inlet, and Whitehaven Beach on this full-day catamaran sightseeing tour. Start your tour with bus pickup from Airlie Beach before heading out to Shute Harbour, where you’ll hop on your boat and enjoy the scenic ride out to the Whitsundays. Jump ashore and enjoy guided walks out to viewpoints and time to relax and swim on the beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Experience the beauty of the Whitsundays on this full-day cruise Go for guided hikes up to Hill Inlet and Solway Circuit viewpoints Enjoy a delicious morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea Included bus transfers from Airlie Beach to Shute Harbour

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5.0

(29)

Purely Whitehaven: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $188

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill

Enjoy a full day to unwind at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Whitsunday Islands: postcard–perfect Whitehaven Beach. A private boat takes away the stress of ferry timetables—keeping the trip relaxed and unrushed. Have ample free time to swim far from the crowds, enjoy beach activities, walk to Whitehaven Beach Lookout, and take a guided hike to Hill Inlet for amazing views. Protective stinger suits are provided to keep you safe, and you can refuel with the included lunch and snacks.

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4.5

(216)

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Trip: Chill and Grill

11 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $232

Likely to Sell Out

Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

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4.9

(324)

Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $408

Viper: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Including Whitehaven Hill Inlet

Short on time? This one-day boat tour brings you around the gorgeous Whitsunday islands, stops at picturesque Whitehaven Beach, and affords time for snorkeling the famous Great Barrier Reef. Maximize your trip on this super-fast boat that claims to be the only tour to do all of these highlights in one day. Everything is taken care of—lunch, snacks, gear—so you can just relax and create memories.

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4.8

(122)

Viper: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Including Whitehaven Hill Inlet

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $245

Special Offer

Providence Whitehaven Beach Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise

Set sail for the Whitsundays on-board an authentic 62-ft gaff rigged schooner and spend the day swimming and snorkeling around the islands. Admire the famous powder-white sands of Whitehaven beach, jump off to take in the views from Hill Inlet and dine on a delicious lunch on-board. Finish your adventure snorkeling amid vibrant corals and schools of brightly colored fish and keep a look out for unique varieties like parrot fish and humphead wrasse.

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4.2

(220)

Providence Whitehaven Beach Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise

9 hoursFree Cancellation

from

$139

$147

2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

4.8

(767)

2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $405

Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

Discover the Whitsunday Islands on a sailing day trip from Airlie Beach. Relax and admire the views from the decks of the spacious catamaran, Camira. Swim in the turquoise water, hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout, and spend time on beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Lunch, snacks, and refreshments are included throughout the day, and both snorkeling gear and stinger suits (protection against jellyfish) are available to use.

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4.6

(472)

Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

10 hoursFree Cancellation

from $210

Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven Beach

4.7

(209)

Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven Beach

9 to 11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $217

4.8

(507)

Matador Whitsundays

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $331

4.7

(791)

2-Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure on Trimaran Avatar

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $442

Reef & Whitehaven Spectacular - ~60 Minute Helicopter Tour

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* Looking to fill something from your bucket list? This is the tour for you! This one hour helicopter tour gives you a birds eye view of The Whitsunday Islands, and The Great Barrier Reef. First we head out past South Molle Island Island as we approach Whitsunday Island where we take in the natural beauty of Whitehaven Beach, and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. We then set out to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef. We'll be seeing some of it's most famous reefs, including Hook Reef, Bait Reef and Hardy Reef, with it's world Famous Heart Reef. As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island and Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance. *This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb.

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5.0

(4)

Reef & Whitehaven Spectacular - ~60 Minute Helicopter Tour

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $940

Price varies by group size

Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax - ~2.5Hr Helicopter Tour

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply* Dreamed of visiting Whitehaven Beach, or the gorgeous Heart Reef? Then look no further! This two & a half hour** helicopter tour takes you to Whitehaven Beach, where you'll enjoy a one & a half hour stay, complete with nibblies and ice cold beverages. First we head out to the beautiful Whitsunday Island, where we'll land on the world famous Whitehaven Beach for a one and a half hour stop**. Enjoy complimentary snacks and a drink before some free time to explore the beach. We then take off past the beautiful Hill Inlet, heading for the world famous Great Barrier Reef. Where we visit some the renowned Heart Reef. As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island, Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance. *This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb. **Times are approximate

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5.0

(14)

Heart Reef & Whitehaven Rest and Relax - ~2.5Hr Helicopter Tour

2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $1,131

Price varies by group size

Prima - Overnight Sailing Experience of the Whitsundays

4.3

(37)

Prima - Overnight Sailing Experience of the Whitsundays

2 days

from $405

Siska - 2 day 1 Night - Maxi Sailing Tour of the Whitsundays

4.3

(167)

Siska - 2 day 1 Night - Maxi Sailing Tour of the Whitsundays

2 days

from $361

Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'

Get off the beaten track and discover the magic of the Whitsundays with a private charter boat. Offering private tours around the islands from Whitsundays, Shute Harbour, and Airlie Beach, these half-day or full-day experiences include a personal skipper and snorkeling gear to maximize your fun above and below the waves. Perfect for groups, you can add catering for an extra deluxe adventure.

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4.9

(82)

Whitsundays Premium Private Charter - Axopar 37 'Cheeky'

2 to 8 hours

from $4,026

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

3 Day Whitsundays Sailing and Diving Adventure: Kiana

4.6

(93)

3 Day Whitsundays Sailing and Diving Adventure: Kiana

3 daysFree Cancellation

from $707

Rayglass Protector - Standard Private Charter - Whitsundays

Take to the water and spend a full-day exploring the magic of the Whitsundays with your friends or family on this charter boat day trip with a personal skipper. Offering customizable experiences for up to eight people, jump on board your private speed boat and enjoy a day out in tropical paradise, discovering remote islands, snorkeling pristine coral reefs, and relaxing under palm trees on idyllic beaches.

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5.0

(39)

Rayglass Protector - Standard Private Charter - Whitsundays

1 to 11 hours

from $2,839

Per group

Whitehaven From Above - ~30 minute Whitsunday Helicopter Tour

Please note: Weight Limits Apply* Let us take you to one of Australia’s best and world recognised beaches. Take in the view of all 74 Whitsunday Islands as we make our way passed Hamilton Island, Hazelwood Island and more, before show casing the second most photographed destination in Australia ‘Hill inlet’. *This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 250kg/551lb.

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5.0

(3)

Whitehaven From Above - ~30 minute Whitsunday Helicopter Tour

30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $386

Price varies by group size

What are people saying about Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

Kevin_T, Feb 2026

A great experience hosted...

A great experience hosted the Skipper (don't know his name but a little crazy...in a good way though) and Anna. Luckily rain stayed off. Food was great and so was snorkelling and Whitehaven beach. 100% recommend.

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel

Tim_R, Apr 2026

What an amazing day!

We had a fantastic time because of all of the hardworking and friendly staff on the day. Amazing snorkelling spot, great food and atmosphere on the boat and good knowledge about Whitehaven beach and where all the best spots where. 10/10, will be recommending all of my family and friends use zigzag for their tours!

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

berleeg, Feb 2026

Pure Paradise – The Ultimate Whitsundays Reef & Whitehaven Tour

Absolutely unforgettable experience! The Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the Hill Inlet Lookout were beyond stunning. Crystal-clear water, pure white silica sand, vibrant coral, and colourful fish — it truly felt like paradise. The hilltop views were breathtaking and something everyone should experience at least once. One of the most beautiful places on Earth. Highly recommend!

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

Asha_S, Apr 2026

Great day out

Great day out, beautiful part of the world. Would have loved more snorkeling time, though not sure what to remove from the itinerary to allow for that! Maybe stay one spot??? Guide and skipper were nice and ensure everyone’s safety and wellness throughout. Lunch was excellence, better than expected for this type of tour. View was stellar also!

1hour Scenic Flight Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, GBR

SilviaAndrea_G, May 2026

Highly recommend this company and team, 10/10, profesional, attentive and organised, felt safe ,Thank you so much :)

I felt so grateful experience and see one of the natural wonders of the world. Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef is just stunning! 10/10 experience .If you ever get the chance, do it :)

2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

charlotte_f, May 2026

A real adventure!! Highly recommend!!

Right on. Davey, Kayla and Alex were sick. This tour was a real adventure. The snorkelling spots were amazing we got to see so many different types of corral, swim with fish and turtles, also saw sharks in the evening off the back of the boat !! We would highly recommend this trip it was an amazing experience we wont forget!!