Whitsunday Passage Tours and Tickets

Q: Where do tours to the Whitsunday Passage depart from?

<p>Tours to the Whitsunday Passage and around typically depart from Airlie Beach. Some tours offer hotel pickup, while others ask you to meet at an easy-to-find location in Airlie Beach, such as the marina. Different tour operators will have different departure points, so read your booking confirmation carefully. Scenic flights typically depart from Whitsunday Airport in Shute Harbour.</p>

11 results

Sort by: Featured

Best Seller

...More

Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic Flight

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.8

(333)

from $394

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.

...More

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

1 hourFree Cancellation

4.9

(148)

from $253

Likely to Sell Out

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.

...More

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(4,904)

from $177

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).

...More

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(3,088)

from $178

Likely to Sell Out

Whitsundays Day Cruise: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

Explore the powdery white sand and turquoise waters of the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands on this full-day speed boat cruise around the islands. You’ll have plenty of time on the famous Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch picnic, swimming, and snorkeling, with a lesson if necessary, and also stop at Hill Inlet. The crew will also share stories and facts about marine life, aboriginal culture, and local history along the way.

...More

Whitsundays Day Cruise: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(284)

from $171

Prima - Overnight Sailing Experience of the Whitsundays

2 days

4.4

(39)

from $414

Get close-up views of Australia's Great Barrier Reef on a full-day journey to Reefworld. The spacious, innovative pontoon provides gear, instruction, and expert guides for snorkeling and diving in the tropical waters. Alternatively, observe the reef without getting wet when taking a semi-submersible ride, accompanied by informative commentary by reef experts. This tour gives you the chance to experience this natural wonder and is suitable for all levels of experience.

...More

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure

10 hours

4.2

(591)

from $187

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

2 daysFree Cancellation

4.8

(772)

from $391

Whitsunday Islands Private Sailing Experience with Snorkeling & Langford Reef

Set off across Whitsunday Passage in the footsteps of Captain Cook on your own chartered tall ship cruise in the Whitsunday Islands. Bring as many as 24 guests on the 62-foot (19-meter) gaff-rigged schooner for a customized full-day charter that includes time for snorkeling, and a visit to either to Langford Reef — where you have a good chance of swimming with turtles, or the famously beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Alternatively, you can select a sunset sail or a half-day tour for your private charter.

...More

Whitsunday Islands Private Sailing Experience with Snorkeling & Langford Reef

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(4)

from $1,291

Per group

Great Barrier Reef Luxury Expedition Cruise cabin booking 7 days 6 night

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest & most diverse eco system in the world. It is the world’s largest Marine Reserve, about half the size of Texas. The Reef is visible from outer space appearing as a thin white line along the Queensland coast. Within the Reserve are more than 10% of the world's species of marine fish, over four thousand species of hard & soft corals and six of the world’s seven species of turtles. Giant Humpback Whales migrate to its warm crystal clear waterways every year to give birth to their babies John & Lynne Boyce are your key to discovering Australia’s most treasured water wonderland. In recognition of Lynne's expertise The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has granted her the title : Master Reef Guide She has published “Gourmet Sailing..Delicious Dining on the Great Barrier Reef”, a cook book detailing the meals they serve. The duo have been exploring the Reserve for more than 30 years & they look forward to sharing their knowledge and experience

...More

Great Barrier Reef Luxury Expedition Cruise cabin booking 7 days 6 night

7 days

4.9

(10)

from $3,561

Price varies by group size

Great Barrier Reef Private Expedition Cruise (min 4 day max 8 guests)

When you live aboard our yacht, your days adventure begins when you wake and continues unabated till well after dark. John & Lynne like to say that “their guests can go snorkelling over colourful corals accompanied by hundreds of friendly fish before breakfast and each day just gets better from there…” All daily activities are personally guided which ensures your in depth appreciation of the wonders of nature both above and below the water. Lynne has been selected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) to be a “Master Reef Guide” (the highest honour that GBRMPA can bestow). She is a “Citizen Scientist” specialising in the Reef World which has been her passion for more than 50 years. John & Lynne have a unique permit issued by GBRMPA granting them access to most of the Marine Park and they have spent a lifetime discovering its secrets that they willingly share with their guests. Potential guests should read the TripAdvisor reviews for Whitsunday Luxury Sailing

...More

Great Barrier Reef Private Expedition Cruise (min 4 day max 8 guests)

from $9,971

Whitsunday Passage

5.0

(10,079)

The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island

Know before you go

Airlie Beach is a major jumping-off point for cruises to various Whitsunday Islands as well as to the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef offers protection to the Whitsunday Passage area by stopping large waves and gusting winds.
Overnight boat tours with different stops within the Whitsunday Islands are available.

People Also Ask

What’s the best way to experience the Whitsunday Passage?

There are plenty of ways to experience the Whitsunday Passage. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

How much does it cost to visit the Whitsunday Passage in 2026?

There’s no cost just to visit the Whitsunday Passage, but most people join guided tours by boat. Tour costs vary depending on length, group size, and inclusions. Expect to pay around US$140–160 for a day tour that includes snorkeling, a stop at Whitehaven Beach, and a walk to the Hill Inlet lookout. A 1-hour scenic flight over the same area costs about US$230, while a full-day tour with snorkeling and a scenic flight costs around US$360.

Where do tours to the Whitsunday Passage depart from?

When is the best time of year to take a tour to the Whitsunday Passage?

The Whitsunday Islands experience two main seasons: the wet season (December to April) and the dry season (May to November). The dry season, which overlaps with winter in southern parts of Australia, is the best time to visit. The weather will be best for outdoor activities, and the humidity lower than in the wet season. This is typically busier with other travelers, so book your accommodation and activities in advance. July–September is the best time to spot migrating humpback whales.

What should I pack for a day trip to the Whitsunday Passage?

Consider your activities when deciding what to pack for a day trip to the Whitsunday Passage and Whitsunday Islands. For a scenic cruise or flight, you’ll typically only need the clothes you’re wearing, plus sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If water sports are involved, bring your bathing suit, a towel, optional waterproof shoes, and possibly a change of clothes. Snorkeling tours typically include the necessary gear, but check the fine print in advance. Also check whether lunch is included, and if not, pack a picnic or snacks.

Am I likely to experience seasickness on a tour to the Whitsunday Passage?

While everyone is different and some people are more prone to seasickness than others, it’s not common for people to experience seasickness on cruises to the Whitsunday Passage and around. The water is usually calm, as the Whitsundays are a sheltered region, with the Great Barrier Reef and more than 70 islands protecting from swells that cause seasickness. Conditions can vary though, depending on the weather.

More Tours in The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island

Things to do near The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island

More attractions near The Whitsundays & Hamilton Island

Scuba Diving Whale Watching On the Water Sunset Cruises Shore Excursions Port Transfers Snorkeling Sailing Full-day Tours Half-day Tours Glass Bottom Boat Tours Lunch Cruises