Whitsunday Passage Tours and Tickets

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:

• Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

• Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

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

• Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel, and Scenic Flight

• Whitsundays Day Cruise: Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.