Top Airlie Beach Full-day Tours

Whitehaven Beach is one of Australia's most spectacular destinations, but organizing a trip there by yourself can be tricky. Skip the hassle of juggling multiple bookings with this full-day catamaran cruise from Airlie Beach that includes transfers, guided walks, and meals. Enjoy sweeping views from Hill Inlet lookout, relax on Whitehaven's white sands, and take a dip in crystal-clear water.

Before sunrise, the bus is at your door, it’s an early start but it is worth it. The drive south takes 1.5 hours and by the time you reach Cape Hillsborough National Park, the light is just coming up over the Coral Sea and the kangaroos are already moving down to the beach. These animals are completely wild. No fences, no feeding shows, no handlers. They approach on their own terms — to within half a metre — as they forage along the sand at dawn. Your accredited EcoGuide is beside you throughout, telling you what you are looking at and why Cape Hillsborough is one of the few places in Australia where this happens naturally, every morning. After sunrise, the group cooks the Drovers Breakfast together: bacon and egg damper rolls, hot French press coffee, and authentic Aussie Vegemite to try if you dare, while overlooking the coastal rainforest. Airlie Adventure Tours holds the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Gold Award.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Quickly see the highlights of Airlie Beach with this Airlie Hopper sightseeing tour: Hop on a minibus and relax while your guide takes care of planning and logistics. Make the rounds of the Queensland coastal resort town, seeing Airlie Beach Lagoon, Cedar Creek Falls, and the Whitsunday Gold Coffee Plantation. Then, stop for lunch at a retro 1950s diner (own expense).

Combine two popular Australia destinations in one day: the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Following a scenic flight by fixed-wing aircraft, embark on an ocean rafting adventure to Whitehaven Beach. The bird’s-eye views, including Heart Reef, are unparalleled. A buffet lunch and snorkeling on the coral reef are included. Opt for more beach time with the Southern Lights tour or extra snorkeling with the Northern Exposure itinerary.

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.

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.

Explore the waters of Airlie Beach on this guided jet ski tour. Zip across the bays at high speed, with the chance to possibly encounter marine life such as sea turtles. The Sea-Doo skis are suitable for both experienced riders and beginners. No experience required. There is a maximum of two passengers per jet ski.

A sunrise encounter like no other, where the first light of day brings Kangaroos and Wallabies to the shores of Cape Hillsborough. This enchanting experience with nature, wildlife and the unspoiled beauty of one of Australia's most iconic coastal settings. Your eco-nature guide leads you on a bushwalk through the aging forest and gives insightful commentary on the surrounds to arrive at a magnificent lookout over the stunning bay and islands. If you enjoy nature, geology and photography then this tour is for you! (1hr 45 min drive)(3-4am pickup seasonal)

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.

Explore the bush and estuaries of ‘wild Whitsunday’ on this full-day crocodile safari! Go croc-spotting on a Proserpine River cruise, and look for other wetlands wildlife on a tractor-pulled wagon tour. Get a taste of bush life with traditional billy tea and damper and feast on a fresh Aussie barbecue midday. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach, Cannonvale, or Proserpine.

Sail through the Whitsunday Islands on a classic yacht from Airlie Beach. Sit back and relax or lend a hand with the sailing of the Lady Enid on the way to stops such as Whitehaven Beach, Betty's Beach, and Hill Inlet. Snorkel around the Island Reefs and enjoy lunch and afternoon tea between activities. During the sunset sail back to port, sip sparkling wine and munch on appetizers.

Be as active or as relaxed as you like with access to the Whitehaven Beach Club. After arriving on a cruise from Airlie Beach, you can choose how you want to spend your time at Whitehaven Beach. Find a spot to relax in the sun or the shade, swim in the clear turquoise sea, or grab a paddleboard for some more active fun.

Value for Money! Offering the most time at two iconic Whitsunday locations - Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, with the best Beach BBQ in the Whitsundays! Included in fare - BBQ lunch, Stinger suits, am & pm tea, and Courtesy transfers from your accommodation. Visit both North & South Whitehaven Beaches and Hill Inlet Beach. Whitehaven Beach South for approx 2.5hrs with Beach BBQ lunch, steaks, salads etc. Choose to swim in the crystal clear waters, sunbathe, chill or take the optional hike to Whitehaven Lookout. Hill Inlet Lookout and Hill Inlet Beach for approx 2.5hrs, a spectacular view from the lookout and an awesome experience at beach level. This boat itself has indoor, semi-outdoor and rooftop seating, licensed bar and toilets. One of very few fast boats that you can move around when underway! This company is the longest running day tour to Whitehaven Beach, family operated by two Airlie Beach locals Capt. Dan and Capt. Shane, both providing Australian personal service.

The Clarke Ranges rise steeply behind the coast, and at their peak sits Eungella National Park, home to the longest continuous stretch of subtropical rainforest in Australia and one of the country's most reliable spots to see wild platypus. This eco-certified small-group day tour departs Airlie Beach at 10am and climbs through the Pioneer Valley, stopping for a famous Pinnacle Pie at the Pinnacle Family Hotel before continuing on to Broken River, where completely wild platypus move through the creek. Your guide holds EcoGuide Certification from Ecotourism Australia, positioning the group at the viewing platform and talking you through what you're seeing. Platypus sightings here are common. On the way home, you'll stop at the Eungella Sky Window for cheese and wine, then head back through the Pioneer Valley and along the coast, returning to Airlie Beach around 6pm. Airlie Adventure Tours holds the 2026 Best of Queensland Experiences Gold Award.

Hop on a Jet Ski tour of the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach for an unforgettable experience of this tropical paradise. The multiple tour options suit beginner and experienced riders, with tandem riding possible on some tours. Zip past picturesque coves and beaches as you learn about the region from your guide and admire the gorgeous views. Receive personalized attention on small-group tours.

Explore hidden gems of the Whitsundays on a small-group tour from Airlie Beach. Venture north through scenic countryside to uncover Bowen's best beaches, lookouts, and natural wonders like Horseshoe Bay, the Big Mango, and Flagstaff Hill Lookout. Enjoy a personalized experience led by a friendly guide and a delicious lunch included.

Discover a different side to Airlie Beach on this small-group tour. Escape the crowds and head for the beaches on the other side of Airlie where you can have a stroll along sandy shores and look out for wildlife before arriving at a beachfront resort for lunch (at own expense) and a swim.