Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
"THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS"
Visit three top destinations whilst having the ride of your life! Each Ocean Rafting day includes an exhilarating ride to world famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks, all in one day! The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing you to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.
Ocean Rafting offers two different Whitehaven Beach tours to choose from, the Northern Exposure and the Southern Lights tour. The significant difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights offers more Whitehaven beach time.
Ocean Rafting is the only tour operator to have direct access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach and secret snorkel sites around the Whitsundays ensuring a memorable underwater experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please back in a small bag swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Reef and island naturalist talks by our Master Reef Guides,Eco Host and Marine Biologist
Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and guided National Park walks
Courtesy bus transfers
All Fees and Taxes
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Tropical lunch (AUD$20) payable direct. Please add in booking notes if you would like to add.
Assorted Alcoholic and NON Alcoholic Drinks and snacks (available to purchase - Cash or Credit Card)
A QLD public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad,2ch)
Hire sunsuits/wetsuits - $8pp to hire on check in (Students with ID, Senior & Children FREE))
Prescription Mask hire Available - $20 pp on check in
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Whitsunday Islands
Explore the Whitsunday Islands in one day, snorkelling at special fringing reef locations and the enjoying the ultimate access to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach.
Ocean Rafting
Check in at Ocean Rafting's office at Coral Sea Marina or take advantage of a courtesy transfer from your accommodation.
Options
Northern Exposure
Includes snorkeling at two sites, a stop at Hill Inlet on Whitehaven Beach and a guided walk. Ideal for those wanting maximum snorkeling time. Check-in at 8am for 8:45am departure. Returns 3:30pm
Pickup included
Southern Lights
Visits both ends of Whitehaven Beach. Includes one snorkeling site and a Hill Inlet guided walk. Ideal for those wanting more beach time. Check-in at 9am for 10am departure. Returns at 4:30pm
Pickup included
Reviews
4,719 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great day out
Mireeka H,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Was a great day and well run by the "girls" boat mirin and tamika..the views are amazing and a must see. Did feel a bit rushed on the walk though
Beautiful beach, cool snorkelling and amazing hosts
Jack C,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tamika and locklyn(Apologies if this is wrong but the closest I can remember to the skipper on the day) were very fun and enthusiastic hosts and the experience as a whole was amazing and I would highly recommend! The boat ride is pretty ruthless which is worth noting for anyone less comfortable on a boat but for me it added to the experience. The seating wasn’t the comfiest for the back but sitting on the side of the raft was great it’s also worth mentioning that it may be worth bringing your own hand sanitizer/soap if you prefer to eat with clean hands toilet facilities aren’t the best. The tropical lunch was good and the snacks throughout were a nice touch as well. Also worth mentioning the boat is pretty small and can feel crowded but again I would still highly recommend this tour! Thanks for a great experience, Jack
Fun-filled day
Cath P,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing, fun-filled day with Ocean Rafting! Georgie and Adrian were so friendly and made the whole experience even better. Whitehaven beach was stunning — crystal-clear water and powder like white sand. Highly recommend this adventure!
Superb! Everything is so...
Chenxi Y,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Superb! Everything is so satisfied. All members of Wipeout are so friendly and enthusiastic to us! Totally recommend!
Northern Exposure Tour.
Francesca P,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip with Skipper Nick & and Hayden. Amazing hosts and very attentive to safety, care and FUN! Great snorkelling at two different reefs, with a fun ride back to the island. Recommend!
don't expect respect from the crew (a male staff).
783majidm,
Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00unfortunately, our experience was not pleasant due to a staff who was disrespectful to the international guest of our tour, rushing and undermining them by use of the only word he knew from mandarin language which was "hurry up". and later on, after snorkeling in the water, as my little son and I were about to step on the ladder back to the boat, the same guy who was frustrated by us being slow, reach to my son and pulled him recklessly out of the water which made his feet hit the ladder, and then ignored me when I confronted him with what he did. report to the tour operator office later didn't receive much attention and no apology was made whatsoever.
Highly recommend
Ian W,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great day out, competent and friendly crew. Gives a good snapshot of the area. I have been there many times before but my wife had not, she loved it. A very exhilarating finish to the trip, not expected but fun
Best day on the East Coast!
B4231RLrobynb,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best day since we started. travelling the east coast! We were booked onto Ocean Rafting’s trip by our tour group and didn’t know what to expect , but came away having had the most amazing day! Abbie & Chris were absolutely great so friendly and made the whole trip so fun. The trip is great for all groups of people & even accommodating for families & babies! Would definitely recommend as a must do for anyone staying in Airlie.
Adrenaline pumping fun in the beautiful Whitsundays with Tori & Daisy on the boat Thriller!
99lanceh,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Adrenaline pumping fun in the beautiful Whitsundays with Tori & Daisy on the boat Thriller! We went to Hill Inlet for some pics & lunch. Then it was off to some snorkeling spots for a look at some beautiful coral & a closeup with a turtle, a giant clam and some reef fish. Lunch was a good size and there were drinks, chocolates and an afternoon snack of fruit and lamingtons on the way back. All in all an awesome day and a great way to spend our anniversary! Thank you so much guys!
Excellent Trip
kevinjX244PI,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fantastic experience on the Thunderstruck Boat with Rich and Tamika. Snorkeling in the Mackerel Bay area was fantastic and the photos and videos were once in a lifetime. Don't be put off if you are not a strong swimmer as there are life vests and noodles available (I used a life vest and it made life so much easier). After this, there is a walk to three viewing towers which gives an unbelievable view of the island and Whitehaven Sands, which you eventually come to when you walk down the other side. The beach is amazing and when walking through the shallow water to get to the boat, you see stingrays close up. After lunch and a couple of hours on the beach, there is a fast pace home, with Rich doing some excellent moves in the boat. I highly recommend this trip, however make sure you get on Thunderstruck with Rich and Tamika as they made it such an enjoyable experience.
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