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 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.
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
Pickup points
Coral Sea Resort
Ocean View Avenue Airlie Beach Australia
Club Wyndham Airlie Beach: The gateway to the Whitsundays!
9a Hermitage Dr Airlie Beach Australia
At Marina Shores
159 Shingley Dr Cannonvale Australia
Colonial Palms Motor Inn
2 Hermitage Dr, Airlie Beach Australia
Mantra Club Croc Airlie Beach
240 Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale Cannonvale Australia
Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays
277 Shute Harbour Rd Airlie Beach Australia
Whitsunday on the Beach
269 Shute Harbour Rd Airlie Beach Australia
Airlie Beach Hotel
16 The Esplanade, Airlie Beach Australia
Airlie Beach Motor Lodge
6 Lamond St, Airlie Beach Australia
at Waterfront Whitsunday Retreat
438 Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach Australia
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
4,772 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
fun day but not om with staff insulting a guest
Dreamer51268317683,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00the trip was amazing, the ride, snolkeling, the walk and the beach, even though the weather wasnt good. the staff was proffesional when it came to safelty, but they all made fun of one of the guests on the boat, and she heard them,which was not ok.
Great experience! Must do!!
jcha6333,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I'm gonna keep this simple. This is a must for the Whitsundays. The walk up to the lookout was so so, but everything after that was great. The ride, the vibe the people, the snorkeling. Fantastic. Lunch was basic, but the onboard bar was affordable for a excursion. Can't recommend it more. Oh and do the northern trip!
Fun despite the weather
Amy J,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time on the boat, snorkeling and enjoying the beach despite the pelting rain for most of the day. I think it must be spectacular on days with better weather. The staff were fantastic - positive, friendly and attentive to everyone on the boat in the rain.
This was the best day and...
Leanne R,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the best day and the best fun! Great crew, amazing scenery and a fab, fast ride on the way back. Highly recommend all ages. Lunch delicious. Snorkelling on point. Cannot fault this day or company.
Epic adventure with Abbie & Kevin!!
gracewF9284QI,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had the most epic experience on the northern tour with Abbie & Kevin. They were amazing tour guides, made me feel so safe and comfortable during the snorkelling experience!
An organization at the top
eva97432,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A company that is well established and a very friendly and professional team that knew how to make us enjoyable day despite the bad weather. It is still a gas plant.
Great adventure and...
Erin W,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great adventure and amazing views of the Whitsundays! Max and Tori were great guides as well. Tori shared great facts about the islands! 10/10!
A good mix of fun, exciting and laid back.
Stefano C,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked the southern lights tour (which allows for more time at Whitehaven Beach) and it was so much fun! The windy conditions made the boat ride thrilling and exciting. Bernie (the boat driver) and Hailey (our guide) had lots of personality and worked great together. At the same time, the moments where we got to snorkel, climb and swim were slowed down and relaxed by comparison, which was a nice break from the excitement. Overall, it was a good mix of fast and slow that was paced very well. I would highly recommend this activity!!
Wow Wow Wow!!!🤯
Matt R,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a day!! Our boat was excellently piloted by the gnarliest captain Daisy, she really made that thing fly and was great fun, knowledgeable and helped make the day as great as it was. The onboard safety officer Jess was just as much fun and great fun to be around. Both ladies were superb at what they do and kept us all feeling perfectly safe despite the choppy conditions. The whole team were superb and made the day seamless and so enjoyable, from the moment we were picked up and all through the booking in process. We really couldn’t have asked for more. The experience itself was nothing short of spectacular, the scenery was absolutely mind blowingly beautiful and is easily the most stunning I’ve ever seen. For anyone thinking about doing this experience, just do it as it’s truly incredible and something you’ll remember forever. We also did as part of the same package the 60 minute scenic flight which was also a once in a lifetime experience…….. I’ll do a separate review for this.
Absolutely a must do!!!
AnnieJuly,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 2nd time doing an Ocean Rafting day trip from Airlie Beach (1st time was 5 years ago)! We truly had the best day!!! Not only is it a stunning place to visit - this team of young people really know how to make your day exceptionally fun!!! We were on joyride with Taylor as our skipper, Tamika and Jonti (apologies if spelling is incorrect). We were on ‘Joyride’ doing the Northern Exposure tour from Airlie Beach. We felt totally safe and in good hands whilst having an absolute blast of a day. The weather was very unpredictable (wet season) but they made sure we still had a great day!! The crew regularly checked in on us - making sure we were ok and also enjoying ourselves. Hill Inlet was as gorgeous as ever!!! The boat ride was SUPER fun!! Loved the skippers sense of humour. Music and adventure was great!! Don’t hesitate- just book it!!!
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