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
25 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
4,777 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely fun day on the water
Mathieu M,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved our day !! Absolutely recommended, Macha and Bron were the best crew, they have the best vibes and enjoyed our time with them
Ocean Rafting Experience on the Joyride with Tay and Celeste
MyrnaJ4,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining an Ocean Rafting tour aboard the Joyride, and I can’t express enough how wonderful the experience was! I was initially apprehensive about the trip due to some personal concerns, but I’m so glad I decided to go ahead. The crew made all the difference! Tay and Celeste were outstanding. From the moment we boarded, their friendly attentiveness put us at ease. It truly enhanced our experience. The vibe on the Joyride was amazing! With nice music playing in the background, we felt like we were on an adventure rather than just another tour. Even as someone who was initially scared of rafting, I found myself having an absolute blast. I felt secure the entire time. Our day included a leisurely walk to the stunning Hil Inlet lookout, where we were treated to breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Then we went snorkeling among the coral reefs and Tay and Celeste made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy it, even in choppy conditions. Then we visited Whitehaven Beach and had lunch there. The fine, white sand felt just like home, reminiscent of Boracay, and the crystal-clear water was also so beautiful. I highly recommend Ocean Rafting for anyone looking for a fun yet safe water activity. Joyride, combined with the exceptional crew of Tay and Celeste, made this one of our favorite adventures!
Just do it! Best activity of the holiday
N1119XAstephanies,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely outstanding - if you only do 1 activity on Hamilton Island, make sure it's the half day dash with Ocean Rafting! This activity is ideal for all ages, although the front seats are definitely not for the feint hearted! So well organised, amazing crew, super-super fun, and of course stunning scenery. Don't think any more about it - just BOOK IT!
Bliss
Angela V,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is the third time we have done this tour and shows how fantastic we think it is. We have loved each visit to Whitehaven and Hills Inlet with Ocean Rafting. It’s magical. Daisy and Hayden were wonderful guides. The vibe is great, the service and organisation stellar. Thanks yet again!
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.
Fabulous
marcsH9558TN,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience with Ocean Rafting. Everything is very well organized, from reception to return to the hotel by shuttle. All the staff is super nice and available. "Wild Thing" and his captain Lachie and colleague Hayden super nice and professional. Go with them, you won't be disappointed. The weather was capricious but they managed to bring us to 2 good snorkeling spots.
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!
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