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
Sunsuit/Wetsuit
Tropical Lunch on Whitehaven Beach
Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
Reef and island naturalist talks by our Master Reef Guides,Eco Host and Marine Biologist
Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and guided National Park walks
Courtesy bus transfers
All Fees and Taxes
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Morning and Afternoon tea(Cake and Fruit)
Assorted Alcoholic and NON Alcoholic Drinks and chocolates (available to purchase on board with Credit Card)
A QLD public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad,2ch)
Prescription Mask hire Available - $25 pp on check in
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
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
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
Reviews
4,839 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A super fun and thrilling day out!!!
R8594WVgracet,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Jenna and Ben and we just want to say how incredible they were! The weather wasn’t on our side, however they both kept the vibes incredibly high and we had an amazing day just listening to their bangers 😛 Would 100% recommend to anyone and it’s a must if you’re in airlie. Thank you soo much :))
Exactly as it says on the tin
lynnetrisic,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing trip with Scotty and Aiden and fellow cruisers from Celebrity Solstice. Great fun and laughs, would definitely recommend them and Ocean Rafting
Don't miss out on a fun filled unique day.
Kim K,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day! We booked this through our Celebrity Cruise ship, and the day was going to be windy and rainy. Scotty and Aiden met us at the Marina in Airlie Beach Shute Harbour. We never stopped laughing all day. To say they were entertaining is an understatement. They drove us through a wild "rafting" ride to Cook Island, where we had lunch and they spent at least an hour snorkeling. Best snorkel mask I ever used!!! Lots of coral and fish to check out. They it was a race against the other boats for another wild (read fun and exciting) ride back to the marina! Can't recommend this adventure enough!! Thanks for one of my beat days in a long time!!!
Memory of a lifetime!
joetX1732LA,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unreal experience, Brent and mascha went above and beyond to make the experience special and it’s a memory I won’t forget. 100% recommend experiencing the trip!
Super fun and scenic
srihatij,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had heaps of fun with Daisy and Jenna (hope I got that right) they were so kind and welcoming, really cool how the chick was the skipper super talented ladies! Couldn’t fault it!
Unsafe and unprofessional
S4224BYleannec,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00If you are a family with members under 12 years old I would run from this company. We were told on a number of occasions throughout the booking process that this tour was suitable for a 7 and 2 year old. It was not. It was rough and we got soaked. At the beginning the crew said raise your hand if you are not coping and we will slow down. Both my boys were crying and I raised my hand several times only to be ignored. The “captain” was going way too fast and was laughing about it. He said “if you want us to slow down we will give you a cuddle”, which was extremely patronising. The crew was young and incompetent they seemed to just want to party. Note: it was not necessarily their age that made them incompetent but I don’t think it helped. It was definitely a party atmosphere, loud music, driving like it was a race boat. Also the food was terrible for the cost, a cheap wrap and some fruit. No bbq lunch like on cruise Whitsundays. Honestly cruise Whitsundays appears to be the far superior product. I’m so bummed we made this mistake. Don’t make it yourself! These guys need to be clear with their advertising that it is not for kids or families. Also they said they gave us a weather warning, they simply called and said “it will be windy” we are not from the area and had no idea what this meant, they need to say “sorry this cruise is not ok for young children”. Finally, after falsely advertising this cruise for young kids when we provided feedback we were attacked verbally saying “it is for kids, we told you it was windy”. I’m not sure what if any communication is occurring between their office staff and tour staff. Given that my children were so obviously traumatised you think an apology or some investigation and age limits would be reconsidered. No compensation or apology was offered. We were treated like bad people! RUN FROM THESE GUYS!
Amazing day despite the weather
Y391QUrebeccac,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day on the Rip Tide with Brian, Tamika & Jonty! Even though the weather wasn’t brilliant we had such a fun, wild ride. Good communication, great music & good vibes all day! Highly recommend - hope you have clearer skies than we did!
The Best Whitehaven Beach Experience
sharonpD7250HL,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our group had an absolutely fantastic day with Josh and James. Those boys were so personable and caring. They really made the day so much fun and were so knowledgeable. I really loved the selection of music and it really added to the vibe. Lunch was great too.
Best tour out of Hamilton Island
Cabo Lisa,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was AMAZING!! Special shoutout to the crew…Tali, Mitch and Captain Handsome! They are the best! Great boat, tour, music, chicken wrap, drinks and service. Highly recommend!
A day of pure joy!
Kewarra98,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This trip is the reminder we all need about living life to the full. It is packed with natural beauty, stunning views, information about the reef, facts about the area and environment, fantastic snorkeling and ocean experience but most of all it oozes fun and zest for life. We were lucky to have two amazing members of your team; Josh and Jenna. Together they made the day, working together seamlessly to provide the perfect balance of entertainment, knowledge, ocean time, boat fun alongside a brilliant playlist, encouraging and including everyone of all ages to have fun. The day went above our expectations and thanks to them, and the brilliant weather, it's going to be one of our top highlights and an amazing memory of our holiday. We highly recommend Ocean rafting, with special extra thanks to Josh and Jenna for the BEST day. We didn't stop smiling. It's a must when you visit Airlie Beach.
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