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
4,764 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!!!
georgia and scotty were...
isabelle r,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00georgia and scotty were wonderful hosts and it was a very fun day. would highly recommend to anybody looking to explore the whitsundays
Fun in the Sun
William C,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lachie and James were such good guides and we had such a good time on the boat! They were very attentive and made sure that everyone was happy and comfortable at all times.
Ben and Jacob were so fun and very out going! The rafting was brillant fun. Kudos to Ben for navigating the rough clear
gracew2026,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ben and Jacob were so fun and very out going! The rafting was brillant fun. Kudos to Ben for navigating the rough clear water today. Beautiful views, perfect balance of activities , and snorkelling was epic! Thank you so much. High recommend.
Perfect snorkeling and whithaven experience for non swimmers
Spoorthi P,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were a group of four, all non-swimmers, and the snorkeling experience exceeded our expectations. The crew made us feel confident from the start with clear, easy-to-follow instructions on what to do and what to avoid while snorkeling. They regularly checked in to make sure we were comfortable and offered helpful tips whenever we needed them. Beyond snorkeling, the entertainment—both on the beach and during the ride to the reef—was fantastic. The crew kept the energy high, turning the journey into a fun, party-like experience rather than a dull ocean ride. A special shout-out to the Joyride boat crew—Jenna, Cooper, and Taylor. Hands down, the best crew we’ve experienced!
Exciting a must do when...
Kristy W,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Exciting a must do when visiting Airlie Beach, great for the family especially the snorkelling and boat ride
Brent and James A Legendary Duo
rioc565,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Captain Brent and deckhand James were absolutely brilliant. They were hilarious, super patient with our banter and our singing, and made the whole trip a blast. We did so many donuts in the boat and got completely soaked. It was epic. The snorkelling was fantastic too. We saw so many fish. Couldn’t recommend them more!
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Operated by Ocean Rafting