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Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

4,858 Reviews 4.90 out of 5 stars Based on 4,858 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Airlie Beach, Australia
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from $174.05 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Guide Walk to the Famous Hill Inlet Lookout
Fun for ALL ages
The Ultimate Access to Hill Inlet
Enjoy your lunch on Whitehaven Beach
Some of the Marine Life in the Hill Inlet
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (14.5) days in advance.
7 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 3 more
French, German, Chinese Simplified
Instant confirmation

Overview

"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.

What's Included

  • Sunsuit/Wetsuit
  • Tropical Lunch on Whitehaven Beach
  • Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
  • Alcoholic beverages 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
See 6 moreSee 7 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

This tour included a tropical lunch and a sunsuit. Any dietary requirement must be advised 48 hours before travel.Please reconfirm your pick-up time with Ocean Rafting 48 hours before travel by calling.Please ensure your online check-in is completed 48 hours before check-in. This link will be in your confirmation email from Ocean Rafting. You don't have this. Please reach out to Ocean Rafting.Please note that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of this experience do not align with the visiting cruise ship schedule.

OR
Meeting point

1-3 Shingley Drive
Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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.
Read more

5 hours Admission Ticket Free

Ocean Rafting

Check in at Ocean Rafting's office at Coral Sea Marina or take advantage of a courtesy transfer from your accommodation.
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Whitehaven Beach

Experience world famous Whitehaven Beach and the beautiful swirling sands of Hill Inlet at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Hill Inlet

Ocean Rafting offers the ultimate access to Hill Inlet beaches and lookout. Enjoy a guided walk to Hill Inlet lookout for photo opportunities of the famous view!
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Whitehaven Beach

Experience world famous Whitehaven Beach and the beautiful swirling sands of Hill Inlet at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Whitsunday Islands National Park

Multi award winning Ocean Rafting visits the “Wild Side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. There are two exciting tour options, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights. Each Ocean Rafting day offers three days in one, including an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks. Ocean Rafting offers the ultimate access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach and special snorkel sites at Hook Island and Border Island ensure a memorable underwater experience.The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing guests to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. 32 passengers at most allows for personal snorkelling lessons and the pleasure of a small group. A buffet style lunch is served at the beach with plenty of time to swim in the turquoise ocean or just relax on the silica white sand.Ocean Rafting has been operating since 1997 and is proud to have special permits allowing its vessels to visit protected areas in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Skipper and Eco Host will ensure guests have a fun filled adventure and personalised service with snorkel lessons and a guided National Park walk in the Whitsunday Islands. Tours depart from Coral Sea Marina North and courtesy coach pickups are included.-------------------- ITINERARY --------------------Northern ExposureExplore the swirling sands of Hill Inlet beaches, lunch time in Hill Inlet, two snorkel destinations and Hill Inlet Lookout. This tour offers the ride of your life to experience unparalleled access to Hill Inlet Beaches at North Whitehaven where you will spend an hour relaxing on the beach. Join your guide on a bushwalk for breathtaking views at Hill Inlet Lookout. Snorkel two pristine fringing coral reefs around Hook Island, home to an array of tropical fish, turtles and other amazing marine life.Southern LightsEnjoy both ends and lunch time at world famous Whitehaven Beach, one snorkelling destination and Hill Inlet Lookout. Experience an exhilarating ride to the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, enjoying approximately two hours relaxing at South Whitehaven and a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout to view the spectacular shifting white silica sands. View pristine coral reefs at a top Whitsunday snorkel site, offering amazing marine life encounters in uncrowded locations.
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5 hours Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Please back in a small bag swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, refillable water bottle and comfortable walking shoes

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-6381RAFTING

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.90
4,858 reviews

Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 4,858 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
4,467
4 stars
322
3 stars
40
2 stars
14
1 star
15
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 24 (14.5) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (AEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Sunsuit/Wetsuit.
  • Tropical Lunch on Whitehaven Beach.
  • Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling.
  • Courtesy bus transfers.
  • All Fees and Taxes.
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment.
  • Morning and Afternoon tea(Cake and Fruit).
  • Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and guided National Park walks.
  • Reef and island naturalist talks by our Master Reef Guides,Eco Host and Marine Biologist.
The following is NOT included:
  • Alcoholic beverages. 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.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Sunsuit/Wetsuit
  • Tropical Lunch on Whitehaven Beach
  • Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
  • Courtesy bus transfers
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Use of Snorkelling equipment
  • Morning and Afternoon tea(Cake and Fruit)
  • Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and guided National Park walks
  • Reef and island naturalist talks by our Master Reef Guides,Eco Host and Marine Biologist
  • Alcoholic beveragesAssorted 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 32 travelers

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