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
Ocean rafting - you will love your day out.
Kaylene J,,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If this is the only day trip you do while in Airlie, you won’t be sorry. The company is very professional and their attention to detail and organisation meant we weren’t crowded out at any of our stops. Whitehaven is gorgeous; the fish at our first snorkelling location were amazing - there were hundreds if not thousands of them; and our second snorkelling stop to view coral was also fabulous. If I had to call out one negative, it was the lunch - there was plenty of food, but it didn’t really float my boat (no pun intended 😉). That said, it was better than having to pack it myself and I didn’t go hungry. As a special mention, our skipper Nick and decky Hayden were superstars!! Knowledgeable, fun and you could tell they loved their jobs. Thanks Gents!!
Best day on the whole east coast
S3351KFrachelh,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brent was amazing and we had the best day on the whole of our east coast trip. Wanted to go back again the next day and do it all again! 10/10.
Breathtaking
jrmurday,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day! Kudos to Kirk our captain who gave us the ride of our lives along with some great music! And to Tory and Cooper who were both extremely knowledgeable. They took us on our lookout tour of White haven beach which was absolutely breathtaking. By far the nicest beach we’ve ever seen in all our travels around the world. They were also our photographers, made sure we were all equipped with snorkel gear, kept us safe and kept us fed. They truly were a great team and worked incredibly well together. We had such a great time. The snorkelling was incredible. So many beautiful colourful fish. I highly recommend this tour and you’d be lucky if you got this crew.
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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Ocean Rafting