Explore Group Australia 09:00am UVA Island Explorer

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A one-hour morning cruise from Hamilton Island in a glass-bottom semi-sub, looking down on fringing reef and coral through wide windows while you pass Dent, Henning and Plum Pudding islands. You stay dry the whole way, so it suits all ages, babies and toddlers included.

Days

1 hour

Age

All ages; under 5s travel free

Group size

Shared semi-sub cruise

Start / finish

Hamilton Island Marina / Hamilton Island Marina, about 1 hour later

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Glass-bottom semi-submersible from Hamilton Island Marina

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Explore Group Australia 09:00am UVA Island Explorer

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Included experiences

Dent, Henning and Plum Pudding islands — cruise past with crew commentary
Underwater windows — fringing reef, coral and fish without getting wet
Wildlife watch — turtles year round, humpback whales in winter
The helm — children may get a turn steering, conditions permitting

Explore Group Australia 09:00am UVA Island Explorer

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT HAMILTON ISLAND MARINA

Choose the 9am or 11am sailing and walk down to the semi-sub's berth in Hamilton Island Marina, in the village at the heart of the island. Hamilton is the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport, and the marina is where its boats come and go. The semi-sub looks like a small boat on top, but its hull sits low in the water with a cabin below the waterline lined with wide glass windows. You stay dry the whole time, so it suits everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

PAST DENT ISLAND AND THE NEIGHBOURS

Out of the marina, the semi-sub runs past the neighbouring islands of Dent Island, Henning and Plum Pudding while the crew talk about the islands, the reef and the wildlife. Dent Island, just across the channel from Hamilton, is home to an 18-hole golf course designed by champion golfer Peter Thomson, and a lighthouse that has guided ships through the passage since 1879. The Whitsunday Islands take their name from the passage Captain Cook sailed through in June 1770, on what he believed was Whit Sunday. Keep watch at the surface for turtles coming up to breathe, and from about June to September for humpback whales on their migration north to calve.

BELOW THE WATERLINE

Then it's down to the glass. From a comfortable seat you look straight out at the fringing reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, with hard corals, soft corals and the fish that live among them. How much you see depends on the tide, the weather and how clear the water is, and the crew tell you what to expect when you board. If conditions allow, children may get a turn at the helm. An hour after leaving, you're back at the marina with the rest of the day free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The semi-sub's berth in Hamilton Island Marina Village, A9/10 Arm, opposite the operator's office. Make your own way there; there is no hotel pick-up.
Departure time: 9am or 11am, Monday to Friday, depending on the option you choose. Departure times can shift with the tides; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: 1 hour, returning to the marina.
Minimum age: None. Babies and toddlers are welcome and children under 5 travel free; children's fares cover ages 5 to 14.
Fitness: No swimming or walking involved; you stay on board and seated the whole time.
Please note: Cruises depend on wind, tide and visibility. They do not run on Christmas Day, New Year's Day or Anzac Day.

What to bring

Light jacket
Camera
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

What is included

1 hour cruise in a glass-bottom semi-sub from Hamilton Island Marina
Commentary from the crew
Views of the reef, coral and marine life through wide underwater windows
Environmental Management Charge and national park fees
Free travel for children under 5

Not included

Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up or drop-off

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.