GSL Marine Whitehaven Beach Club Reef & Beach Experience

Map View Full Details

Whitehaven Beach and a snorkel on the reef in one day from Airlie Beach: two to three hours on the sand with paddle boards and a beach lunch, plus a guided snorkel at Fringe Reef with all the gear supplied.

Days

About 8 hours

Age

All ages; snorkelling from 6 or competent swimmers

Group size

Shared catamaran day trip

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Whitehaven Beach and Fringe Reef / Airlie Beach
Port of Airlie, around 5pm

Return

Port of Airlie, around 5pm

Transport

Fast wave-piercing catamaran from Port of Airlie

Meals

Buffet-style lunch on the beach, morning snack and afternoon fruit

Route

Map of GSL Marine Reef & Beach Snorkelling - Whitehaven Beach Club

View map

Included experiences

Fringe Reef — guided snorkel with all gear supplied
Whitehaven Beach — 2 to 3 hours on the sand
Beach club — shade, paddle boards and beach games
Lunch — buffet-style meal served on the beach

GSL Marine Reef & Beach Snorkelling - Whitehaven Beach Club

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: AIRLIE BEACH TO WHITEHAVEN

Check in at Rufus & Co Cafe at Port of Airlie, the marina a five-minute walk from the centre of Airlie Beach. If you come early, the cafe is open for breakfast and coffee. Your boat is the Pina Colada, a fast wave-piercing catamaran, and the run out through the Whitsunday Islands takes just over an hour. There are 74 islands in the group, most of them national park, and Cook named the passage between them in 1770, believing it was Whit Sunday. Grab a covered seat if the spray is up and keep watch for dolphins and turtles, or humpback whales from June to September. A morning snack is served on board.

FRINGE REEF: YOUR SNORKEL

At Whitehaven the tide decides the order of the day. If the snorkel comes first, you stay on board while the beach guests go ashore and head for Fringe Reef. The crew hand out masks, snorkels and fins, a stinger suit in stinger season and life jackets for children under 12, and a professional guide takes you into the water. The reefs of the Whitsundays grow hard and soft corals, and you can look for parrotfish, butterflyfish and the occasional turtle. If you've never snorkelled before, your guide helps you get started.

WHITEHAVEN BEACH AND LUNCH

The catamaran's bow ramp lets you walk straight off onto the sand, or a small tender runs you in at low tide. Whitehaven Beach runs about 7 km along Whitsunday Island, the largest island in the group. Its sand is close to pure silica, so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in the midday sun. You have two to three hours on the beach in total, either side of the snorkel. Around the middle of the day everyone gathers for a buffet lunch of cold meats and salads on the sand. The shaded beach club, paddle boards and beach games are yours to use, and small stingrays often glide through the shallows.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO AIRLIE

After your second session on the beach or the reef, the catamaran heads home through the islands. Fruit comes round on the way, and you're back at Port of Airlie in the late afternoon. Times and the order of the day can change with the tide and the weather.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Rufus & Co Cafe, 33 Port Drive, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach, about a five minute walk from the town centre. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.
Departure time: Check-in from about 8:30am for a 9am departure. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Finishes: Back at Port of Airlie around 5pm.
Duration: About 8 hours, with 2 to 3 hours on the beach plus the snorkel.
Minimum age: Snorkelling from age 6, or younger competent swimmers. Children under 12 wear life jackets in the water and need a parent or guardian with them. Children under 4 travel free.
Fitness: Snorkelling needs basic swimming ability and medium fitness, and is not suitable for people with heart conditions or medical conditions affected by exercise.
Dietary needs: Lunch is usually cold meats and three salads, with extra salad for vegetarians and vegans; no seafood or nuts. Whitehaven has no shops, so bring your own food if you have allergies or a strict diet, and tell the crew on the day.
Please note: Lunch is a set buffet, not all-you-can-eat. At low tide you may need to step in and out of a small tender. The order of the day can change with tides and weather.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
A light jacket for the boat ride
Reusable water bottle
Waterproof phone case or camera
Extra snacks if you have allergies, a special diet or a big appetite

What is included

Return fast catamaran trip from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach
Guided snorkel at Fringe Reef
Snorkelling equipment, plus stinger suits in season
Life jackets (worn by all children under 12)
Buffet-style lunch on the beach
Morning snack and afternoon fruit on board
Beach club access with shade, paddle boards and beach games
National park fees

Not included

Hotel transfers
Extra drinks and snacks (onboard kiosk)
Underwater camera (available for hire)
Hill Inlet walk (on the operator's Ultimate Whitehaven trip)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.