HeliReef Whitsunday Cruise/Fly

Map View Full Details

Reef first, island later: cruise from Airlie Beach to a Great Barrier Reef pontoon for snorkelling and lunch, fly 30 minutes over Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet to Hamilton Island, and take the late afternoon boat home.

Days

Full day, about 10 hours

Age

All ages; child rate 2 to 13

Group size

Minimum 2 per booking

Start / finish

Airlie Beach / Hardy Reef / Hamilton Island / Airlie Beach
Catamaran leaves Hamilton Island at 4:45pm

Return

Catamaran leaves Hamilton Island at 4:45pm

Transport

Catamaran and a one-way helicopter flight

Meals

Buffet lunch on the reef pontoon

Route

View map

Included experiences

Hardy Reef pontoon — snorkelling and a semi-submersible tour
Heart Reef — seen from the helicopter
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet — flight to Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island — free afternoon
Whitsunday Islands — catamaran back to Airlie Beach

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: AIRLIE BEACH TO THE OUTER REEF

Check in at 7:30am at the Cruise Whitsundays terminal at Port of Airlie. The catamaran heads out through the Whitsunday Islands, 74 of them, named by James Cook when he sailed through in 1770, and calls at Hamilton Island on the way. Then it's open water until the reef, where the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon is moored at Hardy Reef, about 39 nautical miles off the coast on the Great Barrier Reef. At 2,300 kilometres long, the reef has been World Heritage-listed since 1981.

MIDDAY: TWO HOURS ON THE PONTOON

You have two hours on the pontoon. Pull on a wetsuit and snorkel over the coral, where parrotfish graze and giant clams sit open on the reef. Prefer to stay dry? The semi-submersible takes you out over the coral with a reef talk, and the underwater observatory lets you watch the fish without getting wet. A buffet lunch is served while you're there, and for an extra cost you can add a scuba dive or a guided snorkel tour.

EARLY AFTERNOON: HELICOPTER TO HAMILTON ISLAND

After a safety briefing on the pontoon, the helicopter lifts off from the reef for a flight of about 30 minutes. Heart Reef is a natural heart of coral only about 17 metres across, part of the Hardy Reef system, and since nobody may land or snorkel there the air is the only way to see it. Whitehaven Beach runs about seven kilometres along Whitsunday Island, its sand nearly pure silica, so fine it squeaks underfoot and stays cool even in the midday sun. At its northern end, Hill Inlet is where the tide drags white sand and blue water into swirls that change shape with every tide. You touch down on Hamilton Island, the only island in the group with its own commercial airport.

LATE AFTERNOON: HAMILTON ISLAND AND HOME

The rest of the afternoon is yours. Most people get around the island by golf buggy: swim at Catseye Beach, have a drink by the marina, or ride up to One Tree Hill for the view south over the passage. At 4:45pm meet at the Cruise Whitsundays wharf for the catamaran back to Airlie Beach.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Cruise Whitsundays terminal, Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach.
Departure time: Check in at 7:30am.
Finishes: The catamaran leaves the Cruise Whitsundays wharf on Hamilton Island at 4:45pm for Airlie Beach.
Suits: All ages; children 2 to 13 travel at the child rate. Non-swimmers can still see the reef from the semi-submersible and the underwater observatory.
Please note: Minimum 2 people per booking. The flight is run by Hamilton Island Air and the cruise and pontoon by Cruise Whitsundays. Guests staying on Daydream Island leave from a different point, confirmed when you book.

What to bring

Swimmers and a towel
Hat and sunscreen
Camera
A light jacket for after swimming
A card for any extras

What is included

Catamaran transfers between Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and the reef (one way each)
One-way scenic helicopter flight of about 30 minutes
Two hours at the Cruise Whitsundays Reef Pontoon
Snorkel gear and wetsuits
Semi-submersible reef tour
Buffet lunch

Not included

Scuba diving and guided snorkel tours at the pontoon (optional extras)
Food and drink on Hamilton Island

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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.