Ocean Rafting Half Day Splash – Morning – Reef and Snorkel

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A half-day, morning or afternoon, reef and snorkel trip from Hamilton Island with Ocean Rafting: a high-speed ride through the Whitsundays to two snorkel sites on the Great Barrier Reef.

Days

4 hours, morning or afternoon

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group, max 25

Start / finish

Hamilton Island / Hamilton Island

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

High-speed Ocean Rafting boat from Hamilton Island marina

Meals

Morning or afternoon tea

Route

Map of Ocean Rafting Half Day Splash – Morning – Reef and Snorkel

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Included experiences

Hook Island — reef snorkelling
Whitsunday Island — reef snorkelling
Fast boat ride through the Whitsunday Islands
Reef and island talks from Eco Hosts
Whale watching — June to October

Ocean Rafting Half Day Splash | Morning | Reef and Snorkel

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DEPARTURE: HAMILTON ISLAND MARINA

Your trip starts on Hamilton Island, the only island in the Whitsundays with its own commercial airport. Check in at the Ocean Rafting office on Front Street, across from the Marina Tavern, then walk down to the boat. It runs as a morning or an afternoon trip. The crew fit you out with a sunsuit or wetsuit, snorkel gear and a flotation vest, and run the safety briefing. Then it's out of the harbour on a purpose-built fast boat, through the islands of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which covers about 344,000 square kilometres of sea. The crew pick the day's two reef sites by wind, tide and where the water is clearest.

THE FIRST SNORKEL

The two sites are chosen fresh each day, often in sheltered bays around Hook Island and Whitsunday Island. Hook Island is the second largest in the group, and the Ngaro people, who have lived in these islands for thousands of years, left painted caves along its inlets. You get about 45 minutes in the water at each site. Fringing reefs like these grow right against the island shore, so the water is shallow and calm, good for first-timers. Your Eco Host or Master Reef Guide shows you what to look for: branching staghorn, round brain coral and parrotfish, whose beaks grind dead coral into fine white sand.

BETWEEN SITES AND THE SECOND SNORKEL

Between swims, morning or afternoon tea comes out on board and the crew talk about the reef and the islands. Whitsunday Island is the largest of the 74 islands, at about 109 square kilometres, and almost all of it is national park. The second snorkel is in a different bay, with different coral. Look for green turtles, which come into the shallows to graze, and giant clams with their bright, mottled lips. From June to October keep an eye on the open water during the ride: humpback whales travel up from Antarctica to the warm Whitsunday waters to give birth, and the crew slow down when they spot them.

BACK TO HAMILTON ISLAND

After the second swim the boat runs back through the islands to the Hamilton Island marina, about four hours after you left. A morning trip has you back in time for lunch on the island, and the afternoon trip brings you in as the light turns gold over the water. Water, soft drinks and chocolate are sold on board if you want something on the way home.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Check in 30 minutes before departure at the Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island office on Front Street, in front of the Marina Tavern. Complete the online check-in at least 48 hours before travel.
Suits: All ages.
Fitness: Relaxed.
Please note: Reconfirm your booking with the operator 48 hours before departure.

What to bring

Swimwear
Beach bag with a towel, hat and reef-safe sunscreen
Flat shoes or thongs
A jacket in winter, for wind and warmth after swimming
Camera
Credit card for drinks and chocolate sold on board

What is included

Snorkelling at two fringing coral reefs
Snorkel equipment and flotation devices
Sunsuit or wetsuit
Morning or afternoon tea
Reef and island naturalist talks
High-speed ride around the Whitsunday Islands
Whale watching from June to October

Not included

Prescription mask hire
Water, soft drinks, juice, beer, cider and chocolate (for sale on board)
Any fuel surcharge, payable at the check-in desk before departure

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

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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We did the half day snorkelling tour with Cody and Jack, who were welcoming and knowledgeable. They chatted with the kids, found them clownfish and made the ride exciting, and safety, cleanliness and gear were impressive.

Kristen Verified· Travelled 6th October 2026

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(5/5)

We did the half day morning splash with our kids, aged eight and five. Connor and Amelia were fantastic and made it a day our family won't forget.

Jack Smith Verified· Travelled 23rd September 2026

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