Waterbikes Whitsunday Water Bike Tour at Shute Harbour

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Pedal a water bike out of Shute Harbour with a local guide, weaving between moored yachts and along the mangrove shore while you watch for turtles, dolphins and dugong. If you can ride a bike, you can ride one of these.

Days

1.5 hours

Age

12 and over on a single bike; younger children on a tandem or infant seat

Group size

Up to 5 per group

Start / finish

Shute Harbour Marine Terminal / Shute Harbour

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Water bike; make your own way to Shute Harbour

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Waterbikes Whitsunday Water Bike Tour at Shute Harbour

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Included experiences

Shute Harbour marina — pedal between the moored yachts
Harbour shoreline — ride into the mangroves, coves and lagoons
Wildlife — watch for turtles, dolphins and dugong
Guided commentary — learn how the mangroves support the reef

Waterbikes Whitsunday Water Bike Tour at Shute Harbour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

SHUTE HARBOUR: GETTING ON YOUR BIKE

You meet the crew at the water bike base at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, by Jetty 3. The harbour is a deep, sheltered inlet surrounded by the forested hills of Conway National Park, and its terminal was rebuilt after Cyclone Debbie wrecked the old one in 2017. Everyone signs the indemnity form first. Then the guide fits your bike, adjusts the seat to your leg length and shows you how it works. A water bike rides much like a road bike on two long floats. Choose the upright one if you want it to feel like normal cycling, or the reclined one to sit back. Tandems take two.

THROUGH THE MOORINGS AND INTO THE MANGROVES

From the marina, your small group, up to five, pedals out between the yachts swinging on their moorings and along the edge of the harbour, into the mangroves, coves and lagoons. Keep an eye out for turtles surfacing for a breath, and with luck dolphins or a dugong. The dugong grazes on seagrass like a cow in a paddock and can live for 70 years. Your guide talks about the mangrove species along this shore, the coastal plants and why they matter to the reef, as nurseries for young fish and filters that keep mud off the coral.

BACK TO THE MARINA

You set your own pace, with no shade on the bikes, so keep your water bottle in its holder and your hat on. After about an hour and a half on the water you pedal back into the marina and step off into the shallows.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Whitsunday Water Bikes, Shute Harbour Marine Terminal, Jetty 3, Whitsunday Drive, Shute Harbour. Transfers are not included; regular buses run between Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour.
Departure time: Usually a mid-morning and a midday tour each day; your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 1.5 hours on the water.
Minimum age: 12 and over to ride a single bike. Children from 7 ride a tandem with an adult, and infants 4 and under can ride in an infant seat on an upright bike.
Fitness: If you can ride a bicycle you can ride a water bike. Riders must weigh no more than 120 kg.
Please note: Every rider must sign the indemnity form before the tour or they cannot go out.

What to bring

Water bottle (each bike has a holder)
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing — there is no shade on the bikes
Beach clothes — you step into knee-deep water to get on and off
Beach shoes or other comfortable footwear that can get wet
Camera or phone in a waterproof case with a strap, so your hands stay free for the handlebars

What is included

Guided water bike tour of about 1.5 hours around Shute Harbour
Use of an upright or reclined water bike, with seat adjusted to fit you
Instruction on riding the bike before you set off
The guide's commentary on the marine life, mangroves and coastal plants

Not included

Transport to Shute Harbour
Infant seat attachment for upright bikes (extra cost)
Beach shoe (crocs) hire, limited numbers

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.