Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Adventures departing Port of Airlie

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A full day on the outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach: about three hours cruising out through the Whitsunday Islands, then around four hours at a pontoon moored at Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles offshore. Snorkel in a stinger suit, or stay dry in the underwater observatory and on a semi-submarine.

Days

About 10 hours

Age

All ages; under 4s travel free

Group size

Shared day cruise

Start / finish

Port of Airlie / Hardy Reef / Port of Airlie
Port of Airlie, around 6pm

Return

Port of Airlie, around 6pm

Transport

Large motorised catamaran from Port of Airlie

Meals

Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea

Route

Map of Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Adventures departing Port of Airlie

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Included experiences

Whitsunday Islands — cruise through the islands to the outer reef
Hardy Reef — about 4 hours at a moored reef pontoon
Snorkelling — gear, wetsuit and stinger suit supplied
Underwater observatory — see the coral without getting wet
Semi-submarine — guided ride over the reef

Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Adventures departing Port of Airlie

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: OUT THROUGH THE ISLANDS

Board a large motorised catamaran at Port of Airlie, a five-minute walk from the Airlie Beach main street. The trip out takes about three hours. You cross the Whitsunday Passage, the channel James Cook sailed in June 1770 and named because he believed the day was Whit Sunday, thread between the islands and head into open water, with morning tea on the way. From July to September keep watch for humpback whales, which swim up from Antarctic waters to give birth in the warm, sheltered waters of the Whitsundays. Out past the islands, the sea turns from green to deep blue as you leave the coast behind.

MIDDAY: FOUR HOURS AT HARDY REEF

The boat ties up at a pontoon permanently moored at Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles offshore on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The whole reef stretches about 2,300 km and was World Heritage listed in 1981. Hardy Reef is home to Heart Reef, the small heart-shaped coral formation famous from the air. You have about four hours to spend as you like. Mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and stinger suit are all supplied, with lifejackets and pool noodles if you want extra float. Look for giant clams, schools of fusiliers and big humphead Maori wrasse, which often cruise right up to swimmers.

STAYING DRY: OBSERVATORY AND SEMI-SUBMARINE

Prefer to stay dry? Sit in the underwater observatory below the pontoon and watch the fish go past the windows, or take the guided semi-submarine ride over the coral, where your guide points out what lives on the reef. A buffet lunch is served at the pontoon. For an extra cost you can join a guided snorkel safari, try an introductory scuba dive with no experience needed, go on a certified dive, or take a helicopter flight over Heart Reef and the outer reef.

AFTERNOON: BACK TO AIRLIE BEACH

In the afternoon the boat casts off and heads back towards the coast, with afternoon tea served on the way. As the islands rise up again, remember that they are the tops of a coastal range, drowned when the sea rose at the end of the last ice age. You reach Port of Airlie in the early evening, about ten hours after you left.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Port of Airlie terminal, 24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach. Most Airlie Beach accommodation is within walking distance; limited paid parking is on site.
Departure time: Departs around 8am and returns around 6pm. Exact times are confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 10 hours, with around 4 hours at the reef.
Minimum age: All ages. Infants under 4 travel free but no infant meals are provided.
Fitness: Suits swimmers and non-swimmers. Anyone going in the water should be confident getting in and out and follow crew instructions. Everyone fills in a medical declaration before travel.
Please note: The trip crosses open water; on days over 20 knots the ride is bumpy, and seasickness tablets are sold on board. Tours run in rain and change only if conditions are unsafe. There is no wifi and phone reception drops out offshore.

What to bring

Swimwear and towel
Hat, sunscreen (reef-safe if you can) and protective clothing
Light jacket or jumper for a cool or windy day
Camera
Credit card for optional extras
Seasickness tablets if you are prone to it

What is included

Return cruise from Port of Airlie through the Whitsunday Islands to Hardy Reef
About 4 hours at the reef pontoon
Snorkelling gear, wetsuits and stinger suits
Lifejackets and pool noodles
Underwater observatory
Guided semi-submarine tour
Morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
Great Barrier Reef environmental management charge

Not included

Coach transfer to Port of Airlie (optional, book at least 12 hours ahead)
Guided snorkel safari, scuba diving, souvenir photos and helicopter flights (optional, paid on the day)
Drinks from the bar (alcohol from 10am)
Prescription mask hire

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.

Reviews

4.8

Based on 6 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)

Our Great Barrier Reef trip was amazing, with great snorkelling at Hardy Reef.

Sandeep Johnson Verified· Travelled 13th October 2026

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(4/5)

As a family with a three-year-old and a baby, we found the Hardy Reef pontoon trip well run: a friendly crew, good snorkelling, semi-sub and underwater observatory. But the Hamilton Island stop makes it about three hours each way, long for small kids, and the open water can be rough, so take seasickness tablets.

Samuel Braun Verified· Travelled 1st October 2026

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(5/5)

Incredible staff who were great with our four-year-old on the Hardy Reef trip. Easy for families to get around the pontoon, with the glass-bottom boat and underwater observatory.

Amy Tatnell Verified· Travelled 28th August 2026

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(5/5)

We saw heaps of whales breaching on the way out and back, and the crew explained why they do it. Lots of coral at the site, and on my scuba dive I saw a huge bull ray; Erin was the best dive guide.

Kyle Spickler Verified· Travelled 13th August 2026

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(5/5)

I took my grandchildren to the reef. Fun staff, good food and a comfy boat; rough seas stopped the glass-bottom boat, but we had a fantastic day.

Sharron Morgan Verified· Travelled 4th August 2026

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(5/5)

An amazing trip out to the pontoon near Heart Reef with an exceptional crew and better food than expected. No need to rush into the water as there's plenty of gear and time, and our kids loved their intro dive.

Carley Haynes Verified· Travelled 27th July 2026

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