Ocean Dynamics Airlie Beach - Private Ocean Free Half Day Charter Inner Reef Snorkel

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A four hour private charter from Airlie Beach on Ocean Free, a luxury Maritimo motor cruiser, with an itinerary planned with you around the Whitsunday waters.

Days

4 hours

Group size

Private, up to 26

Start / finish

Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach / Port of Airlie

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Private luxury motor cruiser, Ocean Free, with 2 to 4 crew

Meals

Water and soft drinks; catering packages at extra cost

Route

Map of Ocean Dynamics Airlie Beach - Private Ocean Free Half Day Charter Inner Reef Snorkel

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Included experiences

Whitehaven Beach — champagne or beer on the sand
Inner reef — snorkelling, sea scooter at extra cost
Scuba diving — first-time or certified, at extra cost
Paddle boarding from the boat
Quiet bay — lunch at anchor

Ocean Dynamics Airlie Beach - Private Ocean Free Half Day Charter Inner Reef Snorkel

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Itinerary

Map

BOARDING AT THE PORT OF AIRLIE

Your charter starts at the Port of Airlie marina on Port Drive in Airlie Beach, the mainland gateway to the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Waiting for your group alone is Ocean Free, a 60-foot Maritimo motor cruiser with three air-conditioned levels, a teppanyaki BBQ, a heated outdoor shower and a sun deck on the bow. Before the day, the crew of two to four plans the four hours with you. Snorkelling the inner reef is the heart of this charter, and the rest is up to you: a beach, a long lunch at anchor, or simply time on deck in the sun.

ACROSS THE WHITSUNDAY PASSAGE

Out of the marina you cross the Whitsunday Passage, the channel James Cook sailed through in June 1770 and named for Whit Sunday. The islands ahead are the tops of a coastal mountain range that the sea flooded as it rose after the last ice age, and their fringing reefs grow in the sheltered water around them. From about June to September, humpback whales come into these waters to give birth, so keep watching the horizon for a spout. The crew picks the reef and the route for the wind and tide on the day.

SNORKELLING THE INNER REEF

The Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981, reaches right into the islands here as fringing reef, with coral growing in shallow, calm water close to shore. That makes it ideal for first-time snorkellers and children. Snorkel gear and paddle boards come with the boat. For an extra cost you can ride a sea scooter over the coral, or try a first scuba dive with the crew, and certified divers can arrange a dive too. Afterwards, a glass of champagne or a beer and an antipasto platter on the bow is a fine way to dry off.

WHITEHAVEN, LUNCH AND HOME

With time to spare, the crew can take you on to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, 7 km of sand that is about 98 per cent pure silica, or to a quiet bay for lunch at anchor. Lunch is extra: platters, a picnic, a BBQ or seafood platters. Water and soft drinks are included, and there's a licensed bar. Whitehaven is a long run from Airlie for a half day, so ask the crew when you plan it. Then it's an easy cruise back to the Port of Airlie.

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Good to know

Meeting point: Port of Airlie, Shop 7/33 Port Drive, Airlie Beach.
Dietary needs: Special dietary requirements can be catered for with 24 hours notice.
Please note: Catering options include antipasto and fruit platters, picnics, basic, gourmet or beach BBQ, and seafood platters. There is a licensed bar on board and for beach functions. The boat has two bathrooms and takes up to 26 passengers in local waters or 12 on the outer reef.

What is included

Private charter on Ocean Free with crew of 2 to 4
Paddle boards and snorkelling equipment
Complimentary water and soft drinks

Not included

Sea scooters
Diving — a quote is tailored on request
Lunch and catering
Additional stops

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.