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Comfortable catamaran cruise to the world-famous white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Cruise Whitsundays
Duration:
Half Day (approx 5.5 hours)
Departure Point:
Port of Airlie
Phone:
07 4846 7000
Departure Times:
Morning: 7:15 AM (returns 2:30 PM)
Afternoon: 11:35 AM (returns 6:15 PM)
Beach Time:
Up to 2 hours
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point:
Port of Airlie
Islands Visited:
Whitsunday Island, Daydream Island, Hamilton Island
Beach:
Whitehaven Beach (southern end)
Marine Park:
Whitsunday Islands Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point:
Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal at Port of Airlie (24 The Cove Road)
From Town Centre:
5-10 minute walk from Airlie Beach Lagoon
Parking:
Pay and display parking available at Port of Airlie from $12/day
Check-In:
Arrive 30 minutes before departure time for check-in
About Half Day Whitehaven Beach Tour
The Half Day Whitehaven Beach Tour is a comfortable catamaran cruise operated by Cruise Whitsundays, departing from Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach. The half-day tour visits the southern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, cruising through the scenic Whitsunday Passage and stopping briefly at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect additional passengers.
This tour is perfect if you're short on time but still want to experience Australia's most photographed beach. The comfortable, air-conditioned catamaran has spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, making the journey pleasant even on hot days. You'll get up to 2 hours on the pristine white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, with the option to walk the Solway Circuit for spectacular views, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or simply relax on the beach.
Cruise Whitsundays has been operating in the Whitsundays for decades and runs one of the largest and most professional tour operations in the region. The vessels are purpose-built for these waters, and the crew are knowledgeable about the area's history and marine life. This is the most affordable way to visit Whitehaven Beach, making it accessible for families and budget-conscious travellers.
What Guests Are Saying
"We had a great time at Whitehaven Beach. The staff were very helpful, friendly and accommodating for our 1-year-old twins and made things easy for us where they could. The boat was clean and spacious even though it was at full capacity. Whitehaven Beach was just amazing. Absolutely stunning views and a trip to remember. Highly recommended and at a very good price. Best beach I've been to."
TripAdvisor
"What a memorable experience. We booked this at the last moment for a tour the same day. It was a very easy process and we received immediate confirmation. The tour with Cruise Whitsundays was very well organised. I was pleased to have gone with such a professional cruise company. They provided a sausage sizzle for lunch, as well as afternoon tea."
TripAdvisor
"The cruise itself was pleasant enough. Nice views, clean spacious boat and friendly helpful staff. When we arrived at Whitehaven, the boat took us further down the beach to a less crowded area which was great. We had brought our lunch and drinks with us which we ate on the beach, then went for a walk along the pristine sand. We were enjoying a swim in the warm clear water - absolutely beautiful."
TripAdvisor
Important to know: This tour does NOT visit Hill Inlet Lookout - it only goes to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. The boat makes multiple stops at Daydream and Hamilton Islands to collect passengers, which adds 30-45 minutes to the journey each way. The boat can get quite full, and there's limited natural shade on the beach, so bring sun protection. Seagulls can be aggressive during lunch if eating on the beach.
What's Included
Scenic Cruise
Through the Whitsunday Islands
Morning or Afternoon Tea
Complimentary refreshments
Stinger Suits
October to May (all sizes)
Skipper Commentary
Eco-certified and informative
National Park Fees
All fees included in price
Beach Time
Up to 2 hours at Whitehaven
The Experience
The Half Day Whitehaven Beach Tour offers a comfortable and affordable way to experience one of Australia's most beautiful beaches. The journey itself is part of the experience, with stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands as you cruise through protected waters on a spacious catamaran.
Your Itinerary
Check-In: Arrive at the Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal at Port of Airlie 30 minutes before departure. The terminal has a café, gift shop, and comfortable waiting areas. If travelling during stinger season (October-May), you'll be issued with a stinger suit.
Departure from Airlie Beach: Board the comfortable, air-conditioned catamaran and set off across the Whitsunday Passage. The vessel has indoor and outdoor seating with great views in every direction. Your skipper provides commentary about the islands, wildlife, and local history as you cruise.
Island Stops: The boat makes brief stops at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect passengers staying at these resorts. While some guests find these stops add time to the journey, others enjoy seeing the different islands and resorts along the way.
Arrival at Whitehaven Beach: After approximately 1.5 hours of cruising, you'll arrive at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. The crew often positions the boat at a less crowded section of the beach, giving you more space to spread out. The beach stretches for 7 kilometres, so there's plenty of room to explore.
Beach Time: You'll have up to 2 hours to enjoy Whitehaven Beach. The pure white silica sand is famously soft and doesn't retain heat, so it stays cool even on hot days. The water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming. You can walk along the shoreline, take photos, or tackle the short Solway Circuit bush walk for spectacular views over the beach and Solway Passage. Some tours provide a sausage sizzle lunch on the beach.
Return Journey: Board the catamaran for the scenic cruise back to Airlie Beach. Morning or afternoon tea is served on board, and you can purchase drinks and snacks from the bar. The boat makes the same stops at Hamilton and Daydream Islands to drop off resort guests before returning to Port of Airlie.
Before You Book
Important Information
This tour visits the southern end of Whitehaven Beach only - it does NOT include Hill Inlet Lookout. For the famous swirling sands lookout, you'll need to book a full-day tour. Free cancellation up to 3 days before departure for a full refund. Tours run in most weather conditions, but may be cancelled in severe weather or strong northerly winds. Cruise Whitsundays will contact you if changes are necessary. The itinerary is subject to sea and weather conditions.
What to Bring
Swimwear (wear under your clothes), towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for air-conditioned areas. Bring cash or card for drinks, snacks, and souvenirs available for purchase on board. A waterproof camera or phone case is recommended. Consider bringing your own lunch and snacks, as onboard options can be pricey. There's limited shade at Whitehaven Beach, so sun protection is essential.
Who Can Come
This tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Infants under 4 travel free but must be advised at booking. The catamaran is relatively stable, but if you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand. The vessel has comfortable seating areas and facilities on board. People with limited mobility can participate, though you'll need to be able to board the vessel and walk on sand. This is a family-friendly tour with passengers of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tour visit Hill Inlet Lookout?
No, the half-day tour only visits the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. For Hill Inlet Lookout, you'll need a full-day tour.
How long is the boat ride to Whitehaven Beach?
Approximately 1.5 hours each way, including stops at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect passengers.
Is lunch included on the half-day tour?
Morning or afternoon tea is included, and some departures offer a sausage sizzle. Bring your own lunch or purchase food and drinks on board.
Should I choose the morning or afternoon departure?
Morning departures get you to the beach earlier with cooler temperatures. Afternoon departures work well if you want to sleep in or have other morning activities planned.
What's the difference between this and other Whitehaven Beach tours?
This is the most affordable option but doesn't include snorkelling or Hill Inlet Lookout. It's perfect if you're short on time or budget.
More Tours to Whitehaven Beach
If you want to visit Hill Inlet Lookout or include snorkelling, check out other Whitehaven Beach tours departing from Port of Airlie. For more comfortable cruise options, explore all day tours from Airlie Beach.
Why Trust This Guide?
We're Airlie Beach locals who've called the Whitsundays home since 2001. Over more than two decades living and working in this stunning corner of tropical North Queensland, we've personally experienced the accommodation options, walked every street, and know which properties genuinely deliver on their promises.
Cruise Whitsundays operates the largest fleet in the region and has been a trusted name in Whitsundays tourism for decades. They're a professional, established company with modern vessels and experienced crews. While their half-day tour is more budget-focused than boutique experiences, it's a reliable and affordable way to see Whitehaven Beach if you're short on time or money.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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