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Flexible Whitsundays Day Tour with Multiple Ticket Options to Whitehaven Beach
Spirit of Whitsundays Tour Options
Whitehaven Beach Only
The budget option - visit Whitehaven Beach and South Whitehaven Lookout without snorkelling or Hill Inlet. Great if you just want to relax on the famous white sand and take in the views from the southern lookout. Includes lunch and unlimited water taxi transfers between boat and beach.
Duration: Full day (approx 8 hours)
Whitehaven Beach + Snorkelling
Add a snorkelling stop to your Whitehaven Beach experience. Explore the fringing reefs of the Whitsunday Islands Marine Park with provided snorkel gear. You'll still get plenty of time on Whitehaven Beach and the South Lookout, plus an underwater adventure.
Duration: Full day (approx 8 hours)
Whitehaven Beach + Hill Inlet
See both the southern and northern ends of Whitehaven Beach. Includes the guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout for those famous swirling sand photos. Perfect for beach lovers who want to experience the full Whitehaven Beach without the snorkelling component.
Duration: Full day (approx 8 hours)
Complete Experience
The full package - Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkelling. Experience everything the Whitsundays has to offer in one day. Visit both ends of the beach, walk to the famous lookout, and explore the underwater world of the reef. The most comprehensive option.
Duration: Full day (approx 8 hours)
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Spirit of Whitsundays
Duration:
Full Day (8 hours approx)
Departure Point:
Coral Sea Marina
Departure Time:
9:00 AM daily
Group Size:
Maximum 50 guests
Booking:
Via online booking platforms
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Coral Sea Marina
Islands Visited
Whitsunday Island
Beaches
Whitehaven Beach
Lookouts (Optional)
Hill Inlet Lookout, South Whitehaven Lookout
Marine Park
Whitsunday Islands Marine Park
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
From Town Centre
1.5km from Airlie Beach Lagoon (15-20 min walk)
Parking
Pay and display parking available at the marina
Public Transport
Whitsunday Transit bus service available
About Spirit of Whitsundays
Spirit of Whitsundays is a high-speed catamaran tour operated by Spirit of Whitsundays (formerly GSL Marine), departing from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach. The full-day tour visits Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, with optional add-ons for Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkelling in the Whitsunday Islands Marine Park.
What makes Spirit of Whitsundays different is the flexibility. You choose what you want to do - just beach time, add snorkelling, add Hill Inlet, or the complete package. This means you can keep costs down by only paying for what interests you, making it one of the most budget-friendly ways to see Whitehaven Beach. The tours accommodate up to 50 guests on a modern, comfortable catamaran.
Perfect for families, couples, or travellers watching their budget. The boat features air conditioning, spacious sun decks, and onboard facilities. With unlimited water taxi transfers between the boat and beach, you can hop on and off as you please throughout the day. It's a relaxed, cruisy way to experience the Whitsundays without the hefty price tag of some other tours.
What Guests Are Saying
"Had a wonderful time and would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to visit Whitehaven Beach! The tour was very well organised and we had fantastic guides who made the day special. Great value for money and a brilliant way to see the Whitsundays."
TripAdvisor
"Amazing experience! The crew were wonderful, making sure everyone had a great time. The boat was modern and comfortable with plenty of space to relax. Whitehaven Beach was absolutely stunning and we got loads of time to enjoy it. Would definitely do this tour again!"
TripAdvisor
"Brilliant value for our family. We chose the beach-only option to keep costs down and had a fantastic day. The kids loved the unlimited water taxi between the boat and beach. The lunch was delicious and the crew were friendly and helpful throughout."
TripAdvisor
Good to know: As a larger capacity vessel (up to 50 guests), this tour can feel busier than smaller group tours during peak season. If you prefer a more intimate experience, consider booking during quieter months or looking at smaller group operators.
What's Included
Buffet Lunch
Fresh lunch included
Water Taxi Transfers
Unlimited boat to beach transfers
Snorkel Gear
Included with snorkel tickets
Stinger Suits
Provided during stinger season
Guided Walks
To lookouts (with Hill Inlet tickets)
Air Conditioning
Comfortable indoor areas
Snacks & Drinks
Throughout the day
Marine Park Fees
All fees included
The Experience
Spirit of Whitsundays offers a flexible approach to visiting Whitehaven Beach. With four different ticket options, you can customise your day based on what you want to see and your budget. The modern catamaran is comfortable and spacious, with both air-conditioned indoor areas and sunny outdoor decks.
Your Itinerary
Morning Departure: Check in at Coral Sea Marina around 8:30 AM. The boat departs at 9:00 AM for the cruise through the Whitsunday Islands. The journey to Whitehaven Beach takes around 60 minutes, cruising past other islands along the way.
Whitehaven Beach Time: The boat anchors off Whitehaven Beach, and you'll use the water taxi for unlimited transfers between the boat and shore throughout the day. This is brilliant - you can head to the beach when you want, return to the boat for lunch or a break, then go back to the beach. The pure white silica sand really is as incredible as the photos - it stays cool even in the heat and the water is crystal clear.
South Whitehaven Lookout: All tickets include a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout. It's a short walk with stunning views over the southern end of the beach. Great photo opportunity and gives you a different perspective of this famous stretch of sand.
Hill Inlet Lookout (Optional): If you've booked a Hill Inlet ticket, you'll visit the northern end of Whitsunday Island to access Hill Inlet Lookout. The guided bush walk takes about 20 minutes and the view from the top is absolutely worth it - those famous swirling white sands against turquoise water. This is the money shot everyone wants.
Snorkelling (Optional): If you've added the snorkelling option, you'll visit a fringing reef location in the Whitsunday Islands Marine Park. The crew provides all equipment and a snorkel briefing. You'll see colourful coral, tropical fish, and potentially turtles. The snorkel stop is around 45 minutes to an hour.
Lunch: A buffet-style lunch is served onboard, usually while anchored off Whitehaven Beach. Fresh, simple food with options for different dietary requirements if advised when booking.
Return Journey: The boat departs Whitehaven Beach mid-afternoon for the cruise back to Coral Sea Marina. You'll usually arrive back around 5:00 PM.
Before You Book
Important Information
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Tours operate in most weather conditions but may be altered or cancelled in severe weather. The boat has capacity for 50 guests, so this tour can feel busier than smaller group tours, particularly during peak season. Choose your ticket option carefully when booking - the base price includes beach time only, with snorkelling and Hill Inlet as optional extras.
What to Bring
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen (reef-safe preferred), hat, sunglasses, and camera. If you're bringing snorkel gear, you're welcome to use your own. Cash or card for any additional purchases onboard. The boat provides stinger suits during stinger season (typically October to May).
Who Can Come
Spirit of Whitsundays is suitable for all ages, including infants (who travel free). Families, couples, and budget-conscious travellers will all find this tour works well. The boat is generally accessible, though getting in and out of the water taxi requires moderate mobility. If you have any concerns about accessibility, contact the operator before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Spirit of Whitsundays ticket should I choose?
Choose based on budget and interests - beach-only for budget travel, add snorkelling for underwater adventure, add Hill Inlet for iconic views.
Where does Spirit of Whitsundays depart from?
Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach, with check-in around 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM departure.
Is lunch included on Spirit of Whitsundays?
Yes, all ticket options include a buffet-style lunch served onboard during the tour.
Can I upgrade my ticket on the day?
This depends on availability - contact the operator before your tour date to enquire about upgrading.
How is Spirit of Whitsundays different from other Whitehaven Beach tours?
The flexibility to choose your inclusions and budget-friendly base price make it accessible for different travellers and budgets.
More Tours to Whitehaven Beach
If you're interested in visiting Whitehaven Beach, check out other Whitehaven Beach tours departing from Coral Sea Marina. For more snorkelling adventures, explore our snorkelling tours, or see 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.
Spirit of Whitsundays (formerly GSL Marine) offers a practical, budget-friendly approach to experiencing Whitehaven Beach. The flexibility of choosing your inclusions means you can visit one of the world's best beaches without breaking the bank. The pick-and-choose ticket system is particularly good for families or groups with different interests.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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