Best Day Tours to Whitehaven Beach

By Nath J - 25 years in Whitsundays tourism | Last updated: January 2025

After 25 years working in Whitsundays tourism, I've watched every tour operator come and go. I've been on these boats in perfect conditions and when it's blowing 25 knots. This isn't a list scraped from review sites - these are my picks based on where I actually send friends and family when they stay in Airlie Beach and want to visit Whitehaven Beach.

What Makes Whitehaven Beach Special

Whitehaven Beach isn't just another pretty beach – it's genuinely unique. The sand is 98% pure silica, washed in on tides over thousands of years from offshore sources rather than eroded from local rocks. That's why it's so blindingly white and squeaky underfoot. The silica also means the sand stays cool even in full sun – you can walk barefoot at midday without burning your feet.

The famous swirling patterns at Hill Inlet happen because of tidal movements. As the tide shifts, the silica sand and turquoise water mix to create those Instagram shots everyone's chasing. The effect changes throughout the day depending on the tide, which is why timing matters when you visit the lookout.

Located on Whitsunday Island – the largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands – the beach stretches 7 kilometres along the Coral Sea. It's part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Whitsunday Islands National Park, so it's protected and will stay pristine.

Whitehaven Beach Day Tours Comparison

1. Ocean Rafting

Ocean Rafting is the best Whitehaven Beach day tour for adventure seekers who want exclusive access inside Hill Inlet.

Takes top spot for one reason no other operator can match - they hold the only GBRMPA permit allowing guests to be dropped directly on the beach inside Hill Inlet. Every other tour has to anchor at Tongue Bay and walk over the hill to Hill Inlet. After 25 years of operating, they've built a reputation that speaks for itself - over 10,000 TripAdvisor reviews and still holding a 4.9 rating.

I've done both their Northern and Southern tours dozens of times. Northern gives you Hill Inlet plus two snorkel locations. Southern hits Hill Inlet, South Whitehaven Beach, and one snorkel spot. I usually tell people Southern unless they're serious about snorkelling - getting to both ends of the beach is worth it.

Key Details

• Duration: 7 hours
• Price: Adult $209, Child $138 (2-14 years), Family $635
• Includes: Snorkel equipment, stinger suits (lunch available for $20 or BYO)
• Departs: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
• Options: Northern tour or Southern tour

Best For: Ocean Rafting is best for adventure seekers wanting fast rigid inflatable boats and exclusive Hill Inlet beach access that no other operator can provide.

Local tip: The rigid inflatable boats are fast and you'll feel it. Not suitable for people with back problems or late pregnancy. Some boats don't have enough seats and guests sit on the inflatable pontoons - if that bothers you, ask when boarding.

Reviews: Google: 4.9 (3,511 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.9 (10,375 reviews)

Check availability and book Ocean Rafting →

2. ZigZag Whitsundays

ZigZag Whitsundays is the best Whitehaven Beach day tour for families, pregnant travellers, and anyone wanting maximum beach time.

Full disclosure: I handle marketing for ZigZag Whitsundays. But I ranked them here because I'd recommend them anyway. For all the tours I've done over my time here, this is consistently the best crew - and I've sent hundreds of guests their way with almost identical feedback: exceeded expectations.

Operating since 2017, they've just upgraded to a vessel called Superflyer - a former Sydney ferry named after Olympic swimmer Susie O'Neill. It's a proper boat with air conditioning, an onboard bar, coffee machine, and outdoor sun lounges for use while anchored off Whitehaven Beach. Owned and operated by Nicole Rosser, a marine biologist who knows these Coral Sea waters inside out.

Two ticket options: Whitehaven all-day ($229) gives you up to 5 hours on the beach with no snorkelling - the longest beach time of any operator. Whitehaven plus snorkelling ($259) gives you around 2 hours on the beach plus one snorkel location at Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island (knowen as Whitehaven Beaches little brother and has excellent coral at the northern end).

Key Details

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: From $229 (beach only) or $259 (beach + snorkel)
• Includes: Lunch, snorkel equipment, stinger suits
• Departs: Coral Sea Marina south end, Meeting Point D
• Capacity: Large vessel with indoor and outdoor areas

Best For: ZigZag Whitsundays is best for families with young children, pregnant travellers, and anyone wanting a comfortable boat with the longest time on Whitehaven Beach.

Local tip: ZigZag doesn't go to Hill Inlet - instead they take you to the actual beach and South Whitehaven lookout. They accept infants from 3 months old and are suitable for pregnant guests - one of the few operators that can say this. If you've got mobility concerns or just want a stable, comfortable ride, this is your pick.

Reviews: Google: 4.9 (2,322 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.9 (1,161 reviews) | BookMe: 4.9 (1,500 reviews)

Check availability and book ZigZag Whitsundays →

3. Thundercat Whitsundays

Thundercat Whitsundays is an award-winning fast cat tour that delivers adventure with a polished operation.

Operating since 2015 and founded by Asher and Julie Telford, Thundercat built a reputation as one of the most consistent tours in the Whitsundays. They've won Australia Tour and Transport Gold at the tourism awards - not an easy feat. The operation was sold to SeaLink in 2025, so it'll be interesting to see if the new owners can maintain the momentum the Telfords built.

They run four fast catamaran power boats, each taking a maximum of 38 passengers. You get 2 hours at Hill Inlet lookout and the beach, plus 45 minutes at each of two snorkel locations at the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park . It's a well-structured day that covers all the highlights.

Key Details

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: $230 per person
• Includes: Hill Inlet lookout, 2 snorkel locations
• Departs: Coral Sea Marina north end, Meeting Point B
• Capacity: 38 passengers per vessel (4 boats in fleet)

Best For: Thundercat Whitsundays is best for adventure seekers and families wanting a well-run fast boat experience with proper time at each stop.

Local tip: No children under 4 allowed. The boats are fast catamarans, so expect some bounce in choppy conditions - it's part of the fun but worth knowing beforehand.on this day tour you cabn also visit Betty's Beach (A small beach accessible from the Hill Inlet walking track)

Reviews: Google: 4.9 (2,874 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.8 (5,634 reviews)

Check availability and book Thundercat Whitsundays →

4. Camira Whitsundays

Camira Whitsundays is the best Whitehaven Beach tour for those wanting a relaxed sailing experience rather than a fast boat adventure.

In the early 2000s, this was the fastest commercial sailing catamaran in the world. Originally named Tasmani, the vessel was renamed Camira after the devastating 2004 Thailand tsunami - Camira is Aboriginal for "wind". Operating since 2004, it's now owned by Cruise Whitsundays, part of the Journey Beyond group.

I've done this tour around 6 times and always enjoy a nice relaxed day. I personally prefer the faster boats, but I don't mind a good sail through the Whitsunday Passage with views of the Coral Sea on Camira now and again. The pictures online don't do it justice - it's a big sailing boat with plenty of room onboard and has an area inside to stay out of the sun if needed. They include alcohol after snorkelling (for safety reasons), which is a nice touch.

Key Details

• Duration: 10 hours
• Price: $259 per person
• Includes: Lunch, alcohol (served after snorkelling), snorkel equipment
• Departs: Port of Airlie
• Visits: Hill Inlet lookout, 1 snorkel location

Best For: Camira Whitsundays is best for couples and groups wanting a relaxed sailing day with included drinks and a more laid-back atmosphere than the power boats.

Local tip: Suited to all ages. If you're prone to seasickness, sailing is generally smoother than power boats - and Camira's size helps with stability.

Reviews: Google: 4.4 (2,000+ reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.7 (315 reviews)

Check availability and book Camira Whitsundays →

5. Big Fury Whitsundays

Big Fury Whitsundays is a locally-owned fast boat tour with standout food and access to both ends of Whitehaven Beach.

Operating for 20 years, Big Fury is owned and operated by Di and Rob - they also run an overnight sailing boat called Habibi. Rob is a local artist, and the couple are good people who've been part of the Whitsundays tourism community for decades. The crew don't have egos and are down to earth, which makes for a comfortable day.

I've travelled on Fury many times over the years and enjoy the fast adventure ride. What sets them apart is the lunch - fresh prawns that put most other tour lunches to shame. They also visit both ends of Whitehaven Beach, including Hill Inlet swirling silica sands in the north and South Whitehaven Beach, plus one snorkel location on the fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Key Details

• Duration: 7 hours
• Price: $230 per person
• Includes: Lunch (with fresh prawns), snorkel equipment
• Departs: Coral Sea Marina north end, Meeting Point B
• Visits: Hill Inlet, South Whitehaven Beach, 1 snorkel location

Best For: Big Fury Whitsundays is best for travellers who want a fast boat adventure across the Coral Sea with quality food and the chance to see both the famous Hill Inlet and the quieter southern end of the beach.

Local tip: One of the few tours that visits both north and south Whitehaven in one day. If seeing the full stretch of the beach matters to you, this is worth considering.

Reviews: TripAdvisor: 4.7 (1,173 reviews)

Check availability and book Big Fury Whitsundays →

6. Spirit of Whitsundays

Spirit of Whitsundays is a new operator offering the most affordable Whitehaven Beach day tours with multiple ticket options.

Previously operating as GSL Marine, the operation was sold in 2025 to Spirit of Whitsundays. The new owners run Spirit of Gold Coast on the Gold Coast, doing whale watching and scenic cruises, so they know the tourism game. I've been out once with the new owners and had a great day - their crew were very friendly and professional.

They offer four different ticket options ranging from beach-only to full snorkelling packages. Their budget option called Whitehaven Beach Club starts from just $159, making them the most affordable way to see Whitehaven Beach. They visit both ends of the beach including Hill Inlet lookout and South Whitehaven.

Key Details

• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: From $159 to $217 depending on package
• Includes: Varies by ticket option (with/without snorkelling)
• Departs: Port of Airlie
• Visits: Hill Inlet lookout, South Whitehaven Beach (snorkelling on select tickets)

Best For: Spirit of Whitsundays is best for budget-conscious travellers and those wanting flexibility with four different ticket options to choose from.

Local tip: As a new operator, reviews are still building. If you want the proven track record, look higher on this list. If you're watching your budget and happy to try the new kids on the block, they delivered a solid day when I went.

Reviews: Reviews still building (new operator as of 2025)

Check availability and book Spirit of Whitsundays →

See Whitehaven Beach from the Air

If boats aren't your thing or you want the ultimate view, scenic flights show you Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet from above. You'll also fly over the Great Barrier Reef and see Heart Reef – the naturally heart-shaped coral formation that's become one of Australia's most photographed natural landmarks.

Options from Airlie Beach:

• Ocean Rafting Scenic Flight – 60-minute flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef. Can combine with a boat tour for a Fly & Raft package.
• Fly Australia Charter – 60-minute scenic flight with aerial views of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach and the reef.
• Airlie Beach Helicopters – Helicopter tours with the option to land on South Whitehaven Beach for 1.5 hours of beach time.

Options from Hamilton Island:

• Hamilton Island Air – Seaplane and scenic flights departing directly from the island.

Scenic flights range from around $335 for a 60-minute flight up to $700+ for helicopter tours with beach landings. If you're short on time, a scenic flight lets you see Whitehaven, Hill Inlet and the outer reef in under an hour – something no boat tour can match.

View all Whitehaven Beach scenic flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Whitehaven Beach day tour?

Ocean Rafting is the best Whitehaven Beach day tour for adventure seekers - they're the only operator with a permit to drop guests inside Hill Inlet. For families and all ages, ZigZag Whitsundays offers the longest beach time and accepts infants from 3 months.

How much do Whitehaven Beach day tours cost?

Whitehaven Beach day tours range from $159 for budget options up to $259 for premium experiences. Most full-day tours with snorkelling cost between $209 and $259 per adult.

Which Whitehaven Beach tour is best for families with young children?

ZigZag Whitsundays is the best choice for families with young children. They accept infants from 3 months old, have a stable comfortable vessel, and offer up to 5 hours on the beach.

Can I visit Whitehaven Beach if I'm pregnant?

Yes. ZigZag Whitsundays and Camira Whitsundays are suitable for pregnant travellers. Avoid rigid inflatable boats like Ocean Rafting during late pregnancy.

What is the cheapest Whitehaven Beach tour?

Spirit of Whitsundays offers the cheapest Whitehaven Beach tour with their Whitehaven Beach Club ticket starting from $159 per person.

When is the best time to visit Hill Inlet?

The swirling sand patterns at Hill Inlet are best seen on a moving tide – either incoming or outgoing. Most tour operators time their visits around mid-tide when you get the best colour contrast between the silica sand and turquoise water. If you're visiting at dead low or high tide, you'll still see a beautiful view, but the swirling effect won't be as dramatic. Morning light before 11am also gives better photos with less harsh shadows.

What's the difference between North and South Whitehaven Beach?

North Whitehaven is where you'll find Hill Inlet lookout and Betty's Beach – accessed via Tongue Bay. This end is more famous for photos but can get crowded between 10am and 4pm when most tours arrive. South Whitehaven is the main stretch of Whitehaven Beach with more space to spread out, access to walking tracks, and generally fewer people. Some tours visit both ends, others only one – check before booking.

How long does it take to get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach?

By boat, most tours take between 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the vessel. Fast boats like Ocean Rafting and Thundercat are quicker. Sailing boats like Camira take longer but the journey is part of the experience. By seaplane it's about 15-20 minutes with aerial views of the islands and Great Barrier Reef on the way.

What will I see snorkelling on Whitehaven Beach tours?

Most tours snorkel on the fringing reefs around the Whitsunday Islands rather than at Whitehaven Beach itself (the beach has sand, not coral). You'll typically see colourful coral gardens, tropical fish including parrotfish, angelfish and clownfish, plus the occasional reef shark or turtle if you're lucky. The coral is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, though it's the inner fringing reef system rather than the outer reef.

Are there walking tracks at Whitehaven Beach?

Yes – particularly at the southern end. The Solway Circuit is a 2.4km loop track with views over Solway Passage. The South Whitehaven Beach Lookout Track is a shorter option leading to a viewpoint over the beach. At the northern end, there's a 1.3km return walk from Tongue Bay to the Hill Inlet lookout. For serious hikers, the Chance Bay Track (7.2km return) is part of the Whitsunday Ngaro Sea Trail and takes you through hoop pine forests to a secluded bay.

Can I visit Whitehaven Beach from Hamilton Island?

Yes. Several tours depart from Hamilton Island including Cruise Whitsundays and Hamilton Island Air scenic flights. If you're staying on Hamilton Island and want to visit Whitehaven, you don't need to come to Airlie Beach first – book a tour departing directly from the island. Half-day options are available if you're short on time.