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Full-Day Outer Reef Adventure on a High-Speed Catamaran with Floating Pontoon Experience
Tour Information
Tour Operator:
Cruise Whitsundays
Duration:
Full Day (approximately 10 hours)
Departure Point:
Port of Airlie
Phone:
07 4846 7000
Departure Time:
8:00 AM
Time at Reef:
4 hours at Reefworld Pontoon
Where This Tour Goes
Departure Point
Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach
Outer Reef Location
Hardy Reef
Marine Park
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Optional Island Stops
Hamilton Island, Daydream Island
Departure Location & How to Get There
Meeting Point
Cruise Whitsundays Terminal at Port of Airlie, 24 The Cove Road
Check-In Time
30 minutes before departure (7:30 AM)
From Town Centre
Walking distance from Airlie Beach Lagoon (10-15 min walk)
Hotel Pickup
Coach transfers available (book 12 hours ahead, extra cost)
About Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Tour
Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef tour is a full-day catamaran cruise operated by Cruise Whitsundays, departing from Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach. The 10-hour tour travels 39 nautical miles to Reefworld, a multi-level floating pontoon permanently moored at Hardy Reef in the outer Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Cruise Whitsundays is the Whitsundays' largest and most experienced marine tourism operator, running reef and island tours since the 1980s. Their high-speed catamarans are proper touring vessels - spacious air-conditioned lounges, huge outer viewing decks, onboard bars, and comfortable seating. The journey out takes about 3 hours, which sounds like a lot, but the boats are comfortable and most people enjoy cruising through the stunning Whitsunday Islands.
The Reefworld pontoon itself is the real drawcard. This isn't a small platform - it's a large, stable floating facility with an underwater observatory, semi-submersible submarine, sun decks, shaded areas, freshwater showers, and changing rooms. You get 4 full hours at the pontoon, which is plenty of time to snorkel, dive, take the submarine tour, watch fish feeding from the underwater observatory, or just relax on the sun deck.
Perfect for families and first-time reef visitors. The pontoon is super stable (no seasickness once you're there), there are marine biologists on hand to answer questions, and the protected reef location means calm, clear water for snorkelling. If you're prone to seasickness, the journey out can be rough in choppy conditions, so take tablets beforehand.
What Guests Are Saying
"We went with Cruise Whitsundays to the Great Barrier Reef. It is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. The boat was great and the pontoon was amazing. We went snorkelling and saw so many amazing fish and the reef is truly spectacular. We also had a buffet lunch included which was delicious!"
TripAdvisor
"I did the day trip with Cruise Whitsundays to Reefworld to go diving in the Great Barrier Reef, and it ended up being one of the most amazing days of my trip. The crew was so friendly that I didn't feel alone for a second. My diving instructor was very patient and made me feel relaxed underwater. It was truly the best experience!"
TripAdvisor
"The staff were really great, friendly and very helpful. The cruise was picturesque and we got to see whales on the trip over. The water was absolutely gorgeous. The scuba diving was really enjoyable and there seemed to always be food around. Would highly recommend this day cruise."
Google Reviews
Good to know: The journey to the outer reef takes about 3 hours each way, crossing open ocean. If you're prone to seasickness, definitely take tablets before boarding. The trip can be rough in windy conditions. Once you're at the pontoon though, it's stable and comfortable.
What's Included
Snorkel Equipment
Mask, snorkel, fins and stinger suits
Buffet Lunch
Tropical buffet served on pontoon
Semi-Submarine Tour
Guided underwater viewing
Underwater Observatory
Viewing chamber access
Morning & Afternoon Tea
Free tea, coffee and snacks
Marine Biologists
Expert crew and presentations
Facilities
Showers, change rooms, sun decks
Marine Park Fees
All environmental charges included
The Experience
A Cruise Whitsundays reef tour is the most popular way to visit the outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach. The high-speed catamaran handles the 3-hour journey comfortably, and once you arrive at Hardy Reef, you've got 4 solid hours to explore one of the most pristine sections of reef in the region.
Your Itinerary
Check-In: Arrive at the Cruise Whitsundays terminal at Port of Airlie by 7:30 AM. The terminal has airport-style check-in with baggage conveyors, a café, gift shop, and comfortable waiting areas. Optional coach transfers are available from most accommodations in Airlie Beach if booked in advance.
Departure (8:00 AM): Board the spacious catamaran and settle in for the cruise out to the reef. The vessel has indoor air-conditioned lounges and large outdoor viewing decks. Morning tea (coffee, tea, muffins, and biscuits) is served as you cruise through the Whitsunday Islands. The boat may stop at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect additional guests.
Cruise to the Outer Reef: After leaving the islands, you'll head across open ocean to Hardy Reef. This section takes about an hour and can get a bit rough if there's a swell. Keep an eye out for whales during migration season (July to September), plus dolphins, turtles, and manta rays. The crew provides commentary about the reef and marine life.
Arrival at Reefworld Pontoon (around 11:00 AM): You'll arrive at the massive floating pontoon permanently moored at Hardy Reef. The pontoon is incredibly stable - you barely feel any movement. There's a safety briefing and snorkel gear fitting, then you're free to explore. The reef wall runs adjacent to the pontoon, creating a protected snorkelling area with visibility often exceeding 20 metres.
Snorkelling: Jump in whenever you like during your 4 hours at the pontoon. The snorkelling is genuinely excellent - sheltered, clear water with a coral wall dropping away below you. You'll see hundreds of colourful fish species, giant Maori wrasse (some over 1.5 metres long), lionfish, turtles, reef sharks, and if you're lucky, the resident giant grouper nicknamed "George". Stinger suits are provided October to May. First-time snorkellers get full instruction and floatation aids if needed.
Semi-Submersible Tour: Take a ride on the semi-submersible submarine - a glass-bottom boat that cruises around the reef with underwater viewing windows. The marine biologist guide provides commentary about the coral formations and fish species. This is perfect if you don't want to get wet or between snorkel sessions.
Underwater Observatory: Head down into the submerged viewing chamber that sits below the pontoon. Large windows provide a 360-degree view of the reef. Fish feeding happens at set times, when hundreds of fish swarm around the windows. It's particularly good for kids or anyone who can't snorkel.
Buffet Lunch: A tropical buffet lunch is served on the pontoon around midday. The menu includes salads, hot dishes, bread rolls, and dessert. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised when booking. The pontoon bar serves soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails (at extra cost).
Optional Activities: Introductory and certified scuba diving is available (extra cost, book in advance recommended). Scenic helicopter flights operate from the pontoon, offering 10-minute flights over Heart Reef and the outer reef. Massage treatments are also available on the pontoon.
Return Journey (around 3:00 PM): Board the catamaran for the cruise back to Airlie Beach. Afternoon tea is served. Most people are pretty relaxed (or exhausted) after 4 hours at the reef. You'll arrive back at Port of Airlie around 6:00 PM, depending on island stops.
Before You Book
Important Information
Tours operate daily weather permitting, but may be cancelled in severe weather or strong wind warnings. Cruise Whitsundays will contact you the day before to confirm. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for full refund. Check-in closes 30 minutes before departure - late arrivals may miss the boat. The itinerary is subject to weather and sea conditions.
What to Bring
Swimwear (wear under your clothes), towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a light jacket for the air-conditioned areas. Bring cash or card for drinks, optional activities, and photos. A waterproof camera or GoPro is highly recommended. Seasickness tablets if you're prone to motion sickness. The pontoon has secure storage for bags and valuables.
Who Can Come
Suitable for all ages - infants travel free (0-3 years, no meal included). The stable pontoon makes this one of the best reef tours for families with young children, elderly guests, and those with limited mobility. Pregnant women can travel but should consider sea conditions. Wheelchair access is available on the vessel and pontoon with assistance. Not recommended if you suffer from severe seasickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Cruise Whitsundays reef tour take?
The full-day tour departs at 8:00 AM and returns around 6:00 PM, with 4 hours at Hardy Reef.
Is snorkelling gear included in the price?
Yes, all snorkelling equipment, stinger suits, and flotation aids are included at no extra charge.
Can non-swimmers do this tour?
Absolutely - the underwater observatory and semi-submarine let you see the reef without getting wet.
Is scuba diving included or extra?
Diving is an optional extra (book in advance recommended). Both introductory and certified dives are available.
What makes this different from other Great Barrier Reef tours?
Reefworld is a permanently moored platform at the outer reef with extensive facilities including an underwater observatory.
More Great Barrier Reef Tours
If you're interested in visiting Hardy Reef, this is the main tour option departing from Port of Airlie. For other reef experiences, check out our Great Barrier Reef tours, explore 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 tours, walked every street, and know which operators genuinely deliver on their promises.
Cruise Whitsundays has been operating since the 1980s and is the Whitsundays' largest and most experienced marine tourism operator. Their Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef is the most established outer reef platform in the region, and the company has won multiple tourism awards. The crew includes qualified marine biologists who are genuinely passionate about reef conservation.
The recommendations are honest, unbiased, and based on genuine local knowledge to help make your Whitsunday holiday unforgettable.
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