Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach | CW

Itinerary

Depart Port of Airlie at 8am

Departing at 8 am from Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach, you will board a large, stable ferry and set sail for the day. It's a 3-hour boat journey to the Outer Reef across the open ocean, and the Cruise Whitsundays vessel is large and stable to ensure everyone feels relaxed and comfortable.

The ferry makes a quick pit stop at Hamilton Island around 9am to pick up extra guests, then heads to Hardy Reef! Upon arriving at the Reefworld Pontoon, you can spend up to 4 hours relaxing at this little oasis of fun on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Here are some activities you can try during your time at Reefworld.

Snorkelling

Providing all of the snorkel gear and stinger suits required, spend your day making a splash and immersing yourself in the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Glide over kaleidoscopic corals, brilliantly-coloured fish, weird and wonderful marine molluscs as well as some giants of the sea! A perfect natural discovery experience for adventurers and families alike, you will never forget the amazing experience of snorkelling the flourishing Hardy Reef.

Underwater Viewing Aquarium

For those who’d prefer to stay dry, make use of our wonderful underwater viewing chamber - it’s hands-down one of our favourite pontoon activities! A unique underwater chamber will allow you to gaze at the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef like never before as you get up close with huge tropical fish, sea turtles and more inside this wonderful ecosystem. 

Guided Snorkel Tour - Add On

If you’re ready to dive deeper into the sights you’ll see on your snorkel, there’s no better way to learn more than taking a guided snorkelling tour with Reef Safari. Your passionate guide will point out all of the incredible species and coral you come across, leaving your curiosity piqued and your mind at ease. Catering to small groups, our intelligent and passionate guides will escort you to a few very special areas where you’ll get to spot marine life. Get up close and personal to the Maori Wrasse, tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks, before being awestruck by incredible and colourful coral formations.

Book your guided snorkel tour in advance with us for a seamless day of exploring! 

Scuba Diving - Add On

Want to dive deeper? Choose one of our optional add on experiences to try out scuba diving! Both introductory and certified divers are welcome to join us in exploring the incredible life of the Great Barrier Reef. The magic will be right at your fingertips - there’s absolutely no better place to experience the enchantment of your first scuba dive than here. The wonder also remains for experienced divers: the incredible coral formations and vivid marine life in the Great Barrier Reef are like no other. As a major bucket list item for any diver, Hardy Reef is set to impress!

Book your scuba dives in advance with us to enjoy a worry-free day.

Scenic Flight - Add On

If you’re looking for an incredible and unique way to see the reef, look no further than up! Take the ride of your life in a helicopter and see the brilliant hues of green and blue from above. Enjoy the incredible maze of coral reefs and gaze lovingly at the iconic Heart Reef on this perfect adventure for families, couples and friends! Witness a whole new angle to the spectacular, glistening reef with a magnificent scenic flight. Scenic flights are available for purchase on the day of your Reefworld experience.

Glass Bottom Semi-Submersible Boat

Head out on the exciting and educational semi-submersible glass-bottom boat for yet another incredible view of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. With insightful commentary (available with an interpreter), this underwater discovery experience is perfect for all ages. Explore the wonderful fish, creatures, corals and mammals that call the reef home without even getting wet.

Pontoon Relaxing

The pontoon is calling your name - providing a spacious and secure way to enjoy the beautiful Outer Reef all afternoon, find your zen while floating above millions of years of evolution. Hang out on the spacious decks or sunbathe on a lounge chair. 

Regardless of how you choose to spend your afternoon, taking a day trip aboard the Great Barrier Reef Adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Photos

Our passionate team of onboard photographers will capture your incredible day with ease - from your first underwater experience to rubbing shoulders with a magnificent Maori Wrasse, our team will be snapping away! Photos will be available for purchase at the end of the day, where you can walk away with an array of incredible captured memories that will last a lifetime.

Please note: Some of the above optional activities are available for an additional cost. Please advise us at the time of booking if you would like to add any of the above optional extras. Age and medical restrictions apply to all activities with Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Please ask us if you have any questions.