Ocean Rafting Snorkelling Whitsundays Day Tour
Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure
Premium Tour Operator
Free Cancellation - Up To 12pm The Day PriorDeparture Times
- Departs:
- 8:45 am
- Returns:
- 3:30 pm
- Departure Point:
Departure Point: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Pricing Options
- RRP $249$239 AUD/ Person — Adult - All Inclusive (01 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2027)
- $0 AUD/ Person — Infant (6 - 12 months) - Excluding Lunch(01 Apr 2020 to 31 Mar 2027)
- $0 AUD/ Person — Infant (13 - 23 months) - Excluding Lunch(01 Apr 2020 to 31 Mar 2027)
- RRP $168$165 AUD/ Person — Child (2 - 14 Years) - All Inclusive (01 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2027)
- RRP $834$749 AUD/ Person — Family (2A + 2C) - All Inclusive (01 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2027)
Shorts
Highlights
| Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet | Hook Island | Snorkelling |
| Guided Bushwalk | Fast & Fun Rafting | Courtesy Transport |
| Tropical Lunch | Colourful Marinelife | Alcohol Available |
Offering speed, adventure and fun, this is the ultimate tour for those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Whitsundays experience!
- Travel at high speeds to get from one destination to the next
- Exclusive access makes Ocean Rafting the only boat permitted to go inside Hill Inlet's swirling sands
- Soak up the sun and relax at the beautiful Whitehaven Beach
- Make a splash at two snorkel sites and spot vibrant marine life
Northern Exposure: 2 Snorkel Spots + 1 Beach Stop
For more beach time see Southern Lights
Overview
Ocean Rafting's Whitsunday tours visit the "wild side" of the Whitsunday Islands and are perfect for anyone looking to squeeze the Whitsundays into one day. This multi-award-winning tour has special permits which allow access to all areas of Hill Inlet, including the beach! There's no other Whitsundays tour that can cruise all the way through the "postcard-perfect" swirling sands of Hill Inlet!
Highlights
- Visit 2 snorkel destinations around Hook Island
- Exclusive access inside the dreamy Hill Inlet waters
- One of the fastest and most adventurous day boats in the Whitsundays
- With great speed, there is less travel time and more time for activities
- All snorkelling equipment and flotation devices included
- Exclusive permit to ALL areas of Hill Inlet
- Guided national park walks
- Reef and island naturalist talks are offered by the skipper and eco host
- Whale watching (June - October)
- Courtesy bus pick-up and drop-off included to/from local accommodation
- As a multi-award winner, Ocean Rafting is dedicated to both preserving the Great Barrier Reef and supporting our tourism industry!
The Northern Exposure tour focuses on snorkelling, with the opportunity to enjoy two snorkelling sites around the renowned Hook Island. For a tour with more time at Whitehaven Beach check out Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour. On both tours, you will see Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and have the chance to snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs.
Your Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure Experience
Start your action-packed adventure of the dreamy Whitsundays onboard Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure, perfect for those ready to explore the world-renowned destinations of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach and enjoy plenty of snorkelling all in the same day! Spend the majority of the day exploring two snorkelling locations around Hook Island at picturesque destinations such as Mantaray Bay and Maureen's Cove. Get ready to submerge into colourful and vibrant underwater forests! Finish the fun-filled day cruising into the swirling silica sands and sparkling lagoons of Hill Inlet, taking a picture of the breathtaking view from the Lookout, and cooling off with a dip at Whitehaven Beach! An unforgettable Whitsundays itinerary for everyone!
Ocean Rafting is also available for Private Charter! Or you can combine your boat tour with a scenic flight on the Fly & Raft Package.
Itinerary
Courtesy pick-up included for guests from local accommodations between 7:45am and 8:15am. Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour will depart Coral Sea Marina at 8:45am.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled day exploring the pristine islands, inlets, bays and beaches of the Whitsundays!
Snorkelling
Enjoy snorkelling around Hook Island at pristine locations such as Mantaray Bay, Maureen's Cove and other specially selected Whitsundays snorkelling spots. The exact snorkel locations depend on the condition at sea - your knowledgeable skipper will determine the best snorkelling location on the day to ensure a memorable underwater experience. Get ready to spot an abundant range of corals and marine life such as life Humphead Maori Wrasse, loggerhead turtles, dolphins and whales (during the cooler months).
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a massive 7kms in length! With Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour you will visit the northern end of the beach where the swirling sands of Hill Inlet are located. Choose to simply relax and bathe in the beautiful turquoise waters or bring along some beach toys and enjoy activities such as beach cricket, football or frisbee!
Hill Inlet
Ocean Rafting has special permits which allow access to all areas of Hill Inlet - the only boat able to do this in the entire Whitsundays! The swirling sand bars of Hill Inlet are the perfect place to relax and take some time to enjoy the lunch you brought. A guided bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout will provide panoramic views of the swirling sands below. If you look closely you can often spot harmless stingrays and lemon sharks resting in the shallows below.
It may be time to head home but the fun isn't over yet! The Ocean Rafting boats will often weave and race against each other on the way home to finish the day off with more of Ocean Rafting's signature adrenaline-fuelled action!
Tour Map
The Northern Exposure tour follows the blue coloured path around the Whitsunday Islands.
What's Included
- Marine Park Fees
- Guided walks and talks in National parks
- Snorkelling gear, mask, snorkel, and fins
- Stinger suit
- Lunch
- Courtesy transfers to/from select local accommodations
What's Extra
- Prescription Mask Hire - $25
- Water
- Soft Drinks/Juice
- Beer/Cider
- Chocolate
Queensland Public Holidays: The following days incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch).
- 03 April 26 – Good Friday
- 04 April 26 – Easter Saturday
- 05 April 26 – Easter Sunday
- 06 April 26 – Easter Monday
- 25 April 26 – Anzac Day
- 04 May 26 – Labour Day
- 19 June 26 – Show Whitsundays
- 05 October 26 – King’s Birthday
- 25 December 26 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
- 26 December 26 – Boxing Day
- 28 December 26 – Boxing Day public holiday
- 1 January 2027 – New Year’s Day
- 26 January 2027 – Australia Day
- 27 March 2027 – Good Friday
- 28 March 2027 – Easter Saturday
- 29 March 2027 – Easter Sunday
- 30 March 2027 – Easter Monday
What to Bring
- Swimmers
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Soft soled footwear
- Money (cash) for onboard purchases
Frequently asked questions
Does this tour include lunch?
Yes this tour includes lunch!
What is the difference between Ocean Rafting’s Southern and Northern tours?
Can I get a transfer to and from my accommodation?
Where do I meet for the tour?
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Is there a toilet on board?
Is there a minimum age requirement for Ocean Rafting?
The minimum age requirement for travelling on Ocean Rafting tours is 6 Months Old.
Reviews
What an amazing experience. The crew was very accommodating and made sure our safety and comfort was num1 at all times! Will definitely recommend to friends and family!
Super fun, all inclusive so you don’t have to worry about brining anything. Best snorkelling ever
Awesome really cool motoring into hill inlet, comfortable trip and great day out.
Such a great day. I loved it. Crew were amazing and skipper was very knowledgable
