Whitehaven and snorkeling in one epic day
Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights
WCBIA Tick - Premium Tour Operator
Free Cancellation - Up To 12pm The Day PriorDeparture Times
- Departs:
- 10:00 am
- Returns:
- 4:30 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 (13 - 23 months) - Excluding Lunch(01 Apr 2020 to 31 Mar 2027)
- $0 AUD/ Person — Infant (6 - 12 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
| North & South Whitehaven Beach | Hill Inlet Lookout | Guided Bushwalk |
| Snorkelling | Fast & Fun Rafting | Courtesy Transport |
| Tropical Lunch Option | Colourful Marinelife | Alcohol Available |
Experience the best of the Whitsundays with a jam-packed adventure onboard Ocean Rafting!
- Make a splash and snorkel amongst colourful corals and vibrant marine species
- The only boat tour in the Whitsundays with inside access to Hill Inlet's swirling silica sands
- Visit both the Southern and Northern ends of Whitehaven Beach
- Bushwalk around Whitsunday Island to the beautiful Hill Inlet Lookout
Southern Lights: 2 Beach Visits + 1 Snorkel Spot.
For more snorkelling time - Northern Exposure
Overview
Ocean Rafting's Whitsunday tours visit the "wild side" of the Whitsunday Islands, boasting a perfect itinerary for anyone looking to squeeze the Whitsundays into one day. This multi-award-winning tour is the only Whitsundays tour that can cruise all the way through the "postcard perfect" swirling sands of Hill Inlet!
Highlights
- Approximately 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach
- Over 1-hour snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- Exclusive permit access to ALL areas of Hill Inlet and guided national park walks
- Visit the North and South end of Whitehaven
- All snorkel equipment and flotations devices provided free of charge
- Courtesy bus pick-up and drop-off included to/from local accommodation
- Reef and island naturalist talks are offered by the Skipper and Eco Host
- A fast and adventurous experience - suitable for all ages!
The Southern Lights tour focuses on Whitehaven Beach and visits both ends of the world-famous shorelines! For a tour with more snorkelling focus, check out Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour.
Your Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights Experience
Start your adrenaline-fuelled day onboard Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights by cruising at high speeds along the calm, turquoise waters of the Whitsundays to reach the world-renowned destinations of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach! After seeing the mirages of Hill Inlet's swirling silica sands and clear lagoons from the Lookout, journey into the kaleidoscope of colours with Ocean Rafting's exclusive permit access! Cool down for the afternoon by submerging yourself amongst vibrant fringing reefs. A fun-filled day for everyone taking in all the Whitsundays has to offer at high speeds!
Ocean Rafting is also available for Private Charter. Or you can combine your boat tour with a scenic flight on a Fly & Raft Package!
Itinerary
Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour departs Coral Sea Marina at 10:00 am. Courtesy pick-ups are included for guests from local accommodations between 8:45 am and 9:30 am.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled day exploring the pristine islands, inlets, bays and beaches of the Whitsundays!
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a massive 7kms in length! With Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour you can enjoy an extended stay at the Southern end of the beach for approximately 2 hours. 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 granted permits which allow access to all areas of the picturesque Hill Inlet! The swirling sand bars of Hill Inlet is the ideal destination 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 stingrays and lemon sharks resting in the shallows below!
Snorkelling
Snorkel for over an hour at Border Island, Dumbell Island, or one of Ocean Rafting's "secret" snorkel locations! The exact snorkel location depends on the sea conditions, with your knowledgeable skipper determining the best snorkelling location on the day. Either way, you will see an abundant range of hard and soft corals and local marine life. Keep an eye out for rare and protected fish species such as Queensland Groupers, Humphead Maori Wrasse and Barramundi Cod!
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 Southern Lights tour follows the orange 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?
What is the minimum age for this tour?
The minimum age requirement for travelling on Ocean Rafting tours is 6 Months Old.
Reviews
It was an amazing experience with Ocean Rafting, all the staffs are very friendly and do the best job. The lunch was very delicious, I'm very like it!!
Fantastic experience with Jess and Josh. It was an amazing day full of laughs. Would definitely recommend this company
This was the best tour experience. The staff Brent, Tamika and Jondy were awesome and so fun! Can’t wait to do this again!!
What an amazing trip on Rip Tide! Brian, Tamika & Jonty were amazing and even though the weather wasn’t the best we had a fab, wild ride. We felt very safe and well looked after. Lunch was lovely too! We did all inclusive southern exposure. 100% recommend!
