Reefsleep Overnight Pontoon Stay

Reefsleep Great Barrier Reef Experience

Reefsleep Great Barrier Reef Experience
From$565
24max
2D 1N
For ages6 Years+
★★★★★4.9(109 Reviews)
WCBIA TICK - Premium Tour Operator
Free Cancellations - Until 14 Days Prior to Departure

Departure Times

Departs:
8:00am
Returns:
6:05pm
Departure Point:

Departure Point: Port of Airlie Marina 

Pricing Options

  • RRP $1430$1410 AUD/ Person — Double Reefbed (Requires 2 Pax) (20 Apr 2026 to 31 May 2026)
  • RRP $1090$1070 AUD/ Person — Single Reefbed Dynamic Rate - Enquire To Book(20 Dec 2025 to 31 May 2026)
  • RRP $1578$1558 AUD/ Person — Double Reefbed Dynamic Rate - Enquire To Book(20 Dec 2025 to 31 May 2026)
  • RRP $990$970 AUD/ Person — Single Reefbed (20 Apr 2026 to 31 May 2026)

Highlights

Whitsunday Island Cruise  Outer Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving
Guided Snorkelling star Starlit Reefbed Scenic Flights
event_seat Sun Lounges flare Island Sunset room_service Excellent Service
bubble_chart Underwater Observatory restaurant Delicious Catering wine_bar Alcohol Included

This is the new Reefsleep which everyone is talking about! A spectacular and unique overnight tour where you sleep on the Outer Great Barrier Reef!

  • Sleep in a luxury one-of-a-kind reefbed on the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel and scuba dive to rub shoulders with vibrant corals and marine life
  • Experience the sunrise, sunset and starlight out on the pontoon
  • An exclusive tour in the Whitsundays, offering both luxurious and adventurous itineraries
  • Introductory and certified divers welcome - booking in advance recommended

From 1 July 2026, this experience will be elevated to Reefsleep at the new Reefworld Premium pontoon, offering enhanced comfort, personalised service, and exclusive overnight guest access.

Overview

Soak up the wonder of Reefsleep as you embark on sun-soaked days and starlit nights in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. A unique outdoor sleeping experience will immerse you in the magic of the tropical haven known as Hardy Reef, a spectacular stretch of biodiverse, flourishing reef.

Highlights

  • 2 days on a custom-built pontoon 
  • Overnight stay on a luxury glamping-style Reefbed
  • All beverages included 
  • Decadent menu options
  • Onboard professional chef
  • Sleeps only 24 exclusive guests
  • Espresso coffee machine on board
  • Snorkel, sunbathe and make use of the underwater observatory

Nibbles at sunset on the Reefworld pontoon

From 1 July 2026, Reefsleep will take place on the new and exclusive Reefworld Premium pontoon. This dedicated space for overnight guests will introduce upgrades for guests including priority boarding, VIP transfers, guided snorkel safaris, a dedicated activities concierge, and luxurious dining.

Itinerary

Snorkelling 

The Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld pontoon is adjacent to coral walls, the length of which you can explore by snorkelling as much as you like during the day! It has its own ecosystem with magnificent corals and a diversity of marine life found only in sheltered areas. The Hardy Reef is a unique world for you to explore and the prolific fish life will surprise and delight you especially… the Giant Groper!

Underwater ecosystems great Barrier Reef snorkelling fish in anemone

Guided Snorkelling Tours - Add On

Available when booked in advance, Cruise Whitsunday's experienced guides will take you and a small group to special hotspots where Giant Maori Wrasse, rainbow coral formations, tropical fish, sea turtles and reef sharks are seen. Book your guided snorkelling tour here to dig a little deeper into the wonderful world of the Great Barrier Reef.

Two people snorkelling and holding hands surrounded by fish

Scuba Diving - Add On 

There is no better place to experience the magic of your first scuba dive than at the outer Great Barrier Reef, with no experience necessary! Experienced divers can enjoy spectacular dives at specially selected sites with a variety of coral formations and marine life. So whether you're an introductory or certified diver, book your scuba dive here to enjoy an adventurous, breathtaking underwater exploration with Reefsleep! 

Scuba Dive with Reef sleep, Whitsundays with yellow fish

Starlit Alfresco Reefbeds

The only outdoor sleeping vessel in the Whitsundays, Reefsleep offers guests their very own alfresco, luxury Reefbed! With a clear viewing panel, soft linen and a super comfy mattress, fall asleep under a clear starry sky while enjoying the gentle sea breeze! Bugs and mosquitos aren’t a problem when you’re 40 nautical miles at sea, so leave the cover open to immerse yourself in the Reef charm like never before… just you, the sea breeze and the brightest stars for a true glamping experience!

reef-slepp-great-barrier-reef

Underwater Observatory

Discover the wonders of the reef and stay dry with Reefsleep's underwater aquarium observatory! An educational and delightful view from below allows guests to spot colourful fish, magnificent mammals and more from a completely new angle!

Underwater observatory Reefsleep

Scenic Flights - Add On 

With additional add-ons such as a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef for spectacular outlooks, there really is something for everybody aboard the Reefworld pontoon. Fly high over crystalline views of vibrant reefs for an adventurous experience perfect for all kinds of reef lovers! Book your scenic flight upon your arrival at the pontoon.

Whitsunday Island Scenic Flight island views from above

Semi-submersible Glass Bottom Boat 

Explore the depths of the reef like never before with this immersive and educational experience! Where fun and reef learning meets, the Reefsleep glass-bottom semi-submersible will take you through a spectacular reef that is home to vibrant creatures big and small. Learn something new about these extraordinary ecosystems with the educational commentary (interpreters available). 

Fish chart on the Reefsleep semi submersible

Reefworld Pontoon 

Spend your day aboard the Reefworld pontoon with access to an abundance of things to do, whatever your style! Grab a good book and champagne and hit the day beds for a sunbake chill-out session. With all the delicious meals provided, enjoy a scrumptious buffet lunch and dinner with good company too! Don’t forget to keep an eye out for sea turtles that come to nibble at the seaweed around the pontoon as dusk falls… pure magic!

Woman with long blond hair looking out over the reef from the pontoon

Time Guide

DAY 1

  • 8:00 am Depart Port of Airlie
  • 9:00 am Hamilton Island Guests Join
  • Morning Tea
  • 11:00 am Arrive at Reefworld Swimming, snorkelling and fun
  • 12:00 pm - lunch and beverages to be served on the boat
  • 2:00-3:00pm Check-In to Reefsleep/Reefsuites. (Day Guests depart)
  • From 6:00 pm Canapes & Evening Meal
  • 8:30 pm Bar closes

DAY 2 - (Plenty of in-water time throughout the day)

  • 7-8:00 am Breakfast
  • 10-10:30 am Morning Tea
  • 11:00 am Check-out (Day Guests Arrive)
  • 12:00 pm Lunch
  • 2:00 pm Reefsleep check-out
  • 3:00 pm Depart Reefworld
  • 5:10 pm Return to Hamilton Island
  • 6:10 pm Arrive Airlie Beach

What's Included

  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Wet/stinger suit
  • Access to underwater observatory
  • Semi-submarine guided tour
  • Overnight accommodation in Reefbeds under the stars
  • All meals including lunches, breakfast, morning and afternoon teas and dinner
  • All beverages including beer, wine and soft drink (cocktails and spirits at an additional cost)
  • Free luggage storage at Port of Airlie Marina

What's Extra

  • Cocktails and spirits
  • Snacks
  • Photographs
  • Souvenirs
  • Scenic flights
  • Luggage Storage in Airlie Beach
  • Guided snorkelling tours - book here.
  • Scuba diving (subject to age and medical conditions) - book here.

If you would like to add scuba diving or a guided snorkel to your booking, please book here. Please provide your "SW" booking reference from your Reefsleep tour when making your scuba diving payment/booking.

What to Bring

Please bring only a small bag with:

  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Sun protection (hat,  sunscreen, sunglasses etc)
  • Beach towel
  • Camera
  • Toiletries
  • Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
  • Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases
  • Photo identification

Luggage storage:

You can store your additional luggage for free at the Cruise Whitsundays office at Port of Airlie for the duration of your trip on Reefsleep. 

Alternatively, you can store your luggage at The Travel Shop (344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach) for a small fee. We are open between 9am and 6pm, so feel free to drop bags the day before so you can make your 7:30am check in. 

Frequently asked questions

Is there a minimum age for Reefsleep?

Minimum travel age for Reefsleep is 6. Travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult carer.

Where does Reefsleep depart from?

This tour will depart from the Port of Airlie Marina at 8am.

Where can I store excess luggage?

Luggage storage:

You can store your additional luggage for free at the Cruise Whitsundays office at Port of Airlie for the duration of your trip on Reefsleep. 

Alternatively, you can store your luggage at The Travel Shop (344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach) for a small fee. We are open between 9am and 6pm, so feel free to drop bags the day before so you can make your 7:30am check in. 

Can I depart from Hamilton Island or Daydream Island?

Yes, if you're not staying in Airlie Beach, you can depart from Hamilton Island, or Daydream Island.

Reviews

4.93109 reviews
Pia K.★ 4

Staying in the peace and quiet on the reef with a small group was a unique experience I would totally recommend. The guided snorkel safari and underwater observatory (at night) were special ways to experience the reef. Only downside was the diving was very chaotic and hectic with large groups.

Katie S.★ 5

It was amazing despite not the best weather and staff were great.

Lorraine d.★ 5

Amazing everybody was so accommodating especially Peter who went above and beyond for my daughter who has learning disability and has a physical disability

Grant O.★ 2

The crew were fantastic, the food was great, the swags were great but the roof over the swags were a not to standard it wass a disgrace, no sleep at all because of the noise of roof banging and flapping this totally undid all of the good work, management needs to be held accountable for this

Customers who viewed this item also viewed...

You Might Also Like