Want to see the reef without getting wet? This 70-minute glass-bottom boat tour from Airlie Beach lets you explore coral gardens, tropical fish, and marine life in the Whitsundays, no snorkel required.
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund
70 Minute Activity
Departs Shute Harbour
Ticket Options
Airlie Beach Glass Bottom Boat Tour
From $89 Adult | Child $79 | Infant Free
- 70-minute glass bottom boat tour around Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour
- Live marine commentary and up-close views of coral, fish, rays, and turtles
- Fully shaded vessel with safety equipment and life jackets for minors
- Courtesy hotel transfers and bonus Lions Lookout photo stop included
Everything You Need to Know
Tour Overview
Perfect for families, non-swimmers, and reef lovers of all ages, this 70-minute guided tour explores the colourful marine ecosystems just off the coast of Airlie Beach. Stay dry aboard the shaded glass-bottom vessel ‘Bottoms Up’ as you cruise over vibrant coral reefs, spotting fish, turtles, rays, and more. It’s an educational, relaxing, and scenic way to experience the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Departure Details
Duration: 70 minutes
Departure Point: Shute Harbour Marine Terminal
Pickups: Courtesy bus available from selected hotels (pickup starts 45 minutes prior)
Meeting Time: Arrive at Shute Harbour 15 minutes before departure
Availability: Daily (times vary with tide and weather)
What’s Included
- 70-minute glass-bottom boat reef discovery tour
- Live commentary from knowledgeable marine guides
- Bonus photo stop at Lions Lookout before the tour
- Courtesy hotel pickup and drop-off
- Shaded vessel with full safety gear
- Life jackets for children
What to Bring
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Camera for reef and lookout photos
- Water bottle and comfortable clothing
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Passengers must be able to board and disembark unaided
- Maximum 36 guests per tour
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Reviews
I booked the trip on viator but it’s a bit lack of information there. As it says event start from 11 but no details information about pickup time from hotel, until I call them in the morning to confirm it. It would be nicer it was informed via a call or messaged earlier.
However the trip itself is goated. I’m glad I pick this activity as the weather is a bit rainy. The crew is so knowledgeable and talks a lot of the fishes, corals, their ecosystem and livestyles, history of the places, etc. This is a less interactive experience if compare to snorkeling I did yesterday but the experience of observing corals so close and learning all the stuff is incredible. In snorkeling I always have to spend some other attention on how to keep myself not drowning hahah.
It’s a very chilled and calm cruising experience. Not many waves hitting us and drinks are available for purchase on the boat too.
We chose to do the Pioneer Adventures Bottoms Up, Night Glass Bottom Boat Tour 🏆
What a great experience, and I’d encourage others to consider this tour as a fantastic alternative to traditional daylight glass bottom boat tours
The coral reef is completely different at night, under UV and bright white lights
We saw beautifully coloured corals, sleeping turtles, a variety of fish and a large spotted eel
This tour only operates on evenings with a low tide - so don’t put off this adventure, as you may not get another chance
Under the guidance of Captain Jason, marine biologist Ruby and deckhand / shuttle bus driver Craig - we enjoyed the night reef with an informative and relaxed commentary
Highly recommended to everyone curious about what happens on a coral reef after dark
The boat features a well stocked bar, clean facilities, great seating and a fabulous glass bottom
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
DAY TOURS
OVERNIGHT TOURS
ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
Author: Nath J
Nath J is a Whitsundays Tourism expert with over two decades of industry experience, beginning in 2001. Key roles have included Operations Manager at Tallarook Sail and Dive and founder of Ripple Effect Online. Nath J has delivered workshops on direct tourism bookings and authored the ebook, "Whitsunday Islands: A Journey through Paradise." Certifications include "Whitsundays Tourism Hero" and "Respecting First Nations Cultural Protocols in Australia" from the Queensland Tourism Industry Council. Testimonials from regional tourism businesses highlight a unique and genuine approach to tourism marketing.