Updated 9th May 2023 by Nath J
Without doubt, the best Whitsundays tours for backpackers are low in cost yet the most action packed.
We have listed the cheapest Whitsundays tours that will be perfect for an backpackers budget. If you can’t afford these, then you simply can’t see the Whitsundays.
We have a package price guide, we also have online booking to discover the lowest possible price for each tour for your selected dates.
For more details on Whitsundays islands sailing tours for backpackers follow the link.
The below tours are ranked by price from low to high and are perfect for backpackers.
Whitehaven beach half day
From $140
Half-Day Tour To Whitehaven Beach
Scenic return cruise In A Air-conditioned Ferry
Morning and Afternoon Tour
Up to 2 hours on the beach Guided bushwalk optional
Crocodile Safari
From $150
6 hour day includes
Saltwater crocodiles Proserpine River cruise plus
Open-air wagon for unique wildlife Experience traditional Australian “bush tucker”, damper and billy tea plus delicious Aussie BBQ lunch
A small group of 30 guests with an Informative and friendly guide.
ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour
From $159 – $209
2 Beaches – 2 Lookouts – 1 Snorkel Location
Full-Day Tour With 30 Guests 3 Crew, Visits South Whitehaven Beach, New South Whitehaven Lookout, Chalkies Beach, Haslewood Island Lookout, Snorkel location
Included – Lunch, Snacks, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit. Fast boat, Low seasickness probability Dynamic Pricing, Family-Friendly Pricing
Whitsundays Snorkelling And Sailing Tour
From $175
10am to 6pm
Finish the day with a colourful sunset as you come back to Airlie Beach.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided
Snorkelling gear and stinger suits is included
A pleasant and relaxing alternative to experience the Whitsunday Islands.
Fury Whitsundays
From $189
Full-Day Tour 32 Guests 2 Crew
Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, Snorkel Location
Includes Snorkel Gear Included
Fast boat Low seasickness probability
Thundercat Whitsundays
$199 Adult $165 Child
Full-Day Tour With 38 Guests 2 Crew
Visits North Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2 Snorkel locations
Includes Lunch, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit
Fast boat, Courtesy Pickup
Camira Sailing Tour
From $229
Full-Day Tour
Including Hill Inlet Lookout, and Whitehaven Beach
1 Snorkel location
Lunch Snorkel Mask and Wetsuit Included
1 Hour Scenic Flight
From $249 WITH PROMO CODE WIRSF22
60 – 70 Minute Flight Time, With Small Numbers Of 5 people Max
Fly Over The Great Barrier Reef, Famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Swirling Sands, Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach
Modern Comfortable Plane With Guaranteed Window Seat
Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour
From $299
Departs From Airlie Beach, Day Dream and Hamilton Island
Ferry Transfers To Reef World
Snorkelling plus all equipment
Scuba Diving optional extra
Buffet Lunch Included
Whitehaven Beach Camping Tour
FROM $350 – 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT
12 Guests 2 Crew
Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Look Out
1 Snorkel location
Meals Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included
Fast Power Boat
3 Camping Package Options
Matador Whitsundays
2 DAYS 1 NIGHT FROM $450
SALE $395 Per Person with Promo Code TOURSWHIT395 at checkout.
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
Multiple Snorkel Locations
All Meals included
Sailing vessel
Backpacker youth market
Whitsundays Sea And Sky Combo
SALE $419
Full-Day Tour With ZigZag Whitsundays 30 Guests 3 Crew, Visits South Whitehaven Beach, New South Whitehaven Lookout, Snorkel locations.
PLUS
70 Minute Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef, Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach And Great Barrier Reef
Spank Me!
FROM $489 2 DAYS 2 NIGHTS
Looking for a famous race boat? it doesn’t get more Famous than this bad boy.
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
Multiple Snorkel Locations
All Meals included
Sailing vessel
Opportunity to camp on an island
AVATAR WHITSUNDAYS
From $529 For 2 Days 2 Nights
This is the one and only commercial trimaran in the Whitsundays.
Famous for its students and backpacker tours with a fun social atmosphere with large nets to sunbake on
Included – basic dorm accommodation, meals, wetsuit, snorkel gear
Visits Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, 2-3 snorkel locations.
If you want to experience the Whitsundays in a social way and are not worried about private rooms, this is the tour for you! Operated By OzSail
HAMMER
FROM $669 – 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS
3 Day 2 Night Tour – 18 Guests 3 Crew
Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Look Out
Multiple Snorkel locations
Meals Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included
Racing maxi yacht with Small Group Numbers
Operated by Prosail
Broomstick 3 Day 2 Night
$669 For 3 Days 2 Nights
Starting February 2023
3 Day 2 Night Tour – 19 Guests 3 Crew
Adrenaline Sailing
Shared Accommodation Own Bed
Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout
Snorkel Locations
Meals, Snorkel Gear, Wetsuit Included
Operated By ProSail
If you need to know any more details about any of the Whitsundays tours please take a look at our homepage, or hit the “Book Now” text to view the tour information and booking page.
Today you are going to discover more details about:
- Whitsundays tour packages
- Whitsundays tours from Airlie Beach
- Cheap Whitsunday tours
- Best Whitsundays tours
- Cruise Whitsundays
- Sailing reviews for Whitsundays
- Whitsundays Luxury sailing
- Whitsundays adventures sailing
Yes we have also included some luxury packages, our prices are so low you might even have enough budget to cover the cost of one of these options.
You will notice we have half day, full day and over night trips available.
We have also included a price list to ensure your budget can afford to purchase each package.
The most popular Whitsundays tours for backpackers are:
- ZigZag Speed Boat Package
- Ride to Paradise Catamaran Tour
- Tongarra – Backpackers and Students Tour
- Spank Me – Backpacker Sailing Tour
- Atlantic Clipper
For more details about these packages see below.
See the video below to see backpackers having fun on the Ride to Paradise Catamaran Tour:
Best Whitsundays Tours for Backpackers
You should be aware that the prices listed below are a guide only, prices may go up or down slightly for your selected dates.
To see a list of Whitsundays boat trips for backpackers follow the link or see more below.
Half Day Tours
Jetski Tour
This is a Whitehaven beach half day tour on JetSki’s. This package explores the beautiful Pioneer Bay, Port of Airlie and 2 Islands. This safari tour is around 2.5 hours long and takes you past South Molle Island and Day Dream Island on a thrilling adventure. The tour is fully guided by trained instructors and often encounters Sea turtles, dugongs and sea birds. Each ski can take 2 people. You will get a qualified guide, all jetski apparel is provided. The adventure operates daily in most weather conditions. Thorough safety briefing and demonstrations provided by a qualified tour guide. We have 10 jet skis available per tour (maximum of 16 people). Families and groups are most welcome
Price: $280 (two per jetski)
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach (twice a day)
Days: Everyday
Departure Time: Morning – 9:00am. Afternoon 1.00pm (last 3.5 hours)
Skydive
Take in the stunning views across the Whitsundays from the air. Feel the absolute ultimate thrill and way to view the magnificent glory the Whitsundays has to offer. The airport is just minutes from Airlie Beach and you will be provided free return transfers to your accommodation. Jump from the incredible altitude of up to 15,000 feet directly over the crystal clear waters and sparkling white sands of these stunning tropical islands of the Whitsundays.
Price: $229
Departure Location: Check-in shop address: 1/265 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach (across the road from Base)
Days: Everyday
Departure Time: Varies
One Day Tours
ZigZag Speed Boat Package
This package is the lowest possible price you will ever get for a one day tour around the Whitsundays. It is on board a fast paced speed boat and is the only day trip around that offers a tour of the Palm Bay Resort on Long Island. Not only is this package cheap, it is unique too. Well worth the money and has received amazing reviews. You will also get 2 snorkel locations and 90 minutes on Whitehaven Beach. All this in one day makes it the most action-packed Whitsundays tour on the market.
Price: $159
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Departure Time: 8:00am. and returns between 4:00pm – 4.30pm
Thundercat Speed Boat Tour
This package is an exciting ride on a catamaran, the boat is so fast it is recommended for those that don’t fare too well on the sea. The one day tour visits Hill Inlet Look Out at Whitehaven Beach, 2 beaches, and 2 snorkel locations. Thundercat is ideal for all travelers including singles, couples, groups, and families.
This one includes Hamilton Island day trips from Airlie Beach.
Price: $199
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Everyday
Departure Time: 9:00AM. and returns later that day at 5.00pm
Fury Speed Boat Tour
This is a fast paced day trip visiting Hill Inlet Lookout and the south end of Whitehaven Beach. You will get time snorkeling the coral reefs and have lunch on Whitehaven Beach. The boat itself has 4 engines totaling 900 horsepower, with this kind of speed there will be no seasickness.
Price: $189
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Everyday
Departure Time: 10:00am. and returns the same day at 5.00pm
Over Night Tours
Many of these trips are from Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island. To discover more about each package simply click the “Book Now” text.
Habibi – 60ft Long Steel Ketch Tour
This adventure is onboard a 60ft long steel ketch and is fun filled from start to finish mainly aimed at backpackers and students. The trip is perfect for ages 18-35 who are looking to explore the islands in comfort, the Habibi takes 26 guests and has 3 crew.
Price: $459
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Wednesday,Friday and Sunday
Departure Time: 2:00pm. and returns 2 days later at 12.00pm
Spank Me – Backpacker Sailing Tour
This sailing trip is perfect for ages 18-35, it is aimed at backpackers and students on a tight budget. You will visit Whitehaven Beach including the famous Hill Inlet Lookout on the Northern End. Snorkel locations can include Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay plus many more destinations. With a professional fun crew and a boat built to win races, you will have the time of your life visiting the Whitsundays on this famous Australian yacht.
Price: $489
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Wednesday,Friday and Sunday
Departure Time: 1:00pm. and returns 2 days later at 10.30am
Mandrake 52ft Long Ocean Racer Yacht
This is the perfect Tour for anyone wanting to take a small group on a budget around the islands. The trip is perfect for ages 18-35 who want a relaxed atmosphere. You will visit Whitehaven Beach including the famous Hill Inlet Lookout on the Northern End. Snorkel locations can include Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay plus many more.
Price: $489
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday,Thursday and Saturday
Departure Time: 3:00pm. and returns 2 days later at 12.30pm
Avatar Trimaran Package
This is our most popular student/backpacker tour of the Whitsundays. The Avatar is the only commercial trimaran in the region. This sailing trip is perfect for ages 18-35. All meals, Linen, Snorkel Equipment, Wetsuits are included in the price. This is one really great deal at an affordable price. What sets Avatar apart from all the other Whitsundays Tours is its size, At 67 feet long and 54 feet wide there is plenty of room to sun-bake on the comfortable nets and watch the Whitsundays cruise by.
Price: $529
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday,Thursday and Saturday
Departure Time: 11:30am. and returns 2 days later at 9.30am
Entice – Luxury Overnight Yacht Tour
This modern yacht takes only 10 guests to ensure a more personalised trip of the Whitsundays. Visit Whitehaven Beach including the world famous lookout at Hill Inlet plus snorkel multiple snorkel locations around the islands in the coral filed bays. Private bedrooms are available with their own private bathrooms. You will not find a more comfortable way to travel the Islands.
Price: $650
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Departure Time: 4:00 pm. and returns 2 days later at 2.00pm
New Horizon 21-Meter Wooden Sailing Vessel Package
This is the perfect way to experience the Whitsunday Islands on a small budget. This tour is the only boat at such a cheap price that has air-conditioning and large comfortable beds. This sailing tour is one of only a few that has an onboard diving board and a giant inflatable slide. This is a student and backpacker tour. All meals, Linen, Snorkel Equipment, Wetsuits, movie lounge, dive platform, 7metre inflatable waterslide are included in the price. Scuba Diving is available on the tour at $60 per dive.
Price: $599
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday Monday, Thursday and Saturday
Departure Time: 2:00 pm. and returns 2 days later at 11.30am
Atlantic Clipper – Backpackers Yacht Sailing Tour
This tour is for backpackers and students looking to see the area on a tight budget. It is aimed at people aged 35 and below, the clipper has two waterslides and a 6-metre dive platform to ensure maximum fun is achieved. Taking up to 52 guests this massive cruising yacht has air-conditioning, two waterslides, a 6-metre dive platform, 21 cabins, hot showers, a heated spa bath for 12 and scuba dive facilities. The tour is famous for its crew and fun games played onboard. If you are looking for a fun and energetic cruise with social drinks at night, This is the tour for you.
Price: $599
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Departure Time: 2:30 pm. and returns 2 days later at 12.00pm
O’Nice Whitsundays Two Day Two Night Tour
This tour is on a modern yacht and can take just ten guests at any one time. Visit Whitehaven Beach including the world famous lookout at Hill Inlet plus snorkel multiple snorkel locations around the islands in coral filed bays. This is considered a luxury package with accommodation at the high end of the scale having private double bedrooms with ensuites available. If you are looking for a sailing tour with low guest numbers, comfortable living arrangments and exhilarating sailing then this is the Whitsundays Tour for you.
Price: $650
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Departure Time: 4:00 pm. and returns 2 days later at 2pm
Apollo – Sailing Tour with Scuba Diving as Extra
This tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, it also has the option to do some scuba diving. You will visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill inlet lookout and much more. All meals, Linen, Snorkel Equipment, Wetsuits, 1 Free Dive (30 min minimum) is included in the price, no additional unexpected charges. If you want a real sailing tour on a real racing vessel then this is the trip for you.
Price: $625
Departure Location: Abell Point Marina, Airlie Beach
Days: Monday, and Friday
Departure Time: 8.00am. And returns 3 days later at 3.30pm
For details of what to take on a Whitsundays tour as a backpacker follow the link.
If you have any further questions about any of the best Whitsundays tours for backpackers feel free to get us on live chat right now.
