Airlie Beach, Whitsundays

Great Barrier Reef Tour Departs Airlie Beach

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Duration
10 hours, 8:00am to 6:10pm
Departs
Daily from Port of Airlie
Includes
Lunch, teas, snorkel gear, semi-sub
Group size
Maximum 300 travellers

Tour overview

This Great Barrier Reef Tour departs Airlie Beach from the Port of Airlie. See close-up views of the remarkable coral reef and unusual ocean life at Australia's Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef, 39 nautical miles from shore.

The comfortable pontoon provides snorkelling gear, training and professional guides for snorkelling and scuba diving in the tropical waters of the Whitsundays. Not keen on entering the water? See the reef up close without getting wet on a semi-submersible ride, with commentary from reef professionals. The tour suits all levels of experience.

Up to 4 hours at the Outer Reef Stay dry in the semi-submersible Departs daily

Tour Highlights

  • Up to 4 hours at the Outer Barrier Reef
  • View the rich underwater system on a semi-submersible tour with a reef knowledge talk
  • Free use of snorkelling equipment
  • Presentations by reef experts throughout the day
  • Underwater viewing chamber and lots of activities for the kids
  • Morning tea, smorgasbord lunch and afternoon tea
  • Guided snorkel tours and scuba diving available at added cost
  • Plenty of photo moments

Itinerary

*Example itinerary only. The order, timing and stops may change on the day due to weather and operating conditions.

Departure, 8:00am

Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach

Depart the Cruise Whitsundays terminal. The tour also picks up from Daydream Island (7:35am) and Hamilton Island (9:00am).

Morning cruise

Through the Whitsunday Islands

A scenic cruise through the islands to the Outer Reef, with morning tea and reef presentations on the way.

Up to 4 hours

Reefworld Pontoon, Hardy Reef

Snorkel from the pontoon, ride the semi-submersible, visit the underwater viewing chamber and enjoy a smorgasbord lunch. Optional guided snorkel tours, scuba dives and helicopter flights are payable direct.

Return, approx. 6:10pm

Port of Airlie, Airlie Beach

Afternoon tea on the cruise home. All returns are to the original departure point.

Good to know

Smorgasbord lunch, morning and afternoon tea
Snorkel gear, wetsuits and stinger suits provided
Also departs Hamilton Island and Daydream Island
Reef tax included
Non-refundable, no changes

Getting here: The nearest airports are Proserpine (Whitsunday Coast Airport), about 40 kilometres from Airlie Beach, and Hamilton Island Airport.

Is This Tour Suitable For You?

Fitness level Moderate
All levels of experience, lots for the kids
Non-swimmers can see the reef from the semi-sub
Not wheelchair accessible
Diving for ages 16 and over, medical declaration required

Great Barrier Reef Tour Departs Airlie Beach, What's Included?

Included

  • Up to 4 hours at the Outer Barrier Reef
  • Semi-submersible coral viewing with reef knowledge talk
  • Underwater viewing chamber
  • Smorgasbord lunch, plus morning and afternoon tea and coffee
  • Use of snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and stinger suits
  • Environmental Administration Charge (reef tax)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Not included (payable direct)

  • Guided snorkel tours with Reef Interpreters (adult $85, child $49)
  • Introductory scuba dive ($175) or certified dive ($135)
  • Scenic helicopter flights over world-famous Heart Reef
  • Photography and video of the day's activities

What To Bring

Bring a sense of fun, plus the following.

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Sun-protective clothing, hat and sunblock
  • Light jacket or jumper in the cooler months
  • Money or credit card for optional purchases
  • Camera

Departure and Returns

Departure points: Airlie Beach QLD 4802 (Port of Airlie, 8:00am), Hamilton Island (9:00am) and Daydream Island (7:35am).

Return points: All returns are to the original departure point. Port of Airlie about 6:10pm, Daydream Island 6:00pm, Hamilton Island 5:00pm.

Further Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking. All diving activities are for adults aged 16 years and over. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and travellers should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

This Great Barrier Reef Tour departs Airlie Beach with a maximum of 300 travellers and is operated by Cruise Whitsundays.

Tour Video

Great Barrier Reef Tour Departs Airlie Beach Reviews On Google

Terms and Conditions Of Travel

Cancellation policy: Strict cancellation warning. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount paid will not be refunded.

Health & safety: All guests complete a medical declaration, and anyone with health concerns should seek advice before travelling. Diving is for ages 16 and over. Travellers should have a moderate level of fitness.

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Nath J

About the author

Nath J

Airlie Beach local since 2001 · Founder, Ripple Effect Online

Nath J has lived in Airlie Beach and worked in Whitsundays tourism since 2001. He was Operations Manager at Tallarook Sail and Dive, and today is a marketing contractor for multiple tourism and local businesses. He is also the founder of Ripple Effect Online, the Airlie Beach agency that has been building and ranking websites for local tour operators since 2017. Nath runs several Whitsundays travel sites, has delivered workshops on direct tourism bookings, and wrote the ebook "Whitsunday Islands: A Journey through Paradise". He holds the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s "Whitsundays Tourism Hero" and "Respecting First Nations Cultural Protocols in Australia" certifications.

In Whitsundays tourism since 2001QTIC Whitsundays Tourism HeroRespecting First Nations Cultural Protocols