Ocean Rafting – Southern Lights Whitsundays Tour

Provider:
Ocean Rafting

Quick Overview

Duration

All day

Group Size

32

Activity Level

About this experience

Ocean Rafting’s Southern Lights Tour is the ideal Whitehaven Beach tour for anyone who wants to experience the full length of the Whitsundays’ most famous beach. You visit both ends of the 7 km long Whitehaven Beach: at the southern end you have around two hours to relax, swim in the turquoise waters or simply enjoy the bright white sand.

At the northern end, take a guided bush walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can admire the famous swirling quartz sands and sparkling blue water and take unforgettable photos.

Highlights of this experience

  • Experience the Whitsundays in small groups - away from the crowds
  • Travel on the fastest day boats in the region: shorter journey times, more time for activities
  • Relax for around two hours at the southern end of the 7 km long Whitehaven Beach
  • Take a guided bush walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout and photograph the famous swirling sand formations
  • Enjoy over an hour of snorkeling time at selected spots such as Border Island, Dumbbell Island or one of the secret reefs - with colourful hard and soft corals

What's included

  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Accommodation transfer

What's excluded

  • $8 wetsuit (free of charge for children up to 14 years)
  • $20 Mask with prescription
  • $20 Lunch
  • $20 surcharge on public holidays

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Itinerary

Exact itineraries vary depending on the tour type. 

Your day begins with check-in and a short safety briefing before you board the fast ocean rafting boats. At speeds of up to 30 knots, the adrenaline-filled trip through the island world of the Whitsundays is the perfect mix of action and sightseeing.

The first stop takes you to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, where you have around two hours to relax on the snow-white sandy beach, swim in the turquoise waters or take a leisurely stroll along the beach.

The boat will then take you to the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, where you will go on a guided hike to Hill Inlet Lookout. Here you can admire the famous swirling quartz sand formations and take breathtaking photos.

Afterwards, another highlight awaits: over an hour of snorkeling time at one of the most beautiful reefs in the Whitsundays – for example at Border Island, Dumbbell Island or at one of the secret snorkeling spots. Here you will discover colorful corals, tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles.

In the late afternoon, we take the boat back to Airlie Beach – with many unforgettable impressions of the beach, nature and underwater world

Where we’ll meet

Pick-ups are possible from selected accommodation. You can easily select your accommodation at check-out. 🔹 Haven't booked your accommodation yet? No problem - just select TBA (to be advised). 🔹 Your accommodation is not on the list? Write to us - we'll take care of it! We'll be happy to help you and make sure your trip gets off to a smooth start!
Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach, Queensland, 4802, Australia

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations within 1 day before the start date will be charged a fee of 100%.
Additionally, the terms and conditions of Ausventure Travel apply.
From $209 /person
  • Australia
    Queensland
    Whitsundays
  • 9:00 a.m.
  • 4:30 pm

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Experience FAQs

The main difference lies in the emphasis: the Northern Exposure Tour offers more time for snorkeling, while the Southern Lights Tour allows more time on the beach. Northern Exposure: Departure at 08:45, return around 15:30. Visit two snorkeling spots around Hook Island with 45-60 minutes in the water each and 1-1.5 hours at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Southern Lights: Depart at 10:00 am, return around 4:30 pm. A snorkeling stop for about one hour and two full hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach with its 7 km long, snow-white sandy beach. If you want to focus on snorkeling, we recommend the Northern Exposure Tour. If your focus is on beach time, the Southern Lights Tour is more suitable. The journey from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on wind, weather and tide.

Yes, the tour is suitable for guests aged 6 months and over (weather permitting).

The tours are not suitable for guests with existing back, neck or hip injuries or for pregnant women (especially in unsettled weather conditions).

Thanks to the open design and high speed of the boats, seasickness is very rare. Unlike on slower boats, there is hardly any of the rocking sensation that can cause nausea. Those who are sensitive can take medication as a precaution.

The specially built ocean rafting boats reach speeds of up to 30 knots, making for an exciting, fast and safe ride.

The Southern Lights Tour only visits one snorkeling spot around Border Island or Dumbbell Island and offers about an hour of snorkeling time there.

During the jellyfish season (usually from the end of October to April/May), wearing a stinger suit is strongly recommended. This covers around 90 % of the body, leaving only a minimal amount of skin unprotected. In winter, wetsuits are available that provide additional warmth. Both can be hired at check-in.

Yes, there are special masks with prescription on site that can be rented for $20.

This tour spends 2 – 2.5 hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach.

Yes, there are day parking lots at both the north and south ends of Coral Sea Marina (fees range from $6 to $14). The office is located in the Northern Village of the marina.

Yes, you can bring your own lunch if you do not book a packed lunch. Please stow it in a small, closed bag. We can store it for you in our cool box on request.

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Ocean Rafting – Southern Lights Whitsundays Tour

Valid for 12 months

Ocean Rafting’s Southern Lights Tour is the ideal Whitehaven Beach tour for anyone who wants to experience the full length of the Whitsundays’ most famous beach. You visit both ends of the 7 km long Whitehaven Beach: at the southern end you have around two hours to relax, swim in the turquoise waters or simply […]

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Ocean Rafting – Southern Lights Whitsundays Tour
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