Whitehaven Beach Morning or Afternoon Cruise

From $139 PP

About the Tour

From Port of Airlie, journey across the Whitsunday Passage and into this amazing tropical paradise – a scenic sequence of remote waterways and hidden bays. On the southern shores of Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 Whitsunday Islands, famous Whitehaven Beach is a regular on lists of ‘World’s Best Beaches’. Wander along the sand, hike the short Solway Circuit for some show-stopping views, or cool off in the gently lapping water before your return cruise.

*In the unlikely event of northerly winds, the vessel master will assess the beach conditions, and, if required, a safer alternate beach location may be visited.

Please note this tour does not visit Hill Inlet or the Hill Inlet Lookout. To visit these locations, please see the Whitehaven Beach Full Day Chill & Grill or the Camira Sailing Adventure.

Whitehaven Beach Fish Feeding

Highlights & Inclusions 

  • Scenic Cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, with a brief pick-up stop at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to collect more guests.
  • Up to 2 hours on the southern end of Whitehaven Beach
  • Morning or afternoon tea
  • Protective stinger suits
  • Access to the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout
  • Option Extras: shade cabana hire available for purchase
Whitehaven Beach Sports

What To Bring

  • Swimwear and beach towel
  • Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and protective clothing
  • Light jacket/sweater for a cool or windy day
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera
Whitehaven Beach Cool Cabana

WINTER OFFER

Enjoy 15% Off Your Whitehaven Beach Cruise!

Use code WINTERWHB15 at checkout to get 15% off your Whitehaven Beach Morning or Afternoon Cruise.

Don’t miss out on this limited-time offer – book now and experience the beauty of Whitehaven Beach at a great price!

For Bookings and travel between 1 May and 31 August 2026*

*Blockout dates will apply, subject to availability, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

A small boat taking guests to the beach

Prices

Pricing is subject to change based on demand, availability, and seasonality. Prices may vary during peak and off-peak travel periods. Please check the final price carefully before completing your payment.

Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach Morning or Afternoon Cruise

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Prices
Adult From $139
Senior From $125
Child (4-14) From $55
Family (2 adults & 2 children) From $379
*Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge on all tours, however no infant meals are included

Pricing is subject to change based on demand, availability, and seasonality. Prices may vary during peak and off-peak travel periods.

Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC)
Included in your cruise fare is a per head fee which goes to the Government. The money collected is used by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) for the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Coach Transfers to Port of Airlie
Adult $13.00
Child (4 - 14) $7.00
Prices are in AUD and per person. Please note a non refundable credit card surcharge fee of 1.42% (Mastercard & Visa), 1.1% (WeChat Pay), 2% (China Union Pay) or 1.54% (Alipay) applies to all bookings. This fee is not included if payment is made via POLi.

NOTE: Most Airlie accommodation is within walking distance to Port of Airlie. Coach transfers are however an option. Please note 12 hours of notice is required for coach transfers.

Departures

Daily Departure & Return Times

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Morning Cruise
Departs Returns
Port of Airlie 7:15 AM* 2:15 PM
Daydream Island 7:45 AM 1:40 PM
Hamilton Island 8:30 AM 12:30 PM
*There is a cafe at Port of Airlie where you can grab breakfast before your early morning start.

RETURN times are when the vessel arrives back at the mainland/island resort. COACH TRANSFERS to Port of Airlie are available at an additional cost.

NOTE: Schedule changes may occur. Where a Day Cruise is cancelled we will send notification to the contact details provided at the time of your booking. Itinerary is subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions including tides, wind, swell, sun and rain. The vessel's Master must at his discretion determine the most appropriate course to ensure acceptable levels of safety and comfort for passengers, crew and other vessels. In the event of strong northerly winds the vessel master may decide for the safety of guests a crew to visit an alternate beach on Whitsunday Island.

All tours from Port of Airlie will stop at Hamilton Island to drop off and collect guests.
Some tours will require a change in vessel for connection to Whitehaven Beach vessel.
Afternoon Cruise
Departs Returns
Port of Airlie 11:35 AM 6:00 PM
Daydream Island 12:10 PM 6:05 PM
Hamilton Island 1:10 PM 5:00 PM
RETURN times are when the vessel arrives back at the mainland/island resort. COACH TRANSFERS to Port of Airlie are available at an additional cost. NOTE: Schedule changes may occur. Where a Day Cruise is cancelled we will send notification to the contact details provided at the time of your booking. Itinerary is subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions including tides, wind, swell, sun and rain. The vessel's Master must at his discretion determine the most appropriate course to ensure acceptable levels of safety and comfort for passengers, crew and other vessels. All tours from Port of Airlie will stop at Hamilton Island to drop off and collect guests.
Some tours will require a change in vessel for connection to Whitehaven Beach vessel.

Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruise FAQs

Question: Does the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruise visit Hill Inlet?

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Answer:

No, this half-day cruise does not visit Hill Inlet or the northern end of Whitehaven Beach. Hill Inlet is accessed via a separate entry point and requires an additional boat transfer, which is not included on this tour. 

Guests who would like to experience Hill Inlet may wish to consider the full-day Whitehaven Beach Chill and Grill tour or the Camira Sailing Adventure, both of which include access to this iconic location.

Question: What is the difference between the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruises?

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Answer:

Both cruises visit the southern end of Whitehaven Beach and offer the same core experience. 

The main difference is the departure time, with one operating in the morning and the other in the afternoon, allowing guests to choose what best suits their schedule.

Question: How much time do we spend at Whitehaven Beach?

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Answer:

Guests enjoy up to 2 hours on the southern end of Whitehaven Beach on both morning and afternoon cruises. 

Question: Is the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruise suitable for guests with mobility concerns?

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Answer:

This half-day tour is one of our more accessible Whitehaven Beach experiences.

Transfers to the beach are made via tender vessels with ramps, and no bushwalking or long-distance walking is required. A beach wheelchair is also available upon request with advance notice, subject to availability.

Please note that Whitehaven Beach is unpatrolled and natural conditions such as tides can vary. Guests are advised to be comfortable and confident when entering the water.

Guests with mobility considerations are encouraged to contact our Reservations team prior to booking to discuss suitability and available assistance.

Question: What is included in this tour?

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Answer:

This experience includes a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands on a large motorised airconditioned vessel for a comfortable smooth ridewith up to 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach, protective stinger suits, and access to the Southern Whitehaven Beach Lookout. Additionally, guests have access to a range of beach games, including volleyball and giant connect 4, and a complimentary sausage sizzle. 

Question: What are the bar rules on the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruises?

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Answer:

Full bar service is available onboard from 10:00 am, offering a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. 

On arrival at Whitehaven Beach, a beach bar is also set up where drinks are available to purchase during your time ashore. 

Please note that BYO alcohol is not permitted onboard Cruise Whitsundays vessels. However, guests are welcome to bring their own eskies to the beach for food and drinks if desired.

Question: Will I have phone reception or WiFi on the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruises?

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Answer:

Phone reception is only available intermittently at the start of the journey before being lost as the vessel travels through the Whitsundays. 

There is no WiFi available on board Cruise Whitsundays vessels, allowing guests to fully disconnect and enjoy the experience.

Question: Are stinger suits provided on the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruises?

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Answer:

Yes, stinger suits are provided free of charge for all guests year-round. 

These lightweight, full-body suits are worn while swimming and help protect against marine stingers such as box jellyfish and Irukandji, even in shallow water. They also provide sun protection and minor protection from marine irritants. 

Your skipper will advise on board if stinger suits are mandatory; however, they are always recommended and are typically required during the warmer months or when stinger activity has been reported.

Question: What happens if wind or weather affects access to Whitehaven Beach?

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Answer:

Guest safety and comfort are always the top priority on the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruises. 

In rare cases of strong northerly winds or rough sea conditions, access to Whitehaven Beach may be affected. The vessel Master will assess conditions on the day and may choose a safer alternative beach location within the Whitsundays. 

Any changes to the itinerary are made with safety in mind, while still ensuring guests enjoy a memorable day on the water. 

Question: What happens if it rains on the Whitehaven Beach Morning and Afternoon Cruises?

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Answer:

The tour operates in all weather conditions, including rain. Light wet weather does not usually affect the itinerary, and the experience will continue as planned unless conditions are deemed unsafe. 

We recommend checking the local forecast 72 hours prior to your departure so you know what to expect and have the flexibility to amend your booking if required. 

Question: Can I snorkel at Whitehaven Beach?

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Answer:

No, snorkelling is not available on this tour as there is no coral reef directly off Whitehaven Beach. 

Whitehaven Beach is best known for its white silica sand and scenic coastal views rather than reef snorkelling, so snorkelling equipment is not provided. 

Guests looking to experience reef snorkelling may wish to consider Camira Sailing Adventure or take advantage of our Ultimate Whitsundays Combo – combining our Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach tours over two days.

Question: Is shade available on the beach?

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Answer:

There is limited natural shade on Whitehaven Beach. Covered areas and marquees may be available, and shade cabana hire is available for purchase on this experience. 

Question: Can I swim at Whitehaven Beach?

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Answer:

Yes. Guests can swim, relax on the beach or enjoy a short walk while visiting Whitehaven Beach.  

Ready to book?

Book Now
or call +61 7 4846 7000