About this tour
An 8-hour combined scenic flight and ocean raft adventure covering the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. You'll fly over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef in a fixed-wing aircraft with big windows, then raft to remote snorkelling sites, walk through national park, and have lunch on the beach. Suits anyone wanting to see both iconic aerial views and reef life in one day without needing separate bookings.
Highlights
- 60-minute scenic flight over 74 islands, Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach
- Guaranteed window seats in fixed-wing aircraft with pilot commentary
- Raft to Whitehaven Beach and snorkel pristine inner fringing coral reefs
- Guided National Park walks on Whitsunday islands
- Tropical lunch on beach included; morning and afternoon tea provided
- Choice of Southern Lights tour (more beach time) or Northern Exposure (more snorkelling)
- All snorkelling gear and wetsuits included
- Departs Airlie Beach; airport lounge with air-con, cafe and charging available
What to expect
You'll start at Whitsunday Airport (8 minutes from Airlie Beach), check in and weigh in for flight safety purposes. After a briefing, you board a fixed-wing aircraft for a 60-minute flight with big window views: you'll circle over the 74 Whitsunday Islands, fly past Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, and reach Heart Reef—one of the most photographed spots on the Great Barrier Reef. The pilot provides commentary throughout.
After landing, you transfer to the ocean raft. The boat takes you to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, where you can walk and explore. You'll then head to snorkelling reefs with guides; the exact reefs and time spent depends on which tour you've booked (Southern Lights emphasises beach time, Northern Exposure prioritises snorkelling). Lunch is served on Whitehaven Beach, with morning and afternoon tea at other stops. You'll use supplied snorkelling gear and wetsuits. The full day wraps up back at Airlie Beach.
What travellers say
- Comprehensive itinerary—flight, snorkelling, beach and walks all in one day
- Fixed-wing aircraft with guaranteed big window seats and pilot narration
- Meals and snorkelling kit included; choice of tour type to suit priorities
- Whitsunday Airport conveniently close to Airlie Beach town centre
- All reef and island entry fees included; no hidden surcharges except QLD public holidays
- Not suitable for pregnant travellers or those with spinal or heart conditions
- Weight restrictions apply; maximum 120 kg per seat requires disclosure at booking
- Raft ride is fast-paced and can feel rough; prone to motion sickness
- Doesn't align with cruise ship schedules; no Hamilton Island pickup available
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This suits anyone wanting to combine aerial sightseeing with reef snorkelling and beach time in one outing—ideal if you're short on time. Not suitable for pregnant travellers, those with spinal injuries, or anyone with poor cardiovascular health due to the raft's speed and the flight. The raft ride is exhilarating and can be rough; if you're prone to motion sickness, take precautions. All passengers are weighed before boarding (max 120 kg per seat); exact weight must be provided at booking. Bring swimmers, towel, hat, shoes, waterproof camera case, and cash for drinks and snacks on board. A jacket is recommended for wind and post-snorkel warmth, especially in winter. Pack everything you'll need for the day—you won't return to your accommodation between the flight and raft tours. Infants must sit on an adult's lap. Tours don't align with cruise ship schedules and don't pick up from Hamilton Island.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BookNow summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.