Airlie Beach Ocean Rafting Adventure Day Tour

The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure tour has more snorkeling time and the Southern Lights tour offers more beach time.

*Please note: the tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on the tide, wind and other weather conditions.

Our boats are suitable for any ages (weather permitting). The youngest Ocean Rafter was 3 months old and the eldest to date was 87.

Due to the open-style design and speed which our vessels travel, it is very rare for Ocean Rafters to experience sea-sickness on board, unlike slower vessels where you experience a slow-rocking motion that can cause sea sickness. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. We welcome anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.

The longest part of the journey is just over an hour, which is the ride out to the Whitsunday Islands and the return journey back to the mainland. Between the other stops, the journey will be anywhere from 10 – 20 minutes, depending on where the skipper chooses next, given conditions on the day.

Ocean Rafting’s custom-built vessels travel up to speeds of 35 knots (65 km/hour) allowing you to experience a fun, high-speed ride whilst exploring the islands and beaches of the beautiful Whitsundays.

The Northern Exposure tour visits two snorkelling locations around Hook Island, each for approximately 45 minutes. The Southern Lights tour visits just one snorkelling location around either Border Island or Dumbell Island for approximately 1 hour.

*Please note: the tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on the tide, wind and other weather conditions. The sites that you will snorkel at are carefully selected by our highly trained skippers to ensure that you have the most memorable underwater experience possible for the conditions of the day.

Masks, snorkels, and fins are included. We do offer prescription masks (if you wear glasses) available for hire for the day for $15.  We also offer equipment for the little Rafters.

The Northern Exposure tour spends between 1 – 1.5 hours at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. The Southern Lights tour spends between 2 – 2.5 hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach.
*These timings may change, subject to weather conditions.

Bring along a small bag of things that you would usually take to the beach i.e. a towel, swimmers, sunscreen and a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Hill Inlet tours and walk to the lookout. A jacket during the winter period is recommended to protect you from the wind and warmth after snorkelling. Cash for any drinks or snacks on board is recommended and if you haven’t chosen to purchase the buffet lunch, please ensure that you bring your own, as we do not visit any resorts or shops during the day.

Ocean Rafters do frequently bring along cameras or phones for the day. Although we do have dry boxes under the seats designed to keep your belongings safe, all electrical and personal belongings are brought at your own risk and is no responsibility of Ocean Rafting if these items are lost or damaged during the day.

At certain times of the day, there is very little/minimal shade coverage at Whitehaven Beach. Therefore, we strongly recommend a frequent application of sunblock to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.

LUNCH MENU

• Potato salad
• Asian noodle salad
• Garden salad including, mesclun lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, cucumber, capsicum, julienne carrots, stuffed green olives with a vinaigrette dressing
• Fresh baked bread roll
• Sliced ham
• Sliced salami
• Sliced chicken breast

MORNING OR AFTERNOON TEA

• Selection of fruits
• Lamingtons

Yes, we like to offer our guests the option! Please ensure that any lunch that you do bring is kept in a small concealed bag. We may also be able to store this in our cool drinks esky for you.