Whitehaven from Hamilton Island

About this experience

First, a common mix-up: Whitehaven is not on Hamilton Island. It's on Whitsunday Island, across the water, and Hamilton is simply a closer starting point than Airlie Beach. That's why this day fits a lot in. The listing gives about an hour of island sightseeing, a guided hour at the Hill Inlet lookout, 30 minutes at Hill Inlet itself, 2 hours on Whitehaven and 1.5 hours of reef snorkelling.

The inclusions are generous: a personalised coral snorkel tour with an eco host, a sunsuit and flotation device, prescription masks for hire, soft drinks, juice, beer and cider, plus morning tea, a picnic lunch and afternoon tea. Bring a water bottle for the refill station on board.

Two caveats. It's only for guests staying on Hamilton Island; from the mainland, book Ocean Rafting's Airlie Beach trip instead. And 18 reviews is a small sample, even if the operator is the same one that runs the Airlie day. Pregnant women, people with limited mobility, non-swimmers and anyone prone to seasickness can't join, and strollers aren't allowed.

• Starts at Hamilton Island Marina, a short hop to Whitehaven
• Guided national park walk to the Hill Inlet lookout
• About 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach
• About 1.5 hours of guided coral snorkelling
• Soft drinks, beer and cider included

How the day runs

1. 30 min beforeCheck in on Front Street

   At the Ocean Rafting office in front of the Marina Tavern, Hamilton Island.

2. About 1 hIsland sightseeing

   A fast run through the islands.

3. About 1.5 hHill Inlet

   A guided national park walk to the lookout, then about 30 minutes at Hill Inlet.

4. About 2 hWhitehaven Beach

   Picnic lunch and time to swim on the silica sand.

5. About 1.5 hReef snorkel

   A personalised coral snorkel tour, with a sunsuit and flotation device provided.

6. About 1 hBack to Hamilton

   Sightseeing and afternoon tea on the way home. Times are the listing's estimates and can shift with the tide.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Check in 30 minutes early at the Ocean Rafting office on Front Street.
• Bring your own water bottle. There's a refill station on board.
• Hire a prescription mask if you wear glasses. It makes the snorkel far better.
• Use the free Hamilton Island shuttle to reach Marina Village if you're staying at the resort end.
• Short on time? Ocean Rafting's Hamilton base also runs shorter half-day trips.

Read next:

• Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
• Whitehaven & Hill Inlet

Frequently asked questions

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