Best Whitsunday Boat Tours For Non-Swimmers
Are you planning a trip to the Whitsundays and worried about missing out on experiencing the iconic Great Barrier Reef because you don't want to swim? Well, do not let that stop you! There are plenty of ways to enjoy the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef without having to jump into the water. From glass-bottom boats to reef pontoons to scenic flights, you can still tick the Great Barrier Reef off that bucket-list even if you don't swim!
Can I go to the Great Barrier Reef if I can’t swim?
You can visit the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and not swim. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the wonders of the Outer Great Barrier Reef while staying dry. You could visit Cruise Whitsundays' pontoon which is the only one in the Whitsundays. The pontoon has plenty to offer non-swimmers with an underwater observatory, a glass-bottom boat AND a buffet. You could even spend a night on the pontoon under the stars or in the exclusive underwater hotel! OR you could fly to the Great Barrier Reef via scenic plane or helicopter and soak in its beauty from above.
Best Whitsunday Boat Day Tours For Non-Swimmers
Most of the day tours that depart Airlie Beach do accommodate for non-swimmers. Majority of the popular tours to Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have similar itineraries which include visiting one or two snorkelling locations, Hill Inlet Lookout, and Whitehaven Beach. So there's still plenty of exciting activities to partake in, even if you aren't swimming! If you're not keen on getting in the water, below are the day tours we recommend for non-swimmers.
CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour From Airlie Beach
Now if you're looking to tick off this natural world-wonder from your bucket list, the pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef is exactly how you can do it. This tour will take you via ferry to the reef where you can spend the day relaxing on the floating barge. As you won't be jumping in the water, you can make the most of the activities on offer. Relax on a sun bed, observe the reef from the underwater observatory, hop on a glass-bottom boat and learn about the reef, and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch!
Ocean Rafting Southern Lights
Ocean Rafting is a thrilling tour on a speedy rafting-style boat! Although snorkelling is an option on this tour, it’s not compulsory for you to do. Plus there’s only one snorkelling location and the rest of your time will be spent on Whitehaven Beach and bushwalking to Hill Inlet lookout. You'll be served lunch on the beach, morning and afternoon tea on board, and enjoy the company of friendly and knowledgable guides.
Camira Whitsundays
If your dream day out involves sipping cold beverages, lazing in the sun, and relaxing on a beach then this day tour is ideal for you! Camira is an 85-foot catamaran with stylish and comfortable trimmings. Snorkelling or swimming is optional so you can spend your time soaking up the rays. Beer, wine, cider, soft drinks, lunch, morning and afternoon tea is all included so you won't have to worry about a thing! You'll also visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet lookout (tides permitting).
CW: Half-Day Whitehaven Beach
Cruise Whitsunday's offers either a morning or an afternoon tour to Whitehaven Beach where you can soak up its beauty for a couple of hours. There you don’t even have to swim. You can dip your feet in the crystal clear waters, laze on the sand, or wander to the lookout and explore more of the island. It's also the perfect tour if you're short on time!
SeaLink Whitehaven Big Island Day Tour
With SeaLink, you'll visit both the north and the south end of Whitehaven Beach PLUS Hill Inlet lookout and Solway Circuit lookout - and you don't even have to swim. The vessel you'll be on is a modern catamaran with air-conditioning onboard to keep you cool during the summer months. Make the most of the boat by enjoying the rooftop observatory deck while you cruise between islands!
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
One of the only ways to really see the Great Barrier Reef's marine world while staying dry is by hopping on a glass-bottom boat! This tour offers 70 minutes of cruising over the reef where you can see an array of fish, starfish, turtles, rays, hard and soft corals, sea snakes, giant clams and maybe even reef sharks. Your guides will inform you on what you're looking at below and ensure you have a safe yet fun journey!
Hamilton Island Freestyle
If you're really keen to avoid swimming then why not spend a day on a resort island? Hamilton Island is a tropical paradise with an obscene amount of activities on hand. Catch the ferry from Airlie Beach and explore the island at your own leisure. Visit the many boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Have a game of mini golf, try out go-karting, or simply laze by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Your ticket also comes with lunch where you can choose between the tavern or the fish 'n' chip shop!
Private Day Charters
For those who love to travel in luxury, hiring a private vessel for the day might be more suitable. There's no better feeling than taking your itinerary into your own hands and deciding exactly where in the Whitsundays you would like to go. Private charters come with crew so you don't even have to worry about navigating yourself around. Choose between classy motoryachts to superyachts to fishing charters! The Whitsundays will be your oyster and you won't have to go swimming at all!
Tours Suitable For Non-Swimmers
Best Overnight Boat Tours For Non-Swimmer
It is entirely possible to spend a night on a boat in the Whitsundays, even if you don't swim. Much like the day tours above, you can enjoy the perks of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef while staying dry. A night between islands or on the reef will be just as memorable even if you aren't swimming. In fact, an overnight stay on a boat is one of the best things you can do during your time in the Whitsundays. Below are the best overnight boats for non-swimmers.
Reefsleep Great Barrier Reef Experience
Reeflseep is a tour offered on the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon. Sleep ON the Great Barrier Reef in an luxury swag-style bed. Fall asleep under the stars and wake up with the sun rising over the reef. You'll also get the same opportunities as you would on a day to the pontoon. You can enjoy the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, and be served breakfast, lunch and dinner. An experience you will remember forever.
Reefsuites Underwater Hotel
The only one of its kind in the Whitsundays, Reefsuites is an underwater hotel on the Great Barrier Reef. Sleep with the fish as the window to your bedroom is actually floor-to-ceiling glass where your view is completely underwater. Choose between a private king or twin room with ensuite, enjoy decadent catering, all-inclusive beverages, and exciting onboard activities. You really do need to see it to believe it!
Explore: Whitsunday Explorer 2D2N from Airlie Beach
Whitsunday Explorer is a 45m premium ship (aka an unofficial mini cruise ship) which offers weekend getaways throughout the Whitsundays. You can spend two days exploring the islands, visiting Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout and more. The vessel is equipped with spacious private cabins, a restaurant, lounging rooms and observation decks. Ideal if you want a comfortable and relaxing overnight stay without the hassle of having to face swimming.
Overnight Private Catamaran Charter
Much like the day private charters, an overnight charter is a great way to avoid the water. With an array of sailing or powered catamarans to choose between, you can explore the Whitsundays at your own pace. Trips range from two to three days where you can lap up the endless opportunities the islands offer. Check out a few of our classy catamarans such as Whitsunday Pearl, Whitsunday Blue, Powerplay, or Entice. Each charter comes with highly qualified crew who can accommodate your needs and help personalise your itinerary.
Other Tours In The Whitsundays For Non-Swimmers
Skydive Airlie Beach
So you don't fancy swimming within the Whitsunday Islands, but would you consider skydiving over them? Let your inner adrenaline-junkie out and book in a skydive to see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from a different perspective. Choose a tandem jump from either 8,000 or 15,000 feet and unleash your adventurous spirit!
Scenic Flight
If a skydive isn't for you, then a scenic flight might be just right! You can choose between plane and helicopter scenic flights and soar above the Whitsundays. Fly over the Great Barrier Reef and spot the iconic Heart Reef (a heart-shaped coral reef), or land on Whitehaven Beach for a picnic. A scenic flight is the perfect option for those not wanting to swim while on holiday!
JetSki Tour
A JetSki tour between the Whitsunday Islands is a must! If you're willing to face a little splash, then definitely opt for a JetSki tour. It's also a great way to get to know the lay of the land (aka the islands) as the guides are knowledgable and informative. There's a wide selection of tours to pick from - whether you want a quick zoom around the bays, or a longer day out exploring more of the islands!
Whitsunday Crocodile Safari
This is the perfect tour for the non-swimmers as there's zero chance of swimming during a crocodile tour! The Crocodile Safari is the only croc tour that is offered in the Whitsundays. You'll have the opportunity to discover these prehistoric beasts in the wild. The tour involves cruising along the Proserpine River (where the crocs can be found resting on the banks), exploring the wetlands, and even enjoying an Aussie BBQ lunch!
*Please note that all boat tours are equipped with lifejackets, floatation devices, and qualified lifeguards if you do wish to swim.
