Christmas and New Year's in the Whitsundays
Christmas and New Year's are some of the busiest and most fun times of the year in the Whitsundays. Full of activities, parties, and events, the islands and nearby Airlie Beach are highly popular holiday spots for people all over Australia and beyond. For this reason, it's important to book ahead and make a plan before coming to the Whitsundays for the festive season.
If you're planning on spending Christmas or New Years in the Whitsundays and are hoping to book a boat tour, it's better to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment! Overnight boat tours tend to book up first, making it a little challenging for those who hope to book last minute. Day tours tend to have more availability as the holidays get closer, giving visitors a better chance of enjoying a day out in the Whitsundays.
You can always ask to see what is available, but below are some boats that tend to be available last minute that will still ensure you have an amazing time in the Whitsundays.
Which boats are available in December in the Whitsundays?
Whitsunday Bullet
Whitsunday Bullet is one of the speediest day boats in the Whitsundays and is the only day catamaran to offer a stop at Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. It's a great option that gives guests the chance to see all the best of the Whitsundays in a single day. This trip is ideal for families or those who are looking for a stable ride on the water.
Ocean Rafting: Northern Exposure & Southern Lights
Hit all of the bucket list items of the Whitsundays in just a day on this lively and fun trip out to Whitehaven Beach and the reef! Sink your toes into the dazzling sands, take a dip and dive in for a snorkel over rainbow coral gardens like a real island local!
Camira Sunset & Day Sail
Renowned for her famous lilac paint job and as the largest catamaran in Airlie Beach, you can't miss the magic of Camira! With a capacity of 72 people, this boat offers two different tours. You can opt to sail to Whitehaven, snorkel in exquisite reef spots, and indulge in an authentic Aussie BBQ with the Camira day tour, or kick back and relax on a cruisey sunset sail complete with a bottomless bar!
If you're hoping to enjoy New Year's Eve in style, Camira is also offering a special NYE tour that will set off from Airlie Beach just in time to catch the fireworks. What a way to ring in 2025!
Big Fury
Big Fury is another fast day trip throughout the Whitsundays Islands onboard a rafting-style boat. This tour offers guests the chance to visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and one of the many stunning reefs surrounding the Whitsunday Islands.
Cruise Whitsundays - Whitehaven Beach Chill & Grill
Kick back, relax, and let someone else cook Christmas lunch this year on Cruise Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach Chill & Grill tour. Pack a bag full of beach clothes and toys, and spend the day relaxing on Whitehaven Beach - both north and south - before tucking into an Aussie BBQ feast on the white silica sand!
The Whitsundays is a top destination with many people booking their trips months in advance. As a result, many top tours will be booked out many weeks and even months ahead of their departure date. However, this doesn't mean that those booking last minute are not still able to have an amazing time in the Whitsundays.
With day tours, scenic flights, and plenty to do in Airlie Beach itself, visitors to the Whitsundays will definitely have the ultimate Christmas and New Years' celebration.
Check out our favourite December day tours!
