See the Whitsunday Islands in One Day

The Whitsunday Islands are one of the most diverse marine regions in the world. Even though they are home to 74 islands, there are ways to see them in one day if you’re short on time. In one day you can see all the highlights, visiting must-sees like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout or Blue Pearl Bay! You can snorkel, swim and explore with different day tours, and get to experience the wonder of the Whitsundays.

There are several different types of day tours for different types of travellers. Tours are by sea or by air, each allowing you to see the Whitsundays in a different way.

Sailing tours

Sailing tours are great for those who want to authentically see the Whitsundays, the way they are traditionally seen. They are certainly the most popular type of tour, with most overnight trips happening on sailing boat like monohulls or catamarans. Because they are longer and at a slower pace than other day tours, they allow guests to get an in depth experience in the Whitsundays.

Southern Cross
Southern Cross is a famous America’s Cup yacht that allows for the ultimate sailing experience. You can cut through the waves with sails up on Southern Cross, with the tour taking you to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout before going snorkelling at Dumbell Island. The tour departs at 8:30am and returns at 5:00pm, making it a full day trip.

Camira
Camira is one of the Whitsundays’ fastest sailing catamarans. Bright purple and hard to miss, she offers a mix of traditional sailing paired with a fast paced trip. You will get to visit the south end of Whitehaven Beach, go snorkelling in the Whitsundays’ diverse reefs, and recline on Camira’s spacious decks, sunbathing and relaxing. Complete with a traditionally Aussie lunch on the BBQ, Camira is a full day trip, great for backpackers and those short on time.

Ocean Rafting
Ocean Rafting has a fleet of boats that quickly gets guests around the Whitsunday Islands, touring places like Whitehaven Beach and checking out some of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays. Ocean Rafting offers two different tours, Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, with the northern tour offering more snorkelling time and the southern tour offering more beach time.

Thundercat
Thundercat is one of the fastest ways to see the Whitsundays. This full day tour will charter you around to some of the best parts of the Whitsundays. Since it’s a catamaran, it’s extremely stable on the water and great for those who get seasick. You will get to snorkel on Thundercat as well as visit the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout.

Jet Ski
Whitsunday Jet Ski tours have three different types of tours that allow you to see the Whitsundays you want. Whether as driver or passenger, you’re able to see the Whitsundays in a unique way. Ranging from 1.5 hours to 4 hours, Jet Ski tours are great for those who are really short on time.

Aerial tours

Aerial tours are the best way to actually see the Whitsundays. With panoramic views of the islands, Airlie Beach, and the open ocean, it is the best way really see the beauty of the Whitsundays. There are several tours with different lengths and budgets.

Helireef
Helireef offers four types of tours, varying in length and with a variety of destinations. You can do a scenic tour, go snorkelling, have an island picnic or visit Reefworld. Helireef is one of the most exciting ways to see the Whitsundays and is ideal for those wanting an exclusive experience.

Tigermoth
Designed for the adventurous at heart, Tigermoth Adventures allows for both a thrill and the ultimate Whitsunday experience. Although you spend most of your time in barrel rolls, dives and aerial acrobatics, you are still able to get an amazing vantage point of the Whitsundays and surrounding ocean.

Scenic flight to Heart Reef
This one-hour tour of the Whitsundays will charter you to some of the most beautiful places in the Whitsundays. Witness the romantic Heart Reef out on the outer reef, as well as Hardy Reef, Hook Reef and Bait Reef. Every passenger has a window seat so they can enjoy the full panoramic views of the Whitsundays.

If you’re keen on doing tours by both sea and air, there are great combos available where you can do both in one day. Combine a GSL scenic aerial tour package with an Ocean Rafting tour for an incredible, unforgettable experience. Pick to do either the Northern Exposure or Southern Lights tour combined with a 25 minute aerial tour to the ultimate one-day tour of the Whitsundays.