Swim In The Whitsundays

Updated Tue 17 Sep 2024

Can you swim in the Whitsundays? The short answer is, yes, you can swim in the Whitsundays! The Whitsundays are one of nature's biggest playgrounds with 74 islands, dozens of beaches and kilometres of reefs teeming with marine life. Unparalleled in its appeal to snorkelers, scuba divers and boaties, it is an aquatic paradise!

Because the Whitsundays are located in the tropics, swimming is often on the agenda to cool down from the hot sun. With creeks, beaches and the open ocean at the doorstep of the Whitsundays, there is no lack of places to enjoy a relaxing swim.

Group of people splashing in the shallows, Swim in the Whitsundays

Stinger Season

For the warmer months of the year, it is advised to swim in the Whitsundays’ waters with a stinger suit, unless swimming in freshwater. Due to increased temperatures, there is an increase in marine stingers that can be harmful and potentially deadly. For this reason, when snorkelling or doing any water activities in the ocean from October - May our day and overnight tours will include or offer stinger suit hire for a small fee. Although the chances of being stung are extremely rare, it is important to protect yourself!

To find out all you need to know about the Whitsundays stinger season click here.

Group of people wearing stinger suits in the Whitsundays, Swim in the Whitsundays

Airlie Beach Lagoon

If you’re staying in Airlie Beach during stinger season, it’s always a good choice to swim at Airlie Beach lagoon, where you have a safe place to swim with lifeguards and no marine stingers. Located in the heart of the town, it’s a popular choice for local families and tourists alike, with change rooms, showers, and even barbeques, there is plenty of space to relax!

Airlie Beach Lagoon

Beaches

Located in the town of Airlie Beach is the man-made Boathaven Beach. Located in the Eastern part of town, it is a sandy beach with a stinger net, providing a safe swimming spot for everyone to enjoy during stinger season.

Other beaches that are easy to get to by car (rather than by boat) are Horseshoe Bay in Bowen and Hydeaway Bay on the northern end of the Whitsundays, which are both great for swimming with calm beaches and stunning views!

Group of three people wearing hats holding champagne, laying in the shallows at Whitehaven Beach

By boat you can visit Catseye Beach, Chalkies Beach or Whitehaven Beach, to name a few! We recommend you book a day or overnight tour to experience the incredible, world-renowned beaches of the Whitsunday Islands!

Catseye Beach is located on Hamilton Island in the lap of luxury, providing a relaxing place to swim and sunbathe, with non-motorised water sports available, and a swim-up bar and pool at your disposal!

Daydream Island also has several idyllic beaches, including Lover's Cove and Mermaid Beach. If you are short on time, you can still pop over to the resort islands for a day trip!

Chalkies and Whitehaven Beach both sport the famous white silica sands that the Whitsundays are known for, offering an experience you will not soon forget. Isolated and untouched, both beaches are a gateway into the natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands.

Snorkelling

You're in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, there is no shortage of wonders to explore under the tranquil oceans' surfaces! Beaches aside, the best opportunity you will have to go swimming while staying in the picturesque Whitsundays and explore the islands is on a boat tour!

Again, it’s important to wear a stinger suit during stinger season to minimize your chances of being stung, but during the cooler months, boardies and bikinis are fine (even in winter months the water doesn’t get cold, it averages 26°C!).

Short on time? No worries, you can take a fast day boat and still get in some snorkel time!

Snorkeller looking at a Giant Clam, Whitsundays

Waterfalls & Swimming Holes

Inland from Airlie Beach is a few freshwater waterfalls and swimming holes, such as Cedar Creek Falls or Finch Hatton Gorge, for those looking for cool, flowing water away from the ocean. An ideal way to swim inside of the Whitsundays forests, surrounded by green trees rather than the blue ocean!

Cedar Creek is located close to Airlie Beach and makes for a great afternoon swim, while Finch Hatton Gorge is a couple of hours drive into the mountains as well as a short hike to reach the swimming hole. Not driving? Hire a car for the day and get exploring!

Group of people on water floats at Cedar Creek Falls

A good tip when looking for somewhere great to go swimming is just like any other travelling tip: ask the friendly locals. They will know where is best to go and why, how to get there and what to bring!