+61 74914 2425

CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach

FROM: $309
300
SingleDay
4.9 (172 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 8:00am - Daily
Returns: 6:10pm - Daily

Departure Point: Port Of Airlie, Airlie Beach

Pricing Options

$309 AUD / Person - Adult (Between: 31 Dec 2023 and 28 Mar 2024)
$149 AUD / Person - Child (4-14 years) (Between: 01 Jan 2024 and 28 Mar 2024)
$269 AUD / Person - Youth (15-17 years) (Between: 07 Jul 2022 and 31 Mar 2024)
$279 AUD / Person - Senior (60+ years) (Between: 01 Jan 2024 and 28 Mar 2024)
$825 AUD / Family - Family (2A+2C) (Between: 01 Jan 2024 and 28 Mar 2024)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (0-3 years) (Between: 01 Apr 2020 and 31 Dec 2024)

Highlights

Whitsunday Islands  Outer Great Barrier Reef Scuba Diving
Guided Snorkelling event_seat Sun Lounges Scenic Flights
bubble_chart Underwater Observatory restaurant Delicious Catering wine_bar Alcohol Available

See the Outer Great Barrier Reef on an action-packed full day trip!

  • Spend a day on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef!
  • Snorkelling and scuba diving available
  • One of the few day trips to visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • See marine life up close in our underwater observatory
  • Great for the whole family!
  • Introductory and certified divers welcome - recommended to book in advance

Join the beloved Great Barrier Reef Adventure for a unique and unforgettable trip to the outer reef amongst the pristine Whitsunday Islands! Head out to the unique, fun-filled Hardy Reef pontoon and experience the Outer Reef like never before, with a range of incredible activities including snorkelling and scuba diving. Get up and close to our wondrous marine life and end the day by relaxing... there’s no better way to spend a day at sea! 

The Reefworld Pontoon sitting on the blue waters of Hardy Reef with scuba and snorkelling lines set up

This day trip offers an incredible range of opportunities that will leave you in awe. The incredible scenery, both above and below the water, will leave you speechless.  Dive right in and swim and snorkel the cool, aqua waters of the Great Barrier Reef, leaving you with an incredible insight into the world below. If you’re up for a unique perspective or don’t want to dive, we’ve got you covered - take a trip down to our underwater viewing chamber and join in the fun!

After exploring, it’s time to enjoy a scrumptious buffet lunch, provided by an incredible, local award-winning restaurant. Once your tummy is full, you’ll have the opportunity to try scuba diving or enjoy a scenic flight (for an extra cost). Up for relaxing instead? The pontoon is calling your name - providing a spacious and secure way to enjoy the beautiful Outer Reef all afternoon, find your zen while floating above millions of years of evolution. Regardless of how you choose to spend your afternoon, taking a day trip aboard the Great Barrier Reef Adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

Heart Reef, Whitsundays, Australia

Highlights

  • Depart Airlie Beach and head towards the Great Barrier Reef
  • Enjoy a stable pontoon with plenty of room for relaxing
  • Free to use snorkelling gear and wet/stinger suit
  • Delicious buffet lunch
  • Enjoy morning and afternoon teas/coffees
  • Semi-submersible
  • Fun for the whole family
  • Underwater viewing chamber
  • Sun loungers on the top deck
  • Several other activities are available for purchase onboard such as scuba diving, scenic flights, snorkel tours

Jump on board the Sunshine State’s most luxurious and innovative reef pontoon, proudly located at Hardy Reef. Featuring Queensland’s largest and most spectacular underwater viewing chamber, a trip with Great Barrier Reef Adventure is one of the most unique and incredible ways to spend your time in the Whitsundays.

Great Barrier Reef Adventures


Important Information:

Sample Itinerary

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Departing at 8 am from Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef Adventure is set to be an incredible adventure. Our first port of call is the pontoon, also known as Reefworld. Placed adjacent to coral walls, it’s the perfect spot to safely explore the surrounding reefs. The reefs around Reefworld boast their very own magnificent ecosystem, with an incredible and diverse range of coral and marine life t...

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Departing at 8 am from Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef Adventure is set to be an incredible adventure. Our first port of call is the pontoon, also known as Reefworld. Placed adjacent to coral walls, it’s the perfect spot to safely explore the surrounding reefs. The reefs around Reefworld boast their very own magnificent ecosystem, with an incredible and diverse range of coral and marine life to spot. It’s a unique and humbling opportunity to rub shoulders with the lively fish population who are bound to surprise and delight you - especially our beloved Giant Groper! With an array of included and optional activities, personalise your day out on the Hardy Reef Pontoon to be as adventurous or relaxed as you please!

Snorkelling
Providing all of the snorkel gear and stinger suits required, spend your days making a splash and immersing yourself in the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Glide over kaleidoscopic corals, brilliantly-coloured fish, weird and wonderful marine molluscs as well as some giants of the sea! A perfect natural discovery experience for adventurers and families alike, you will never forget the amazing experience of snorkelling the flourishing Hardy Reef! 

Colourful corals surrounded by turquoise water in the Great Barrier Reef

Underwater Viewing Aquarium
For those who’d prefer to stay dry, make use of our wonderful underwater viewing chamber - it’s hands-down one of our favourite pontoon activities! A unique underwater chamber will allow you to gaze at the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef like never before as you get up close with huge tropical fish, sea turtles and more inside this wonderful ecosystem. 

Woman looking at the turqouise water at the underwater viewing chamber

Guided Snorkel Tour - Add On
If you’re ready to dive deeper into the sights you’ll see on your snorkel, there’s no better way to learn more than taking a guided snorkelling tour with Reef Safari. Your passionate guide will point out all of the incredible species and coral you come across, leaving your curiosity qualmed and your mind at ease. Catering to small groups, our intelligent and passionate guides will escort you to a few very special areas where you’ll get to spot marine life. Get up close and personal to the Maori Wrasse, tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks, before being awestruck by incredible and colourful coral formations.

Book your guided snorkel tour in advance with us for a seamless day of exploring! 

Sea Turtle swimming underwater, Great Barrier Reed

Scuba Diving - Add On
Want to dive deeper? Choose one of our optional add on experiences to try out scuba diving! Both introductory and certified divers are welcome to join us in exploring the incredible life of the Great Barrier Reef. The magic will be right at your fingertips - there’s absolutely no better place to experience the enchantment of your first scuba dive than here. The wonder also remains for experienced divers: the incredible coral formations and vivid marine life in the Great Barrier Reef are like no other! As a major bucket list item for any diver, Hardy Reef is set to impress!

Book your scuba dives in advance with us to enjoy a worry-free day.

Couple scuba diving surrounded by fish in the Great Barrier Reef

Scenic Flight - Add On
If you’re looking for an incredible and unique way to see the reef, look no further than up! Take the ride of your life in a helicopter and see the brilliant hues of green and blue from above. Enjoy the incredible maze of coral reefs and gaze lovingly at the iconic Heart Reef on this perfect adventure for families, couples and friends! Witness a whole new angle to the spectacular, glistening reef with a magnificent scenic flight. Scenic flights are available for purchase on the day of your Reefworld experience.

Yellow scenic flight helicopter flying over the turquoise and blue Heart Reef

Glass Bottom Semi-Submersible Boat
Head out on the exciting and educational semi-submersible glass-bottom boat for yet another incredible view of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. With insightful commentary (available with an interpreter), this underwater discovery experience is perfect for all ages. Explore the wonderful fish, creatures, corals and mammals that call the reef home without even getting wet! 

Fish Guide on Glass bottom boat tour

Photos
Our passionate team of onboard photographers will capture your incredible day with ease - from your first underwater experience to rubbing shoulders with a magnificent Maori Wrasse, our team will be snapping away! Photos will be available for purchase at the end of the day, where you can walk away with an array of incredible captured memories that will last a lifetime.

Sunset from the Reefworld Pontoon at Hardy Reef

Please note: Some of the above optional activities are available for an additional cost. Please advise us at the time of booking if you would like to add any of the above optional extras. Age and medical restrictions apply to all activities with Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Please ask us if you have any questions.

Our Delicious Sample Menu

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To view the sample menu for CW: Great Barrier Reef Adventures please click here

reef-food

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To view the sample menu for CW: Great Barrier Reef Adventures please click here

reef-food

More Information

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What To Bring

Please bring only a small bag with:

  • Photo identification
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses etc)
  • Swim-wear
  • Beach towel
  • Camera
  • Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
  • Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases

What's Included

  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Wet/stinger suit
  • Buffet lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea and coffees
  • Semi-Submarine/Glass Bottom Boat Tour
  • Underwater Observatory 

What's Extra

  • On board purchase such as drinks, alc...

Read More

What To Bring

Please bring only a small bag with:

  • Photo identification
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses etc)
  • Swim-wear
  • Beach towel
  • Camera
  • Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
  • Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases

What's Included

  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Wet/stinger suit
  • Buffet lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea and coffees
  • Semi-Submarine/Glass Bottom Boat Tour
  • Underwater Observatory 

What's Extra

  • On board purchase such as drinks, alcohol and snacks
  • Photographs
  • Souvenirs
  • Scenic flights
  • Guided snorkelling tours
  • Scuba diving (subject to medical conditions and age restrictions). If you would like to add scuba diving or a guided snorkel to your booking, please click here. Please provide your "SW" booking reference from your GBR tour when making your scuba diving payment/booking. 

Optional Extras can be pre-purchased by clicking here

Terms and Conditions


Important Information: 

Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge, however no infant meals are included. Guests must be able to show valid ID at check in to support their ticket type (i.e Senior, Youth or Child ticket). If you cannot produce the valid identification to meet your ticket requirements, you will not be able to travel without paying a surcharge/difference in fare.


Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Scuba Diving/Medical Disclosure:

Age and medical restrictions apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed. Divers cannot fly for 24 hours after diving and the company accepts no liability for medical conditions experienced as a result of flying after diving. All diving is operated by Reef Safari Pty Ltd and booking to dive with them deems acceptance of the terms and conditions as published on their website www.reefsafari.com.


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transfers:

Transfers are at an additional cost. Please enquire if you would like to add transfers to your booking.

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations


Client Cancellations:

No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (48 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays. If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go scuba diving?

Yes, scuba diving is available for both introductory and certified divers. However, diving is an extra cost which you can opt to add at the time of booking. The prices are as follows; $165 for the first introductory dive, $120 for the first certified dive, and $69 for second dives. You must be 12+ to dive.

Can I get a transfer to and from my accommodation?

Yes. Transfers to and from select accommodations are available at an extra cost.

Can I bring my luggage?

There won't be room for large suitcases or backpacks. However, we offer luggage storage for as little as $10 a day in our Travel Shop which is located at the top of Airlie Beach's main street. The address is 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802.

Do you cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free diets, etc?

Yes, we certainly do. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements and the Cruise Whitsunday staff will do their best to accommodate at no extra cost.

Where do we depart and return from?

You will be departing and returning to the Cruise Whitsundays terminal located at the Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach.

Is this tour child friendly?

It sure is! The pontoon is suitable for children of all ages. Infants are welcome and are free if they are 3 years of age or under.

Is it safe to swim during stinger season?

During stinger season we provide stinger suits that help to protect you from being stung so that you can still swim and explore the Great Barrier Reef safely.

Can I travel on this tour while pregnant?

Yes - pregnant women are allowed to travel on this tour at any point during their term, but doing so is ill-advised in certain weather conditions

Reviews

Overall Rating

4.9 / 5.0

Based on 172 reviews

5 star
163
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Reviews by our Sailing Whitsundays customers

Megan Lane, 17 Mar 24
I am waiting for my refund because the trip was cancelled twice due to weather. Understandable but still sad.
Colleen Sullivan , 15 Mar 24
The staff where fantastic
Ben Sasonow, 26 Feb 24
Fun day, a great way to see most of the Whitsundays in one day
Kathy Beith, 25 Feb 24
A great day. The whole day was exceptional including the delicious food. Best barbecue lunch. The staff went out of their way to make sure everyone had a terrific experience. Well done to all
Annie
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