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CW | Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach

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FROM: $329
SingleDay
FOR AGES
All Ages
4.9 (211 Reviews)
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WCBIA Tick - Premium Tour Operator
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Free Cancellations - Up To 48 Hours Before Departure

Departure Times

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

Departure Point: Port Of Airlie, Airlie Beach

Pricing Options

$329 AUD / Person - Adult (Ages 15+) (Between: 28 Jun 2025 and 20 Jul 2025)
$299 AUD / Person - Senior (Ages 60+) (Between: 28 Jun 2025 and 20 Jul 2025)
$165 AUD / Person - Child (Ages 4-14) (Between: 28 Jun 2025 and 20 Jul 2025)
RRP $988 $899 AUD / Family - Family (2A+2C) (Between: 28 Jun 2025 and 20 Jul 2025)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (Ages 0-3) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2026)

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 to the Reefworld Pontoon!

  • One of the few day trips to visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach
  • Snorkelling and scuba diving available (recommended to book dives in advance)
  • See marine life up close in our underwater observatory
  • Great for travellers of all ages

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 Reefworld 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 onboard a stable catamaran home. 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

Highlights

  • Departs Airlie Beach
  • Stops at Hamilton Island on the way to pick up extra passengers
  • Peaceful, 3-hour journey to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • 4 hours of free time at Hardy Reef
  • Enjoy a stable pontoon with plenty of room for relaxing
  • Snorkel gear and wetsuits provided
  • 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, and snorkel tours

Great Barrier Reef Adventures


Important Information:

Sample Itinerary

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Depart Port of Airlie at 8am

Departing at 8 am from Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach, you will board a large, stable ferry and set sail for the day. It's a 3-hour boat journey to the Outer Reef across the open ocean, and the Cruise Whitsundays vessel is large and stable to ensure everyone feels relaxed and comfortable.

The ferry makes a quick pit stop at Hamilton Island around 9am to pick up extr...

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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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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

  • Ferry to the Reefworld Pontoon on the Outer Reef
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Wet/stinger suit
  • Buffet lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea and coffee
  • Semi-Submarine/Glass Bottom Boat Tour
  • Underwater Observatory 

Wh...

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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. 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

Can certified divers join the introductory dive?

Yes, but they will need to pay the introductory price.

Does the pontoon or boat have Wi-Fi?

There is no wi-fi on the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon or vessel, and phones are unlikely to get reception out on the reef. 

How long is the boat ride to the Outer Reef?

It's a 3 hour boat ride from Port of Airlie to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. 

Reviews

info

Overall Rating

4.9 / 5.0

Based on 211 reviews

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Policies

Important Information


Important Information: 

It is a 3 hour boat ride from Port of Airlie to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, with a stop in Hamilton Island to pick up extra passengers on the way. 

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.


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.

No shows or client cancellations made within 24 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.

A refund in the event of cancellation is subject to both our Cancellation Policy and the terms of the supplier.

Terms and Conditions

Our Terms & Conditions apply to this experience. Please review them before booking.

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