07 4914 2425

Fly & Raft - Northern Exposure

FROM: $499
5.0 (7 Reviews)
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Premium Tour Operator
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Free Cancellations - Up To 24 Hours Before Departure

Departure Times

Departs: 7:00am - Daily
Returns: 3:30pm - Daily

Departure Point: Airlie Beach

Pricing Options

$449 AUD / Person - Child (2-14 Years) (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $509 $499 AUD / Person - Adult (Between: 01 Apr 2024 and 31 Mar 2025)

Enjoy the perfect combination of adventures with this wonderful package. See the beauty from above and below!

  • Enjoy a scenic flight to Heart Reef with a guaranteed window seat
  • Explore the deep blue with Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure
  • Combine two unique adventures for the best trip in the Whitsundays
  • Relax on the north of Whitehaven Beach, and then peer at it from above!
  • Have fun with a social and adventurous crew!

Fly high above the dreamy hues of the world-famous Whitsundays in style with the incredible Fly & Raft - Northern Exposure tour. If you’re looking to squeeze all of the beauty that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer into one day, look no further! You’ll begin the day with your head in the clouds, flying high above the kaleidoscopic patterns of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with a guaranteed window seat scenic flight. You’ll spot the gorgeous Heart Reef and the sparkling white Whitehaven Beach, leaving nothing to the imagination.

After your flight, it’s time to explore the reef from a different perspective: we’ll embark on a wild ride upon the deep blue with Ocean Rafting, one of the best tours here in the Whitsundays. This is an incredible multi-award-winning tour that offers a peek into parts of the Great Barrier Marine Park that most tours can’t access. With the necessary special permits all taken care of, you’ll get exclusive access to float across the creamy cosmic swirls of Hill Inlet and other incredible destinations.  

Highlights

  • 1-hour scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef
  • Guaranteed window seat for the best views
  • Full-day boat tour on Ocean Rafting, multi-award-winning day tour
  • Special permits to access exclusive areas of Whitehaven Beach
  • Guided National Park bushwalk
  • Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
  • Personalised snorkel instruction
  • Reef and island naturalist talks
  • Tropical lunch pack and refreshments
  • Informative commentary throughout
  • Snorkelling equipment and flotation devices
  • Wetsuit/sunsuit hire
  • Courtesy transfers

Looking to spend more time snorkelling and wading through the multicoloured coral? This is the perfect tour for you. If you’re more of a beach bum and are looking to spend more time winding down on Whitehaven Beach, head to the Southern Lights version of this tour. Regardless of which option you choose, both tours offer you the chance to snorkel, hike up Hill Inlet Lookout and relax on Whitehaven Beach.

Important Notes

  • Queensland Public Holidays: A public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch) will apply to Queensland public holidays, please view "Whats Extra" for more information. 
  • Please note: if you are travelling the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of this experience do not align with the visiting cruise ship schedule.

Sample Itinerary

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Soar like a bird above the jaw-dropping views of the Great Barrier Reef with our beloved scenic flight. You’ll feast your eyes on many mystical sights, including the Instagram-famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the luscious blues and greens of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. After an amazing experience flying high, you’ll get to embark on a wild adventure on Ocean Rafting.

To kick off ...

Read More

Soar like a bird above the jaw-dropping views of the Great Barrier Reef with our beloved scenic flight. You’ll feast your eyes on many mystical sights, including the Instagram-famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the luscious blues and greens of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. After an amazing experience flying high, you’ll get to embark on a wild adventure on Ocean Rafting.

To kick off the adventure, you’ll get to enjoy an incredible aerial view of one of the most treasured wonders of the world. The Whitsundays boasts 74 incredible islands, and you’ll get to gawk at so many of them! You’ll also spot the miraculous white tones of Whitehaven Beach and the unmarred swirls of Hill Inlet. After these mind-blowing sites, you’ll get to gaze lovingly at the amazingly colourful Great Barrier Reef. The spacious and comfortable fixed-wing aircraft boasts huge windows, commentary from our passionate and knowledgeable pilot and the best views possible of the Whitsundays! 

After you’ve soared with the birds, it’s time to embark on your next adventure: traversing the deep blue by boat! Ocean Rafting will whisk you away to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, before taking you to pristine snorkelling sites and the beloved Whitsunday Island National Parks walk.

Snorkelling
Hook Island offers mind-blowing snorkelling opportunities that the whole family will enjoy. Between Mantaray Bay, Maureen’s Cove and other secret snorkeling spots, you’ll get to glimpse the magical world of vivid marine life and colourful coral. The site will be determined by the skipper on the day, who will determine your best chance of seeing mystical marine life depending on the sea conditions. Our passionate crew is determined to make your day as memorable as possible, so the chosen site is bound to tickle your fancy. Get ready to rub shoulders with an incredible array of marine life including Humphead Maori Wrasse, loggerhead turtles, dolphins and even whales if they’re around!

snorkelling

Whitehaven Beach
The incredible Whitehaven Beach is yours to explore. Boasting a wild and incredible 7 kilometres of pristine white silica sand, we’ll be sweeping you away to the northern end of the beach, located where the gorgeous swirling sands of Hill Inlet lay. You’ll get to relax and bask in the clear cool waters of one of the world’s best beaches, or choose to bring along some beach toys and throw a frisbee!

Whitehaven Beach

Hill Inlet 
One of the most incredible parts about this tour is the unbelievable access you get to the cosmos of swirling blues and whites. Ocean Rafting holds special permits, that aren’t held by other tours, allowing access to all areas of Hill Inlet. This gives you the perfect opportunity to soak up the Hill Inlet like never before! It’s a wonderful place to relax and tuck into your tropical lunch pack on board. After lunch, appease your curiosities by setting out on a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. From above, you’ll get to feast your eyes on an incredible panoramic view of the swirling hues below. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the illusive stingrays and lemon sharks darting through the water below. 

Hill inlet Ocean Rafting

On your way home, after a beautiful day exploring, it’s time to put your racing caps on! Often when the weather is right, Ocean Rafting boats will get a little cheeky and race against each other back to the mainland!

ocean rafting


Tour Map

The Northern Exposure tour follows the purple coloured path around the Whitsunday Islands. 

Fly & Raft - Northern Exposure

Our Delicious Sample Menu

To view the sample menu for Ocean Rafting please click here.

Departs/Returns

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Scenic Flight Departs: 7.00am
Scenic Flight Returns: 8.00am 

Ocean Rafting Departs: 8.45am
Ocean Rafting Returns: 3.30pm 

*Timings will be confirmed upon booking. Please note this is a sample itiner...

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Scenic Flight Departs: 7.00am
Scenic Flight Returns: 8.00am 

Ocean Rafting Departs: 8.45am
Ocean Rafting Returns: 3.30pm 

*Timings will be confirmed upon booking. Please note this is a sample itinerary and may be subject to change. 

Ocean Rafting.

More Information

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What To Bring

  • Swimmers
  • A beach bag with a towel, hat and shoes
  • A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling
  • Cameras in a waterproof case or Tupperware
  • Cash for water, soft drinks, fruit juices and chocolates for sale on board
  • Everything you need for the day as you will not return to your accommodation between tours

What's Included

  • 60-minute reef and island scenic flight
  • Guaranteed window seat
  • Tour ...

Read More

What To Bring

  • Swimmers
  • A beach bag with a towel, hat and shoes
  • A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling
  • Cameras in a waterproof case or Tupperware
  • Cash for water, soft drinks, fruit juices and chocolates for sale on board
  • Everything you need for the day as you will not return to your accommodation between tours

What's Included

  • 60-minute reef and island scenic flight
  • Guaranteed window seat
  • Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
  • Guided National Park walks
  • Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
  • Tropical lunch pack
  • Refreshments
  • Personalised snorkel instruction
  • Use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices
  • Sunsuit/wetsuit
  • Reef and island naturalist talks
  • Courtesy bus transfers

What's Extra

  • Prescription Mask Hire - $20
  • Water
  • Soft Drinks/Juice
  • Beer/Cider
  • Chocolate

Queensland Public Holidays: The following days incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch).

Queensland Public Holidays: The following days incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch).

2024

  • 25 December 24 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
  • 26 December 24 – Boxing Day

2025

  • 01 January 25 – New Year’s Day
  • 26 January 25 – Australia Day
  • 18 April 25 – Good Friday
  • 19 April 25 – Easter Saturday
  • 20 April 25 – Easter Sunday
  • 21 April 25 – Easter Monday
  • 25 April 25 – Anzac Day
  • 05 May 25 – Labour Day
  • 20 June 25 – Show Whitsundays
  • 06 October 25 – King’s Birthday
  • 25 December 25 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
  • 26 December 25 – Boxing Day

2026

  • 01 January 26 – New Year’s Day
  • 26 January 26 – Australia Day
  • 03 April 26 – Good Friday
  • 04 April 26 – Easter Saturday
  • 05 April 26 – Easter Sunday
  • 06 April 26 – Easter Monday
  • 25 April 26 – Anzac Day
  • 04 May 26 – Labour Day
  • *Still to be announced* – Show Whitsundays
  • 05 October 26 – King’s Birthday
  • 25 December 26 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
  • 26 December 26 – Boxing Day
  • 28 December 26 – Boxing Day public holiday

Terms and Conditions


Important Information: 

For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding.Individual weights in excess of 110kg will incur an extra seat surcharge. Combined body weights per two passenger bookings in excess of 180 kgs will incur an extra seat surcharge. Maximum per seat weight is 130 kgs.

Ocean Rafting may use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, however if you do not consent please advise Ocean Rafting. 


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 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. 


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:

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 24 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 (24 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. Flights are subject to pilot discretion, weather and air traffic control.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are the two tours back to back?

Yes, the scenic flight and boat tour with Ocean Rafting are back to back on one incredible day. The Ocean Rafting team will cover the transport to ensure you make it to both tours on time!

How long is the scenic flight?

The scenic flight is one hour, giving you plenty of time to see the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, and Heart Reef!

Will I get a window seat on the scenic flight?

Yes, everyone onboard the scenic flight gets a window seat so you can get uninterrupted views!

Where does the flight depart?

Flights depart from Whitsunday Airport in Shute Harbor. Try to arrive there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled flight time. 

Are pick-ups offered?

Yes! Courtesy coach pickups are available from local accommodation houses starting from 6:10am. If you have requested a pickup you will receive confirmation of the time directly from Ocean Rafting. If your pickup has not been arranged, please get in touch with our reservations team at (07) 4946 6848 to confirm your pick-up time & location. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required for all pickup requests.

Where do we go on the boat tour?

Your Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure boat tour takes you over to Whitsunday Island, where you'll explore Whitehaven Beach and hike to Hill Inlet Lookout. You'll also visit two amazing snorkelling spots!

Is any food included?

A tropical lunch pack is included on your boat tour. There is also chocolate and drinks onboard for purchase (with cash only)!

Where do we snorkel on the boat tour?

Your captain will pick two snorkelling spots on the day based on the tides to ensure you get the best conditions on the fringing Great Barrier Reef. Hook Island is home to some popular snorkel locations including Mantaray Bay and Maureen’s Cove, but it all depends on the conditions that day!

Are prescription masks available?

Yes, you can hire prescription masks for snorkelling for $20. 

What is the difference between the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights options?

On the Southern Lights tour, you will visit one snorkelling location, Hill Inlet Lookout and both the north and south end of Whitehaven Beach. Whereas, this Northern Exposure tour will take you to two snorkelling locations, Hill Inlet and just the north end of Whitehaven Beach. Both Fly and Raft options have a scenic flight.

Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 7 reviews

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Reviews by our Sailing Whitsundays customers

Maria, 02 Nov 24
I definitely recommend doing the flight and the boat tour! The views from above over Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef are amazing. The boat tour is a lot of fun, the crew creates a great atmosphere and we stopped twice for snorkelling and went to Whitehaven Beach. A must do!
Alyssa Sese, 19 Aug 24
Amazing experience! Flying above the Great Barrier Reef is such a spectacular experience! The Ocean rafting was so fun we saw pods of whales. The staff were very professional and knowledgeable
Marcella Aldrighetti, 27 Dec 22
Defintely the highlight of the tour
Chloe Leaf , 13 Nov 22
Incredible package! highly recommend
India
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