Fly & Raft - Southern Lights
Departure Times
Departure Point: Airlie Beach
Pricing Options
Enjoy an incredible combination of adventures with this unique package. Experience the delights of the sea and then see it from above!
- Enjoy a scenic flight to Heart Reef
- Explore the deep blue with Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights
- Combine two unique adventures for a perfect trip in the Whitsundays
- Relax on Whitehaven Beach, and then peer at it from above!
- Have fun with a social and adventurous crew!
Looking to squeeze in the best that the Whitsundays has to offer into one jam-packed day? Then look no further than Fly & Raft - Southern Lights! Beginning with a jaw-dropping view of the islands and the Great Barrier Reef courtesy of a scenic flight with a guaranteed window seat, feast your eyes on the illustrious Heart Reef and the mind-blowing Whitehaven Beach.
After that, you’ll get the incredible experience of traversing the deep blue with Ocean Rafting, one of our favourite tours here in the Whitsundays. This wonderful and multi-award-winning tour takes care of all of the necessary special permits that allow you to access Hill Inlet and other amazing destinations. As the only Whitsunday tour that can venture into the cosmic swirls of the blue and white Hill Inlet, buckle up for one of your favourite adventures yet!
Highlights
- 1-hour scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef
- 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
- guaranteed window seat for your flight
- Snorkelling equipment and flotation devices
- Wetsuit/sunsuit hire
- Courtesy transfers
Fly & Raft - Southern Lights tour is the perfect adventure for those seeking more time to unwind on Whitehaven Beach. Does a longer and more in-depth experience of snorkelling tickle your fancy instead? Then head to the incredible Northern Exposure version of this tour. Regardless of which tour you take, you’re bound to be delighted by your experiences. Both tours proudly offer opportunities for snorkelling, traversing the Hill Inlet Lookout and the ability to 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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Get a glimpse of the Whitsundays from both above and below with this incredible tour. Starting the day with a bang, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef from above with our stunning Whitsundays scenic flight. From above, you’ll spot mystical sights including the awe-inspiring Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. From an insanely captivating bird’s eye view, catc...
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Get a glimpse of the Whitsundays from both above and below with this incredible tour. Starting the day with a bang, you’ll get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef from above with our stunning Whitsundays scenic flight. From above, you’ll spot mystical sights including the awe-inspiring Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. From an insanely captivating bird’s eye view, catch a glimpse of some of the Whitsundays wonderful islands and the colourful kaleidoscopes of the coral reef. Heart Reef is especially bound to blow your mind - as one of the Whitsundays’ most photographed sights, there’s nothing more romantic than ogling at the Heart Reef. The comfortable and spacious fixed-wing aircraft boasts huge windows, informative pilot commentary and without a doubt, the best views of the Whitsundays.
After your flight is complete, it’s time to see the reef from another perspective with Ocean Rafting. Offering a huge and diverse range of activities, Ocean Rafting will keep you satisfied thanks to an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, a pristine snorkelling experience and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks with our passionate crew.
Whitehaven Beach
Boasting a giant seven kilometres in length, Whitehaven Beach is a sight for sore eyes. When you explore with Ocean Rafting’s Southern Lights tour, you’ll get to soak up an extended stay at the southern end of this magical beach. The stopover lasts about two hours, leaving you more than enough time to relax, take a dip and take pictures to your heart’s content. You’re also more than welcome to bring your own beach toys or activities including a cricket set, a football or a frisbee!
Hill Inlet
Offering something special that no other tour boasts, Ocean Rafting holds special permits that allow access to all areas of Hill Inlet. The beautiful blue creamy swirls of the sand bars below offer a beautiful backdrop for relaxation and enjoy your tropical lunch pack. After lunch, a guided bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout is the perfect way to stretch your legs and get to know the wonderful flora and fauna. At the top, the lookout offers panoramic views of the swirls below. If you look closely you can sometimes even see the beautiful stingrays and lemon sharks resting in the shallows!
Snorkelling
Following your hike to the view, it’s time to cool down with a snorkel! With this tour, you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel for over an hour at Border Island, Dumbell Island, or one of Ocean Rafting’s secret snorkel spots! The location is dependent on the sea conditions, for your safety, with our knowledgeable and confident skipper keeping you in safe hands. Regardless of which spot you snorkel, you're bound to be blessed with views of incredible marine life and colourful corals. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for rare fish species like Queensland groupers, hump headed Maori wrasse and Barramundi cod!
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!
Tour Map
Departs/Returns
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Scenic Flight Departs: 8.15am
Scenic Flight Returns: 9.15am
Ocean Rafting Departs: 10.00am
Ocean Rafting Returns: 4.30pm
*Timings will be confirmed upon booking. Please note this is a sample itine...
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Scenic Flight Departs: 8.15am
Scenic Flight Returns: 9.15am
Ocean Rafting Departs: 10.00am
Ocean Rafting Returns: 4.30pm
*Timings will be confirmed upon booking. Please note this is a sample itinerary and may be subject to change.
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 with a guaranteed windo...
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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 with a 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?
Your scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef lasts for one hour.
Will I get a window seat on the flight?
Yes, everyone has a window seat on the scenic flight. So bring a camera to capture those amazing views!
Where does the scenic flight depart?
The flight departs from Whitsunday Airport in Shute Harbour. The office address is 12 Air Whitsunday Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802. Please try to arrive here 30 minutes before your flight.
Are accommodation 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?
Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour is a dream for beach lovers! You'll visit North and South Whitehaven Beach, with a guided bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout. There will also be one snorkel spot.
Where do we snorkel?
Your crew onboard will choose the day's snorkel location based on the tides and weather conditions to ensure you get the best visibility. If you want to enjoy less beach time and two snorkel spots, choose the Fly and Raft Northern Exposure!
Is food included?
A tropical lunch pack is included on your boat tour. There is also chocolate and drinks onboard for purchase (with cash only)!
Are prescription snorkel masks available?
Yes, you can hire prescription masks for snorkelling for $20.
What is the difference between the Southern Lights and Northern Exposure tours?
On this Southern Lights tour, you will visit one snorkelling location, Hill Inlet Lookout and both the north and south end of Whitehaven Beach. On the Northern Exposure tour you will visit 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 16 reviews
