Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure
Departure Times
Departure Point: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach
Pricing Options
Highlights
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet | Hook Island | Snorkelling |
Guided Bushwalk | Fast & Fun Rafting | Courtesy Transport |
Tropical Lunch | Colourful Marinelife | Alcohol Available |
Offering speed, adventure and fun, this is the ultimate tour for those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Whitsundays experience!
- Travel at high speeds to get from one destination to the next!
- Exclusive access makes Ocean Rafting the only boat permitted to go inside Hill Inlet's swirling sands!
- Soak up the sun and relax at the beautiful Whitehaven Beach
- Make a splash at two snorkel sites and spot vibrant marine life
Northern Exposure: 2 Snorkel Spots + 1 Beach Stop
For more beach time - Southern Lights
Ocean Rafting's Whitsunday tours visit the "wild side" of the Whitsunday Islands and are perfect for anyone looking to squeeze the Whitsundays into one day. This multi-award-winning tour has special permits which allow access to all areas of Hill Inlet, including the beach! There's no other Whitsundays tour that can cruise all the way through the "postcard perfect" swirling sands of Hill Inlet!
Highlights & Features:
- Visit 2 snorkel destinations around Hook Island!
- Exclusive access inside the dreamy Hill Inlet waters
- One of the fastest and most adventurous day boats in the Whitsundays
- With great speed, there is less travel time and more time for activities
- All snorkelling equipment and flotations devices are included
- Exclusive permit to ALL areas of Hill Inlet and guided national park walks
- Reef and island naturalist talks are offered by the skipper and eco host
- Whale watching (June - October)
- Courtesy bus pick-up and drop-off included to/from local accommodation
- As a multi-award winner, Ocean Rafting is dedicated to both preserving the Great Barrier Reef and supporting our tourism industry!
The Northern Exposure tour focuses on snorkelling, with the opportunity to enjoy two snorkelling sites around the renowned Hook Island. For a tour with more time at Whitehaven Beach check out Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour. On both tours, you will see Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and have the chance to snorkel amongst vibrant coral reefs.
Your Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure Experience
Start your action-packed adventure of the dreamy Whitsundays onboard Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure, perfect for those ready to explore the world-renowned destinations of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach and enjoy plenty of snorkelling all in the same day! Spend the majority of the day exploring two snorkelling locations around Hook Island at picturesque destinations such as Mantaray Bay and Maureen's Cove. Get ready to submerge into colourful and vibrant underwater forests! Finish the fun-filled day cruising into the swirling silica sands and sparkling lagoons of Hill Inlet, taking a picture of the breathtaking view from the Lookout, and cooling off with a dip at Whitehaven Beach! An unforgettable Whitsundays itinerary for everyone!
Ocean Rafting is also available for Private Charter.
Important Notes
- General tickets do not include lunch or wet/stinger suit hire. Please purchase an "All-Inclusive" ticket if you wish to include a delicious tropical lunch pack and wet/stinger suit hire in your Ocean Rafting ticket.
- Schoolies Special - You will be required to show your Official Schoolies ID at check in
- This tour has the option to depart and return to Daydream Island, please refer to Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure ex DDI.
- 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.
Sample Itinerary
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Courtesy pick-up included for guests from local accommodations between 7:45am and 8:15am. Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour will depart Coral Sea Marina at 8:45am.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled day exploring the pristine islands, inlets, bays and beaches of the Whitsundays!
Snorkelling
Enjoy snorkelling around Hook Island at pristine locations such as Mantaray Bay, Maureen's Cove a...
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Courtesy pick-up included for guests from local accommodations between 7:45am and 8:15am. Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour will depart Coral Sea Marina at 8:45am.
Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled day exploring the pristine islands, inlets, bays and beaches of the Whitsundays!
Snorkelling
Enjoy snorkelling around Hook Island at pristine locations such as Mantaray Bay, Maureen's Cove and other specially selected Whitsundays snorkelling spots. The exact snorkel locations depend on the condition at sea - your knowledgeable skipper will determine the best snorkelling location on the day to ensure a memorable underwater experience. Get ready to spot an abundant range of corals and marine life such as life Humphead Maori Wrasse, loggerhead turtles, dolphins and whales (during the cooler months).
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a massive 7kms in length! With Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour you will visit the northern end of the beach where the swirling sands of Hill Inlet are located. Choose to simply relax and bathe in the beautiful turquoise waters or bring along some beach toys and enjoy activities such as beach cricket, football or frisbee!
Hill Inlet
Ocean Rafting has special permits which allow access to all areas of Hill Inlet - the only boat able to do this in the entire Whitsundays! The swirling sand bars of Hill Inlet are the perfect place to relax and enjoy a tropical lunch pack (optional). A guided bush walk to Hill Inlet lookout will provide panoramic views of the swirling sands below. If you look closely you can often spot harmless stingrays and lemon sharks resting in the shallows below.
It may be time to head home but the fun isn't over yet! The Ocean Rafting boats will often weave and race against each other on the way home to finish the day off with more of Ocean Rafting's signature adrenaline-fuelled action!
Tour Map
The Northern Exposure tour follows the purple coloured path around the Whitsunday Islands.
More Information
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What To Bring
- Swimmers
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Soft soled footwear
- Money (cash) for onboard purchases
What's Included
- Marine Park Fees
- Guided walks and talks in National parks
- Snorkelling gear, mask, snorkel, and fins
- Courtesy transfers to/from select local accommodations
The "All-Inclusive" ticket includes lunch and sunsuit/wetsuit hire only. Drinks, chocolate, and prescription mask hire still cost extra.
What's Extra
- Tropical Lunch ...
Read More
What To Bring
- Swimmers
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Soft soled footwear
- Money (cash) for onboard purchases
What's Included
- Marine Park Fees
- Guided walks and talks in National parks
- Snorkelling gear, mask, snorkel, and fins
- Courtesy transfers to/from select local accommodations
The "All-Inclusive" ticket includes lunch and sunsuit/wetsuit hire only. Drinks, chocolate, and prescription mask hire still cost extra.
What's Extra
- Tropical Lunch Pack - $20*
- Sunsuit/Wetsuit Hire - $8*
- Prescription Mask Hire - $20
- Water
- Soft Drinks/Juice
- Beer/Cider
- Chocolate
*The "All-Inclusive" ticket includes lunch and sunsuit/wetsuit hire only. Drinks, chocolate, and prescription mask hire still cost extra.
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:
Minimum age for travelling on Ocean Rafting is 6months old (weather depending).
Guests departing and returning to/from Daydream Island must book the "All-Inclusive" ticket and will incur a slightly shorter day than specified (approx. 20-30 minutes). Please let us know your wetsuit size upon booking.
Ocean Rafting may use photographs of clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media. 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 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.
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 after 7pm, the day prior to departure, forfeit 100% of the total ticket price.
Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a transfer to and from my accommodation?
Yes, courtesy transfers are available from select accommodations. Please ensure you request a transfer if you need one at the time of booking.
Where do I meet for the tour?
Meeting point will be at the Coral Sea Marina. You will need to check-in at the Ocean Rafting office located at the marina.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
No, as there is alcohol available on board to purchase. Just ensure you bring your card or cash as you will need to fix it up at the end of the tour.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, despite the boat being fairly small, there is in fact a toilet on board!
What is the difference between Ocean Rafting’s Southern and Northern tours?
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, the Northern Exposure tour will take you to two snorkelling locations, Hill Inlet and just the north end of Whitehaven Beach.
Is there a minimum age requirement for Ocean Rafting?
The minimum age requirement for travelling on Ocean Rafting tours is 6 Months Old.
Reviews
Overall Rating
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Based on 81 reviews