07 4914 2425

Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights

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SingleDay
FOR AGES
6 Months
5.0 (101 Reviews)
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WCBIA Tick - Premium Tour Operator
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Free Cancellation - Up To 7pm The Day Prior

Departure Times

Departs: 10:00 am - Daily
Returns: 4:30 pm - Daily

Departure Point: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach

Pricing Options

RRP $228 $219 AUD / Person - Adult All-Inclusive (Between: 01 Dec 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $159 $155 AUD / Person - Child All-Inclusive (2-14 years) (Between: 01 Dec 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $772 $717 AUD / Family - Family All-Inclusive (2A+2C) (Between: 01 Dec 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $199 $189 AUD / Person - Adult (Between: 01 Dec 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $660 $605 AUD / Family - Family (2A+2C) (Between: 01 Dec 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
RRP $131 $129 AUD / Person - Child (2-14 years) (Between: 01 Dec 2023 and 31 Mar 2025)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (6 - 23 months) (Between: 01 Apr 2020 and 31 Mar 2026)

Highlights

beach_access North & South Whitehaven Beach  Hill Inlet Lookout spa Guided Bushwalk
Snorkelling directions_boat Fast & Fun Rafting departure_board Courtesy Transport
restaurant Tropical Lunch Option  Colourful Marinelife  wine_bar Alcohol Available

Experience the best of the Whitsundays with a jam-packed adventure onboard Ocean Rafting!

  • Make a splash and snorkel amongst colourful corals and vibrant marine species
  • The only boat tour in the Whitsundays with inside access to Hill Inlet's swirling silica sands
  • Visit both the Southern and Northern ends of Whitehaven Beach
  • Bushwalk around Whitsunday Island to the beautiful Hill Inlet Lookout

Southern Lights: 2 Beach Visits + 1 Snorkel Spot.
For more snorkelling time Northern Exposure

Ocean Rafting's Whitsunday tours visit the "wild side" of the Whitsunday Islands, boasting a perfect itinerary for anyone looking to squeeze the Whitsundays into one day. This multi-award-winning tour is the only Whitsundays tour that can cruise all the way through the "postcard perfect" swirling sands of Hill Inlet!

Highlights & Features:

  • Approximately 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach
  • Over 1-hour snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • Exclusive permit access to ALL areas of Hill Inlet and guided national park walks
  • Visit the North and South end of Whitehaven
  • All snorkel equipment and flotations devices provided free of charge
  • Courtesy bus pick-up and drop-off included to/from local accommodation
  • Reef and island naturalist talks are offered by the Skipper and Eco Host
  • A fast and adventurous experience - suitable for all ages!

The Southern Lights tour focuses on Whitehaven Beach and visits both ends of the world-famous shorelines! For a tour with more snorkelling focus, check out Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure tour. 

Ocean Rafting Hands in the air


Your Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights Experience

Start your adrenaline-fuelled day onboard Ocean Rafting - Southern Lights by cruising at high speeds along the calm, turquoise waters of the Whitsundays to reach the world-renowned destinations of Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach! After seeing the mirages of Hill Inlet's swirling silica sands and clear lagoons from the Lookout, journey into the kaleidoscope of colours with Ocean Rafting's exclusive permit access! Cool down for the afternoon by submerging yourself amongst vibrant fringing reefs. A fun-filled day for everyone taking in all the Whitsundays has to offer at high speeds!

Two women sitting on the beach, Ocean Rafting vessel anchored in the background

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 - Southern Lights 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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Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour departs Coral Sea Marina at 10:00 am. Courtesy pick-ups are included for guests from local accommodations between 8:45 am and 9:30 am.

Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled day exploring the pristine islands, inlets, bays and beaches of the Whitsundays!

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is a massive 7kms in length! With Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour you...

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Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour departs Coral Sea Marina at 10:00 am. Courtesy pick-ups are included for guests from local accommodations between 8:45 am and 9:30 am.

Get ready for an adrenaline-fuelled day exploring the pristine islands, inlets, bays and beaches of the Whitsundays!

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is a massive 7kms in length! With Ocean Rafting's Southern Lights tour you can enjoy an extended stay at the Southern end of the beach for approximately 2 hours. 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! 

Whitehaven Beach!

Hill Inlet 

Ocean Rafting has special granted permits which allow access to all areas of the picturesque Hill Inlet! The swirling sand bars of Hill Inlet is the ideal destination 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 stingrays and lemon sharks resting in the shallows below!

whitehaven beach

Snorkelling

Snorkel for over an hour at Border Island, Dumbell Island, or one of Ocean Rafting's "secret" snorkel locations! The exact snorkel location depends on the sea conditions, with your knowledgeable skipper determining the best snorkelling location on the day. Either way, you will see an abundant range of hard and soft corals and local marine life. Keep an eye out for rare and protected fish species such as Queensland Groupers, Humphead Maori Wrasse and Barramundi Cod!

Corals and marine life!

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 Southern Lights tour follows the orange coloured path around the Whitsunday Islands. 

Our Delicious Sample Menu

The view the sample menu for Ocean Rafting, please click here.

More Information

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What To Bring

A beach bag including a towel, hat, and sand shoes. A sweater or jacket in the winter months to protect you from the wind and keep you warm after snorkelling. Cameras should be in a waterproof case or Tupperware. If you have chosen not to have our buffet style lunch, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day. A sense of humour is always welcome!

What's Included

  • Marine park Fees
  • Gu...

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What To Bring

A beach bag including a towel, hat, and sand shoes. A sweater or jacket in the winter months to protect you from the wind and keep you warm after snorkelling. Cameras should be in a waterproof case or Tupperware. If you have chosen not to have our buffet style lunch, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day. A sense of humour is always welcome!

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 6 months old (weather depending).

    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.

    If you have booked the Schoolies special, you will need to show your 2023 Schoolies ID and wristband upon check-in. 


    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.

    What is the minimum age for this tour?

    The minimum age requirement for travelling on Ocean Rafting tours is 6 Months Old. 

    Reviews

    Overall Rating

    5.0 / 5.0

    Based on 101 reviews

    5 star
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    Reviews by our Sailing Whitsundays customers

    Gillian Mckenzie , 21 Jul 24
    I loved it !! A busy day - snorkelling, picnic at Whitehaven , a bush walk And whale watching on the way home. The staff were so friendly and attentive- my grandkids were absolutely spoiled by them all day !! Great value for $$
    EMILY PEGG, 30 Apr 24
    I loved the layout of the tour, the team all seem to know each other and work very hard to create a fun experience ! The only thing I would change would be to get some food a little earlier in the day but otherwise 10/10
    Cedric Beyel Djaga Minlam, 17 Apr 24
    I had an amazing time on the Riptide with Heath, Cel and Ruby. Heath really knew how to revv the boat and give us a rafting tour to remember, the island is amazing and definitely a must-do, when visiting Airlie Beach! My first time snorkeling was great,too,also thanks to the introduction of the team
    John Gleeson, 13 Apr 24
    Had an awesome ???? day out. Worth every penny, 07/04/2024. Went out today and Captain Kate and first mate Heath were bloody brilliant. We was a group of 10, firstly went out on our walk, then the snorkeling followed by the beach. Made our day and especially Logan's. He hasn't stopped talking about it
    Lou
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