
Whitehaven Beach Tours
These Whitehaven Beach Tours showcase one of Australia’s most breathtaking holiday destinations. Located within the Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Queensland Australia.
Whitehaven Beach is famous for its 98% pure white silica sand, swirling sand patterns at Hill Inlet, and status as TripAdvisor’s #1 Beach in the World.
Whitehaven Beach Tours From Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Discover the best Whitehaven Beach Day Tours that depart from Coral Sea Marina and Port of Airlie.
ZigZag Whitsundays Day Tour
- Popular
Very popular tour.
- Daily Departures
⭐ 4.9/5 (1,900+ Google reviews)
Adults from $229 | Child $179 | Infants Free
Operated by: ZigZag Whitsundays
Max group: 80 guests
🎟️ 2 Ticket Options (With or Without Snorkel)
📍 Whitehaven Beach + South Whitehaven Lookout
🤿 Optional reef snorkel stop with vibrant marine life
🥗 Lunch, snacks, snorkel gear & guided insights included
👨🔬 Family-run by a marine biologist, educational & eco-aware
❄️ Onboard comforts: air conditioning & spacious sundeck
🖼 Unlimited water taxi transfers between boat and beach
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 All Day Tour – 8 Hours
💡 Tip from us: This tour is suitable for all ages, including families with infants.
Big Fury Whitsundays Tour
- No Seasickness
Very popular tour.
- Daily Departures
⭐ 4.7/5 (250+ Google reviews)
Adults $220 | Children $169
Operated by: Magic Whitsundays
Max group: 35 guests
📍 Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach
🤿 1 reef snorkel stop (location chosen daily for best conditions)
🥗 Tropical lunch, snorkel gear & expert guides included
🛟 Locally operated with a strong focus on safety & service
🖼 Don’t miss Hill Inlet’s iconic view, bring your camera!
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 Day Tour – 7 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Fury is ideal for guests aged between 4 and 60. This is a fast boat and not recommended for people with back problems or pregnant women.
Adults $230 | Children $199
Operated by: Red Cat Adventures
Max group: 38 guests
📍 Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach
🤿 2 snorkel stops on vibrant reefs (Mantaray Bay and 1 other location)
🥗 Lunch, snorkel gear & expert guides included
🏆 Awards: Gold and Silver Australia Tourism Awards (2021–2022)
🌿 Eco-certified operator with local expert crew
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 Full Day Tour – 8 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Great day tour for people wanting more snorkelling during the day with two snorkelling locations.
Adults From $209 | Children From $138 (AUD)
Operated by: Ocean Rafting
Max group: 32 guests
📍 Choose from Northern or Southern routes (Hill Inlet + Whitehaven)
🤿 Northern: 2 snorkel sites | Southern: 1 snorkel
🥗 Includes snorkel gear. (Lunch and wetsuit upgrade cost.)
🏆 Multi-Australian Tourism award winner
🚤 Multiple high-speed vessels with small groups.
🖼 Iconic Hill Inlet views + coral reefs full of marine life
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 7 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Pick the Southern tour for max beach time or the Northern tour for more snorkelling time.
Adults From $249 | Children From $209 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 70 guests
📍 Sail to Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🤿 1 snorkel stop on the Inner Reef (conditions dependent)
🥗 Includes BBQ lunch, soft drinks, plus beer & wine from 11am
🌿 Advanced Eco Certified | Fast, spacious sailing catamaran
🍷 Licensed onboard bar & sunbathing nets for a laid-back vibe
✅ Book now, pay later available
🕒 10.5 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Camira is the fastest commercial sailing yacht in the Whitsundays and ideal for most ages.
Adults $159 | Children $71 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 250 guests
📍 Visit South Whitehaven Beach & South Lookout
🚢 Scenic ferry ride through the Whitsundays with live guide commentary
🥗 Includes stinger suits and 2 hours of beach relaxation
🕑 Morning & afternoon departures, perfect for tight itineraries
✅ Book now, pay later available
🕒 7 Hours (includes round-trip ferry)
💡 Tip from us: This half-day tour departs twice daily (morning and afternoon). Note the travel time is long when departing Airlie Beach due to picking up and returning guests to Daydream and Hamilton Island.
Adults $205 | Children $155 (AUD)
Operated by: Whitehaven Xpress
Max group: 40 guests
📍 Visit both North & South Whitehaven Beach + Hill Inlet Lookout
🥗 BBQ lunch served on the beach—an exclusive Xpress feature
🌿 Eco Certified | Small group experience with expert local crew
🖼 Offering full access to both ends of Whitehaven
✅ Book now, pay later available
🕒 8.5 Hours
💡 Tip from us: This is the perfect trip for beach and BBQ lovers. This is one of the original Whitehaven Beach Tours, which has been operating in the same family since the 1990s.
Adults $245 | Children $139 (AUD)
Operated by: Sealink Whitsundays
Max group: 80 guests
📍 Explore Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🤿 Relaxing ferry ride with guided commentary throughout
🥗 Includes gourmet lunch, snacks, and stinger suits
🌿 Advanced Eco Certified | Guided by expert local crew
❄️ Air-conditioned ferry with onboard bar for comfort and refreshments
🖼 Great for travellers wanting a full-day island experience in comfort
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 8 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Great tour for families. Sealink is a professional organisation, and you will get professional service every time. Has a great top deck for views of the islands during transit.
Cruise Whitsundays Chill And Grill
- Signature Tour
- Daily Departures
⭐ 4.6/5 (129+ TripAdvisor reviews)
Adults $259 | Children $139 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 64 guests
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🥗 Includes gourmet beachside burger cooked fresh onsite
🧭 Up to 6 hours to relax, swim, and explore at your own pace
❄️ Comfortable vessel with shaded seating and amenities
🖼 Ideal for beach lovers looking to chill in paradise
✅ Fully refundable up to 48 hours before departure
🕒 Full Day Tour – 11 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Enjoy the perfect balance, this tour combines guided activities with free time to do your own thing. It’s a great day out for families, just be warned it is a long day.
Adults $214 | Children $100 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 200 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island in one full-day trip
🍴 Includes lunch, morning or afternoon tea, and stinger suits
🚌 Enjoy access to the island shuttle, resort pool, and Catseye Beach
🧭 A mix of guided and self-guided time for flexible exploring
🖼 Great for seeing two iconic Whitsunday locations in one go
✅ Book now, pay later available
🕒 11 Hours
💡 Tip from us: A long day packed with variety and 2 very different locations. Bring comfy shoes for the stop at Hamilton Island. Be warned, the price of food on Hamilton Island is high.
Providence Whitehaven Beach Sailing
- Classic Sailing
- Daily Departures
⭐ 4.0/5 (122+ TripAdvisor reviews)
Adults $224 | Children $170 (AUD)
Operated by: Providence Whitsundays
Max group: 24 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🤿 Includes snorkel gear and reef stop en route
🥗 Lunch served onboard a classic 62-ft gaff-rigged schooner
🌊 Traditional sailing experience with fully guided exploration
🖼 Ideal for sailing lovers and those seeking a slower, scenic pace
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 9 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Love classic sailing? This tour is perfect for relaxing under the sails while soaking in the views. Rated for adventurers to families. Not suited for anyone who gets seasick.
Overnight Sailing Tours
Adults 18+ From $550 | Sale – 25% Off
Operated by: Ozsail
Max group: 26 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🤿 Includes snorkel gear and multiple snorkel locations
🥗 Includes 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast and snacks.
🌊 Ex racing maxi yacht
🖼 Ideal for backpackers, students and adventure lovers.
🕒 Multi Day Tour – 2 Days 1 Night
💡 Tip from us: Matador was a famous yacht in the late 90s, winning many yachting regattas around the world. Accommodation is dorm shared bunks, do not expect anything fancy inside, this is a racing yacht for people who love adventure
Adults 18+ From $650| Sale – 10% Off
Operated by: Ozsail
Max group: 26 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🤿 Includes snorkel gear and multiple snorkel locations
🥗 Includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and snacks.
🌊 Whitsundays Only Trimaran
🖼 Ideal for backpackers, students and adventure lovers.
🕒 Multi-Day Tour – 2 Days 2 Nights
💡 Tip from us: Avatar Whitsundays is the most popular overnight tour in the region. From September to April, it’s normally booked at least 4 weeks in advance. Book early as it’s the only Trimaran in the region that has nets to relax on while sailing.
Adults 18+ From $600| Sale – 20% Off
Operated by: Ozsail
Max group: 29 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🤿 Includes snorkel gear and multiple snorkel locations
🥗 Includes 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and snacks.
🌊 80 foot ex racing maxi yacht
🖼 Ideal for backpackers and students
🕒 Multi-Day Tour – 2 Days 2 Nights
💡 Tip from us: Spank Me is a famous yacht that raced all over the world in the late 90s including winning the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This boat’s mast and sail area are massive, and when it’s loaded with wind, you will have the biggest smile on your face! Dorm bunks downstairs and tight living quarters, but you don’t book this tour to spend your time downstairs or in bed!
Adults 18+ From $600| Sale – $599
Operated by: Prosail
Max group: 23 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & multiple snorkel sites
⛵ Ex-racing yacht offering a hands-on sailing experience
🥗 All meals included | BYO drinks for relaxed social evenings
🌿 Eco Certified | Small group, adventure-focused sailing
🖼 Perfect for active travellers and those wanting a real sailing vibe
🕒 2 Days / 2 Nights
💡 Tip from us: Hammer is a well-maintained maxi racing yacht. Downstairs, the space is more roomy than most maxi yachts, and they serve outstanding meals freshly prepared onboard. The crew will sail more than any other tour and like the engine turned off as much as possible.
Adults 18+ From $600| Sale – $599
Operated by: Prosail
Max group: 26 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & multiple snorkel sites
⛵ Ex-racing yacht built to sail fast
🥗 All meals included | BYO drinks
🌿 Eco Certified
🖼 Great Tour for 18 -40 year olds with a social atmosphere
🕒 Multi Day Tour – 2 Days / 2 Nights
💡 Tip from us: Broomstick is wider than most maxis and is more comfortable downstairs. This is one of my favourite sailing boats in the Whitsundays. At the time of writing, this Broomstick has 99 reviews on Tripadvisor, and all are five stars.
Adults 18+ From $600| Sale – $599
Operated by: Prosail
Max group: 30 guests
📍 Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & multiple snorkel sites
⛵ Ex-racing yacht with famouse regatta history
🥗 All meals included | BYO drinks
🌿 Eco Certified
🖼 Great Tour for 18 -40 year olds with a social atmosphere
🕒 Multi-Day Tour – 2 Days / 2 Nights
💡 Tip from us: Condor Whitsundays is the largest boat in the Prosail Fleet and is a sailing weapon! This boat has always been one of my favourites, and the crew are expert sailors.
Whitehaven Beach Scenic Flights
Whitehaven and Reef Scenic Flight
- Market Leader
- Departs 6 Times A Day
⭐ 4.8/479 (60+ Google reviews)
All Tickets From $318
Operated by: Fly Australia Charters
Max group: 13 guests
Adults $318 | Children $318 (AUD)
📍 Soar over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef & Great Barrier Reef
🕊️ 60-minute scenic flight with guaranteed window seats for every guest
🎧 Professional in-flight commentary from experienced local pilots
🖼 Ideal for photographers, couples & first-time visitors
✅ Fully refundable up to 24 hours before departure
🕒 1 Hour Flight
💡 Tip from us: My favourite thing to do even after 20 years living in the Whitsundays! I still go twice a year. No flight is ever the same, and seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above is beyond words.
Whitehaven Beach Tours From Hamilton Island
Cruise Whitsundays Half Day Tour From Hamilton Island
- Great Value
- Daily Departures
⭐ 3.6/5 (210+ TripAdvisor reviews)
Adults $159 | Children $71 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 250 guests
📍 Visit South Whitehaven Beach & South Lookout
🚢 Scenic ferry ride through the Whitsundays with live guide commentary
🥗 Includes stinger suits and 2 hours of beach relaxation
🕑 Morning & afternoon departures, perfect for tight itineraries
✅ Book now, pay later available
🕒 7 Hours (includes round-trip ferry)
💡 Tip from us: This half-day tour departs twice daily (morning and afternoon).
Cruise Whitsundays Chill And Grill From Hamilton Island
- Signature Tour
- Daily Departures
⭐ 4.6/5 (129+ TripAdvisor reviews)
Adults $259 | Children $139 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 64 guests
Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
🥗 Includes gourmet beachside burger cooked fresh onsite
🧭 Up to 6 hours to relax, swim, and explore at your own pace
❄️ Comfortable vessel with shaded seating and amenities
🖼 Ideal for beach lovers looking to chill in paradise
✅ Fully refundable up to 48 hours before departure
🕒 Full Day Tour – 11 Hours
💡 Tip from us: Enjoy the perfect balance, this tour combines guided activities with free time to do your own thing. It’s a great day out for families, just be warned it is a long day.
Whitehaven Beach Tours From Daydream Island
Cruise Whitsundays Half Day Tour From Daydream Island
- Great Value
- Daily Departures
⭐ 3.6/5 (210+ TripAdvisor reviews)
Adults $159 | Children $71 (AUD)
Operated by: Cruise Whitsundays
Max group: 250 guests
📍 Visit South Whitehaven Beach & South Lookout
🚢 Scenic ferry ride through the Whitsundays with live guide commentary
🥗 Includes stinger suits and 2 hours of beach relaxation
🕑 Morning & afternoon departures, perfect for tight itineraries
✅ Book now, pay later available
🕒 7 Hours (includes round-trip ferry)
💡 Tip from us: This half-day tour departs twice daily (morning and afternoon).
About Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is the crown jewel of the Whitsundays, a 7-kilometre stretch of impossibly white sand made up of 98–98.9% pure silica. Unlike typical beach sand, it’s soft, cool underfoot. Located on Whitsunday Island, this world-renowned beach sits within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Whitsunday Islands National Park, protected for its ecological significance and natural beauty. Every Whitehaven Beach tour offers a close-up experience of this geological marvel, a beach formed over millions of years, with no local source of silica, carried here by ancient ocean currents.
Discover Hill Inlet

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet delivers one of the most iconic views in all of Australia. Here, shifting tides swirl the beach’s bright silica sand with the turquoise sea, creating a marble-like effect that changes daily. Most Whitehaven Beach tours include access to the Hill Inlet Lookout via Tongue Bay, followed by a short 700m walk.
World-Famous Recognition
Whitehaven Beach isn’t just beautiful — it’s officially celebrated. Voted the world’s #1 beach by TripAdvisor in 2021 and named the most eco-friendly beach by CNN, it’s a favourite among international travellers, environmentalists, and photographers alike. Backed by its pristine condition and protected status within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Whitehaven Beach tours give visitors a front-row seat to one of the most photographed and awarded coastal landscapes on Earth.
Indigenous Heritage: The Ngaro People
Whitehaven Beach lies on the traditional sea country of the Ngaro people, one of Australia’s oldest maritime cultures. Known as the Canoe People, they’ve lived in the Whitsundays for over 9,000 years, navigating these waters in handcrafted ironbark canoes and leaving behind rock art in places like Nara Inlet. Many Whitehaven Beach tours acknowledge this deep cultural connection, and stories like the Rainbow Serpent legend of Hill Inlet add profound meaning to the natural beauty around you.
Planning Your Trip
Whitehaven Beach tours run year-round, but the best conditions are usually in spring (September–November) when the weather is warm, dry, and the ocean is calm. Stinger season runs from October to May, so stinger suits are recommended during this time, most tour operators provide them. Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and sturdy shoes for lookout walks. There are no shops or facilities on Whitehaven Beach, so come prepared and leave nothing behind.
Why Trust Us to Book Your Whitehaven Beach Tour?
This site is run by Nath J, a Whitsundays local with over 24 years of hands-on tourism experience. When you book through us, you’re tapping into genuine local knowledge, not just reselling. Our reccomended Whitehaven Beach tours are led by passionate guides who know the region inside out, from the cultural stories of the Ngaro people to the shifting sands of Hill Inlet. Every operator in the fleet is vetted for safety, comfort, and eco-credentials, with many holding Advanced Eco Certification. We work with trusted platforms like TripAdvisor and Viator for simple bookings, 24-hour free cancellation, and flexible ‘book now, pay later’ options. Not sure which tour is right for you? Check out our guide: How to Choose the Right Whitehaven Beach Tour for You.
Whitehaven Beach Tours Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you get to Whitehaven Beach without a tour?
Whitehaven Beach is located in the Whitsunday islands and is only accessible by boat, seaplane, or helicopter tour. There is no public ferry terminal at Whitehaven Beach and chartering your own boat is the only way to visit without a tour.
What is the cheapest way to get to Whitehaven Beach?
A half-day boat tour is the cheapest way to travel from Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach or Daydream Island to Whitehaven Beach.
Where is Whitehaven Beach located?
Whitehaven Beach is located on the eastern side of Whitsunday Island in Queensland, Australia. Click here for a map view.
How much does it cost to get to Whitehaven Beach?
Prices start at
$145 for a half day.
$179 – $279 for a full-day tour
$395 – $899 for an overnight sailing tour
Which tours are best for people that get seasick?
If you are worried about seasickness, choose a fast boat like ZigZag Whitsundays, fast boats sit on top of the water and do not get the rolling motion that causes seasickness.
When the tour boats stop at each location it’s away from the wind so you don’t need to worry about a rocking boat.
What should i take on a Whitehaven Beach Tour ?
Inside a small daypack, we recommend you should take the below on any Whitehaven Beach Tours.
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Water bottle and snacks
- Camera
What is the best Whitehaven Beach Tour?
Choosing the best Whitehaven Beach Tour comes down to what you want for a day in the Whitsunday Islands, here are my 3 recommendations
- ZigZag Whitsundays – for visiting the south end of Whitehaven Beach and the south Lookout, they also include Chalkies Beach, Haslwood Island Lookout and 1 Snorkel Location.
Pros – Fast boat, more locations, inclusive ticket pricing, small group tour of 30 people, very comfortable boat seats, very low seasickness probability.
Cons – does not visit hill inlet lookout - Thundercat Whitsundays – for visiting the north end of Whitehaven Beach, hill inlet lookout, they also include 2 snorkel locations.
Pros – fast boat, 2 snorkel locations, hill inlet lookout.
Cons – does not visit the south end of the beach, no dietary requirements provided, plastic seating. - Cruise Whitsundays Half Day Tour – perfect for guests low on time and just want to visit Whitehaven Beach without snorkelling.
Pros – Half day tour, south end and lookout, an air-conditioned ferry ride.
Cons – Large group numbers in the 100s, no snorkelling or lunches.
Is there a shop at Whitehaven Beach?
There are no shops on Whitehaven Beach the island is uninhabited.
Can you walk on Whitehaven Beach?
Visitors can spend time walking the beach or the tracks at each end of the beach which leads to the lookouts.
Where is the best spot on Whitehaven Beach?
In my opinion, the best spot on Whitehaven Beach is the south end, specifically the South Lookout. This area offers stunning views of the pristine beach and is considered the true Whitehaven Beach.
On the other hand, the northern end accessed through Tongue Bay, known as Betty’s Beach and Whitehaven Bay, can get quite crowded between 10am and 4pm. While still beautiful, and you will see Hill Inlet (at the right tide) there is no beating standing on the named beach.
Is Whitehaven Beach accessible by wheelchair?
Unfortunately no, there is no wheelchair access on the beach
What is the sand at Whitehaven Beach made of?
Whitehaven Beach’s sand is cool to touch on hot days and perfectly compliments the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Made up of 98.9% pure silica, it has a unique white colour and powdery texture. The sand is so fine that it can easily get into and harm electronic gadgets.
Is it safe to swim at Whitehaven Beach?
You can swim at Whitehaven Beach all year round due to the warm tropical waters. There are no large waves or rips and the shoreline is shallow with a light decline. However, during the months of November To April, it is advised to use a stinger suit due to jellyfish.
Are there any dangerous animals at Whitehaven Beach?
Dangerous marine stingers can be found in the waters all year round but mostly from November to April, like any ocean there are sharks, and saltwater crocodiles can be in the sea at all times of the year, but is very rare to see them around the islands
Are there any public restrooms at Whitehaven Beach?
Public restrooms are available at the South end of Whitehaven Beach only. These are hybrid compostable toilets.
Is there any shade available at Whitehaven Beach?
The south end of Whitehaven Beach has picnic tables with sunshade roofs, there is also shade under the trees that line the beach. Some tours also provide shade tents.
360 View Of Whitehaven Beach
