Tour Highlights
Tour Details
This incredible full day experience lets you enjoy an outstanding range of interactive Great Barrier Reef Adventures.
The day trip to the pontoon departs Airlie Beach every day, journeying past spectacular islands enroute to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Once at the reef, board the incredible interactive pontoon and spend the day exploring the colourful underwater world of magnificent corals, colourful fish and marine life.
Reef Vessel
Cruise Whitsundays operates a range of comfortable cruising vessels to the Great Barrier Reef. All of their vessels are high speed catamarans with spacious air conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks, bars serving refreshments and comfortable seating.
Meals
All this sea air makes you hungry! Throughout the day curb your hunger with morning and afternoon tea and a sumptuous buffet lunch including selections of meats, seafood, chicken, salads, rice dishes and tropical fruits. The menu is based on seasonality and the best produce available. Free tea and coffee is available and there is also an onboard bar serving a full range of alcoholic and soft drinks and a variety of snacks.
Departure & Return Location
Departure & Return Time
Price Includes
- All snorkelling gear provided
- An innovative and spacious reef pontoon
- Semi-submersible Guided Tour
- Underwater viewing chamber
- All you can eat buffet lunch
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Presentations by reef experts
- FREE wetsuit and stinger suit usage
- Sun deck for topping up your tan
- Whale watching from June to October
FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE PRICING, PLEASE SELECT YOUR PREFERRED DATE ON THE BOOKING CALENDAR.
Optional Extras
- Guided snorkelling tours
- Introductory and certified diving
- Scenic helicopter flights (for purchase only on board)
- Full bar and snack foods available for purchase on board
- Return transfers from accommodation houses/resorts
What To Bring
- Swimming costume
- A beach bag including a towel, hat, sunscreen and shoes.
- A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling.
- Cameras in a waterproof container.
- Money/credit card for optional purchases such as bar and snack items, dives, massages or a helicopter flight
- A sense of humour is always welcome!
Itinerary
It’s Tour Day – If you have a pick up it is on it’s way. If not, make your way to the Maritime Terminal
Check your ticket. Your pick location and time are on your ticket.
Enjoy a leisurely drive through town as we pick up your fellow passengers.
If you are making your own way, be at the Maritime Terminal at the Port of Airlie by 07:30
Please don’t be late.
Check In – Let’s get the paperwork out of the way
At the Maritime Terminal proceed to the Cruise Whitsundays counter to complete your check in. From here you will be introduced to your crew and escorted to your vessel.
Let’s go! Your tour to the Great Barrier Reef has started
Cruise Whitsundays operates a range of comfortable cruising vessels to the Great Barrier Reef. All of the vessels are high speed catamarans with spacious air conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks, bars serving refreshments and comfortable seating. Sit inside the air-conditioned cabin or on the open decks above as you cruise through the Whitsunday Islands stopping at Hamilton Island on you way to the Great Barrier Reef adventure.
It’s Snorkel time – The colourful coral, tropical fish and crystal clear waters are waiting for you
Once you have arrived at the Cruise Whitsundays pontoon the crew will give you a snorkelling safety briefing, fit you with your snorkelling gear then it’s into the warm waters (average yearly water temp 26c) to explore the coral and swim with the tropical fish and maybe a turtle. Cant swim well? No worries! Your crew will fit you out with either a buoyancy vest or other flotation device to enjoy snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t want to get wet? We’ve got you covered with the underwater observation deck on the pontoon or take a ride in the semi submersible as it floats past the magnificent coral and tropical fish.
Lunch and some relaxation? Back on board for lunch then laze on the pontoon
Being at the Hardy Reef pontoon for 4+ hours offers plenty of opportunities to not only enjoy the beautiful corals of the Great Barrier Reef and colourful tropical sea life but also some time to relax and take in the beautiful views of the reef. Help yourself to the delicious buffet lunch and relax under the sails of the pontoon. Enjoy your favourite drink from the bar while working on your tan. Want to see some more sea life and coral but don’t want to get wet? Why not jump on the semi submersible or visit the underwater viewing chamber.
Time to head back – This is not just a ride back to Port, It’s a tour of the Whitsunday Islands
Get into some dry clothes or just wrap yourself in a towel, settle down on board, grab your favourite drink or some afternoon tea and get ready for your ride around the Whitsunday Islands as you make your way back to Port. The views of the Islands are breathtaking. On arrival at the Port you will be escorted you to your bus to take you back to your accommodation if applicable or make your way back to your accommodation to look back on a great day out with Cruise Whitsundays at the Great Barrier Reef.
