whitsunday plane tours

Creating Memories

Whitsunday Air Tours is known for curating exceptional door to door experiences. Whether you’re on a tropical honeymoon, a family trip or a short weekend getaway, we’re here to provide you an amazing Whitsunday Island & Great Barrier Reef experience.​

  Hight Lights :

Hill Inlet - Heart Reef - Hamilton Island - Whitsunday Island - White Haven Beach   

Complementary Airport Transfers

As part of your experience Whitsunday Air Tours provides a complementary airport shuttle, departing from and returning to multiple locations in Airlie Beach 

Whitsunday Islands Scenic

Description.

Enjoy the spectacular Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef with a scenic flight by helicopter over the crystal clear blue waters and breath taking islands.

• Scenic helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, north over Whitsunday, Hook & Hayman Islands
• Returning via Langforf Reef, Bali Hai Island, the Whitsunday passage, Nara & Macona Inlets, Cid Harbour and Henning Island

Approx 40 mins

$635 per person, example itinerary, safety briefing & tour check-in.

Once you arrive at the Hamilton Island Air Terminal our friendly team will take you through our safety briefing and check you in for your tour.

40 min of flying around the island!

Whitsunday Islands Scenic Tour

Enjoy spectacular views of the whitsunday's from the air.

• Scenic helicopter flight over Whitsundays
• Includes Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet
• Non stop tour
• Up to 3 departures daily

Are you ready to fly?

Hamilton Island Air offers helicopter, seaplane and aeroplane tours throughout the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island area. Our luxurious tours can include scenic flights, helicopter transfers, reef cruises, snorkelling and more. Book Online for the experience of a lifetime.

Introducing

Land on ‘Heart Island’ moored near Heart Reef to sail and snorkel

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Whitsundays Day Cruises

Visit magnificent Whitehaven Beach with its white silica sands, explore secluded bays with crystal clear waters and enjoy swimming and snorkelling during the day. Take your adventure under the Whitsundays waters too by the Semi-submersible guided tour, Underwater observatory, snorkelling and diving. Get up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef.

Scenic Flights over the Whitsundays

Enjoy a scenic flight over the Whitsundays Islands and Great Barrier Reef and take in the true magnificence of the area with its many coral reefs, atolls and island with bright white sandy beaches scattered in the sapphire blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.

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Whitsundays Day Tour – The Best Whitsunday Islands Tours From Airlie Beach

Posted on Last updated: December 9, 2020

Found in the very heart of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Eastern Australia, lies a group of 74 tropical paradisal isles that make up the Whitsundays Islands.

The islands boast sweeping expanses of lush rainforests, glistening beaches, and jewel-coloured waters sheltering the colourful, life-filled reefs.

The Whitsundays are a ‘must-see’ on everyone’s Australia bucket list . The Whitsundays Islands is where the delights of the Great Barrier Reef and multifarious lifestyles, from resorts and hotels, all meet.

When I first saw photos of the Whitsundays I knew I had to add them to my ultimate travel bucket list . Most travellers choose to visit the Whitsundays on a day trip from mainland Australia.

If you’re among them, you’ve come to the right place!

In this guide I’ve outlined everything you need to know about doing a day tour to the Whitsundays, including departure points, prices, what to expect, and even alternative tours.

So what are you waiting for? The crystal clear waters of the Whitsundays are waiting, let’s dive in!

• 1 About the Whitsundays
• 2.3 With an organised tour
• 3 Our experience doing an Airlie Beach Tours to Whitsundays
• 4 What to Bring on Your Whitsundays Island Day Tour
• 5 Is doing a Whitsunday day Tour worth it?
• 6 More Whitsundays Tours Options
• 7 Where to stay in Airlie Beach for a Whitsundays day trip

The view of Whitehaven Beach from Cape Hinlet in the Whitsunday Islands, Australia

About the Whitsundays

Whitsundays forms part of the Cumberland Group of islands – the largest offshore chain of islands along the Australian coastline in the Coral Sea.

The majority of these isles are uninhabited (only eight are inhabited) and form part of the national parks . Several of the islands offer resort accommodation.

Airlie Beach is the main town on the mainland that is used as an entry point to the islands. Other big cities closeby include Cairns, 630km north, and Townsville, around 900km north of Brisbane.

The region provides a warm subtropical climate, with average temperatures around 27.4°C.

It has a well-defined dry season during winter (June – August), with average temperatures reaching 24°C, making it the perfect beachside holiday destination year-round.

The Whitsundays Islands are home to the world-renowned Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach ( rated the second-best beach in the world ). The perfect place to relax on the pristine beaches or stroll through the lush rainforests.

Drone shot of one of the beautiful beaches in Australia – Photo by Jessica May on Scopio

How to get to the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach

The Whitsundays Islands aren’t connected to the mainland. So unless you fly to Hamilton Island, you’ll need to take a ferry regardless of which mode of transportation you take along the mainland.

The easiest way to get to the Whitsunday Islands is by plane . The largest inhabited island, Hamilton Island, is serviced by its own airport, The Great Barrier Reef Airport.

It has direct flights from Melbourne, Cairns , Sydney and Brisbane. Another airport servicing the Whitsundays is Whitsunday Coast Airport, at Proserpine, 20km from Airlie Beach.

There are also two other light plane airports, Whitsunday Airport at the Shute harbour just 5km from Airlie Beach and an airport on Lindeman Island.

Lindeman Island has domestic and international connections via Sydney , Cairns, and Brisbane airports.

The view over Whitehaven Beach from Hill Inlet Lookout in the Whitsundays – Photo by Stephanie Bruce on Scopio

The majority of ferries travel between Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island, though some also run from Shute Harbour, 10km east. The crossing takes around an hour.

Keep in mind, these are passenger-only ferries, so if you are driving by car , you’ll need to leave it at the ‘long-stay’ parking lot. However, many travellers choose to stay in Airlie Beach and take a Whitsundays day trip.

Most people drive to Airlie Beach as part of a longer Australia East Coast road trip . Whether you go from Cairns to Brisbane or viceversa, you’re guaranteed an epic Aussie road trip !

With an organised tour

If you prefer to have everything organised, you can also visit the Whitsunday Islands with an organised tour.

These usually set off from Airlie Beach, take you to explore the islands and then return either the same day or the following day, depending on what tour you choose.

These are great if you’re travelling on a tight schedule, or don’t want to have to organise an overnight stay at the resorts of Hamilton Island.

Click here to book your Whitsundays islands ocean rafting day trip!

My friends and I during our speedboat day tour to the Whitsundays

Our experience doing an Airlie Beach Tours to Whitsundays

We only did a day trip to the Whitsundays since we had a tight itinerary, and didn’t have time to spend longer at the islands.

If you’re up for an adventure, embark on a thrilling Whitsundays ocean rafting tour from Airlie Beach.

The duration of the tour is around 6.5 hours to a full day. You have two options to choose from with this trip – the North or the South Whitehaven option.

We opted for the Airlie Beach day trip to the North Whitehaven side and visited two different snorkelling stops. First on Hook Island and then to Whitehaven Beach.

It’s the perfect option for anyone looking to do a lot of snorkelling. It’s an amazing tour, but you won’t be spending much time on the actual islands with this choice.

We enjoyed lunch at the north end of Whitehaven beach, and then took a guided walk through the National Park and the Hill Inlet lookout point.

Snorkelling in the Whitsunday Islands with a Maori Wrasse

There you’ll see breathtaking views of blue and white strips, where the turquoise waters, reefs and sands meet. This was a really phenomenal day trip, and I wish we had stayed longer and explored a bit more of the islands.

The second option is the South Whitehaven tour and is ideal if you’re looking to do more relaxing on the beach.

You’ll explore one snorkel destination at Border or Dumbell Islands, and visit both the northern and southern ends of the pristine Whitehaven Beach.

You’ll get to relax on the world-renowned white silica sands or frolic in the waters for around 2-hours. Doing a day trip on a speed boat is ideal since the travel time is usually reduced.

Big sailing boats or catamarans are comfier to cruise on, but will take much longer to reach the islands. We also had a bit of an adventurous captain who did some speed tricks out at sea, which were pretty exhilarating!

The islands were so stunning that I wish we had been able to spend longer there. However as far as day trips go, the one we did was pretty awesome.

Some beautiful corals that you can see when scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Photo by Kristoffer Trondsen on Scopio

What to Bring on Your Whitsundays Island Day Tour

Although we all know how to pack for exciting tours, here are some of the general trip essentials and must-haves for a Whitsundays day tour.

Sunscreen – is your absolute trusty steed if you’re travelling in Australia. You’ll want to get a lotion that will protect you from the sun and to also be reef friendly.

Sun hat – it’s always good to have a sun hat when spending a day at the beach. The Australian sun can be really harsh, so having some shade to protect your face is essential.  

Flip flops – you’ll want a pair of light shoes/flops to easily pack into your bag for exploring the shores.

Light waterproof jacket – is an essential item I like to take along with me, wherever I go. Although Whitsundays provides a subtropical climate, you may find it getting chilly if it rains or in the late afternoons. Taking a light waterproof jacket doesn’t need much space, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Reusable water bottle – not only provides you with water, but you also help conserve the environment when on tours. Most tour operators provide water and snacks, but it is always great to keep your own reusable water bottle at hand.

Fast-drying towel – is perfect for all purposes – camping, travel, beach, backpacking, swimming. It’s lightweight, absorbent and dries quickly. It’s certainly a popular travel accessory and one of my ‘must-have’ items.

Whitehaven Beach in Australia

Is doing a Whitsunday day Tour worth it?

To put it shortly, absolutely! With a subtropical climate and stunning tropical islands, you’ll certainly want to take a visit and see the paradise for yourself.

And if you take a ferry, it’s a short 1h 5m to get there, which is not bad at all.

You can explore these idyllic islands by snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing and swimming from the many beaches or the tour boat.

The day tour we took in Whitsundays is ideal if you want to do more snorkelling. It’s a lovely day trip, but you’ll spend a lot of time at sea and not actually on the islands.

View over Whitehaven Beach from Hill Inlet Lookout in the Whitsunday Islands – Photo by Svenja Schmikal on Scopio

More Whitsundays Tours Options

The Whitsundays day tour is a spectacular excursion, but for the next time, I will certainly opt for the overnight option to explore the surrounding areas more.

If you have more time, I’d suggest doing an overnight tour around the Whitsunday Islands. You’ll get the most out of your trip sailing, snorkelling, hiking and kayaking in these magical gem clear waters.

Not only that, but you’ll also get to embark on an eco-friendly exploration of hidden bays hugging around the reefs.

You’ll also get to visit the famous Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and other Whitsundays Islands.

Book your overnight sailing, snorkelling and kayaking tour here!

Chilling at the beach

Another excellent option is the 2-day combo tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef and some of the best locations in the Whitsundays.

Your first day is a 10-hour trip to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef on a cruise and pontoon, passing by Whitsunday islands. There you’re able to snorkel and enjoy a buffet lunch in paradise.

On your second day, you’ll embark on a 10-hour Catamaran Sailing tour to Whitehaven, the Hill Inlet and enjoy snorkelling in the crystal clear waters.

Book your 2-day combo tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach here!

Relaxing at the beach

Where to stay in Airlie Beach for a Whitsundays day trip

In Airlie Beach you will find accommodation for every traveller, ranging from backpacker hostels to lovely family resorts . I listed below some options of accommodation in Airlie Beach for every budget.

Budget – Nomads Airlie Beach : I stayed in multiple Nomads Hostels during my Australia trip and was always happy with the friendly and sociable atmosphere.

Click here to book your stay at Nomads Airlie Beach!

Mid-range – Water’s Edge Resort : Considering this hotel has a beautiful infinity pool with view over the town and sea, we were not expecting it to be that affordable. They have lovely apartments with a great view.

Click here to see prices and availability at Water’s Edge Resort!

Luxury – Mirage Whitsundays : If you’re looking to pamper yourself, this is the place. Modern luxurious apartments, infinity pools and sea views, this hotel has it all.

Click here to book your stay at Mirage Whitsundays!

Enjoying the pool of at Water’s Edge Resort in Airlie Beach

Final thoughts on doing a Whitsundays tour from Airlie Beach?

Get ready to swim with rainbow-coloured fish and sea turtles. Sink your toes into some of the most beautiful beaches in the world on your tropical Whitsundays vacation.

Now that you have a tour in mind, are you ready to set sail on the transparent waters of the Great Barrier Reef? The idyllic tropical islands of Whitsundays are something out of a dream, a magical paradise.

See for yourself why Whitehaven Beach is said to be the second best beach in the world, and Hill Inlet Lookout is said to be so spectacular.

I hope you find this guide useful in planning your own day trip to the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach! I cannot wait to go back and do an overnight Whitsundays tour to explore even more around these dreamy waters.

Looking for more Australia travel tips? Check out my guides!

• Everything you need to know about doing a Daintree Rainforest day trip
• The best Blue Mountains day trips from Sydney
• Is the Bondi to Coogee Walk worth it?
• Discover the fairy pools of Noosa Heads
• The best Fraser Island 3-day tour
• How to spend a weekend on the Great Ocean Road
• What to pack for a trip to the Australian outback
• The best Uluru 3-day tour

Enjoyed reading about the best Whitsunday Islands day tours from Airlie Beach? Pin it!

There is so much to do and see in the Whitsundays.  Explore via some of the day trips and tours on offer.  They range from relaxing on board a sailing yacht and taking in the beautiful scenery to the more adventurous jetski tours.  Browse through our options and contact us for experienced, first hand knowledge.

Ultimate Whitsundays Combo

Private Charter to Hayman Island

We are so excited to announce that we can now offer private day charters to stunning Hayman Island. Join us for an exclusive day excursion to Hayman Island. Experience the epitome of luxury as you indulge in a day of relaxation, exquisite cuisine, and unforgettable moments.

Heart Reef and Whitehaven Stopover

Whitehaven Beach Getaway

Daydream Island Escape

Discover the laidback vibe of the newly reopened Daydream Island – the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. Spend your time swimming, enjoying the scenic surroundings or meeting some Great Barrier Reef marine life at the spectacular Living Reef.

Camira Sunset Sail

Enjoy the spectacular views of Airlie Beach as you sail into the sunset, drink in hand, aboard our stunning sailing catamaran.

Camira Full Day Whitehaven Tour

Join us for the fun aboard Camira! Full day Whitehaven Tour departing from Airlie Beach!

Seaclusion - Private Charter

Whitsunday Explorer

Explore the Whitsunday Islands on our luxe small ship, the Whitsundays Explorer. Offering 2 night cruises! This is a new unique opportunity to cruise the Whitsundays.

Entice/On Ice Catamarans

Crewed sailing Catamarans offering 2 night cruises departing from Airlie Beach!

Thundercat Day Tour

Thundercat offers an exhilarating ride around the Whitsunday Islands all in one day. The 2018/2019 National Gold award-winning tour visits the world-famous WhitehavenBeach, Hill Inlet look out and offers 2 snorkeling opportunities on the fringing Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure - From Airlie Beach

Experience the beauty of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef on this small-group snorkelling eco-adventure. Travel on the smoothest, most comfortable wavepiercer to visit the incredible coral wonderland of the outer reefs.

Sunset Sail - On the Edge

Sit back and enjoy a relaxing, picturesque sunset sail on board our catamaran - On the Edge. Unwind with a drink in hand and some light nibbles as you enjoy the spectacular sunset over the Whitsunday Islands.

Europa Private Charter (Max 8 Guests)

Enjoy a 1.5hr cruise enjoying a Whitsundays sunset. Includes nibbles, BYO alcohol. Europa accommodates for a 8 passengers, perfect for intimate groups looking for a VIP experience.

Whitehaven Beach Half Day

This fantastic half day cruise takes you past some of the Whitsundays remote areas, beautiful bays, peaceful islands and onto dazzling Whitehaven Beach.

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Chill and Grill

Enjoy a leisurely cruise in the Whitehaven-based vessel, along the full length of Whitehaven, across Hill Inlet to a landing point. From here a guided walk following the path and history of the Whitsunday traditional owners, the Ngaro people, will lead you to the lookout and that picture postcard view! Departs from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island.

Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach Express

Non-stop scenic airplane flight over world famous Heart Reef via Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, returning via the world famous Heart Reef, Hook Reef, Hook Passage, Cid Harbour and Whitsunday Passage.

Best of both worlds

Experience the best of Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach in one unforgettable day! This tour lasts approximately 4 hours in total. Tour includes a 60-minute scenic helicopter flight, 2 hours at Reefworld including all facilities and 1 hour on Whitehaven Beach with a delicious picnic and sparkling wine.

Sail and Snorkel - Whitehaven and Chalkies

This full day cruise incorporates two separate destinations - Whitehaven Beach for relaxing & Chalkies Beach for snorkelling

Half Day Hill Inlet at Whitehaven Beach

An intimate, half-day cruise visiting the remote Hill Inlet and beautiful Whitehaven Beach. Kick a ball, take a guided bush walk or simply bask in the beauty of Hill Inlet, at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach.

Cheeky Private Charter (Max 10 Guests)

This Deluxe vessel is an 11.5m Axopar Sun Top. Built with all the features you could hope to have for a vessel of her size, we’re sure you’ll explore the Whitsundays in complete luxury. This premium charter vessel accommodates for up to 10 passengers for day charters

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure

Beyond the Whitsundays, your destination is Reefworld, our multilevel reef facility permanently moored 39 nautical miles from shore at spectacular Hardy Reef. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore – an undersea encounter with this amazing ecosystem is unforgettable. Departing from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach.

Full Day Snorkel and Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Experience a full-day Great Barrier Reef diving adventure taking you to selected moorings around Bait Reef – the closest of the outer reef locations. Accessed by our premium catamaran, guests dive directly off the vessel’s diving platform. Departs from Hamilton Island or Shute Harbour.

Hamilton Island - Half Day Snorkel The Whitsunday Islands

This half day cruise visits secluded locations within the northern section of the Whitsunday Islands which have the best fringing reef areas especially for snorkelling & diving. Explore beneath the waves and see for yourself the abundance of coral and marine life this outlandish landscape has to offer.

Reefworld Cruise/Fly

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from every possible perspective with this combination Cruise/Fly package to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. This tour features a 35 min scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitsunday islands, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and the outer reef.

Reefworld Fly/Cruise

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from every possible perspective with this combination Fly/Cruise package to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. This tour features a 35 min scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitsunday islands, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and outer reef.

Reef Discovery - Fly Both Ways

Indulge in the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience with return helicopter flights to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. This tour features a 60-minute scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the outer reef and world famous “Heart Reef”.

Reefsuites - Australia's First Underwater Accommodation

Spend a magical night in Australia’s first underwater accommodation and have a front row seat to the dazzling underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Be prepared for an intimate experience that will stay with you forever.

Island Explorer

A 1.5 hour cruise in an authentic glass bottom semi-sub, departing from Hamilton Island daily!

Journey to the Heart

Exhilarating. Intimate. Unique. Only accessible by helicopter, land on ‘Heart Island’ moored near Heart Reef to sail and snorkel around this naturally occurring heart-shaped reef after a glorious aerial journey over the Great Barrier Reef.

Star gazing by night, exploring by day - it really doesn't get much better than this! With Cruise Whitsundays you have the amazing opportunity to spend a night sleeping under the stars at the Great Barrier Reef! Departing from Hamilton Island or Airlie Beach

BBQ Dinner Cruise from Hamilton Island

2 hour sunset dinner cruise departing from Hamilton Island Daily at 5.30pm.

Jetski Tours

No licence required – no experience necessary! Multi award winning Whitsunday Jetski Tours offers exciting adventure tours in the Whitsundays and is the first and only guided jetski tour operating from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands. Guests can ride the latest model Sea-Doo jetski into the beautiful world heritage Whitsunday Island Marine Park.

Mandara - Spa Treatments

We are based in Airlie Beach on the mainland and provide our therapists to service Hamilton Island as half or full day reservations. We encourage our clients to book in advance securing the day and times that they prefer as we have limited availability for last minute island enquiries.

Rare World War II planes soar over Syracuse, rides and tours available this weekend

Some of the rarest planes from World War II will be on display through the weekend at Syracuse’s Hancock International Airport. 

The planes include the B-29 Superfortress and a P-51 Mustang. They, along with several other historic planes, will bring history to life as they take to the skies above Syracuse. 

The AirPower History Tour brings the sights, sounds, and stories of World War II aviation to airports across North America each year. Visitors to the ramp will be able to purchase rides and tour the B-29’s cockpit when the aircraft is not flying.

Tour Leader Jacque Robitaille says the B-29 Superfortress named “Fifi” is one of only two B-29s still flying in the world today.

"We have a lot of folks that come out now and say that was my father or my grandfather that flew in these airplanes. It gives them a chance to see up close the hardships they went through and an appreciation for the sacrifices they made."

ABOUT THE B-29 SUPERFORTRESS “FIFI”

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the largest and most technically advanced aircraft of its time, was first flown in 1942. It began active service in the US Army Air Corp in 1944, and is best known as the aircraft whose missions over Japan helped bring an end to World War II. The B-29 also was used in the Korean War in the early 1950s and was a staple of the U.S. Air Force until 1960. “FIFI”, one of only two B-29s in the world still flying, was acquired by the CAF in 1971. She began touring in 1974 and has been entertaining air show audiences across the country ever since.

B-24s in the world still flying provide the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of our fathers and grandfathers in the dangerous air wars over Europe, the Pacific, North Africa and Asia.

ABOUT THE P-51 MUSTANG

The North American P-51D Mustang is one of the most recognizable and loved aircraft in aviation history. With its speed, range, and sleek lines, the P-51 became a favorite of Allied fighter pilots and bomber crews. The long-range fighter aircraft had a range of 1,300 miles that enabled it to accompany the bombers to their targets and back, and it was faster and more maneuverable than its German and Japanese opponents.

ABOUT THE T-6 TEXAN

The North American T-6 Texan, known as the "Pilotmaker," was an advanced flight trainer that introduced new pilots to a complex aircraft with more speed of over 200-plus miles per hour, to prepare them for the warbirds they would fly in combat in WWII. The T-6 was designed for an instructor and student and had a closed cockpit.

ABOUT THE PT-13 STEARMAN

The Boeing PT-13 was the primary flight trainer for all branches of the military during World War II. This iconic bi-plane, almost universally known as the "Stearman”, trained more crews than any other aircraft in WWII. A ride in this open cockpit airplane brings back the wind-in-your-hair feeling of the early days of flying.

The AirPower History Tour is in Syracuse until Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids ages 11-17. Children 10 and under are free. Parking is $10 with all proceeds going to support the Syracuse Airport Military Courtesy Room Cockpit tours of the B-29 will be available each day beginning at 9 a.m., and on Saturday and Sunday when the aircraft are done flying. Rides may be booked in advance at AirPowerTour.org.

Air Whitsunday: Whitehaven by Seaplane

Departure Times

THIS TOUR IS CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE. Please visit our  Scenic Flights  page for alternative tours. 

Get a big picture of the Whitsundays as you soar through the sky and dive into the sea on our unique Island Explorer Seaplane Tour!

• Glide smoothly through the air and immerse yourself in the pristine Whitsundays from above
• Land on Whitehaven Beach for the chance to relax and explore this island paradise
• Soak up the salt and the sun with world-class snorkelling at Chalkies Beach
• A unique, all-inclusive tour for those wanting to see the Great Barrier Reef from new heights!

This product is no longer available. Try one of our other  fly & cruise packages !

The Air Whitsunday Whitehaven by Seaplane  is a luxurious air experience bound to have you awestruck as you soar through a day full of breathtaking views and magical destinations. A fantastic way to discover the natural beauty of the Whitsundays, this tour will show you the very best of both the sky and the sea. Jump into the crystal clear waters and relax on Whitehaven Beach. On this magnificent flight and beach combo, you will take in the incredible aerial views of the Whitsundays, without missing the hidden gems waiting to be discovered down below!

Highlights & Features

• Tour duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Breathtaking views of the Whitsunday Islands
• See Hill Inlet Lookout from above
• Glide over Hill Inlet Lookout, Whitehaven Beach and fringing reefs
• Land on Whitehaven Beach for 2 hours to relax and explore
• Fresh, buffet lunch on the beach
• Beach umbrellas and stand-up paddleboarding provided
• Snorkelling around the Whitsunday Islands
• Friendly crew and interesting in-flight commentary

Booking Note:

Please Advise Drink Preference Per Guest When Booking.

• Soft Drink: Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Solo, Lemonade
• Wine: Sparkling or White Wine
• Beer: Great Northern or Pure Blonde
• Water: Sparkling or Still

Sample Itinerary

Whitehaven Beach For a true taste of Whitsunday magic, a trip to Whitehaven Beach is a must. These gems located on Whitsunday Island will knock your socks off with tropical bliss and natural wonder. Whitehaven Beach is renowned for its indescribable white, silica sands that stretch out before your eyes. In fact, Whitehaven has been coined one of the best beaches in the world! Get back to nature ...

Whitehaven Beach For a true taste of Whitsunday magic, a trip to Whitehaven Beach is a must. These gems located on Whitsunday Island will knock your socks off with tropical bliss and natural wonder. Whitehaven Beach is renowned for its indescribable white, silica sands that stretch out before your eyes. In fact, Whitehaven has been coined one of the best beaches in the world! Get back to nature with 90 minutes of beach time to relax, cool off with a dip and enjoy a fresh, local lunch. For those that crave adventure, embark on a self-guided walk to South Whitehaven lookout for a journey and view that you won't forget.

Snorkelling at Chalkies Beach Discover the exotic array of underwater creatures and corals at Chalkies Beach, an accessible and stunning fringing reef perfect for everyone. You'll be amazed as you dive into a marine world of magic as you come face-to-face with tropical colourful fish, vivacious soft corals and maybe even a turtle! Our crew will provide you with snorkelling gear, stinger suit and instruction, so jump on in and experience the natural beauty of the Whitsundays!

Stand up paddleboarding Hop on a board and paddle over bright turquoise waters for a fun and unique experience. Whether you're a seasoned "supper" or it's your first time, you won't forget your stand up paddleboarding experience in the pristine Whitsundays. Remember your hat as you have fun in the sun!

Included Sights

Hill Inlet Lookout Flying over Hill Inlet Lookout gives you the big picture of Whitsunday Island's swirling sands and aqua ocean, so don't miss this incredible photo opportunity! Bring along your camera and take advantage of the tropical paradise that is the Whitsunday Islands.

More Information

What to bring.

Please just bring a  light day bag , with:

• Beach clothing
• Thongs/sand shoes
• Beach towel
• Sun protection - Sunscreen, sunglasses and hat etc.
• Camera 
• Light jacket for cooler months
• Prescription snorkelling mask (if required)

What's Included

• 2 hours at Whitehaven Beach
• Snorkel the fringing reef 
• Snorkelling equipment & tuition
• Flotation devices
• Use of stand-up paddleboards
• Fruit juice and spring water
• Buffet style l...
• Buffet style lunch on the beach
• In-flight commentary
• Return transfers

Terms and Conditions

Important Information: 

The exact departure/arrival time is not guaranteed as departure times and itineraries may be altered closer to departure to suit tides, weather and other aircraft movements. Please allow flexibility and space in your daily itinerary.

Courtesy bus pick-ups begin 1 hour (approx.) prior to departure, and must be reconfirmed 24 hours prior to departure. Passengers who fail to reconfirm these details, or miss the courtesy bus, will be liable to find their own means of transport to Whitsunday Coast Airport. Self-drive guests must be ready at the departure point at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled flight time.

Weight Restrictions Apply:

• 115kgs per person on the 6 seat aircraft
• 130kgs per person on the 10 seat aircraft 

Aircrafts are subject to availability. The supplier reserves the right to exchange the aircrafts without any given notice. 

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. 

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:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 72 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

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 [email protected]. 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.

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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