Ocean Rafting - Northern Exposure
Select Date and Passengers
Itinerary
Whitsunday Highlights
Group Leader
Experienced Local Guide
Whitsundays
Whitehaven Beach + Hill Inlet
Snorkelling
Snorkel Around Hook Island
Marine Life
Spot Underwater Creatures
Rainforest
Hill Inlet Lookout Bushwalk
Transport
Transfers Available
Locations
Two Beautiful Snorkel Spots
Overview
One of the best day trips to Whitehaven Beach is Ocean Rafting’s Northern Exposure. Jet over the Coral Sea towards the tropical Whitsunday Island and get ready for one action-packed day. Hike to the fabulous Hill Inlet Lookout, spend some time on the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, and take endless photos of this stunning island paradise!
This tour also includes 2 snorkeling sites around the nearby Hook Island. So you’ll get ample time to explore the underwater world and admire the colorful marine life of the Great Barrier Reef’s fringing reefs. You’ll be glowing after this adventurous day of sightseeing and snorkeling in the Whitsunday Islands!
- Full day tour of the Whitsundays onboard a speedy ocean raft vessel
- Visit the glorious Whitehaven Beach and admire the views from Hill Inlet Lookout
- Stop by the remote and stunning Hook Island and snorkel at 2 exclusive reef sites
- All high-quality snorkel gear included
Your Sample Itinerary
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Ocean Rafting BoatsWake up bright and early because your tour departs from the Coral Sea Marina at 8:45 am! Hop on board one of the iconic Ocean Rafting boats. These bright yellow vessels travel at fast speeds so you can see more in one day! Soak in the tropical scenery as the raft transports you smoothly over to Hook Island and Whitsunday Island for the day. Your knowledgeable local guides on board are there to answer any questions, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase (bring cash!). |
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Hook IslandYou’ll begin your adventure with two stops around Hook Island. One of the largest islands in the Whitsundays, Hook Island is surrounded by colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. There are so many incredible snorkeling spots around here, such as Mantaray Bay and Maureen's Cove. Your expert local guides will choose the two snorkel destinations on the day of the tour, based on the tides and weather conditions. |
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SnorkelingOcean Rafting’s Northern Exposure puts an emphasis on snorkeling, as opposed to other Whitehaven Beach tours which only take you to one snorkeling location. So if you’re super excited to get underwater and explore the vibrant coral gardens of the Whitsundays, this may be the day trip for you! Though wildlife sightings are never 100% guaranteed, there is a good chance you’ll see lots of tropical fish, including Parrot Fish and Maori Wrasse. Sea Turtles are common to see as well, and in the winter months, you might see migrating whales in the distance! Cherish every moment of snorkeling in these pristine underwater ecosystems. |
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Whitehaven BeachAfter snorkeling at 2 different locations around Hook Island, hop back in your Ocean Rafting vessels and zip over to Whitsunday Island. Nestled on the eastern side of this massive, tropical island is Whitehaven Beach. Ocean Rafting is the only tour boat that has exclusive access to Hill Inlet itself, so you’ll get to explore even further inland than most tours! Enjoy some free time for strolling on the white silica sands and soaking in the Queensland sunshine. |
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Hill Inlet LookoutNext, embark on a guided walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout. The relatively easy bushwalk takes you through the lush green forest and up to an amazing lookout. With three different viewing platforms, you can enjoy all the best vantage points of Whitehaven Beach and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet. Keep your eyes peeled for lemon sharks and stingrays in the crystal-clear water below! After you’ve seen all the highlights, head back to Airlie Beach. |
What's Included?
- Full day Ocean Rafting tour
- Experienced local guide
- Marine park fees
- Guided walks and informative commentary
- Snorkelling gear (mask, snorkel, and fins)
- Courtesy transfers to/from select local accommodations
What's Extra?
*The "All-Inclusive" ticket includes lunch and sunsuit/wetsuit hire.
- Tropical Lunch Pack - $20
- Sunsuit/Wetsuit Hire - $8
- Prescription Mask Hire - $15
- Water
- Soft Drinks/Juice
- Beer/Cider
- Chocolate
Important Information
- Queensland Public Holidays incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch).
- 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.
Check out the Ocean Rafting Southern Lights option for more time on Whitehaven Beach!
Terms and Conditions
Please read our terms and cancellations policy before booking your Ocean Rafting tour!
FAQs
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.
Customer Reviews
KATHERIN CHRISTEN
Apr, 18 2024
Lara Roth
Jan, 15 2024
It was a great experience! Can recommend going even if the weather isn't perfect. Fantastic snorkeling and beach spots!
Karine Fortin
Dec, 02 2023
Really great tour ! There was a lot of pepople in the same place but unless that I will recommend ocean rafting ! Our guide Tom was excellent !
Susan Mcfadden
Sep, 26 2023
What an incredible day out. Thank you very much to Callum and Oak for our trip on the 20 Sep 2023. We were very lucky to have perfect weather and conditions for the day. Callum and Oak created an wonderful atmosphere for us to kick back and enjoy the very best the whitsundays had to offer.
Pattariya Junkanak
Sep, 26 2023
I had the best experience here with friendly staff. Really recommend
julia metcalf
Aug, 18 2023
It was the best, the weather was amazing and everyone was there to enjoy the fun... including the whales, dolphins and turtles!!!! We were on the thunderstruck and the boys running it were legends. We did it with our 5.5yo and 1.5yo, and they had the best time. Take the all-inclusive, well worth it!
Jonathan Chan
Aug, 13 2023
Great trip out
Tracey Harrison
Aug, 06 2023
Loved every minute. Heath and Emily were a lot of fun and very informative
Matthew Gillett
Jul, 01 2023
Great day out in perfect conditions Would have lived some more commentary by the guides Lunch was a little underwhelming
Brendon Swan
Jun, 01 2023
Fantastic! I have been on the ocean rafting trip Many times but had a particularly great experience with Heath and Oak. The two young fellas were quite personable with the guest and made for a fun and energetic day out on the water. They are an asset to your company.
Geraldine Kelder
May, 25 2023
Wow! 10 knots, sunny, perfect conditions. Snorkeling at Manta Ray Bay and Butterfly Bay was so incredible, I saw about 30 species of fish and coral. Whitehaven beach was heavenly. Catered vegan meal. Then the music and raft experience so so super.
Linda Slade
May, 20 2023
Smoothest boat trip I have experienced in a long time. The boat flies over the water. No sea sickness - no damage to joints- just pure fun. Also took us to two of the best coral reefs I’ve visited. Company take good care of you. Highly recommend for ALL ages.
Wendelin Christ
Mar, 20 2023
It was a great experience!! Highly recomendable??????????
Stevenson
Feb, 01 2023
Awesome day trip and would highly recommend to family and friends, crew were fantastic, food was superb, snorkelling was amazing and the view of Whitehaven was breathtaking, we’ll definitely be back for another trip
Darrin Johnson
Jan, 14 2023
Awesome
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A great experience for the whole family. The children (9&11 years) also enjoyed it very much. The childcare was very entertaining, very friendly and competent. the food was delicious, thank you very much for this day. we can only recommend it to others.