Whitehaven Beach stretches 7 kilometres along Whitsunday Island, its silica sand kept famously cool underfoot and its swirling Hill Inlet lookout ranking among the most photographed views in Australia. Every tour on this page departs the Whitsundays mainland, mostly from the Port of Airlie or Coral Sea Marina, so the choice comes down to how long you want on the sand, whether you want to snorkel on the way, and whether you would rather see it from a boat or from the air.
Half day cruises
The Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach Half Day Cruise departs in the morning for around 2 hours on the sand, while the Whitehaven Beach Half Day Afternoon Cruise leaves later in the day, both giving you the essential Whitehaven visit without committing a full day.
Full day tours with snorkelling
The Whitehaven Beach Northern Exposure Tour is the only Whitsundays day trip built around 2 separate snorkel sites near Hook Island, paired with a guided walk to the Hill Inlet lookout. The Whitehaven Beach Southern Lights Tour heads south instead, walking to a lookout with views of Pentecost Island before over an hour of snorkelling around Border Island or Dumbell Island and at least 2 hours on the sand.
The Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour takes the scenic route around Whitsunday Island via the Ngaro Sea Trail, passing South Molle and Hook Island with a buffet lunch on board. For a faster ride, the Full Day Whitsundays Speedboat Tour uses a 600 horsepower Thundercat to reach Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout, with 2 snorkelling stops on the fringing reef along the way.
Combine Whitehaven with another island
The Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Tour with Lunch spends the morning on Whitehaven's sand, then the afternoon on Hamilton Island with a pub style lunch and free access to the resort pools and Catseye Beach.
See Whitehaven from the air
The 60 Minute Whitsundays Scenic Flight flies over Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet and the iconic Heart Reef from a fixed wing aircraft with pilot commentary. The Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight covers the same ground with a guaranteed window seat for every passenger, a good option for families who want the view without a boat trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Whitehaven Beach?
Whitehaven Beach runs for about 7 kilometres along the eastern edge of Whitsunday Island, made up of silica sand that stays cool even in full sun.
What is the difference between the morning and afternoon Whitehaven cruises?
Both give around 2 hours on the beach. The morning cruise departs earlier in the day, while the afternoon cruise suits travellers who would rather not catch an early boat.
Can I snorkel on a Whitehaven Beach tour?
Yes. The Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Thundercat tours all include guided snorkelling at reef sites near Whitehaven Beach as part of the day.
Is there a way to see Whitehaven Beach without a boat?
Yes. Scenic flights from Whitsunday Airport fly directly over Whitehaven Beach, the Hill Inlet lookout and Heart Reef for anyone who would rather stay dry.
Can I visit Whitehaven Beach and another island on the same day?
Yes. The Whitehaven and Hamilton Island tour splits the day between Whitehaven's sand in the morning and Hamilton Island's resort facilities in the afternoon.
Local tip: book a tour that includes the Hill Inlet lookout walk if photos are the priority. The swirling blue and white patterns of sand and shallow water are best seen from above, not from the beach itself.
Compare the Whitehaven Beach tours above and choose the length, activities and departure time that suit your day in the Whitsundays.
