Hafen
Airlie Beach

OVERVIEW

Step back in time to Airlie’s earlier days on a tour that visits a venue steeped in local history, then surveys the area’s contemporary sights. True time travel may not yet be possible, but this is the next best thing. You’ll begin with a visit to Proserpine Historical Museum, where you can relive the days when sugar was this area’s primary cash crop. The exhibits also highlight the Whitsunday region’s historic cattle industries and the coffee trade that thrived here from the late 1800s until it took a back seat to tea-drinking. Continue to the beautifully located Coral Sea Resort (or similar) to enjoy some beach views. The setting is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a morning tea with views across to Airlie and a peaceful feel. Enjoy a buffet of premium assorted cakes, local produce fruit platters and Australian Damper together with your juice, tea or coffee. On the return drive, get current on a brief sightseeing jaunt through both Cannonvale and Airlie Beach’s local shopping district. You’ll have the option to disembark at the local markets to browse for souvenirs, but if so, you’ll need to make your own way back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach about 30 minutes inland from Airlie Beach to Proserpine Historical Museum.
• See exhibits that tell the story of the days when the Airlie and Whitsunday regions’ economies were tied to sugar, cattle and coffee.
• Ride with the coach back to the pier or step off to do some souvenir shopping and return on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Observe saltwater crocodiles by cruising the Proserpine River and see other indigenous wildlife while crossing the Goorganga Plains in a tractor-drawn wagon train. This quintessential Australian eco-adventure presents a close-up look at Queensland’s most iconic creatures. From the comfort of the boat, you will watch countless crocodiles and perhaps newly hatched babies in the river estuaries and learn about their vital role in helping to balance the wetlands environment. Although much maligned, crocodiles are fascinating reptiles with the ability to hold their breath up to six hours underwater. You will also discover much about the unique habitats that fringe the river by riding through the surrounding melaleuca forests and pastures in an open-air wagon. Birds and kangaroo-like wallabies are particularly prevalent. You can discuss what you’ve seen afterwards while enjoying a BBQ lunch. They offerings include a bread known as damper and billy tea boiled over a campfire.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the Proserpine River, which is teeming with saltwater crocodiles.
• Learn about crocodile behavior and how these massive reptiles help the environment.
• Observe other indigenous wildlife while riding across the plains in an open-air wagon.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Travel by catamaran to a pontoon floating atop the Outer Reef and discover the exquisite beauty waiting below in the world’s richest marine habitat. Your adventure begins with a two-hour waterborne transfer by luxury cat right from the ship, with morning tea and coffee served as you sail to the reef. Once at the pontoon, essentially a floating resort designated for your use, a range of activities are available for experiencing this breathtaking environment. Perhaps you’ll take a spin on the semi-submersible and see the reef’s colorful fish and intricate coral gardens from its underwater viewing windows without getting wet – or have a snorkel in these inviting aquamarine waters to see what’s up down under for yourself. The pontoon itself also has a convenient underwater viewing chamber available whenever you like. Looking for something even more immersive? Sign on for an optional scuba dive or escorted snorkeling tour, offered at an extra charge. While enjoying the reef, an extensive buffet lunch will be set out for you, soft drinks, Australian wine and beer available for purchase. In time, you’ll bid the Great Barrier reef farewell – for now – and return by catamaran to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely two-hour transfer directly from the ship to the Outer Reef via luxury catamaran.
• Arrive at a pontoon atop the world’s lushest marine habitat, your playground for the next few hours.
• Choose from a range of activities offered – semi-submersible ride, independent snorkeling, onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkeling, and more.
• Experience breathtaking views of colorful reef fish and intricate coral gardens.
• Graze the extensive buffet lunch set out for you, soft drinks with Australian wine and beer available for purchase.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly over Whitehaven Beach and other idyllic locales in a fixed-wing aircraft with large windows that allow for optimal views of the gorgeous scenery below. The plane holds a maximum of seven guests, which will make the experience all the more private and pleasurable. The flight will be wonderfully picturesque as you will fly over the Great Barrier Reef and many of the islands in the Whitsunday archipelago. When you spot Whitehaven Beach on the largest of the Whitsundays, you will instantly understand why it is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The sand there is almost entirely made of silica, giving it a snow-white color. The setting is so dramatic that numerous films, including “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales “Were shot there. You will also fly over photogenic Hill Inlet and Heart Reef, whose distinct heart shape is best seen from the air.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach in a fixed-wing aircraft.
• Be awed by the snow-white color of Whitehaven’s sand, the result of its high silica content.
• Gaze out over the brilliant blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
• See a reef whose unusual heart shape is most noticeable from the air.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the wild side of the Whitsunday Islands by zipping across the sea to Whitehaven Beach on a rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB. It will be an exhilarating, adrenaline-charged experience as you race through the water to the idyllic uninhabited beach, which is known for its exceptionally white sand. Because of its high silica content, the sand is extremely fine and soft and doesn’t retain heat like most sand. Feel free to beachcomb, bask in the sun and enjoy a refreshing swim in the remarkably clear waters. Wildlife is plentiful in this remote spot, especially water birds. You will also have access to Hill Inlet Beach, a spectacularly scenic cove where tidal currents swirl the turquoise sea and white sand together to form ever-changing picture-perfect mosaics. This natural phenomenon is especially stunning when viewed from the elevated lookout when the tide is low.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race across the sea in a rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB.
• Relax on Whitehaven Beach’s exceptionally fine, soft and sparkling white sand.
• Look for wildlife, which is abundant around remote Whitehaven Beach.
• Watch the tidal current form colorful mosaics in the sea at Hill lnlet Cove.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Experience the scenic natural splendour of the Whitsundays during this relaxing, half-day excursion to Whitehaven Beach via catamaran.

Airlie Beach, Catamaran Cruise, Whitehaven Beach

Depart the pier aboard a catamaran for the scenic, approximately 30-minute cruise to Whitehaven Beach. En route, learn about the history and natural wonders of the area. Upon arrival, spend approximately two hours on this beautiful, pristine island.

Swimming, Sunbathing, Beachcombing, Hill Inlet Lookout

During your visit, you can relax, unwind, and soak up the tropical sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and enjoy spectacular views from the Hill Inlet Lookout. You can also take a barefoot stroll along the shore of this idyllic, golden beach; since the sand is 98% silica, it does not retain heat. Following your visit, embark the catamaran for the approximately 30-minute cruise back to the pier.

Upon arrival at the pier, disembark the catamaran and commence the short walk back to the ship.

Experience the spectacular beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands from a unique perspective during this panoramic flight-seeing excursion.

Airlie Beach, Flight-Seeing Tour, Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands

Depart the pier for approximately 40-minute drive to the Whitsunday Airport. After receiving your pre-flight weigh-in and safety instructions, board your plane and begin your approximately one-hour flight-seeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. Along the way, see the best sites this area has to offer.

Resorts, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef, Hardy Reef

Fly over most of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays, and see resorts dotting the islands as you head toward Whitehaven Beach and the renowned Hill Inlet. Enjoy two passes along Australia's finest beach, then head out to the Great Barrier Reef. Included in your flight is the famous Heart Reef, nestled amongst the bright colours and patterns of Hardy Reef. At the conclusion of your flight-seeing tour, return to the Whitsunday Airport.

Upon arrival, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Set sail for paradise during this memorable, full-day catamaran and snorkelling excursion to the Whitsundays.

Airlie Beach, Catamaran-Ride, Whitsunday Islands National Park, Remote Bays, Islands & Beaches

After tendering ashore, embark the Camira (or similar), one of the fastest, most graceful commercial catamarans available, and set sail for Whitsunday Islands National Park. Here, the ultimate sailing experience and world-class snorkelling combine to create a memorable day. Sit back, relax and unwind as you glide through the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Soak in the sun, sea and picturesque scenery whilst exploring the beautiful, remote bays, islands and beaches of this tropical paradise.

Morning Tea, Lunch, Snorkelling, Protected Reef, Coral Beds, Tropical Fish, Marine Life

Relax on the spacious decks whilst morning tea and a barbecue lunch are served against a backdrop of idyllic scenery and sun-dappled seas. Dive into the Whitsunday's favourite maritime playground for snorkelling at a protected reef teeming with life. Along the way, explore the coral beds, tropical fish and marine life.

At the conclusion of your snorkelling session, embark the boat and commence the ride back to the tender pier.

Explore the awe-inspiring Whitsunday Islands in a unique new way during this scenic and invigorating, half-day sea-kayaking excursion.

Shute Harbour, Guided Kayaking Adventure, Coral Reefs, Tropical Islands

Depart the pier for the short drive to Shute Harbour. Upon arrival, receive your safety and kayaking instructions and gear, then embark your two-seat kayak and begin your approximately two-hour, 3.7-mile (about six-kilometre) guided kayaking tour. This fun-filled and invigorating tour is a great family option, and suitable for first-time and advanced kayakers. Led by your guide, paddle over fringing coral reefs and explore nearby tropical islands.

White Rock Island, Swimming, Marine Life

A stop is made at one of the nearby islands or beaches, allowing time to swim in the beautiful turquoise waters. There is time to explore an island or relax on the beach and enjoy a cold drink and snacks. During your return journey to Shute Harbour, you may see sea turtles, soaring eagles, and other wildlife, bird species, tropical fish and marine life common to this region.

Upon arrival at Shute Harbour, disembark your kayak, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Embrace your sense of adventure and the beauty of the Whitsundays during this exhilarating, half-day sailing and snorkelling excursion to Hook Island.

Airlie Beach, Semi-RIB-Boat-Ride, Whitsunday Passage, Hook Island, Reef Snorkelling

After tendering ashore, meet your captain and embark a high-speed, semi-rigid inflatable boat for an exhilarating ride across the Whitsunday Passage to Hook Island. Upon arrival, receive your safety and snorkelling instructions and equipment, then begin your first guided snorkelling excursion along the island-fringing reef.

Bali High or the Langford Spit, Lunch, Swimming or Beach Visit

Next, embark the boat and head to your second snorkelling destination and then continue to Whitehaven Beach. Upon arrival, a cold lunch is served on board. After lunch, you may opt to swim in the turquoise ocean, walk to the lookout, or simply relax on the beach and take in spectacular views of the island.

At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat and commence the short ride back to the tender pier.

Explore the waters around the Great Barrier Reef which are well known for their excellent fishing. Benefit from the local knowledge of your experienced guide and fish at great spots around Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands.

Exclusive Charter Boat

Walk to the pier, where you will meet your experienced fishing guide, then board your charter vessel and head out into the Coral Sea. Troll the waters around the Great Barrier Reef during an exclusive fishing charter. The waters surrounding the world's largest coral reef are renowned for their abundant varieties of fish, including coral trout, snapper, mackerel and marlin.

Fishing

Your guide will take you to the secret fishing spots around Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands, where you will be able to cast your line. Enjoy the opportunity to experience both bottom fishing and trolling during your cruise. Please note that your odds of hooking a trophy fish cannot be guaranteed, and that anything you catch will need to be released back into the water due to fishing regulations. After plenty of time to try your luck, you will return to shore and your awaiting ship.

Discover the natural and manmade wonderlands of the beautiful Whitsundays in an exciting new way during this exhilarating, half-day jet-ski excursion.

Airlie Beach, Coral Sea Marina & Guided Jet-Ski Safari

Depart the pier for a short drive to the jet-ski departure point. Upon arrival, receive your safety and jet ski instructions and gear, then embark your two-passenger jet-ski and begin your approximately 1-hour, 18.6-mile (about 30-kilometre) guided jet-ski safari.

Whitsunday Islands, Pioneer Bay, Marine Life

Embrace the spectacular beauty of the Whitsundays whilst exploring Pioneer Bay on the latest-model jet-ski. Along the way, ride through natural and manmade wonderlands; enjoy informative and entertaining commentary provided by your guide, and look for local sea turtles, dugongs, seabirds, tropical fish, and marine life.

At the completion of your jet-ski safari, return to the jet-ski departure point, disembark your jet-ski, and transfer back  to the pier.