Cruise Whitsundays takes you beyond the islands to experience the spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef at Hardy Reef.
Cruise through the Whitsundays to Reefworld, a permanently moored pontoon 39 nautical miles offshore, where you’ll have around four hours to swim, snorkel and discover the reef.
Snorkel among tropical fish and coral, see beneath the surface from the underwater observatory or take a guided semi-submarine tour. With meals included and optional scuba diving available, this is a full Great Barrier Reef day for swimmers, snorkellers and those who prefer to stay dry.
Cruise Whitsundays currently operates this experience from Port of Airlie, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island
Your Cruise Whitsundays Experience
Cruise Through the Whitsundays
Your day begins with a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands towards the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
From Port of Airlie, the journey to Hardy Reef takes approximately three hours depending on conditions, while the journey from Hamilton Island is approximately two hours.
Along the way, settle in, enjoy the scenery and get ready for a very different side of the Whitsundays.
Why You’ll Love It
- Reach the Outer Great Barrier Reef – travel beyond the islands to Hardy Reef.
- Four hours at the reef, there’s time to snorkel, explore and enjoy Reefworld.
- Easy snorkelling access, enter the water directly from the pontoon.
- Something for non-swimmers too, discover the reef through the underwater observatory and semi-submarine.
- Make your first dive memorable, eligible beginners can add an introductory scuba dive.
- Meals are taken care of, morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea are included.
- Experience two Whitsundays landscapes in one day, cruise through the islands before discovering the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cruise Whitsundays suitable for families?
Yes. The Great Barrier Reef Adventure offers several ways to experience Hardy Reef, making it suitable for families and mixed groups. Children can snorkel according to their ability, while the underwater observatory and semi-submarine provide ways to see the reef without swimming.
Can I snorkel or scuba dive?
Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.
Introductory and certified scuba diving are available as optional extras, subject to age, medical and participation requirements.
What happens if the weather changes?
Great Barrier Reef tours operate in an offshore marine environment, so weather and sea conditions can affect the itinerary.
Cruise Whitsundays may alter schedules or operations when necessary for safety and comfort.
What do I need to bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, a hat, camera and a light jacket for cooler or windy conditions. Bring a credit card if you would like to purchase optional activities or other items.
Can I stay dry and still see the Great Barrier Reef?
Absolutely.
You can visit the underwater observatory and join the included guided semi-submarine tour, so you don’t have to snorkel to experience Hardy Reef.
Ready to experience the Great Barrier Reef?
Join Cruise Whitsundays for a full-day adventure through the Whitsunday Islands to Hardy Reef.
Snorkel the Outer Great Barrier Reef, discover the underwater world from Reefworld and enjoy a day surrounded by one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural environments.
Check availability and book your Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef adventure today.
Highlights
Quick Highlights
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- Cruise through the beautiful Whitsunday Islands to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Spend approximately 4 hours at Hardy Reef
- Snorkel straight from the Reefworld pontoon
- All snorkelling equipment provided
- Wetsuits and stinger suits included
- See the reef without getting wet in the underwater observatory
- Take an included guided semi-submarine tour
- Enjoy morning tea, buffet lunch and afternoon tea
- Add an introductory or certified scuba dive
- A full day dedicated to experiencing the Great Barrier Reef
Itinerary
Your Cruise Whitsundays Experience
Cruise Through the Whitsundays
Your day begins with a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands towards the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
From Port of Airlie, the journey to Hardy Reef takes approximately three hours depending on conditions, while the journey from Hamilton Island is approximately two hours.
Along the way, settle in, enjoy the scenery and get ready for a very different side of the Whitsundays.
Arrive at Hardy Reef
Your destination is Reefworld at Hardy Reef, approximately 39 nautical miles offshore.
You’ll have around four hours at the reef, giving you time to explore both above and below the water.
At Hardy Reef you can:
- Snorkel directly from the pontoon
- Explore coral and tropical marine life
- Use the underwater observatory
- Join the guided semi-submarine tour
- Relax on Reefworld between activities
- Add a guided snorkel safari
- Try introductory scuba diving
- Go diving as a certified diver
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
For SnorkelTrips guests, this is the highlight.
Mask, snorkel, fins and protective suits are provided, so you can get into the water and start exploring Hardy Reef.
You’ll be snorkelling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, rather than simply adding a short snorkel stop to an island tour.
Not a confident swimmer? Speak with the crew before entering the water and follow their instructions. Cruise Whitsundays advises that guests should be confident entering the water safely.
See the Reef While Staying Dry
You don’t have to snorkel to experience Hardy Reef.
Head below the surface to the underwater observatory, where you can look directly into the reef environment without getting wet.
You can also join the included guided semi-submarine tour for another perspective on the reef.
This makes Cruise Whitsundays particularly useful for families and groups where some people love being in the water and others would rather stay dry.
Lunch at the Reef
Morning tea, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea are included during your Great Barrier Reef adventure.
After approximately four hours at Hardy Reef, it’s time to cruise back through the Whitsundays.
Included
What’s Included
Your Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Adventure includes:
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- Scenic return cruise through the Whitsunday Islands
- Travel to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Approximately 4 hours at Hardy Reef
- Access to Reefworld pontoon
- Snorkelling
- Mask, snorkel and fins
- Wetsuits and stinger suits
- Underwater observatory access
- Guided semi-submarine tour
- Morning tea
- Buffet lunch
- Afternoon tea
- Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management Charge (EMC)
Optional Extras
Optional Extras
Want to add even more to your day?
Optional activities available at additional cost include:
Guided Snorkel Safari
Join a small-group guided snorkelling experience to learn more about Hardy Reef’s coral, marine life and ecology.
The guided safari is designed for both first-time and experienced snorkellers who want a little more interpretation while exploring the reef.
Introductory Scuba Diving
Never dived before?
Eligible first-time divers can add an introductory scuba dive and experience the Great Barrier Reef beneath the surface with qualified dive staff.
Certified Scuba Diving
Already certified? Add a certified dive to explore Hardy Reef below the surface.
Age and medical restrictions apply to diving, and a medical questionnaire must be completed.
Heli-Scenic Flight
Scenic helicopter flights may also be available, offering an extraordinary aerial view across the Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef. Minimum numbers and weight restrictions can apply.
Souvenir Photos
Onboard photographers can capture memories from your day, with images available to purchase.
What to bring
What to Bring
Bring:
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- Swimwear
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Protective clothing
- Camera
- Light jacket or jumper for cool or windy conditions
- Credit card for optional activities and purchases
How to get there
How to Get There
Cruise Whitsundays offers departures from Port of Airlie, Hamilton Island and Daydream Island.
Port of Airlie
Cruise Whitsundays
24 The Cove Road
Airlie Beach, Queensland
Current scheduled times:
Departs: 8:00 am
Returns: approximately 6:10 pm
Return coach transfers are available from many Airlie Beach accommodation properties for an additional charge.
Hamilton Island
Current scheduled times:
Departs: 9:00 am
Returns: approximately 5:00 pm.
Daydream Island
Current scheduled times:
Departs: 7:35 am
Returns: approximately 6:00 pm
Daydream Island guests require a transfer to connect with the Great Barrier Reef vessel departing Hamilton Island. This connection is currently included at no additional cost.
Please check your booking confirmation for your required check-in time and departure details.
Important Information
Important Information
Swimming and Snorkelling
Guests entering the water should be comfortable doing so safely and must follow crew instructions.
If you’re uncertain about your swimming ability, speak with the crew before snorkelling.
Scuba Diving
Age and medical restrictions apply.
Guests wishing to scuba dive must complete a medical questionnaire. Some medical conditions may prevent participation or require further medical assessment.
Divers must also allow 24 hours before flying after scuba diving.
Weather & Conditions
This is an offshore Great Barrier Reef experience.
Departure times and itineraries can change due to weather, sea conditions, tides and operational requirements. The vessel’s Master determines the appropriate course for passenger and crew safety.
If you’re prone to seasickness, consider appropriate seasickness medication before departure and follow the instructions provided with the medication.
Children
Children aged 4–14 years are currently classified under the child fare. Infants aged 0–3 can travel free, although infant meals are not included