🔥 EAST COAST MEGA SALE 🔥 Up to $400 off – Let’s Go!

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Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Tour (more beach time)

If a day trip out to the secluded parts of Whitehaven Beach is what you’re chasing, then it doesn’t get much better than this.

Forget spending your day snorkelling and catch some rays on this Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour. This award winning company has some of the fastest boats on the coast, giving you maximum time at each location and a fun ride along the way through the 74 tropical islands. The knowledgeable onboard crew are there to show you a good time and keep you safe. All the main highlights such as Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet are included in your tour, as well as a beautiful optional al fresco lunch.

This trip is designed for a full blown beach goer. Unlike the “Northern Exposure Tour”, which features more snorkel time, this tour offers heaps of time at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. If you’re not a keen snorkeller, then this trip could be just the right thing for you.

Trip Itinerary

Southern Lights Itinerary

Pick up from Airlie Beach Accommodation or self drive to Coral Sea Marina for check in
Enjoy exhilarating ride out to the Whitsunday Islands on board high speed vessel
Visit Whitehaven Beach and enjoy guided walk up to hill inlet lookout
Explore both Northern & Southern end of Whitehaven Beach (up to 2 hours beach time)
Enjoy a hearty freshly prepared lunch
Head out to snorkelling location at Dumbbell Island/Border Island
Return to shore

Tour Overview

Explore the wonderful Whitsunday Islands on one of the best rated day trips departing from Airlie Beach. Explore pristine beaches, hidden coves, and vibrant marine life while riding exhilarating waves along the coast. This adventure-packed tour combines snorkeling, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking views for an unforgettable day on the water. Perfect for thrill-seekers!

Tour Type & Availability

Southern Lights Tour

$239.00
1 x Southern Lights Tour With Snorkelling

Inclusions & Extras

Included

  • Visit Whitehaven Beach
  • Guided National Park Bush Walk To Hill Inlet Lookout
  • Delicious Tropical Lunch (Optional Extra)
  • Inner Fringing Coral Reef Snorkelling
  • Personalised Snorkel Instruction
  • Snorkel Equipment And Flotation Devices
  • Reef & Island Naturalist Talk
  • Return Transfers

Not Included

  • Stinger Suit/Wetsuit Hire (Available for $8)
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

What to bring

  • Swimmers
  • Sunscreen
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Shoes
  • Underwater Camera (optional)
  • Windbreaker or Jacket

Pick Ups & Departures

Pick up/drop off included from most hotels and hostels in Airlie Beach
Daily departures
All bookings MUST reconfirm 24hrs in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Northern and Southern tour?

The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure tour has more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights tour offers more beach time.

If you wish to focus mainly on snorkelling then we suggest the Northern Exposure tour, or if you wish to spend more time at the beach, we suggest the Southern Lights tour. The tour from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach can take between 1 – 1.5 hours depending on wind, tide, swell and weather conditions.

How fast do the boats travel?

Ocean Rafting’s custom built vessels travel up to speeds of 30 knots, allowing you to experience a fun, high speed ride whilst exploring the islands and beaches of the beautiful Whitsundays.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Masks, snorkels and fins are included. We do offer prescription masks available for hire for the day for $20. We also offer equipment for the little Rafters.

Do I need to wear a stinger suit or wetsuit?

In the Whitsundays, stinger season is roughly between late October and April/May. At this time of year we highly recommend hiring a stinger suit. These will cover around 90% of your body, fins will cover the majority of your feet, and your mask will cover some of your face, leaving less than 5% of your body exposed. Wet suits are available for hire during the winter months, which simply provide you with an extra layer of warmth whilst snorkelling. The hiring of stinger suits and wetsuits can be arranged upon check in.

Will I get sea sick?

Due to the open-style design and speed at which Ocean Rafting vessels travel, it is very rare for passengers to experience sea sickness on board. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. We welcome anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.

Where can I access the tour photos from my day out?

If you have already enjoyed your Ocean Rafting adventure and would like to view the images from your day out, you can view them here: http://oceanrafting.fotomerchant.com/ Please allow 2-4 days for them to be uploaded.

Do I need travel insurance?

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

Supplier Terms & Conditions

Ocean Rafting Terms & Conditions

All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST. Sites are weather and tide permitting. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to arrange alternate itinerary when necessary. Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tidal dependent. Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.
Ocean Rafting may use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, however if you do not consent please advise Ocean Rafting.
Liability: Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant. Minimum age 6 months. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance.

Fitness and Health: Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior experience to partake in an Ocean Rafting adventure.

Cancellations/Refund Policy: Ocean Rafting accepts cancellations and amendments for bookings up until 12pm the day prior to departures for the Northern Exposure tour, Southern Lights tour, Fly Raft Package and Scenic Flight tour. Any cancellations after 12pm the day prior is not eligible for a refund.

DOUBLE DEAL
As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are accepted up until 7.00pm the night prior to the tour.
FLY AND RAFT AND SCENIC FLIGHTS.
As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above. Minimum numbers of four passengers for flights/flight packages apply. Flights are subject to pilot discretion, weather and air traffic control. For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding. Individual weights in excess of 110kg will incur an extra seat surcharge. Maximum per seat weight is 130 kgs. Full names and exact weights per passenger must be advised when booking due to flight weight availability. Pick up transfers for scenic flights only collect guests from their mainland accommodation and drop off transfers are always to Coral Sea Marina, with the exception of the last flight of the day, which may return guests to their mainland accommodation. The fly component of the Fly and Raft tour is operated by Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd AOC# 1-KPVQ0 -06, a licensed and certified Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carrier. Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations after midday the day prior.
RIDE AND RAFT
As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above. Management reserves the right to change itinerary or times in extreme weather conditions. If a cancellation is necessary guests will be offered an alternate day or full refund. Due to the nature of using digital cameras in the harsh saltwater operational environment, adverse weather conditions, and the possibility of operator error or camera failure, we cannot guarantee provision of photos. Weight restrictions apply, maximum of 2 people per jetski or 200kg per jetski. Minimum jetski driver age: 16 years. Minimum jetski passenger age 8 years. Guests must have no prior medical conditions, or neck, back, heart conditions and guests who are pregnant must not ride. Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made after 6pm the night before tour or ‘no show’ will incur a 100% charge.

Customer reviews for Ocean Rafting Whitsundays Southern Lights Day Tour

Customer Rating

4.80 / 5.0

Based on 25 reviews

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
Rose O 09/04/2025

Lily G 16/03/2025

Amazing tour! Loved speeding across the waves and exploring Whitehaven Beach. The snorkeling was epic with lots of colorful fish.

Dexter D 14/03/2025

This tour was epic! Whitehaven Beach was spectacular, snorkeling was fantastic, and the boat ride was so exciting.

Owen N 02/03/2025

Theo Z 01/03/2025

Fantastic experience, the raft was exhilarating, crew was super fun, and snorkeling was some of the best I've ever done.

Piper E 25/02/2025

Loved every second! The fast-paced boat was a thrill, Whitehaven was beautiful, and snorkeling was absolutely incredible.

Ava U 31/01/2025

Super fun day, boat ride was exciting, snorkeling fantastic, and Whitehaven Beach was simply stunning.

Liam P 10/01/2025

Isaac V 01/01/2025

Loved Ocean Rafting! The speed and excitement were awesome, and snorkeling was amazing—tons of marine life.

Paige A 10/12/2024

Had the best time! Snorkeling was amazing, raft ride was thrilling, and Whitehaven Beach was like something from a dream.

Joel R 04/12/2024

Fantastic tour, fast boat made it super exciting. Whitehaven and snorkeling were incredible, loved every moment.

Mason X 03/12/2024

Perfect day out, crew was fantastic, fast boat was super exciting, snorkeling incredible, and Whitehaven unforgettable.

Faye M 23/11/2024

Loved this day tour, super exciting boat ride, and Whitehaven was breathtaking. Snorkeling with turtles was a highlight!

Ethan L 16/11/2024

So so goooood!

Talia S 06/11/2024

The best tour and the best guides, Thanks OR team!

Olive C 05/11/2024

Incredible day with Ocean Rafting—loved the thrilling ride, snorkeling was fantastic, and Whitehaven Beach was stunning.

Darren H 22/10/2024

The crew made the day so much fun! Ocean Rafting was thrilling, and Whitehaven Beach was like paradise.

Julia W 17/10/2024

Amazing day tour! The boat ride was a blast, Whitehaven Beach was perfect, and snorkeling was beautiful.

Leo T 07/10/2024

Thrilling and beautiful tour! Loved the high-speed boat and exploring the reef. Whitehaven Beach was dreamy.

Miles J 26/08/2024

Such a fun tour! Whitehaven was stunning, snorkeling spots were great, and the crew kept us laughing all day.

Gemma Y 17/08/2024

Ocean Rafting is a must-do! The thrill of the boat ride and the beauty of snorkeling and Whitehaven made it unforgettable.

Kai B 12/08/2024

Super exciting tour, fast and fun boat ride. The snorkeling locations were incredible, and Whitehaven was beautiful.

Sophia K 30/05/2024

Ocean Rafting was incredible! Fast, exciting ride and Whitehaven Beach was absolutely beautiful. Would do it again for sure!

Ivy I 19/05/2024

This tour was amzing! Best day out in Airlie Beach! Loved the fast boat ride and the snorkeling was awesome. Saw heaps of marine life!

Hannah Q 26/04/2024

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Ocean Rafting Whitsundays Southern Lights Day Tour

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This award winning tour with Ocean Rafting offers an incredible experience at the Whitsundays accompanied with sightseeing and top snorkelling spots.

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