With this incredible day trip, you will get to experience the best the Whitsundays have to offer – Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and some extra special secret snorkelling spots to see beautiful aquatic life and coral reefs.
Start the day with an epic 60 minute scenic flight, leaving from Whitsunday Airport which is located a short 8 minute drive from Airlie Beach’s main street. With guaranteed window views, you will not want to miss a second of this flight as you soar over some of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Whitehaven and Hill Inlet will be utterly unique from above, as the stunning white sand formations change every 4 hours making for a wonderful sight. Then head out over the Great Barrier Reef’s crystal clear water to experience some of the most beautiful reef viewing, including the famous Heart Reef.
Once you are back on land, it’s time for an exciting trip out to the Whitsunday Islands aboard Ocean Rafting’s awesome speedy vessel. While the Southern Lights tour offers less snorkelling time and more relaxing at Whitehaven Beach, this Northern Exposure tour offers two specially selected snorkelling spots, such as Mantaray Bay and Maureens Cove. Experience amazing fringe reef, giant clams, and vibrant coral, as well as an array of mesmerising aquatic life. Spot giant turtles, black tip reef sharks, manta rays, and more!
A once in a lifetime experience, you won’t want to miss out on this awesome trip that offers you the best of the best of the amazing Whitsundays.
From $565pp 
1 Day 
Pick up from Airlie Beach Accommodation or self drive to Whitsunday Airport
First experience the Whitsunday Islands from above on your 60 minute scenic flight, including Whitehaven and Hill Inlet.
Then fly over the Great Barrier Reef and witness the picturesque Heart Reef from above.
Head back to Whitsunday airport, hop on the courtesy bus to Coral Sea Marina where you will board your Ocean Rafting vessel.
Enjoy an exhilarating ride out to the Whitsunday Islands on board a high speed raft.
Visit Whitehaven Beach and enjoy a guided walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout.
Head out to Mantaray Bay for the first snorkelling spot, Hook Island’s northern special spot. Expect thick forests of colourful coral and a bountiful variety of vibrant tropical fish.
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch.
Head on out to the second snorkelling spot at Maureens Cove.
Return to shore.
All local hostel and hotel pick ups are available to select at checkout
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.
4.88 / 5.0
Based on 8 reviews
I was SO nervous about both the small plane and snorkelling but the staff made everything easy. The pilot talked us through the whole flight and pointed out all the islands
Came to the Whitsundays specifically to photograph Heart Reef, boook the earliest flight for the best light!
Was hesitant to spend this much on a day trip but my hostel mates convinced me. So glad they did. You're basically getting two experiences in one. The crew were legends.
The pickup from Airlie Beach was easy and the whole day was seamless. 10/10 would do again.
Oh my god what a day, that scenic flight was crazy beautiful and then bombing around in the speedboat to those snorkel spots was such a rush!
Just did this fly and raft thing today and honestly my mind is still blown, seeing Heart Reef from the plane then jumping in the water with massive turtles was insane!
Seriously the best day ever, loved how those white sands looked from up high and then getting in there with all those fish and rays was unreal!
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All bookings must be reconfirmed 48 hours in advance by contacting your tour provider directly using the contact information listed on your tour voucher.
You may either re-schedule directly with the supplier or you can email our support team on [email protected] and include your voucher number, name of product you booked, planned departure date and your contact details. Once you’ve emailed us, you can drop us a line at +61 2 5633 1149.
Yes, we do have open dated/flexible tickets available. Most tour vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of purchase, however please be aware that you may be subject to supplier price fluctuations. All ticket validity is specified on the tour voucher. If you are unsure of the validity of your voucher, just ask one of our wonderful staff.
If you need help with an existing booking please email us at [email protected], if your enquiry is urgent please follow up your email with a quick call on +61 2 5633 1149 so we can help you.
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.
Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100AUD deposit required).
Most tour vouchers will specify if your trip is BYO however we recommend asking your tour provider if your trip is BYO when you reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior to departure.
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Honestly didn't know what to expect but WOW. The scenic flight over the Whitsundays was unreal, seeing Heart Reef from the plane had me tearing up a bit. Then the speed boat absolutely sent it across the water which was so much fun. The two snorkelling spots were incredible, I saw a massive turtle just chilling and the coral was so colourful.