Ocean Rafting Review
Ocean Rafting runs small, fast boats from Airlie Beach for a maximum of 32 guests. Northern Exposure has two snorkel sites around Hook Island, and Southern Lights about two hours on Whitehaven Beach and one snorkel. Both include the guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and a tropical lunch.
Northern Exposure or Southern Lights
Northern Exposure
Two snorkel sites around Hook Island, plus Hill Inlet and northern Whitehaven. Check in 7:45am, depart 8:45am, back about 3:30pm.
Southern Lights
About 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach, both ends, and one snorkel site. Check in 9:00am, depart 10:00am, back about 4:30pm.
Prices are for departures from Airlie Beach. From Daydream Island every fare is $10 per person more.
What your fare covers
- Fast-boat ride from Airlie Beach to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach
- Guided national park walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkel equipment, flotation devices and a sunsuit or wetsuit
- Personalised snorkel instruction
- Tropical-style lunch on the beach
- Reef and island talks from crew trained by Master Reef Guides
Is Ocean Rafting right for you?
How the day runs
Northern Exposure times. Southern Lights departs at 10:00am and returns about 4:30pm. Itineraries are a guideline.
Before you go
The full review
If someone has one day in the Whitsundays, this is usually our answer. The boats are quick, so more of the day goes to the beach and the reef, and with 32 guests at most you never feel part of a crowd.
Choose by what you want more of. Snorkellers should take Northern Exposure for the two reef sites. Beach lovers should take Southern Lights, which also starts later in the morning. Both put you on the sand at Hill Inlet itself, not only the lookout above it.
Landing on the beaches of Hill Inlet is what earns Ocean Rafting our Best Hill Inlet Experience, and the family-run company has excellent reviews. The open, fast boats are not suitable with back, neck or hip problems or during pregnancy. In that case, Camira sails at an easier pace.
Ocean Rafting FAQs