The Local View
How to Choose a Whitsunday Day Tour
Is Hill Inlet a must? Check the route
Hill Inlet is the photo, so make sure your boat goes there. Ocean Rafting, Thundercat, Viper and Lady Enid all include the walk to the lookout. Camira goes when the tide allows, and visits the southern end of Whitehaven instead when it does not. The half-day cruise does not visit Hill Inlet at all.
Reef, beach or both
For snorkelling, Ocean Rafting's Northern Exposure and Thundercat both visit two fringing reef sites. For the outer reef, Reefworld spends four hours at a pontoon on Hardy Reef. Viper is the one day trip that combines the outer reef at Bait Reef with Hill Inlet and Whitehaven.
Fast boat or sail
The fast boats get you more time at the stops. Ocean Rafting travels at up to 30 knots in open boats, which is thrilling but not suitable with back, neck or hip problems or during pregnancy. If you would rather relax, Camira and Lady Enid sail, with lunch and drinks part of the day.
Time of year
Tours run all year. Stinger season runs roughly November to May, when a stinger suit is worth wearing, and most boats provide one. Prosail notes that the wet season normally runs from December to May, with frequent rain and humidity. From June to October, Ocean Rafting lists humpback whale sightings as part of the day.
Compare the real price
The headline fare is not the whole story. Thundercat, Viper and Lady Enid include transfers from local accommodation, Thundercat lets you bring your own drinks, and Camira includes beer, wine and cider. Cruise Whitsundays adds $13 per adult for its coach, and its fares can rise on busy dates.
One day, see it all
Thundercat: Hill Inlet, about two hours on Whitehaven and two snorkel sites, with transfers and food included.
Hill Inlet up close
Ocean Rafting lands on the beaches of Hill Inlet itself, with 32 guests at most.
Non-swimmers
Reefworld: an underwater observatory and a semi-submarine at Hardy Reef.
Families on a budget
The half-day cruise: children $55, infants free. Or Thundercat from age 2 with transfers included.
Couples
Lady Enid: adults only, a heritage yacht and sparkling on the way home.
Strong swimmers
Viper: the outer reef and Whitehaven in one day.
