Description
Ocean Rafting explores the Whitsunday Islands’ wild side. The deserted islands have stunning natural landscapes and are teeming with marine, bird, and animal life. To begin, each ocean-rafting day provides three days in one. Exciting rides to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, stunning snorkelling reefs, and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks excursions are all included. Second, ocean rafting is the only excursion that provides direct access to all regions of the beautiful and historic Hill Inlet beach. Finally, excellent snorkelling spots on Hook Island and Border Island provide an unforgettable underwater experience.
Semi-rigid inflatable watercraft, for example, are extremely rapid and provide passengers with a thrilling trip.
Only 32 people are allowed for personal snorkelling lessons and the enjoyment of a cruise.
Departures
- Check-in: 7.45 a.m.
- Departs: 8:45am from Airlie Beach
- Returns: 3:30 p.m. to Airlie Beach
Difference between Northern Lights tour and Southern Lights tour
Above all, the Northern Exposure Eco Experience is popular with avid snorkelers. Because it is the only Whitsunday experience that incorporates two distinct snorkelling locations. You will also view the beautiful beach at Hill Inlet, which is located at the north end of Whitehaven Beach.
Also included is a guided National Park hike to the overlook above Whitehaven’s silica sand. Explore the magnificent Hill Inlet near Whitehaven Beach’s restricted area. The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure has more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights has more beach time.
Inclusions
- Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Guided National Park walks
- inner fringing coral reef Whitsundays snorkelling
- Personalized snorkel instruction
- use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices
- Reef and island naturalist talks
- Courtesy bus pick-up
- Cake for afternoon tea
- Lunch
Not included
- wetsuit hire $8
Important info before travel
- Swimmers
- A beach bag including a towel, hat and shoes.
- A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling.
- Cameras in a waterproof case or Tupperware.
- Cash for water, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices and chocolates for sale on board.
- If you have chosen not to have our fresh tropical lunch pack, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day.
- A sense of humour is always welcome!
All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to charge our customers a fuel levy if fuel is over $1.50 per litre.
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 dependant. 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 (weather dependant) or heavily 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: Your booking includes a 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations. Cancellations after 7pm the night before departure no refund. Please Note: On occasion, in the interest of guest safety, we may have to cancel tours due to unfavourable weather conditions. In this unlikely event, you will be offered travel on another suitable day or issued a refund, minus 5% booking fee of your fare price.
Credit Card Surcharge: If you are paying by credit card please be aware these transactions incur a 1.6% surcharge.
Rates: Tour rates shown are valid for travel until 31 March 24. For travel after that date, relevant rates will display when future dates are selected in the booking table.
Cruise Ships: Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.
Queensland Public Holidays: The following days incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch) on the Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft package, as well as charters and all Rafting Squad bookings, including birthday travel. Scenic flights will NOT incur surcharge:
2024
- 01 January 24 – New Year’s Day
- 26 January 24 – Australia Day
- 29 March 24 – Good Friday
- 30 March 24 – Easter Saturday
- 31 March 24 – Easter Sunday
- 01 April 24 – Easter Monday
- 25 April 24 – Anzac Day
- 06 May 24 – Labour Day
- 21 June 24 – Show Whitsundays
- 07 October 24 – King’s Birthday
- 25 December 24 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
- 26 December 24 – Boxing Day
2025
- 01 January 25 – New Year’s Day
- 26 January 25 – Australia Day
- 18 April 25 – Good Friday
- 19 Apr 25 – Easter Saturday
- 20 Apr 25 – Easter Sunday
- 21 Apr 25 – Easter Monday
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. Maximum per seat weight is 125 kgs. Full names and exact weights per passenger must be advised when booking due to flight weight availability. Flights are conducted by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures trading as WAVEAir Pty Ltd, AOC# CASA.AOC.0067 and Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd AOC#1-KPVQ0 -06, licensed and certified Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carriers. Cancellation Policy: 100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations after midday the day prior.
CHARTERS
As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above except for charter payment and cancellation policy as follows:
- 50% deposit is due at the time of booking
- Balance is due 5 days prior to departure
- Payments can be made via Credit Card or Bank Deposit. (A 1.6% credit card surcharge applies)
- Cancellation up to 5 days prior to departure – Full refund less 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations.
- Cancellation less than 5 days prior to departure – 100% cancellation fee applies
- A $200 Public Holiday surcharge is applied to rates for charters booked on Queensland public holidays
