With Great Barrier Reef Tours‘ Fly and Raft Whitsundays Package, you can see the Whitsundays from all sides. It combines an exciting Ocean Rafting day trip to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and hidden snorkelling reefs with a stunning 60-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Soar over azure lagoons and then dive straight in—it’s the finest of both worlds.
You will see the Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, and Heart Reef swirl from above before getting a close-up look at the reef’s colourful underwater environment. This package saves up to $30 per person and includes all of the Whitsundays’ most memorable moments in one day.
Price options
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Adult: $535 (15 years and over) $535.00
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Child: $472 (2-14 years, Infants 0-23 months old free of charge) $472.00
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Family: $N/A
Departure Time
- Departs: 8.30am
- Returns: 4.30pm
- (Scenic flight: 8.30am-9.30am, Ocean Rafting: 10.00am-4.30pm)
Introducing
Great Barrier Reef Tours’ Fly and Raft Whitsundays Tour is a genuinely one-stop excursion. On a breathtaking 60-minute flight, begin your morning by taking in uninterrupted views of the reef, cays, and coastline. Every guest is assured a window seat. Take an Ocean Rafting trip in the Whitsunday Islands National Park after that, and exchange the sky for the sea.
As your aircraft takes off from Whitsunday Airport in Airlie Beach, you will be able to see Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and the 74 tropical islands that comprise this amazing area from above. Your rafting adventure starts as soon as you land; it’s an exciting journey through turquoise seas to dive coral gardens, explore verdant island pathways, and relax on white sand beaches.
Pick between the following two ocean rafting experiences:
- To spend more time snorkelling, choose the Northern Exposure Tour.
- To spend more time at Whitehaven’s beach, take the Southern Lights Tour.
Passionate local guides who are well-versed in these islands lead each one, offering stories that foster a sense of connection with the live reef, as well as marine insights and tidal patterns.
Tour Details
- Tour Code: PX6-B, PX6-S, PX6-P
- The entire day (eight hours in total)
- 8:30 AM is the departure time. Return time: 4:30 p.m.
- 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM Scenic Flight
- Rafting on the ocean from 10:00 AM until 4:30 PM
- Point of Departure: Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Airport
- Prices:
- $535 for adults (15+)
- Child (2–14): $472
- From birth until 23 months: Free
- Meals included (fresh tropical lunch box)
- Transfers: Complimentary transport to and from lodging
- Each seat's maximum weight is 125 kg.
Highlights
- Take a 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsundays, Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet.
- You may go on two excursions in one day: an aerial view of the area and an exciting raft ride.
- Find secret snorkelling locations full of coral and sea life.
- Visit Hill Inlet Lookout and go on a guided tour across Whitsunday Island National Park.
- One of the most photographed beaches in the world is Whitehaven Beach, where you may relax on the silica sands.
- One of the most photographed beaches in the world is Whitehaven Beach, where you may relax on the silica sands.
- Get expert help from local guides to learn about reef ecology and protection.
- Travel in Ocean Rafting boats that are good for the environment and have a lot of power.
- All visitors have window seats and live commentary from the pilot during the spectacular trip.
Booking
Full Itinerary
Your day starts at Whitsunday Airport, which is only a few minutes from Airlie Beach. There, you will check in and get a quick safety briefing. Once you’re in the air, your flight will take you over the emerald-green islands and bright blue waterways of the Whitsundays. The seven kilometres of pristine white silica sand at Whitehaven Beach, the whirling Hill Inlet, and the world-famous Heart Reef, a natural coral structure that has become an emblem of the Great Barrier Reef, are some of the best things to see.
After you get back to the mainland, you’ll go on your Ocean Rafting trip, which leaves at 10 AM. These custom-made boats are half thrill ride and part exploration craft. They are meant to get you near to the beauty of the reef while having as little of an impact as possible. Your guides will take you through coral gardens on guided snorkels, across the beaches of Whitehaven, and along National Park paths with incredible vistas.
Depending on the schedule you choose, the Southern Lights trip gives you additional time to relax on the beaches of Whitehaven. The Northern Exposure trip spends more time snorkelling on the coral reefs at the edge of the water.
Around 4:30 PM, the day ends, and you go back to Airlie Beach with your camera full of once-in-a-lifetime sights and memories from above, on, and below the reef.
- 60-minute scenic flight over islands and reefs (guaranteed window seats)
- Ocean Rafting trip to Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach
- Walks in Whitsunday Island National Park with a guide
- Snorkelling in coral reefs that are close to the shore
- New tropical lunch pack with drinks
- Flotation devices and snorkel gear
- Personalised lessons on how to snorkel
- Sunsuit or wetsuit supplied
- Talks by naturalists about reefs and islands
- Free bus rides
- Rent a prescription mask for $20.
- You may buy water, soft drinks, juice, beer, cider, and chocolate on board.
- Swimmers and a towel
- Sunscreen that is safe for reefs, a hat, and sunglasses
- Jacket (particularly in the winter to keep warm after snorkelling)
- A case for a camera or phone that is waterproof
- Money for food and beverages on board
- Everything you need for the whole day (you won’t be coming back between excursions)
- When booking, you must include the full names and accurate weights of all passengers.
- Maximum weight for a seat: 125 kg.
- Flights depend on the pilot’s judgment, the weather, and air traffic control.
- This package is only available to people who are leaving from the mainland; therefore, guests staying on Hamilton, Long, Hayman, or Daydream Islands are not eligible.
- Call (07) 4946 6848 to confirm your reservation 48 hours before you leave.
- The weather, tides, and wind may all affect tours.
Terms & Conditions
All prices include GST and Marine Park taxes. If the cost of fuel exceeds $1.50 per litre, a fuel surcharge may apply. Sites are open only when the weather and tides are good. Ocean Rafting can change its route if needed.
Unless you say otherwise, pictures of guests may be used for advertising.
Travellers are responsible for their own safety. People who have back, neck, or hip ailments or who are in their third trimester of pregnancy should not go on tours.
Age requirement: 6 months. Everyone who rides must sign a waiver. We suggest getting travel insurance.
Fitness and Health
You don’t need any experience; be in excellent health and have a pleasant attitude. Most people who are familiar with boats and planes will be fine on the excursion.
Cancellations and Refunds
A 5% non-refundable charge applies when you book.
You can cancel or amend your plans up to noon the day before you leave.
You can’t get your money back if you cancel after this period.
If the weather necessitates a cancellation, visitors can either reschedule or receive a refund minus a 5% fee.
Credit Card Fee
A 1.6% fee can’t be refunded for credit card payments.
Rates
Suitable for travel until March 31, 2026. Future prices are automatically applied to reservations made after that date.
Cruise Ships
The itineraries for the Fly and Raft packages don’t align with the cruise liner’s timings. People on cruise ships must book directly through the tour desk on board.
Queensland Holidays
There are extra costs during public holidays:
$20 per adult, $10 per youngster, and $50 for the whole family.
(Only scenic flights are not included.)
2025–2026 Public Holidays:
- APR 25 – ANZAC Day
- 05 May – Labour Day
- 20 Jun – Show Whitsundays
- 06 Oct – King’s Birthday
- 25 Dec – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
- 26 Dec – Boxing Day
- 01 Jan – New Year’s Day
- 26 Jan – Australia Day
2026–2027 Public Holidays:
- 03 Apr – Good Friday
- 04 Apr – Easter Saturday
- 05 Apr – Easter Sunday
- 06 Apr – Easter Monday
- 25 Apr – ANZAC Day
- 04 May – Labour Day
- Show Whitsundays (TBA)
- 05 Oct – King’s Birthday
- 25 Dec – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
- 26 Dec – Boxing Day
- 28 Dec – Boxing Day PH
Charters
- Pay by credit card (a 1.6% fee applies) or bank transfer.
- If you cancel at least five days before your trip, you’ll get a refund minus 5%.
- If you cancel less than five days prior, you’ll have to pay 100% of the charge.
There is an additional $200 fee for public holiday charters.
Please Note
You have to contact (07 4946 6848) within 24 hours to confirm your reservations.
All guests must be weighed before boarding. If the information is incorrect or the weight exceeds 125 kg per seat, customers will not be able to board and will not receive a refund.
Flights only depart from Whitsunday Airport on the mainland.
Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd (AOC# 1-KPVQ0-06) and Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures (WAVEAir Pty Ltd AOC# CASA.AOC.0067) are the operators. CASA has given them all the necessary licences.
Acknowledgement of Country
Great Barrier Reef Tours pays respect to the Gia, Giru, and Ngaro Peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the Whitsundays. We recognise their strong ties to the land, sea, and community, and we pay our respects to Elders who have passed away, are still alive, and are yet to come. We want our guests to learn about the area’s long-lasting cultural history.
Audio Guides
Vacayit Audio Guides are great for all tourists, and they also have text transcripts that are easy to read for anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, or has low vision. These guides add to your trip by telling you tales and giving you information about the reef that you can listen to at your own leisure.
FAQ
Can I pick between the Southern Lights and Northern Exposure tours?
Yes, when you book your Fly + Raft package, you may choose between Southern Lights (more beach time) and Northern Exposure (more snorkelling).
Do you get lunch on the Fly and Raft Whitsundays Tour?
Yes, your trip includes a fresh tropical lunch pack and drinks.
Are children allowed on the Fly and Raft experience?
Kids ages 2 to 14 can go, and babies under two can ride for free on a parent’s lap. The youngest anyone may be is 6 months.
Will I have a guaranteed window seat on the flight?
Yes, for sure. Every passenger gets a window seat so they can see the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef in the finest light.
Do I need to have snorkelled before?
No, professional guides give tailored snorkelling lessons and supply flotation equipment.
Are there limits on how much weight?
Yes, the maximum weight a seat can hold is 125 kg. For safety and balance, passengers are weighed before boarding.