Season Rates
Standard pricing valid for travel between 1 April 2025 - 31 March 2026
Here’s why you will love exploring the Whitsundays on the Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Day Tour
Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure – The Ultimate Snorkelling Adventure
Explore the stunning Whitsundays with the Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure tour, a high-speed adventure that combines world-class snorkelling, breath-taking island scenery, and thrilling boat rides. Perfect for ocean lovers and adrenaline seekers, this tour is designed to maximize your time in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Snorkel Two Stunning Reef Sites
The Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure day tour is ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts, offering two incredible snorkelling stops at some of the Whitsundays' most vibrant fringing reefs. Swim among colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, and marine life in crystal-clear waters. With locations carefully selected based on daily conditions, you’re guaranteed the best underwater experience.
Visit Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach
After your snorkelling adventure, enjoy a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, where the famous swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach create one of Australia’s most spectacular views. Then, spend time on the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, where you can relax on the soft silica sand or take a refreshing swim in the turquoise waters.
High-Speed Ocean Rafting Thrill Ride
The Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure tour features semi-rigid inflatable boats designed for speed, stability, and access to remote locations. Experience an exhilarating ride as you zip across the Whitsundays, reaching hidden snorkelling spots and stunning beaches faster than traditional vessels.
Why Choose Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure?
- More snorkelling – Two unique reef stops for an immersive underwater experience
- Fast, fun, and adventurous – High-speed vessels mean more time exploring
- Scenic island highlights – Visit Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach
- Expert guides – Learn about the reef, marine life, and island ecology from knowledgeable crew
- Small group experience – A personalised and unforgettable Whitsundays adventure
For an action-packed day of snorkelling, island exploration, and exhilarating speed, the Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure day tour is the ultimate way to experience the Whitsundays.
Pricing
$209 Per Adult
$138 Per Child (2-14 years)*
$635 Per Family (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Infant (under 2 years) Free of Charge
Queensland Public Holidays: A public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2 adults and 2 children) applies (payable at check-in).
What's Included
- Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Guided National Park walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
- Snorkelling at two inner fringing coral reef sites
- Personalised snorkel instruction, perfect for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike
- Use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices
- Fruit and cake platter
- Stinger suits provided for children, students and seniors
- Insightful reef and island naturalist talks from eco-guides
- Courtesy bus transfers from most local accommodation places
What To Bring
- Swimwear & towel
- Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
- Light jacket for windy or cool days
- Light footwear
- Reusable water bottle
- Change of clothes (optional)
- Snacks (if desired)
- Waterproof phone case
- Small backpack or beach bag for essentials
Extras & More Information
- Tropical style lunch $21 per person (payable at check-in)
- Stinger suit hire $8 per adult (children, students and seniors included)
- Prescription mask hire $20 per mask
- Water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages & chocolates
TROPICAL STYLE LUNCH SAMPLE
Potato salad GF LF VEG VGN NF
Asian noodle salad LF VEG VGN NF
Garden salad including, mesclun lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Spanish onion, cucumber, capsicum, julienne carrots, stuffed green olives with a vinaigrette dressing GF VEG
Fresh baked bread roll VEG NF
Sliced ham GF LF NF
Sliced salami GF NF
Sliced chicken breast GF LF NF
MORNING OR AFTERNOON TEA
Selection of fruits
Lamingtons
Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Tour Plan
All times and locations are approximate and may vary based on weather and tidal conditions.
Morning: Check-in & Departure
8:00 AM – Check in at Coral Sea Marina for your Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure Day Tour. Meet your friendly guides, receive a safety briefing, and get fitted with your snorkelling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and optional flotation devices.
8:45 AM – Board your high-speed Ocean Rafting vessel and depart Airlie Beach for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the Whitsundays' crystal-clear waters. These semi-rigid inflatable boats offer both speed and stability, ensuring a fast and exciting journey to your snorkelling destinations.
Late Morning: Snorkelling Adventure
10:00 AM – Arrive at your first snorkelling site, a stunning fringing reef within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Dive into a vibrant underwater world teeming with coral gardens, tropical fish, and possibly even sea turtles or reef sharks. Your guides will provide snorkelling assistance and insights into the marine ecosystem.
11:00 AM – Travel to a second snorkelling site, carefully selected on the day for optimal visibility and conditions. Explore another breath-taking reef location, where you’ll encounter diverse coral formations and dazzling marine life in calm, protected waters.
Early Afternoon: Hill Inlet & Whitehaven Beach
12:00 PM – Cruise to Hill Inlet, one of the most iconic and photographed locations in the Whitsundays. Embark on a guided bushwalk through Whitsunday Island National Park to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout, where shifting white sands create a mesmerizing natural masterpiece.
12:30 PM – Descend from the lookout and head to the northern end of Whitehaven Beach (Hill Inlet). Enjoy free time to relax on the pure silica sand, swim in the turquoise shallows, or stroll along the untouched shoreline.
Afternoon: Return to Airlie Beach
2:30 PM – Reboard your Ocean Rafting vessel and enjoy the thrilling return journey, soaking in final views of the Whitsundays' spectacular seascapes.
3:30 PM – Arrive back at Coral Sea Marina, wrapping up your unforgettable Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure adventure.
This high-adrenaline tour is ideal for those seeking maximum snorkelling time while still experiencing Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach’s stunning landscapes. A perfect combination of reef exploration, island discovery, and high-speed adventure, this tour is a must-do for snorkelling and nature enthusiasts.
“supplier” means any tour operator or other supplier of the services “you” means the guest booking and person named on this reservation booking “we”, “our” means The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre and A.J.LAURENT PTY LTD These terms and conditions apply to all bookings made through The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre. Placing a booking with The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre and paying a deposit constitute acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Booking Conditions
For bookings made more than 30 days prior to travel, a 25% deposit is due to secure your booking with the balance due 30 days prior to travel. For bookings made within 30 days of travel, the full payment is due immediately to secure your booking. If we do not receive your full payment within 30 days of your travel date and you do not contact us to cancel, your deposit is forfeited and your booking may be automatically cancelled by us, the supplier or both.
Payments
Prices are quoted in Australian dollars, inclusive of GST, and all payments must be made in Australian dollars. Your reservation will only be confirmed when funds have been received and are cleared. The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre is not responsible for delays in postal delivery, bank or payment system processing. It is your responsibility to ensure that payments are received within the times specified. If the deposit or final payment is not received by the due date, The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre has the right cancel the booking. If your final payment is not paid by the due date and in any event within 30 days of your departure, we have the right to cancel your booking and retain the deposit in full without any reimbursement to cover our costs and those of any supplier.
Cancellations and Amendments to Bookings
If you wish to cancel or amend any booking made you need to contact us in writing. You can only cancel or amend a confirmed booking by contacting us directly. If you do not contact us to cancel prior to your booking departure date, you may forfeit your deposit and further costs.
Cancellation Charges and Amendment Fees
Any cancellation or amendment made more than 30 days before travel will incur an administration fee of 25% of the total booking fee. All cancellations or amendments made within 30 days of your travel date departure will incur both an administration fee of 25% in addition to the individual supplier’s fees. Any changes requested to your booking, including but not limited to dates, are subject to availability and if they are not available, you may be required to cancel and agree to the cancellation terms. IMPORTANT NOTE: Some services and activities may not permit any refund for certain bookings. You should check with the individual supplier or The Whitsundays Central Reservations Centre prior to paying for your booking to confirm any special non-refundable conditions.
Travel Insurance
We recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover your reservation, and valuable items (e.g. cameras). Your travel insurance policy should include coverage to protect against unforeseen and last-minute cancellations or medical conditions that may prevent travel and also to cover any medical emergencies during travel at minimum.
Supplier Tours and Services Changes
In the unlikely case of a vessel break down, maintenance or unavailability, the supplier will supply an alternate vessel of a similar standard and quality. Itineraries may be affected by elements beyond our and the supplier’s control such as wind, tide, rain, storm or other weather conditions which make travel dangerous and require a delay or cancellation. It is the skipper's requirement to ensure passenger safety at all times and may use his/her professional judgment in any manner to keep his/her guests and crew safe. In the instance of such delay or cancellation, alternative options will be provided by the supplier. In the event a cancellation or delay occurs and your tour or service is cancelled and rescheduled, you will receive a full refund if you are unable to rebook your tour or service.
Liability
You are using these services and taking any tours at your own risk. We are not responsible for any loss or damage, including direct, indirect or consequential loss you may suffer as a result of your reservation, booking or anything related to your tour or services provided by any supplier. You need to ensure you are medically sound, fit and physically able to use the services. We are not liable for the event that you are refused access to any services or tours due to your medical, physical or other reasons, including intoxication. Any such claims should be addressed to the suppliers directly. You should note that sailing can be a dangerous activity and while crews will make every effort to ensure your safety, they cannot be accountable for actions or injury to you that may be ‘beyond their control’. Every effort is make to ensure your safety and you may be required to complete a pre departure questionnaire, and sign a travel agreement waiver during the check-in process of your tour with the supplier directly. We are not affiliated with nor responsible for our suppliers in any way other than as intermediary to arrange their services on you and their behalf. If you have any issues, injury, suffer any loss or damage, you need to take it up with the supplier directly. If we are obligated to cancel your travel arrangements for any reason, the liability of will be limited to a refund of all monies paid by you.
Ocean Rafting Terms and Conditions
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 in their third trimester of pregnancy (other pregnancy stages are weather dependant). 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. Ocean Rafting accepts cancellations and amendments for bookings up until 12:00pm the day prior to departure for the Northern Exposure tour, Southern Lights tour, Fly Raft package and Scenic Flight tour. Any cancellations after 12:00pm the day prior are not eligible for a 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 non-refundable 1.6% surcharge.
Rates: Tour rates shown are valid for travel until 31 March 25. 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: A public holiday surcharge applies 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:
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:
- 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































