Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Day Tour

From $209.00 /per person

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Destination

Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & Snorkelling Destination

Departure Location

Airlie Beach - Coral Sea Marina

Departure Days

Everyday

Departure Times

10:00 AM

Return Times

4:30 PM

Trip Length

 Full Day

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 - Southern Lights Day Tour

Ocean Rafting Southern Lights – The Ultimate Whitehaven Beach Experience

Discover the beauty of the Whitsundays with the Ocean Rafting Southern Lights day tour, a thrilling adventure that offers more time on Whitehaven Beach, an incredible guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and a spectacular snorkelling experience. Perfect for beach lovers and adventure seekers, this tour showcases the best of the Whitsundays in one action-packed day.

Explore Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout

The Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour gives you extra time to relax on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its pure white silica sand and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the pristine shoreline. You’ll also embark on a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, where the shifting tides create stunning swirling patterns in the sand—one of the most photographed sights in Australia.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

After soaking in the beauty of Whitehaven Beach, gear up for an unforgettable snorkelling adventure in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Your snorkelling site is carefully chosen on the day to ensure the best possible conditions.

High-Speed Ocean Rafting Thrill Ride

The Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour is all about adventure, featuring semi-rigid inflatable boats designed for speed and stability. Hold on tight as you race across the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays, reaching your destination faster than traditional boats and making the most of your day.

Why Choose Ocean Rafting Southern Lights?

  • More beach time – Extra time to relax and explore Whitehaven Beach
  • Scenic highlights – Visit Hill Inlet Lookout for breath-taking views
  • Exciting snorkelling – Experience the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Fast and fun – High-speed boats mean more adventure and exploration
  • Expert guides – Learn about the reef, wildlife, and local ecology from knowledgeable crew

For an unforgettable combination of adventure, beach time, and snorkelling, the Ocean Rafting Southern Lights 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 inner fringing coral reef site
  • 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 Southern Lights Tour Plan

All times and locations are approximate and may vary based on weather and tidal conditions.

Morning: Check-in & Departure

9:00 AM – Check-in at Coral Sea Marina
Arrive at Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach to check in for your Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour. Meet your experienced guides, receive a safety briefing, and get fitted with your snorkelling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and flotation devices if required. Prepare for an unforgettable day exploring the Whitsundays.

10:00 AM – Depart Airlie Beach
Board your high-speed Ocean Rafting vessel and set off on an exhilarating ride across the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Enjoy the thrill of the semi-rigid inflatable boat as you cruise toward your first stop, taking in breath-taking island scenery along the way.

Late Morning: Snorkelling Adventure

11:15 AM – Snorkelling at a Fringing Coral Reef
Arrive at one of the Whitsundays’ premier snorkelling sites within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Dive into crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and more. Your guides will provide assistance and insights into the unique reef ecosystem. Snorkelling equipment and flotation aids are provided for a comfortable experience.

Early Afternoon: Hill Inlet & Whitehaven Beach

12:30 PM – Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach (Northern End)
Cruise to the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and embark on a guided walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. Witness the breath-taking swirling sands and turquoise waters—one of the most photographed landscapes in Australia. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the island’s history and ecosystem.

1:30 PM – Relax at Whitehaven Beach (Southern End) & Optional Picnic Lunch
Travel to the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, renowned for its powder-fine silica sand. Spend time swimming in the calm, inviting waters, sunbathing on the pristine beach, or taking a stroll along the untouched shoreline. If you’ve selected the Picnic Lunch Add-On, enjoy a freshly prepared buffet meal served onboard while soaking in the spectacular surroundings.

Afternoon: Return to Airlie Beach

3:00 PM – Depart Whitehaven Beach
Reboard your Ocean Rafting vessel and begin the exciting journey back across the Whitsundays. Enjoy the final views of the stunning island landscapes, and keep an eye out for marine life such as dolphins and sea turtles.

4:30 PM – Return to Airlie Beach
Arrive back at Coral Sea Marina, concluding your Ocean Rafting Southern Lights adventure. Your friendly crew will be available to answer any questions and assist with photo package purchases, ensuring you leave with unforgettable memories of your Whitsundays experience.

This tour is perfect for those who want extra time on Whitehaven Beach while still experiencing snorkelling and the iconic Hill Inlet Lookout. Combining adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty, the Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour is an incredible way to explore the Whitsundays.

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“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
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