Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Day Tour
Tour Operator – Cruise Whitsundays
Tour Type – Full-day Island Cruise
Departure Time – 8:00 am (Check in 30 minutes prior)
Return Time – Approx. 5:00 pm
Departure Location – Cruise Whitsundays Maritime Terminal, 24 The Cove Road, Airlie Beach
Tour Destinations – Hamilton Island & Whitehaven Beach (southern end)
Ticket Costs
From $206 per person.
Your ticket includes:
Return cruise aboard a deluxe air-conditioned catamaran
Morning or afternoon tea
Lunch at the Marina Tavern (or Popeyes, depending on timing)
Up to 3 hours of free time on Hamilton Island
Access to Hamilton Island’s hop-on hop-off shuttle, beach and resort pool areas
1.5–2 hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach
National park fees and environmental levies
Extras like drinks, souvenirs, and hotel transfers are not included, so bring a few bucks or card for those!
Tour Length
10 Hours
Food Included
Overview
Looking to tick off two of the Whitsundays’ biggest icons in one unforgettable day? This full-day Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise from Airlie Beach is a cracker of an adventure that blends luxury, island vibes, and beach bliss in one seamless itinerary.
Jump aboard a comfy, high-speed catamaran and glide across the Whitsunday Passage to explore the resort charm of Hamilton Island and the postcard-perfect white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Whether you’re sipping cocktails by the pool, meeting the island’s local cockatoos, or sinking your toes into the pure silica sands, this tour delivers island magic with no fuss.
Perfect for families, couples, solo travellers and cruise ship guests who want a taste of it all — no snorkel required!
Key Details
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
Age suitability: All ages welcome
Fitness level: Low to moderate — there’s some walking and stairs
Meals: Morning/afternoon tea & lunch included
Toilets: Available onboard and on Hamilton Island
Transport: High-speed catamaran with air-conditioning
Group size: Up to 200 travellers — plenty of space onboard
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible
Note: No tour guide on Hamilton Island; you’re free to explore at your own pace
Itinerary
Morning – Depart Airlie Beach
Kickstart your day with a breezy cruise from Port Airlie aboard a sleek, modern catamaran. Grab a cuppa and enjoy the sea air as you set sail through the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea.
Mid-morning – Hamilton Island
Dock at the buzzing Hamilton Island Marina and get 3 glorious hours to explore at your own speed. Hop on the free shuttle bus for a scenic loop, wander into charming boutiques, hike the walking trails (Passage Peak is a beauty if you’re game), or simply chill by the pool with a cocktail. Lunch is included at Marina Tavern or Popeyes — no need to pack a thing.
Afternoon – Whitehaven Beach
Next stop: the jewel in the Whitsundays crown. You’ll anchor at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, where you’ve got 1.5 to 2 hours to bask in the sun, paddle in the gin-clear shallows, or take a beach walk on that famous pure white silica sand. It’s uninhabited, pristine, and utterly photogenic.
Evening – Return to Airlie Beach
Back on board, kick back and relax as you cruise home, salty, sandy, and smiling from ear to ear.
Reviews
Travellers love this tour for its balance of adventure and relaxation. Hamilton Island wins hearts with its laid-back luxury and range of things to do, while Whitehaven Beach always delivers the wow-factor — especially for first-timers. The smooth, comfortable ride and well-organised logistics also score big points.
If you’re short on time or want an easy, no-hassle way to see the Whitsundays’ best bits, this one’s a winner.
What to Bring
Swimmers and a towel (trust us, you’ll want to swim)
Sunscreen, sunnies, and a hat — it gets toasty out there
Reusable water bottle
Thongs or sandals (heels not required on island time!)
Camera or phone for the insta-worthy views
Light jacket (can get breezy on the water)
A small backpack or beach bag for your gear
Cash or card for extra snacks, drinks, or souvenirs
Top 5 Reasons to Book This Tour
🌴 Visit two iconic Whitsunday destinations in one easy day
⛴ Cruise in comfort aboard a fast, modern catamaran
🏝 Relax on Whitehaven Beach’s pure silica sand
🍽 Enjoy lunch and explore the laid-back vibes of Hamilton Island
📸 Perfect for first-timers, families, and cruisers — no snorkelling required
Tour Operators Terms and Conditions Of Travel (Click Here)
*No coach pick-up available for this time. COACH TRANSFERS to Port of Airlie are available at an additional cost. RETURN times are when the vessel arrives back at the mainland/island resort. NOTE: Schedule changes may occur. Where a Day Cruise is cancelled, you will receive notification to the contact details provided at the time of your booking. Itinerary is subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions including tides, wind, swell, sun and rain. The vessel’s Master must at his discretion determine the most appropriate course to ensure acceptable levels of safety and comfort for passengers, crew and other vessels.
* The Hamilton Island Shuttle Service and Routes can vary in alignment with demand on the island.
By agreeing to these terms and conditions, you acknowledge that all individuals on this booking have been given the opportunity to read and agree to these terms and conditions.
