Glass bottom boat, Airlie Beach: Tour prices and times

A glass bottom boat tour in Airlie Beach, Queensland, allows families to view coral reefs without getting wet. Prices start at $79.

A glass bottom boat tour in Airlie Beach, Queensland, is a handy way to see the underwater wonderland around the Whitsunday Islands without getting wet.

To just book your Airlie Beach glass bottom boat tour, and skip the explanation, head this way…

Whitsundays glass bottom boat tours from Airlie Beach

The main glass bottom boat tour in Airlie Beach is run by Pioneer Adventures. This Whitsundays coral-viewing cruise for non-swimmers lasts 70 minutes and allows visitors to watch the fish swim under the bottom of the boat.

A maximum of 20 guests are allowed on board the glass bottom boat, so everyone gets plenty of space to observe what’s happening below.

The Airlie Beach glass bottom boat tour is a good option for families, as it allows children who are not strong enough swimmers for snorkelling tours to view the coral and tropical fish.

Glass bottom boat, Airlie Beach: Departure point

The Airlie Beach glass bottom boat tour departs from Shute Harbour, a 12.5km drive from the centre of town. However, free transfers from Airlie Beach are offered, and they stop at the Lions Lookout for a photo stop along the way.

Which Whitsundays cruise should I choose?

For those with limited time: Whitehaven Beach half day tour.
For the highlights reel: Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island day trip.
To see the reef two ways: High speed Whitsundays cruise plus scenic reef flight combo.
For romance, sparkling wine and sunset under sail: Multi-beach and reef Lady Enid cruise.
To see several islands: Sailing and snorkelling adventure.
For an overnight sailing adventure: Matador two day yacht cruise.

Airlie Beach glass bottom boat tour prices and times

The Pioneer Adventures glass bottom boat tour in Airlie Beach costs from $79.

Departure times are, frankly, all over the place. Some days it can be 08.00, others 16.30, others somewhere in-between. Checking before booking is advisable.

The Airlie Beach glass bottom boat tour can be booked online.

Get the best Whitsundays cruise deals

Glass bottom boat tours from Hamilton Island

Other glass bottom boat opportunities include tours from Hamilton Island. But that involves taking the Airlie Beach to Hamilton Island ferry. The most lavish glass bottom boat tour from Hamilton Island is the Journey to the Heart experience, which involves a helicopter flight out to a pontoon on Heart Reef.

A glass bottom boat cruise on the Journey to the Heart tour. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Other things to do in Airlie Beach include helicopter rides, the Thundercat high speed boat tour, swimming in the Airlie Beach Lagoon and kayaking tours. There are also several Airlie Beach day trips on offer.

9 memory-making Airlie Beach experiences to add to your visit

Whitehaven Beach day cruise – with plenty of snorkelling thrown in.
Glass bottom boat tour – see coral and marine life without getting wet.
Heart Reef flight – see the islands and Great Barrier Reef from above before flying over Australia’s famous heart-shaped island.
Proserpine River crocodile safari – see the big crocs from a boat.
Whitsundays sunset cruise – with free snacks and sparkling wine.
Sailing on the Camira – glide around the Whitsunday Islands under sail.
Whizz around the islands on a guided jetski tour.
Waterfall explorer day tour – with swimming in Hinterland rock pools.
Enjoy high speed thrills on a jet boat ride.