Is there a half day Whitehaven Beach tour from Airlie Beach?

A half day Whitehaven Beach tour gives you two hours on the most famous beach in the Whitsundays. These short-but-sweet Whitehaven tours from Airlie Beach cost $125.

A half day Whitehaven Beach tour seems, on the surface of it, not an especially great way to explore the Whitsundays.

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This archipelago of tropical Queensland islands is far better taken in over two or three days, preferably on a yacht. Much of the joy comes from flitting island to island, beach to beach.

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.

But like it or not, Whitehaven Beach has become the icon of the Whitsunday Islands. The wispy bars of white sand criss-crossing through the clear waters have an undeniable paradise feel to them. Some people are on a limited schedule while travelling up the Queensland coast, and will just want to see the highlight.

Half day Whitehaven Beach tour from Airlie Beach

For these time-poor tourists, there is a half day Whitehaven Beach tour. Run by Cruise Whitsundays, this Whitsundays cruise departs from the Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach twice a day. It stops off at Daydream Island and Hamilton Island to pick up more passengers then heads straight to Whitsunday Island.

This is where you’ll find Whitehaven Beach, and the tour promises around two hours on the beach before returning back to Airlie Beach.

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.

Half day Whitehaven Beach tour departure times

The morning Whitehaven Beach cruise leaves the Port of Airlie at 07.15, and returns at 14.30. The afternoon boat trip to Whitehaven Beach departs at 11.35 and returns at 18.15. As you can see from the timetable, it’s a stretch to call this a mere half day. If you can spare more time, you may as well opt for a full day Whitehaven Beach tour.

If you want to stay longer, tough, there is no Whitehaven Beach accommodation or Whitehaven Beach ferry service.