Is there a ferry to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach?

There is no ferry to Whitehaven Beach, although several tours offer transfers from Airlie Beach. The quickest way to get to Whitehaven Beach is a helicopter flight.

Bad news. There is no ferry to Whitehaven Beach.

Whitehaven may be Australia’s most famously photogenic beach, but it is actually in a fairly remote location at the eastern end of Whitsunday Island. There is no accommodation at Whitehaven Beach, and no ferry either.

Unless you’ve got your own yacht, the only way to get to Whitehaven Beach is taking a tour.

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Whitehaven Beach ferry service price

The good news is that absolutely loads of tours go from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach. At the time of writing, the cheapest option was the Whitehaven Beach club tour.

This Whitehaven Beach tour keeps it simple and is the closest thing to a Whitehaven Beach ferry. It takes you out by boat from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, then gives you around five hours on the sand. Umbrellas, beach chairs and paddleboards are included, and the tour costs from $99. Book your mobile-friendly tickets online.

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.

Whitehaven Beach sailing tour

However, if you’re only in the Whitsundays for a limited time, you may wish to pick a Whitehaven Beach tour that has a little more to it. Providence Whitsunday Sailing offers a sailing and snorkelling cruise aboard a handsome schooner. This trip also stops off at one of the top snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays, as well as Whitehaven Beach. For more information and bookings, head this way.

There’s also a Whitehaven Beach full day tour which includes the views from Hill Inlet, a guided bushwalk and a beach barbecue. Again, this should be booked in advance.

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.

Quickest way to get to Whitehaven Beach

The quickest way to get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach is a Whitsundays helicopter tour. These Whitehaven Beach helicopter transfers give you about 90 minutes of beach time, plus spectacular flights from Airlie Beach either side. This experience costs $449 at time of writing.

Other Whitehaven Beach tours for the short of time include a half day tour and a high speed catamaran trip.

Other things to do in Airlie Beach include walking the Airlie Creek Track, swimming at the Airlie Beach Lagoon and Whitsundays kayaking tours, plus helicopter flights and day trips to Hamilton Island. There are also several day trips from Airlie Beach to the other Whitsunday Islands.