“Every great reef journey begins at the water’s edge. At Airlie Beach, the marina is where the adventure truly starts.”

Airlie Beach Marinas – Your Departure Point for the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef

Airlie Beach is home to two major marinas that serve as the primary departure points for Great Barrier Reef tours, sailing adventures, and island transfers in the Whitsundays region.

Port of Airlie Marina

The Port of Airlie Marina is a modern, purpose-built facility located adjacent to the Airlie Beach town centre. It serves as the main departure hub for most Whitsunday day tours, including trips to Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and Hill Inlet.

The Port of Airlie precinct includes ticketing offices for the major tour operators, cafes, restaurants, and ample car parking. It’s the easiest marina to access if you’re staying in central Airlie Beach.

Coral Sea Marina (Abel Point)

Abel Point Marina — now known as Coral Sea Marina — lies approximately 1.5 kilometres west of the Airlie Beach CBD along the esplanade. It’s the largest marina in the region and hosts a wide range of vessels including liveaboard dive boats, sailing charter yachts, and private cruisers.

The Coral Sea Marina precinct features a growing collection of restaurants, a chandlery, boat maintenance services, and is the home base for several of the region’s leading liveaboard tour operators.

Aerial view of Daydream IslandDaydream IslandA resort island in the Whitsundays with beaches and reef activities.Read more →View over Hamilton Island to the bay and nearby islandsHamilton IslandBeaches, snorkelling, reef tours and sailing in the Whitsundays.Read more →Aerial view of a forested island in blue waterHayman IslandA luxury resort island in the Whitsundays with snorkelling and diving.Read more →Swirling white sand and water at Hill InletWhitsunday IslandHome of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.Read more →

Practical Information

Most Whitsunday tour operators will specify which marina to report to at check-in. It’s worth arriving at least 15 minutes early as boarding can be busy during peak season. Parking is available at both marinas, and the two locations are connected by the Airlie Beach foreshore walk.

For full tour and booking details, visit our Whitsunday Reef Tours guide.

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FAQs

Which marinas does Airlie Beach have for reef and island tours?
Airlie Beach has two main marinas: Port of Airlie, a modern purpose-built facility next to the town centre, and Coral Sea Marina nearby. Both serve as primary departure points for Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef day tours, sailing trips and island transfers.

Where do most Whitsunday day tours depart from?
Most Whitsunday day tours — including trips to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and the outer reef — depart from Port of Airlie, which has ticketing offices for the major operators, cafes and car parking right beside the town centre.

How do I get to the Airlie Beach marinas?
Both marinas are within easy reach of central Airlie Beach. Port of Airlie sits adjacent to the town centre, making it the easiest to walk to from town accommodation, while Coral Sea Marina is a short distance away along the waterfront.

What facilities are available at the marinas?
The marinas include tour operator ticketing offices, cafes and restaurants, car parking and berths for vessels. They are set up to make boarding day tours, sailing charters and island ferries straightforward for visitors.

Can I book Great Barrier Reef tours directly from Airlie Beach?
Yes. Airlie Beach is one of the main gateways to the southern and central Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, with a wide range of reef and sailing tours departing daily from its marinas, subject to weather and conditions.


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