Cruise Whitsundays – Hardy Reef Pontoon

Highlights and Inclusions

Scenic Return Cruise:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Whitsundays with a picturesque cruise to the outer reef, offering stunning views along the way.

4 Hours at Hardy Reef:

Spend ample time exploring the wonders of Hardy Reef, where you’ll encounter vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations.

Snorkelling Experience:

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and discover the underwater paradise of the reef. All snorkelling gear, including wetsuits and stinger suits, is provided for your convenience and safety.

Access to Underwater Observatory:

Get a unique perspective of the reef’s ecosystem with access to an underwater observatory, allowing you to observe the fascinating marine life without getting wet.

Semi-Submarine Guided Tour:

Embark on a semi-submarine tour and enjoy a guided exploration of the reef’s vibrant underwater world from the comfort of a submerged vessel.

Catered Meals:

Indulge in delicious morning, lunch, and afternoon tea served onboard, ensuring you stay energised throughout your reef adventure.

Optional Activities:

For those seeking extra excitement, optional activities such as guided snorkelling safaris and scuba diving are available at an additional cost, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences and skill level.

So Much Packed Into 1 Day!

Snorkelling with all gear provided
An innovative and spacious reef pontoon
Semi-submarine boat Tour
Underwater viewing chamber
Impressive buffet lunch
Morning and afternoon tea
Tea and coffee
Reef Presentation
Wetsuit and stinger suit usage
Sun deck
This tour is also available from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island
Government Reef Levies

Scenic helicopter flights
Introductory and certified scuba diving (medical conditions apply)
Guided snorkel tour
Massage
Seabob Tour (medical conditions apply)

Sunblock
Swimwear and Towel
Protective clothing from the sun including a hat
Light jacket/sweater during colder months
Money/credit card for optional purchases
A camera and a sense of fun

The Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours to get to Hardy Reef, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Daily Departures and Return times from both Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island
Port of Airlie departs at 8:00 am and returns at 6:10 pm
Hamilton Island Departs at 9:00 am and returns at 5:00 pm

Coach transfers to the Port of Airlie are available at an additional cost. Return times are when the vessel arrives at an island resort or mainland.

Cruise Whitsundays Important Information for Scuba Diving

We are passionate about showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so please ensure you understand the scuba diving laws.

Queensland, Australia, has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record.   We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical, as is the law.

To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking, as some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving.   Our mission is always to provide our passengers with the best Great Barrier Reef experience.

Scuba Diving Medical Questionnaire

We are happy to help you with any questions you may have.   Please contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us

Alternatively, you may like to consult your Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms’ AS.4005.1

Flying after Scuba Diving

For a single, no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive.  You should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive for multiple dives.
If you are Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after diving.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.