Ocean Rafting Southern Lights offers you a thrilling ride to Whitehaven Beach. Zoom across the water on the custom-built semi-rigid inflatable rafts for a speedy trip. Indeed, the most adventurous way to spend your day exploring the Whitsunday Islands!
First on the list is heading to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Unlike other boats, these unique vessels have a shallow hull, allowing you to get as close to the beach as possible. Step straight off the boat and onto Whitehaven Beach. Not only will you be able to spend the most time at Whitehaven Beach on this Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tour, but you will also get to enjoy your lunch here.
Following the beach, join your nature walk guide, taking you to the Hill Inlet Lookout. Here you can view the magical swirling sands. As a result of the continually shifting sands with the tides, these swirls are constantly changing. In the same way as snowflakes, no two views will ever be the same!
So what’s next?
Finally, it’s time to zoom off for some snorkelling after exploring all you can on Whitehaven Beach. Despite having access to over 74 different snorkelling locations, the Captain will always find you the best spot to ensure you get the best experience on your Ocean Rafting Whitsundays tour.
Perhaps you were after something different to the Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Tour?
On the other hand, if you want to spend a little bit more time snorkelling, check out the alternative itinerary available on Ocean Rafting Northern Exposure.
On the other hand, if you want to maximise your day, why not combine your tour with a Scenic Flight on the Fly and Raft package? Fly over the Great Barrier Reef and view the famous Heart Reef from the sky.
What will I see on my Southern Lights Tour?
Spend up to 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach
Swirling Sands of Hill Inlet
National Park Guided Walk to Hill Inlet Lookout
Jet past the Whitsunday Islands
1 Hour of Snorkelling amongst the fringing coral reefs
Pickup from your Airlie Beach Accommodation is between 8:45 am – 9:15 am. You will be transferred to the Ocean Rafting Check-In office located at Coral Sea Marina
After a quick briefing, join your Guide on your Raft to zoom off to your first destination at 10:00 am.
Visit Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Hill Inlet Lookout and 1 Snorkelling location.
Return back to Airlie Beach at 4:30 pm
Return Drop-off to your Airlie Beach Accommodation between 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm.
Your Southern Lights Tour includes:
Whitehaven Beach
Hill Inlet Lookout
Guided National Park Walks
Reef and Island Naturalist Talks
1 Snorkel Location
All Snorkel Equipment as well as Flotation Devices
Personalised Snorkel Instruction
Courtesy Transfers from your Airlie Beach Accommodation
What is not included on my Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Tour?
Buffet Style Lunches
Sunsuit and Wetsuit Hire
Prescription Mask Hire
Water
Soft Drinks and Juice
Beer and Cider
Chocolate
Photographs of the Day
What will I need to bring?
Swimmers
Towel, hat as well as shoes.
Jacket
Waterproof camera.
Cash purchases on board.
If you have chosen not to have our buffet-style lunch, please ensure that you bring your own as we do not visit any resorts during the day.
A sense of humour!
How do I get to my Southern Lights tour?
Check-in for the Ocean Rafting Southern Lights tour is at 9:00 am for a 10:00 am Departure.
Make your way to Ocean Rafting in the Coral Sea Marina North Village, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach.
Parking is available in the large car park at the Southern End of Coral Sea Marina, which is only a short 2 minutes stroll from the office. Pay and display your ticket.
For a free pick-up: Let us know your accommodation in the booking message field, and we will be in touch immediately with a pickup time for your complimentary shuttle to the marina.
We strongly recommend checking availability before booking.
This trip is suitable for all ages, (6+ months – weather permitting), in spite of this, the tour is unfortunately not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant.
If you have a child under 4 years, please phone our office to check prior to booking.
A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to re-schedule or alter all or part of a reservation.
Any date change will incur a $20 administration fee.
We are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (8 am to 5 pm, closed on Public Holidays), to allow us to contact the tour provider. All cancellation requests must be in writing and sent via email to: [email protected]. Any emails received outside of these hours will be considered received the following day. Please be aware that cancellation attempts made through online chat or phone will not be processed.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 24 hours or more before departure
100% cancellation fee within 24 hours before departure and for "No Show"
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities.
Operator Cancellations – The Operator reserves the right to cancel trips at any time for the following reasons:
On occasion, in the interest of guest safety, the operator may have to cancel tours due to unfavourable weather conditions. In this unlikely event, you will be offered travel on another suitable day or issued a refund. Travel insurance is highly recommended as they will not be held responsible for any losses due to cancellation.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavour to provide accurate information we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
No alcohol may be consumed prior to in water activities
All fares include Marine Park fees and GST. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to charge our customers a fuel levy if fuel is over $1.50 per litre.
Children’s prices are from 2 - 14 years of age
QLD Public Holiday surcharges of $20 per adult, $10 per child, and $50 per family apply. This will be paid directly to Ocean Safari on the day of travel.
We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing or itineraries; all of which are subject to change without notice.
Neither this site, nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, loss of personal belongings, property damage, delay or personal injury.
Liability: Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant (weather dependant) or heavily pregnant. Minimum age 6 months. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies.
Fitness and Health: Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior experience to partake in an Ocean Rafting adventure.
Please inform us of any special requirements prior to your date of travel; such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the 'Booking Message' section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.