Which tour should I take to Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday islands
Sat 10 Oct 2015
Every visitor to Airlie Beach should experience the Whitsundays for at least one day. While the town of Airlie Beach has plenty to do and looks a treat since the main street upgrade about 2013, the real magic is at the islands that beckon from the near East Horizon.
Here is a summary of the tours most popular tours available at the end of 2015. Orientation of this summary is based upon the expected needs of a mature aged couple or family.
Number 4. Cruise Whitsunday Camira 3.5 stars
Big and Purple, Camira is run by the largest marine operator in the Whitsundays. Its an early start for some so they can fit it some sailing and stop by Daydream Island to collect some more guests from the islands resort. Sailing home is a typical feature on the return journey, so the return can be around sunset. There is good time at Whitehaven and a good snorkel stop. Absent from this tour is a stop at Hill Inlet look out which is considered one of the best photo ops in Australia. Lunch is a catered BBQ.
Number 3. Thundercat - 4 stars
Thundercat is a new entrant to the Airlie Beach tour market and it is not hard to see where they came up with the operating plan - their tour, boat and 'vibe" is similar to another in this list. The boats are purposely red, feature seating on the deck and a fast, sometimes wild ride around the islands. The Whitsunday island tour includes Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and snorkelling. Lunch is picnic style and fresh.
Number 2. Ocean Rafting - 4.5 stars
The Whitsundays "fun" tour is Ocean Rafting has for a long time been Ocean Rafting. Their open powerful rigid inflatable boats promise exhilaration if not sometimes bouncing ride. If you are concerned about the ride comfort sit further to the back. They go to Hill Inlet, snorkelling and depending on the choice of tour, Whitehaven Beach (South). The onboard toilet is reported as a little cramped. Lunch is a large spread of picnic favourites. The crew at Ocean Rafting look after their customers well. Ocean Rafting is great for late risers as the speed of their boats allows a late departure to the islands and early return.
Number 1. Whitehaven Xpress - 5 stars
Family owned Whitehaven Xpress is the original Airlie Beach tour to Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling and Hill Inlet lookout. Leaving Abell Point Marina at 9am and return at 5pm, Whitehaven Xpress is a mid sized "displacement" boat that offers a comfortable ride for up to about 30 passengers each day. Big on service, the boat offers 2 good sized toilets for comfort breaks, a bar tab which you settle at the end of the day. Whitehaven Xpress also carries a auxiliary tender which makes it easy for you to get ashore. The tender dinghy is also used for Glass bottom coral and fish viewing. Lunch is a full Aussie BBQ on Whitehaven Beach - an amazing feat they perform each day.
Web site: www.WhitehavenXpress.com.au
So if you are a mature aged couple or family looking for a comfortable safe ride, Whitehaven Xpress is a great option
