OVERVIEW

Snorkel an inner section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that is a protected sanctuary for all sorts of marine life. You will sail there on the Island Explorer, a 79-foot catamaran custom-built for snorkeling and diving. The vessel features two air-conditioned levels and plenty of deck space for basking in the sun or relaxing outdoors in the shade, if that is your preference. Along the way, you will pass seemingly endless unspoiled and uninhabited islands that comprise the Whitsundays. Once the catamaran moors at the reef, you will be free to snorkel for several hours and come back on board whenever you wish to relax and enjoy the hearty buffet lunch. While there is no telling what you will see while snorkeling, brightly colored angelfish, parrotfish, groupers and gobies are often spotted. You may even catch sight of green sea turtles and rays gracefully swimming by.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on board a catamaran while cruising to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Spend hours snorkeling a protected inner reef that is teeming with marine life.
• Relax on the catamaran and enjoy a buffet lunch between snorkeling outings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sun protection.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed toes.

OVERVIEW

Discover the wild side of the Whitsunday Islands by zipping across the sea to Whitehaven Beach on a rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB. It will be an exhilarating, adrenaline-charged experience as you race through the water to the idyllic uninhabited beach, which is known for its exceptionally white sand. Because of its high silica content, the sand is extremely fine and soft and doesn’t retain heat like most sand. Feel free to beachcomb, bask in the sun and enjoy a refreshing swim in the remarkably clear waters. Wildlife is plentiful in this remote spot, especially water birds. You will also have access to Hill Inlet Beach, a spectacularly scenic cove where tidal currents swirl the turquoise sea and white sand together to form ever-changing picture-perfect mosaics. This natural phenomenon is especially stunning when viewed from the elevated lookout when the tide is low.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race across the sea in a rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB.
• Relax on Whitehaven Beach’s exceptionally fine, soft and sparkling white sand.
• Look for wildlife, which is abundant around remote Whitehaven Beach.
• Watch the tidal current form colorful mosaics in the sea at Hill lnlet Cove.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Travel by catamaran to a pontoon floating atop the Outer Reef and discover the exquisite beauty waiting below in the world’s richest marine habitat. Your adventure begins with a two-hour waterborne transfer by luxury cat right from the ship, with morning tea and coffee served as you sail to the reef. Once at the pontoon, essentially a floating resort designated for your use, a range of activities are available for experiencing this breathtaking environment. Perhaps you’ll take a spin on the semi-submersible and see the reef’s colorful fish and intricate coral gardens from its underwater viewing windows without getting wet – or have a snorkel in these inviting aquamarine waters to see what’s up down under for yourself. The pontoon itself also has a convenient underwater viewing chamber available whenever you like. Looking for something even more immersive? Sign on for an optional scuba dive or escorted snorkeling tour, offered at an extra charge. While enjoying the reef, an extensive buffet lunch will be set out for you, soft drinks, Australian wine and beer available for purchase. In time, you’ll bid the Great Barrier reef farewell – for now – and return by catamaran to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely two-hour transfer directly from the ship to the Outer Reef via luxury catamaran.
• Arrive at a pontoon atop the world’s lushest marine habitat, your playground for the next few hours.
• Choose from a range of activities offered – semi-submersible ride, independent snorkeling, onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkeling, and more.
• Experience breathtaking views of colorful reef fish and intricate coral gardens.
• Graze the extensive buffet lunch set out for you, soft drinks with Australian wine and beer available for purchase.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly over Whitehaven Beach and other idyllic locales in a fixed-wing aircraft with large windows that allow for optimal views of the gorgeous scenery below. The plane holds a maximum of seven guests, which will make the experience all the more private and pleasurable. The flight will be wonderfully picturesque as you will fly over the Great Barrier Reef and many of the islands in the Whitsunday archipelago. When you spot Whitehaven Beach on the largest of the Whitsundays, you will instantly understand why it is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The sand there is almost entirely made of silica, giving it a snow-white color. The setting is so dramatic that numerous films, including “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales “Were shot there. You will also fly over photogenic Hill Inlet and Heart Reef, whose distinct heart shape is best seen from the air.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly over the gorgeous Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach in a fixed-wing aircraft.
• Be awed by the snow-white color of Whitehaven’s sand, the result of its high silica content.
• Gaze out over the brilliant blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
• See a reef whose unusual heart shape is most noticeable from the air.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Step back in time to Airlie’s earlier days on a tour that visits a venue steeped in local history, then surveys the area’s contemporary sights. True time travel may not yet be possible, but this is the next best thing. You’ll begin with a visit to Proserpine Historical Museum, where you can relive the days when sugar was this area’s primary cash crop. The exhibits also highlight the Whitsunday region’s historic cattle industries and the coffee trade that thrived here from the late 1800s until it took a back seat to tea-drinking. Continue to the beautifully located Coral Sea Resort (or similar) to enjoy some beach views. The setting is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a morning tea with views across to Airlie and a peaceful feel. Enjoy a buffet of premium assorted cakes, local produce fruit platters and Australian Damper together with your juice, tea or coffee. On the return drive, get current on a brief sightseeing jaunt through both Cannonvale and Airlie Beach’s local shopping district. You’ll have the option to disembark at the local markets to browse for souvenirs, but if so, you’ll need to make your own way back to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach about 30 minutes inland from Airlie Beach to Proserpine Historical Museum.
• See exhibits that tell the story of the days when the Airlie and Whitsunday regions’ economies were tied to sugar, cattle and coffee.
• Ride with the coach back to the pier or step off to do some souvenir shopping and return on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.