Northern Exposure
See more of the Whitsundays in one incredible day. Explore Whitehaven Beach, discover Hill Inlet, enjoy guided island walks and snorkel vibrant fringing reefs.
Perfect for families
Experience the very best of the Whitsundays on a full-day adventure that combines stunning scenery, unique island experiences and world-class snorkelling. Explore vibrant coral reefs around Hook Island at two incredible snorkelling locations, where colourful fish, hard corals and soft corals thrive beneath crystal-clear waters.
All snorkelling and safety equipment is provided, making it easy for guests of all experience levels to enjoy the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Beyond the reef, discover some of the Whitsundays’ most iconic destinations. Relax on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, take a guided walk to the breathtaking Hill Inlet Lookout and soak in panoramic views of the swirling white sands and turquoise waters below. Complete with a tropical-style lunch, this unforgettable experience blends adventure, relaxation and natural beauty into one incredible day on the water.
What to expect
On The Day
Explore the reef
Snorkelling Adventure
The Northern Exposure eco adventure is a favourite amongst avid snorkellers because it is the only Whitsunday adventure which includes two different snorkel destinations. Enjoy snorkelling around Hook Island including Mantaray Bay, Maureens Cove and other specially selected Whitsundays snorkelling spots, ensuring a memorable underwater experience.
Unwind on the beach
Relax on Whitehaven Beach
Spend time unwinding on the world-famous silica sands of Whitehaven Beach and the stunning shores of Hill Inlet. Swim in crystal-clear waters, wander the shoreline or simply relax and take in the breathtaking Whitsunday scenery, then enjoy a fresh tropical lunch on the beach as you soak up this slice of paradise away from the crowds.
Discover Hill Inlet
Guided National Park walk
Follow your guide on a short National Park walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout and take in panoramic views of the famous swirling sands and crystal-clear waters below. If you’d rather take it easy, you can stay behind and relax on the beach while the group visits the lookout.
What’s included in your day
Two snorkelling locations
- Explore two different pristine fringing coral reefs
- Personalised snorkel instruction
- Snorkel equipment, flotation devices and sunsuit/wetsuit
- Exclusive to Northern Exposure
Ultimate Access to Hill Inlet
- Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Tropical Lunch at Hill Inlet
- Relax on the most famous beach of the Whitsundays
- Guided National Park walks to Hill Inlet Lookout
Local guides & Instructors
- Personal snorkel instruction
- Reef and island naturalist talks
- Crew trained by Master Reef Guides
- Wildlife encounters, whales watching (June – October)
Small Group Adventure
- Maximum 32 guests
- Access locations larger vessels can’t reach
- More time exploring and less time travelling
- Family-owned and operated since 1997
Water and beverages, snacks and prescription mask hire are available for purchase on the day.
Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Full Day Eco Adventure, Half-Day Dash, Half-Day Fishing, Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.
If you do only one activity on the Whitsunday Coast, Ocean Rafting is an absolute must! It was the highlight of our trip to Airlie Beach. Don’t hesitate - book it in!
— Maria Rallis
Google Reviews
Additional Information
Find everything you need to prepare for your tour, including departure information, an adventure map and a handy guide on what to bring.
Choose the departure point that suits you best.
Guests departing from Airlie Beach can check in from 7:45am before departing at 8:45am and returning at approximately 3:30pm. Guests staying on Daydream Island can join the tour via a convenient marina pick-up, with check-in from 8:00am, departure at 9:00am and return at approximately 3:15pm. No matter where you depart from, you’ll enjoy a full day exploring the very best of the Whitsundays.
| Location | Check-in | Departs | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airlie Beach | 7:45 AM | 8:45 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Daydream Island | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM | 3:15 PM |
Conditions Guide
Read our full Terms and Conditions here.
- Swimmers
- A beach bag including a towel, hat and shoes.
- A jacket during winter to protect you from wind and for warmth after snorkelling.
- Cameras in a waterproof case or Tupperware.
- Cash for water, soft drinks, beer, fruit juices and chocolates for sale on board.
Pricing information
Adult
$249
15+ Years
Child
$168
2-14 Years (Infants free)
Family
$749
2 Adults + 2 Children
If departing from Daydream Island. All prices +$10 / person
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of our most asked questions for our Northern Exposure tour.
Will I get seasick?
Due to the open-style design and speed which our vessels travel, it is very rare for Ocean Rafters to experience sea sickness on board, unlike slower vessels where you experience a slow-rocking motion that can cause sea sickness. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. We welcome anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.
If I am visiting on a cruise ship and docking for the day, can I book Ocean Rafting?
Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Full Day Eco Adventure, Half-Day Dash, Half-Day Fishing, Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.
Is Ocean Rafting suitable for all ages?
Our Northern Exposure, Southern Lights, Scenic Flight, Full Day Eco Adventure and Half-Day Dash tours are suitable for most ages from 6 months upwards (weather permitting). If you are concerned about the weather conditions for the date that you are travelling, or wish to speak to one of our friendly office team about young passengers travelling, please call us on (07) 4946 6848.
Our Fishing tours have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old.
What if I have a medical condition?
Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant (weather dependant) or heavily pregnant.
What's the difference between Northern Exposure and Southern Lights?
The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure tour has more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights tour offers more beach time.
The Northern Exposure tour departs at 08:45am and returns at approximately 3:30pm. You’ll visit two different snorkelling sites around Hook Island, with 45 minutes to one hour at each snorkel site, as well as the northern end of Whitehaven Beach at stunning Hill Inlet for 1 – 1.5 hours.
The Southern Lights tour departs at 10am and returns at approximately 4:30pm. You’ll visit one snorkel site for an hour and spend two hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, with its 7km stretch of world famous silica sand.
If you wish to focus mainly on snorkelling then we suggest the Northern Exposure tour, or if you wish to spend more time at the beach, we suggest the Southern Lights tour. The tour from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach can take between 1 – 1.5 hours depending on wind, tide, swell and weather conditions.
For departures from Daydream Island, departure times differ: Northern Exposure departs Daydream Island at 9:00am and Southern Lights departs at 10:15am.
*Please note: the tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change.
How fast do the boats travel?
Ocean Rafting’s custom built vessels travel up to speeds of 30 knots, allowing you to experience a fun, high speed ride whilst exploring the islands and beaches of the beautiful Whitsundays.
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