(Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Planning a trip to the Whitsundays and looking at how to get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach? Keep reading!
There are various ways to get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach. The short answer – you can reach Whitehaven Beach by boat, seaplane, or helicopter.
If you are wondering what these options entail and what’s the best choice for you, you’re in luck because all of these questions and more will be answered in this article.
Do you want to book a day tour? A weekend tour? I’ve included a list of the best guided tours from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach later in this guide. For now, let’s dive into how to actually get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach.
Looking for more Australia guides?
- The Best Things to Do in Byron Bay, Australia
- The Ultimate Guide to Sailing The Whitsundays
- All You Need to Know Before Visiting The Airlie Beach Lagoon
Keep reading to discover all of the ways to get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach.
Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach
Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach via Boat Tours
The most popular way to reach Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday islands is by booking a boat tour. Various tour operators offer day trips and overnight tours to the Whitsunday Islands, including a visit to Whitehaven Beach. More info on the best boat tours to Whitehaven Beach later in this article.
Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach via Ferries and Water Taxis
Another way to reach Whitehaven Beach is by a ferry or water taxi service. These ferries operate between Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. If you’d like to explore the islands at your own pace this is a good option for you.
If you choose to book a hotel on an island close to Whitehaven Beach this option allows you to go to your hotel when you’d like and explore on your own.
Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach via Seaplane or Helicopter
A seaplane or a helicopter ride to Whitehaven Beach makes for a unique experience. This is certainly the priciest option, but one that you won’t forget! You can book an aerial tour for the most jaw-dropping views of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. I’ve included the best aerial tours to book later in this guide.
FAQs About Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach
Where is Whitehaven Beach?
Whitehaven Beach is located on Whitsunday Island, an island part of the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland, Australia. Whitsunday Island is the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays.
Whitehaven Beach is over 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) along the east shore of Whitsunday Island. This beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. And after visiting – you’ll understand why. It’s absolutely stunning. You have to visit!
What is The Most Affordable Way to Get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach?
The most budget-friendly way to get from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach is by booking a day tour. Compare tour prices and book in advance for the best deals.
If you visit during off-peak times this will save you money as well! Later in this article, I’ve listed a couple of budget-friendly tour options.
Is it Worth Staying at Airlie Beach?
In my opinion, yes! Although you’ll likely be visiting Airlie Beach to experience the Whitsunday Islands, it is worth staying for a night or two in Airlie Beach. The town is so nice, with many amazing shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can chill by the Airlie Beach Lagoon or partake in various watersports.
How to Get From Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Island?
As mentioned above you can reach Whitsunday Island from Airlie Beach via boat tour, water taxi, seaplane, or helicopter.
Read about my ultimate guide to sailing the Whitsunday Islands here!
How Long Do You Need at Whitehaven Beach?
A typical day tour will allocate about 2 to 3 hours at Whitehaven Beach. This is a good amount of time to enjoy it but if I were on my own schedule I’d spend an entire day here. It was the most beautiful beach I have ever visited and I didn’t want to leave.
If you are on your own time, take a half-day to a full-day to relax and enjoy Whitehaven Beach.
How Long Does it Take to Get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach?
If you are traveling via boat or water taxi, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours. On the other hand, if you are traveling by seaplane or helicopter, it will likely take about 30 minutes to an hour.
The Best Things to Do at Whitehaven Beach
Once you reach Whitehaven Beach you can go swimming, snorkeling, have a picnic, relax, go to the Hill Inlet Lookout, and spot some rays and reef sharks if you’re lucky. You certainly won’t get board here.
Daily Boat Services from Airlie Beach
Several tour operators offer daily boat tours from Airlie Beach. These companies include Cruise Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures, Whitsunday Jetski Tours, etc. I’ve listed the best Whitsunday tours below so that you can book the best one for you.
Day Trips from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach | Top Tours
1 | An Exciting Eco-Adventure Whitsundays Tour
Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkel, Walk & Whitehaven
Price: 127.79 USD
Duration: 6.5 hours to 1 day
Rating: 4.8 stars
Includes: This tour includes pick up, a stop at Whitehaven Beach, snorkel sites of Hook and Border Island, a stop at Hill Inlet for the view, and an exhilarating ride on the fastest Whitsundays vessel.
2 | The Best Overnight Whitsundays Tour
Whitsunday Islands: 3 Day 2 Night Sailing Yacht Adventure
Price: 462.36 USD
Duration: 3 days
Rating: 4.9 stars
Includes: 2 night, 3 day sailing trip, all food is included, many snorkel spots, a visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, and multiple beach visits.
3 | A Perfect Whitehaven Beach Day Trip
Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Beach Big Island Day Tour
Price: 153.48 USD
Duration: 1 day
Rating: 4.8
Includes: A visit the Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bar service, a gourmet lunch, a visit to Hook Island.
4 | The Best Day Trip for Snorkeling and Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise
Price: 143.84 USD
Duration: 8 hours (1 day)
Rating: 5 stars
Includes: 2 snorkeling stops, a visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, a buffet lunch and snacks.
Whitehaven Beach Scenic Flights | Top Tours
1 | The Best Whitsundays Scenic Flight Tour
From Airlie Beach: Whitsundays Scenic Flight with Pickup
Price: 204.85 USD
Duration: 1 hour
Rating: 4.9 stars
Includes: Pickup is included, limit of 7 travelers, a 60 minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands.
2 | The Ultimate Whitsundays Tour
Whitsundays: Ocean Rafting Fly Raft Tour with Snorkeling
Price: 326.86 USD
Duration: 1 day
Rating: 4.9 stars
Includes: This tour includes both a Whitsundays experience from the air and the sea. You’ll go on a 60 minute scenic flight, a visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout, and stop at a couple of snorkel spots.
Note: I recommend checking the current price on GetYourGuide or Viator’s websites in case they are running any promotions.
Travel Insurance
Travel medical insurance is essential for every trip. This can save you time, money, and a lot of stress on the road. I love using SafetyWing for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance coverage. You can enter your details below for a free quote.
I hope you enjoyed this guide all about exploring Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach! If you have any questions about planning your trip to Australia, comment below or DM me on Instagram!
Recommended Tours in Airlie Beach
Like this post? Pin it to save for later!
