Ocean Rafting Southern Lights Tour (Suitable for beginners|Return transfers from Airlie Beach Hotels)
- Airlie Beach
- Full-day Tours
- Instant Confirmation
- Tour in English
- Watersports
- Boat Tour
Overview
“THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS”
Multi award winning Ocean Rafting visits the “Wild Side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. The Ocean Rafting’s Southern Lights tour offers the perfect Whitehaven Beach tour, visiting both ends of the world famous beach and enjoying approximately two hours relaxing at the southern end of the 7km stretch of Whitehaven Beach.
At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, enjoy a guided bushwalk to spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout to view and capture photographs of the stunning swirling silica sands and aqua water. Ocean Rafting is the only tour to have direct access to all areas of the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach to ensure you enjoy the most memorable experience of this special place. Snorkel for over an hour at one of our “secret” snorkel spots and enjoy the amazing hard and soft corals of the fringing reefs, as well as a huge range of marine life including colourful fish, turtles, clams and so much more, all of which call the inner coral reefs home.
Ocean Rafting has the fastest day boats in the Whitsundays, meaning it is not only an adventurous ride, but distances are covered in a shorter time, leaving more time for activities. The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing guests to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. You can see why we call it three days in one!
The main difference between Ocean Rafting’s two tours is that the Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights has more beach time.
Ocean Rafting has been operating since 1997 and is proud to have special permits allowing its vessels to visit protected areas in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Skipper and Eco Host will ensure guests have a fun filled adventure and personalised service with snorkel lessons and a guided National Park walk in the Whitsunday Islands. Tours depart from Coral Sea Marina, Northern Village and courtesy coach pickups are included.

*QLD Public Holiday surcharges of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family for Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft apply. These fees are payable on check in. (The price is subject to change without notice)
QLD Public Holidays
2026
01 January 26 – New Year’s Day
26 January 26 – Australia Day
3 April 26 – Good Friday
4 April 26 – 5 April 26
6 April 26 – Easter Monday
25 April 26 – Anzac Day
4 May 26 – Labour Day
5 October 26 – King’s Birthday
25 December 26 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
26-28 December 26 – Boxing Day
What’s included
Included
- Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet
- Guided National Park walks
- Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling
- Personalised snorkel instruction
- Use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices
- Reef and island naturalist talks
- Courtesy bus transfers
- lunch&sunsuit、wetsuit
Not included
- All inclusions are as indicated on the websites at time of travel. If not stated as included the item/s are at guests own cost.
- QLD Public Holiday surcharges of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family for Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft apply. These fees are payable on check in. (The price is subject to change without notice)
Ages
Child aged 2-14 years
How to use
After the booking is confirmed, we will send a confirmation to your email. Please make sure to check your email and check the confirmation details in the PDF attachment. On the date, please arrive hotel entrance or the designated place 5-10 minutes in advance according to the time specified on the confirmation, wait for the bus marked with the Ocean Rafting logo, and present the electronic confirmation form to participate in the tour.
QLD Public Holiday surcharges of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family for Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft apply. These fees are payable on check in. (The price is subject to change without notice)
Please note: pick up time/location may change. 48 hours prior, reconfirm pick up time/location by calling Ocean Rafting on 0749 466 848.
Good to know
It is recommended to carry: swimwear and towel, suncream, clothing, hat etc cash and credit card for expenses; A light jacket or warm clothes for after swimming or if the weather becomes cool.
This tour is not recommended if you have any of the following conditions: any neck or back discomfort, a history of neck or back injury or recent surgery, are pregnant, have any health conditions that may cause discomfort during a rough boat trip, are taking medications that may affect your level of consciousness, have a medical condition such as epilepsy, diabetes, or heart disease.
Our staff will assess your swimming ability to determine if you are suitable for a snorkeling experience. For your safety, the decision will be made by our staff. No refunds will be given if you do not have a snorkeling experience.
Please ensure any dietary requirements are advised 48 hours prior to tour departure. We are No able to cater for dietaries if not pre-ordered.
Disclaimer
After the product is successfully booked, we will send you a confirmation voucher. The main information about the reservation and the precautions for participation will be provided on the confirmation voucher. Please read it. If you do not have any feedback, we consider that you have read and know all the information on its confirmation.
As an intermediary agency, we are only responsible for making travel product reservations for tourists.
We recommend that tourists purchase travel insurance. Tourist product suppliers such as tourist attractions, hotels and transportation companies will be directly responsible for the quality, service and safety of travel products. We are not responsible for any safety issues with the products ordered.
In the event of an unexpected situation without insurance, we will only assist in handling it.
If the booking is forcibly cancelled due to the reasons of the travel product supplier, we will refund the full amount corresponding to the booking without additional compensation.
We will try our best to assist tourists to communicate and negotiate solutions with tourism product suppliers.
If your booking includes hotel accommodation, please note that check-in time at Australian hotels is generally 13:00-15:00. Specific check-in times vary by hotel, so please confirm your check-in time in advance. Early check-in is not recommended. If you need to check in early due to special circumstances, please note that early check-in fees may apply and must be negotiated and paid directly with the hotel.
We are not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings during the tour. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the tour if conditions do not permit. An alternative will be provided if possible. It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure we have accurate information: airline and airport dates and times; correct travel dates with the correct codes; the traveler's age, etc. Please notify us immediately of any changes.
We are not responsible for any loss or damage to baggage, valuables, or personal belongings carried during the tour. We are not liable for any illness, injury, or death resulting from the deterioration of any traveler's health condition. By booking this tour, the traveler agrees to the policies outlined herein and accepts that all activities involve some risk, and the traveler will not hold our company, its employees, or subcontractors liable for any injury or loss suffered by the traveler or to the traveler's property. For your safety, when participating in indoor or outdoor activities with inherent risks (such as swimming, rafting, diving, skiing, ice skating, snow play, skydiving, etc.), please ensure you fully understand the weather conditions, your personal physical condition, and relevant announcements and advice from professional organizations before proceeding.
Visitors should pay attention to their physical condition. Those with heart disease, high blood pressure, colds, fever, or who are intoxicated should exercise caution when participating in activities or follow medical advice. If you feel unwell, please stop the activity immediately and seek assistance from on-site staff.
When visiting attractions or participating in activities, please strictly adhere to the instructions provided by the venue or staff. Ensure you fully understand the associated risks (refer to venue announcements or the safety waiver required for signature for specific details), cooperate as required to implement appropriate safety precautions, and strictly refrain from engaging in any dangerous behaviors during the activity.
The wildlife sightseeing listed in the itinerary refers to wild animals. They move freely and are not under human control; seeing them is not guaranteed on every trip. No refunds or cancellations will be arranged for those who do not see wildlife.
No refunds will be issued for missed trips due to the visitor's own subjective reasons.
The tour duration is only an approximation. If the tour ends early, it may be due to weather conditions requiring an earlier conclusion.
Due to weather, traffic, and other reasons, we reserve the right to change the itinerary. The order of the itinerary may be adjusted; please refer to the actual itinerary.
No show: Ticket holders who 'no show' without prior cancellation or notification are not eligible for a refund.
Multi-day tours are all group tours for individual travelers. Driver and guide arrangements will be made according to the itinerary and travel conditions, and may change daily. Final departure and driver/guide information will be provided by the tour operator.
For products with airport transfers: Airport transfers are arranged uniformly and will not be based on different flight times. Thank you for your understanding.
Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. By completing your booking, you agree to all the above terms and conditions.
