Whitehaven Beach Day Trip from Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Bullet Tour Review
One of the best ways to experience Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach is by joining a boat tour like the Sailing Whitsundays Bullet Day Trip. Picture this: the sea breeze flowing through your hair as a high-speed catamaran zips you across the turquoise Whitsunday Islands, with a day full of snorkeling, paddleboarding, and soaking up some of Australia’s most iconic views. From wandering the pristine white sands of Whitehaven Beach to taking in the dreamy swirls of Hill Inlet, and snorkeling alongside colorful schools of fish in the Great Barrier Reef, every moment feels like a real-life postcard.
Thinking of booking a tour with Sailing Whitsundays? I spent a full day on the Whitsunday Bullet, and in this review, I am sharing all the details and whether I think the tour is truly worth it.
Disclaimer: This post includes a hosted experience with Sailing Whitsunday’s Bullet Tour. All opinions are my own and reflect my honest experience.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
Whitsunday Bullet Tour Review:
Whitehaven Beach Day Trip from Airlie Beach
Relaxing and taking in the white sands and turquoise waters of Whitehaven Beach during my day trip from Airlie Beach.
About the Whitsunday Bullet Tour
The Whitsundays Bullet catamaran for the day trip to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach.
What is the Whitsunday Bullet? A high-speed catamaran that zips you through the stunning Whitsunday Islands, visiting iconic spots like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the Great Barrier Reef. Powered by Yamaha 425 hp engines, the boat is fast, agile, and reliable, letting you feel the ocean breeze in your hair as you cruise through one of Australia’s most beautiful island destinations.
There is a marine toilet on board**
My Itinerary:
Pick-Up: Enjoy the free shuttle that will pick you up from your accommodation in Airlie Beach at a designated time, given to you on your ticket. Mine was 7:45 AM.
Snorkeling: Speed from the Airlie Beach Marina through the Whitsundays until you reach Chalky Beach, your Great Barrier Reef snorkel spot for the next 45 minutes. (1.5 hour or so ride on the Bullet). Your tour could take you to the northern end of Hook Island or Hayman Island for your snorkel, depending on the weather. We were offered a gluten-free brownie to enjoy during the ride there.
Buffet Lunch & Whitehaven Beach: After snorkeling, head over to Whitehaven Beach for a delicious buffet lunch catered by Aquava, followed by free time to enjoy the iconic soft white silica sands and turquoise waters. Whether you want to snorkel, paddleboard, sunbathe, or just relax, this is your chance to soak it all in. You will have around two hours here, including lunch.
Hill Inlet: Hop back on the Bullet and make your way to the entrance of the Hill Inlet trail at Tongue Bay. Take a short 15-minute guided walk up the steps to reach three viewing platforms, each offering stunning panoramic views over the world-famous Hill Inlet. Picture swirling white sands blending with shades of turquoise and deep blue…truly a scene like no other. You will have about an hour here to explore the platforms, snap photos, and soak in the breathtaking views before heading back down the trail to the Bullet.
Return: Hop back on the Bullet for your 1-2 hour return journey back to the marina, while enjoying some fresh fruit and more dreamy views of the Whitsunday Islands. The shuttle will then bring you back to your accommodation from the marina.
How Much Is It?
230 AUD per adult
199 AUD per child (2-14 years), children under 2 are not allowed on the boat.
708 AUD for a family of 4: 2 adults, 2 children (equals 190 AUD per person)
Travel Tips:
Travel on public holidays (listed here) has an additional 20 AUD fee per adult and a 10 AUD fee per child.
You must let the company know if any passengers are under 18 years old.
Book your Whitsunday Bullet Tour here!
Departure Point: Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach - South End, Meeting Point C
Departure & Return Times:
Departs: 9:00 AM - Daily
Returns: 5:00 PM - Daily
What’s Included:
Marina Transfer (from your accommodation in Airlie Beach)
Buffet Lunch (for all diets)
2x’s Snacks (a brownie and some fruit)
Esky water (sodas and bottled water available for purchase)
Wetsuits, snorkel, mask (bring your own fins!)
SUP (weather permitting, it was too wavy on my tour)
All Marine Fees
Snorkeling GBR, Hill Inlet Hike, North & South end view of Whitehaven Beach
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
A clownfish I found along the Great Barrier Reef snorkel during my Whitehaven Beach Day trip from Airlie Beach.
Me getting ready to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef as part of my Bullet trip from Airlie Beach!
With Airlie Beach serving as the gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling is easily one of the best things to do in the area. The Whitsunday Bullet tour lets you experience it all in a single day, combining Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the chance to snorkel on the reef. The area offers countless snorkeling spots where you can see turtles, tropical fish, rays, and even reef sharks up close. So I was super excited to jump right in.
Once departing the marina in Airlie Beach, the Bullet cruised for about 1.5 hours through the Whitsunday Islands until we reached Chalkies Beach for our snorkel stop.
The crew provided wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and even some anti-fog spray for the lenses. I chose to bring my own mask and snorkel because I know my mask fits comfortably, and I decided not to wear a wetsuit since it was not jellyfish season and the water temperature felt perfect. Fortunately, I knew ahead of time that fins were not included on the Whitsunday Bullet tour, so I packed my own. For those who are less confident in the water, pool noodles and life vests were available.
Once everyone was geared up, we transferred from the main catamaran onto a tender boat that dropped us right at the reef. The ride was quick, about 30 seconds at most. The fringing reef sat roughly five meters from the shore, but because the tide was out and the water was quite shallow, we could not actually access the beach itself. Instead, we snorkeled over the reef first, following the current as the reef shallowed, before turning back to explore the deeper outer section on the way back to the boat. We had about 45 minutes to enjoy the water in total.
During the snorkel, I spotted a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish, sergeant majors, surgeonfish, wrasse, a few much larger fish, and even some clownfish hiding in anemones near the end of the snorkel zone. The corals here were colorful and full of life, with a mix of soft and hard corals, colorful giant clams (my favorite), and small coral caves. Although we were told that green turtles and reef sharks are often seen here, I was not so lucky that day (sad).
Overall, the snorkeling experience on the Whitsunday Bullet was really enjoyable, even though visibility could have been better. I came out of the water feeling like I wanted to explore even more reef sites, but honestly, who does not feel that way about the Great Barrier Reef?
From Chalky Beach, we continued our Bullet adventures over to Whitehaven Beach!
Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach
A view of the small sparkling blue waves crashing onto the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach.
Enjoying the views and soft sands of Whitehaven Beach on my Bullet Tour from Airlie Beach.
Whitehaven Beach is that dreamy, pure white silica sandy beach you have seen all over postcards and Instagram. Stretching more than 7 kilometers along Whitsunday Island, it is famous for its fine, soft sand that some say can even polish jewelry. The water here shimmers in every shade of blue and turquoise imaginable, making it perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or even spotting rays and reef sharks close to shore.
Before heading straight onto the beach, the Whitsunday Bullet Tour treated us to a buffet lunch catered by Aquava. There was a great mix of options, from build-your-own sandwiches to noodles and pasta dishes. If you have a more complicated diet like mine, do not worry— they can cater to nearly everyone.
Once we finished eating, we hopped back onto the tender boat and made our way to the soft white sands, where we had nearly two hours of free time to explore.
Normally, paddleboards are available during this part of the tour, but due to the swell that day, it was a little too rough for SUP. Still, after seeing the beach, I can only imagine how peaceful it must be to glide across the glassy water, spotting marine life and taking in a unique perspective of Whitehaven Beach.
Instead, I chose to wander along the shoreline, sunbathe, swim, and take photos. Even though there were quite a few people on the beach, it was surprisingly easy to walk a few minutes down and find an empty stretch all to ourselves (I mean, the beach is 7 KM long). Truthfully, Whitehaven Beach is so idyllic you could easily spend the entire day here, lost in a daydream (so long as you lather yourself in strong sunscreen and pop a sunhat on that is). There is very little shade on the beach, aside from a few rentable tents, so keep that in mind for your Whitsunday Bullet day trip.
Oh, and yes…I tried polishing my sterling silver rings in the sand, and it actually worked! You will have to give it a try on your visit.
Bonus: There is a restroom on the beach!
Hill Inlet Lookout
The swirling white and blue streaks of sand and water at Hill Inlet, are truly even more beautiful in person.
Our final stop of the day trip on the Sailing Whitsundays Bullet was to Tongue Bay, where we would find a breathtaking view over Hill Inlet. The ride was quick from the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, where we were previously, giving us views of the entire 7 KM stretch of white sand along the beach. Instead of hopping on the tender boat, the Bullet pulled right into shore, where we disembarked to begin our 10 to 15-minute guided walk up the steps to reach the viewpoint.
At the top, there are three platforms, each offering incredible panoramic views over the world-famous Hill Inlet. Picture swirling white sands blending with shades of turquoise and deep blue…truly a scene like no other. You will have about an hour here to explore the platforms, snap photos, and soak in the dreamy views before heading back down the trail to the Bullet.
While visiting, I felt like I was living in a pinch-me moment, not really believing what I was seeing before me was in fact real. Even better, when I looked down to my left, I could see shadows of rays and reef sharks swimming in the shallows of the beach below. I do wish I could have jumped in for a snorkel there! But at this point, I felt happy yet exhausted from the day and was ready for the scenic journey home from Whitehaven Beach back to Airlie Beach.
Fun Fact: Hill Inlet’s swirls are actually formed by the tides shifting the white silica sand and blue water throughout the day. As the tide flows in and out, it pushes the sand through the inlet, creating a constantly changing mosaic of color. No two visits ever look the same, so your view of Hill Inlet will always be completely unique.
Bonus: There are more bathrooms here!
Lunch and Onboard Experience
A view of the make your own sandwich section of the buffet lunch on the Bullet. Sadly, no gluten free bread onboard but plenty of other options for me!
More of the buffet lunch on board the Bullet including noodles, pasta, and potato salad!
As mentioned previously, the buffet lunch had quite a few options. If you have a complicated diet like mine (gluten-free, dairy-free, and only eating fish), do not fear! There is a lovely white sheet listed above the food referencing which items are safe for you. In fact, before you even get on the boat, when you book the tour, you fill in your dietary requirements so they can plan ahead.
The buffet lunch had a make-your-own sandwich section with sliced meats, buns, lettuce, onion, and tomato. Although I could not eat much from that table, there was a second table with plenty of options for me, including potato salad and vermicelli noodles. Though the pesto pasta was not gluten-free, it was vegetarian, making it perfect for my partner.
On board, there were also three large blue Eskys serving ice-cold water, plus a cooler with juices, sodas, and bottled water for 3 AUD. Aside from the buffet lunch, we were also offered a gluten-free brownie as a morning snack and some fresh fruit for an afternoon snack. Overall, the food was more than enough for the day, but I do suggest packing some extra snacks if you get hungry every hour like me….
Aside from the food on the Bullet, you can also find a marine toilet and all necessary emergency equipment ready to go (rafts, vests, oxygen, AED, etc.). As for seating, there are two columns of seats with three in each row. I found the chairs to be extremely cozy and perfect for gazing out over the ocean. I also noticed there were shades available in case of rain! The Bullet really had everything you would need for a day out on the water.
Is the Whitsunday Bullet Worth It?
I am not usually one for tours, but the Whitsunday Bullet is most definitely worth it! This full-day tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef all in one day, right from Airlie Beach. The tour covers everything for you, transport to and from the marina, food, snorkel equipment, and more, so all you need to do is show up and enjoy.
The boat ride itself was smooth, scenic, and relaxing, with views of the Whitsunday Islands along the way. The crew was friendly, caring, and funny, which made the day even more enjoyable. I found the itinerary well-paced, with plenty of time at each stop to explore, swim, and take in the beauty of every location
.
Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef was easy and enjoyable, with colorful fish and coral lining the reef. The water was calm, making it a relaxing experience even for beginners. The 45 minutes we were given were enough to slowly explore the area and circle back, taking in both shallow reef sections and the deeper edges.
As someone who loves scuba diving and snorkeling, I could have easily spent hours there, but honestly….do you ever feel like you have enough time on the Great Barrier Reef?
Whitehaven Beach: The Whitsunday Bullet is one of the best ways to reach Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach, and the two hours we had there were more than enough to take in its beauty. I loved that we had free time to explore at our own pace. Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling the shallows, or simply relaxing on the soft white sand. Even with other groups around, it was easy to find your own peaceful stretch of beach to enjoy.
Hill Inlet Lookout: Our final stop at Tongue Bay offered the most breathtaking view of Hill Inlet. The short walk to the lookout took around 10–15 minutes, and the reward at the top was incredible; panoramic views of swirling white sands and turquoise water that felt almost unreal.
We had about an hour to explore the platforms, take photos, and just admire the scenery. I even spotted reef sharks and rays gliding through the shallow water below. Although I would have loved to jump in for a snorkel there, the day was already full of adventure, and it ended perfectly.
Food & Comfort on Board: The buffet lunch and snacks were a highlight for me. I often struggle with food on tours, but the Whitsunday Bullet team catered to my gluten-free and dairy-free diet perfectly. Lunch included a make-your-own sandwich section, salads, and noodles, with clear dietary labels so everyone could find something suitable.
There were also snacks throughout the day, like a gluten-free brownie in the morning and fresh fruit in the afternoon. Combined with cold drinks, shaded seating, and clean facilities, it made for a very comfortable day on the water.
Final Thoughts: Is the Whitsunday Bullet Worth It? Absolutely! The Whitsunday Bullet Day Trip is a fantastic way to experience the best of the Whitsundays in a single day. The combination of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef makes it ideal for couples, friends, and families alike.
Whether you are short on time or simply want to see all the highlights in one go, this tour is a perfect choice. My day aboard the Sailing Whitsundays Bullet was truly unforgettable, and I would recommend it to anyone looking to experience the Whitsundays’ top attractions from Airlie Beach in one fun, seamless day.
Booking Info & Tips for Your Visit
Be prepared for motion sickness if you are prone to seasickness. Carry tablets, ginger, plenty of water, wrist bands, or whatever works for you! Luckily, on my tour day, the water was mostly flat, and the Bullet kept the rocking to the bare minimum.
Pack your reusable water bottle. There are ice-cold Eskys with water for you available onboard.
Be sure to wear and bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. Of course, wear your swimsuit for the day.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for the day and sandals or flip-flops.
If you are visiting during cooler or rainy months, a light jacket or raincoat is a good idea.
Pack snorkel fins or freedive fins if you prefer to snorkel with them.
The tour suggests bringing bug spray for the Hill Inlet hike; however, I ended up not needing any.
Bring a camera or GoPro for epic shots above and below the water!
Check the weather, tides, and swell before booking boat trips. They can change quickly, and you will want calm conditions and clear skies for the best experience.
Book your tour ahead of time so you do not miss out.
If you are visiting Australia internationally, download an eSIM with Airalo, so you have service on board.
Mistakes can happen, especially when traveling, hiking, snorkeling, etc., so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. I have used Safety Wing for the past 4 years and cannot recommend them enough.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime of the year! However, take caution during peak stinger season (roughly October to May) when box jellyfish and Irukandji are most active. As long as you have the wetsuit on, you should be safe!
This trip is great for families, too! The snorkeling is safe and easy, the hike is manageable, and the beach has the perfect shallow waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach?
The easiest way to get to Whitehaven Beach from Airlie Beach is by joining a boat tour, like the Whitsunday Bullet. These tours typically depart from the Airlie Beach marina and include stops at Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and sometimes snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. Alternatively, you can reach Whitehaven Beach by private boat, sailing trip, or scenic flight for a unique aerial perspective.
What is included in the Whitsunday Bullet tour?
Marina Transfer (from your accommodation in Airlie Beach)
Buffet Lunch (for all diets)
2x’s Snacks (a brownie and some fruit)
Esky water (sodas and bottled water available for purchase, BYOB Alcohol)
Wetsuits, snorkel, mask (bring your own fins!)
SUP (weather permitting, it was too wavy on my tour)
All Marine Fees
Snorkeling GBR, Hill Inlet Hike, North & South end view of Whitehaven Beach
How long is the Whitsunday Bullet tour?
The Whitsunday Bullet tour lasts around 7–8 hours. Keep in mind that pick-up usually begins about an hour before departure, and drop-off can take around 30 minutes afterward. On the tour, you will spend 45 minutes to 1 hour snorkeling, 2 hours on Whitehaven Beach, and 1 hour exploring the platforms over Hill Inlet.
Where should I stay in Airlie Beach for easy access to the Whitsundays?
Airlie Beach is a hotspot for local and international travelers, making finding accommodation easy, but often a bit more on the expensive side. I suggest staying between Cannonvale and the Shute Harbour to be in range of the public bus and popular attractions.
Best Accommodation Options in Airlie Beach For Every Traveler…
Backpacker/Hostel Option: Bounce Airlie Beach
Best Low-Budget: Sunlit Waters Studio Apartments
Best Mid-Budget: Coral Sea Resort
Best High-End Budget: Mirage Whitsundays
Best Luxury Stays: Yangaro
Best Caravan & Campgrounds: Tasman Holiday Parks
You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links at no additional cost to you!
What else can I do in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays?
There is so much to explore! Check out my 28 Best Things to Do in Airlie Beach for beaches, hikes, and family-friendly adventures in town. For the islands, snorkeling, and must-see spots like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and Heart Reef, see my Epic Whitsundays Itinerary: 1 to 4 Days for a full guide.
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