NORTHERN EXPOSURE TOUR AND FLY/RAFT OPTION

Northern Exposure Tour Overview 

Come snorkel the magical coral reefs of Queensland’s tropical Whitsundays on Ocean Rafting’s Northern Exposure tour. Be blown away by incredible sights and sensations as you ride, swim, snorkel and bushwalk, all in the one exhilarating day tour.

The highlight of this tour is snorkelling at secret and secluded spots like Hook Island, Border Island and Dumbell Island, enjoying 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. 

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, you will be taken on a guided bushwalk to spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can view and capture photographs of the stunning, swirling silica sands and crystal aqua water.  Ocean Rafting is the only tour operator to have direct access to all areas of the iconic Hill Inlet beach.

Ocean Rafting has some of 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 action-packed activities.

The Ocean Rafting Difference 

The Whitsunday region is famous for its stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches and perfectly clear waters. The Northern Exposure tour is one of the two Whitehaven Beach tours offered by Ocean Rafting; the other tour is titled Southern Lights, which also has its own audio guide. The Northern Exposure tour focuses on incorporating additional snorkelling time into the day. This tour is a favourite among travellers who wish to spend time snorkelling, as it is the only Ocean Rafting tour where you visit two snorkelling destinations, as opposed to just one. 

Ocean Rafting vessels travel super-fast through the crystal-clear waters surrounding the Whitsundays. You will absolutely feel invigorated, smelling the fresh, salty air, zipping along with the wind in your hair. The boats are open-air, so hold onto your hat! 

It is recommended that you listen to the corresponding audio guide before you take your tour, as the open-air vessel may make it difficult to listen to any audio commentary and there will likely be music playing during the ride to add to the thrill-seeking experience. It is also worth noting that mobile reception may be patchy or non-existent in many areas of this tour. There is also no wi-fi connectivity at Whitehaven Beach. 

Guests should also note that although the activities, such as bushwalking, swimming at the beach and snorkelling are highlights of this tour, the actual structure of the day, for example, the order in which you complete these activities, may change. This is because weather conditions, wind and tides are all taken into account during each tour. The crew will always take the safest and most rewarding route at all times, delivering the optimal visitor experience.

North Whitehaven Beach and Spectacular Hill Inlet 

On Ocean Rafting’s epic Northern Exposure tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit North Whitehaven Beach and spectacular Hill Inlet. You may have heard Whitehaven Beach referenced as being ‘the best beach in the world’. At Hill Inlet, the sand is snow white in colour, and softer than the softest cloud. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking barefoot, immersing your toes into its folds, or scooping up a handful of the snowy sand and letting it trickle gently through your fingers. The Northern Exposure tour takes guests to the gorgeous northern end of Whitehaven Beach to the Hill Inlet beaches where it’s also fascinating to learn that the shapes and formation of the shores are constantly changing, owing to the constant ebb and flow of the tides.

The Northern Exposure tour offers one unmatched experience, given Ocean Rafting is the only commercial company with permits to access and anchor within world-famous Hill Inlet, meaning only guests on this tour are able to relax and enjoy lunch on the famous sands of Hill Inlet! Ocean Rafting offers the ultimate direct access to all areas of stunning Hill Inlet, whereas other tours can only walk over to the lookout from Tongue Bay or access limited areas.

You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a guided bushwalk to the Hill Inlet Lookout.  After a 20-minute walk to the lookout, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas of the sprawling, pristine shores and the turquoise waters below at one of Australia’s most photographed locations. Hopefully, you’ll also have the chance to spot some of the native wildlife up close. Migratory birds are often foraging on the shoreline for food, so listen for their calls as you traverse this exquisite island paradise.

The Secret to Snorkelling 

Extra snorkelling time is what sets apart the Northern Exposure tour from its counterpart, Southern Lights, which offers more time to swim and soak up sun at Whitehaven Beach. The Northern Exposure tour offers the opportunity to swim and snorkel at two separate secluded and stunning destinations. Snorkelling spots are subject to change daily. The crew will always pick the spots that offer the best snorkelling conditions, shelter and the best chance of seeing the most coral and marine life on the day. Swim amidst turtles, reef fish, Manta Rays, and hundreds of species of soft and hard coral, in a variety of vibrant colours. As the coral is protected, guests cannot be encouraged to touch or pick up the coral. To describe the texture, hard coral may feel jagged and solid, like underwater rocks. Soft coral sometimes has the spongy texture of mushrooms, or can even grow upwards in stem-like formations. 

Guests should also note that prior knowledge of snorkelling is not necessary, as you will be guided throughout the experience. If you’re new to snorkelling, or a bit rusty on how it’s done, you’ll be pleased to know that the experienced crew offer personalised instruction. All the snorkelling gear and equipment you will need are supplied, so there is no need to worry about bringing your own, unless you prefer to, of course. Visitors should note that most snorkelling will take place in deep water. Please advise the Ocean Rafting team if you are not a confident swimmer. 

Upgrade: Fly Raft Package Option 

Amp up your Ocean Rafting experience by selecting the Northern Exposure Fly Raft package, which truly gives you the best of both worlds. This package incorporates a 60 Minute Scenic Flight over the Whitsundays, followed by your Northern Exposure adventure. Be treated to an unreal and incredible aerial view of many of the 74 Whitsunday Islands from your comfortable aircraft seat. You’ll feel like pinching yourself as you fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture-perfect Hill Inlet before you head out to the Great Barrier Reef. The comfortable fixed wing aircraft offers guaranteed window seats with big window viewing, pilot commentary and the best, birds-eye views of the Whitsundays! Your scenic flight departs at 7AM and lasts 60 minutes before your transfer to the marina for the on-water part of the day, however, please also note the Fly Raft package can be split over two days if you choose. All transfers to and from accommodation, and between the airport and the marina are included.

For further details about the scenic flight component of the incredible Fly Raft packages, please refer to the ’Ocean Rafting – 60-minute Scenic Flight’ audio guide available at oceanrafting.com.au. 

Accessibility 

Wherever possible, Ocean Rafting’s warm and welcoming team delight in enabling people of all abilities to enjoy the “ride of their life” in the beautiful Whitsundays. 

The Ocean Rafting vessels are suitable for most ages from 6 months upwards (weather permitting). Unfortunately, tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are heavily pregnant. 

Ocean Rafting tours depart from the Coral Sea Marina, which features wide docks, ramps and access gates. However, due to the nature of the day’s activities, the accessibility of boats, and the necessity of beach boarding, some guests with limited mobility may require additional assistance or may be unable to participate, depending on individual circumstances. Ocean Rafting will always strive to accommodate where practical and possible, within the constraints of existing infrastructure.  Please contact Ocean Rafting’s supportive team to discuss your unique access requirements by phoning (07) 4946 6848 or emailing <tours@oceanrafting.com.au>.

Please note that snorkelling can be a strenuous activity with additional risks for some guests. You will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire prior to boarding, which can also be completed ahead of time using your own device. Please ensure you answer this honestly for your own safety. If you are not a confident swimmer, please make sure you notify staff at check-in.  Life jackets and pool noodles are offered on board for extra buoyancy, and a range of prescription masks are available for hire. Please note that a ladder is the only means of water entry and exit at snorkel sites. 

The Ocean Rafting office is located at the Northern Village of Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach, next to Sorrento Restaurant & Bar. Car parking is available at the marina for a small fee. Alternatively, Ocean Rafting offer a courtesy pick up from most mainland accommodation houses as well as from Daydream Island Resort on request. 

Most Ocean Rafting vessels have toilets on board. There are also toilets at Coral Sea Marina, at the Hill Inlet Lookout, and at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach (only accessible from the Southern Lights tour). The toilets at the Coral Sea Marina are wheelchair accessible. 

With at least a day’s notice, Ocean Rafting can cater for most dietary requirements and allergies.