Add dates

Airlie Beach Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Airlie Beach Family-friendly activities

Airlie Beach: Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

1. Airlie Beach: Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

See the wonders of the Whitsundays without getting in the water. Cruise around the best coral reefs around Airlie Beach with your family or friends on a tour that is suitable for all ages.  Enjoy a photo opportunity stop at Lions Lookout prior to your departure. Marvel at the views over the harbor and the stunning Whitsunday Islands and add a charming portrait to your holiday photo collection. Then, venture out on a glass-bottom boat that is fully shaded from the sun. Discover breathtaking coral worlds and marine wildlife such as turtles, rays, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Explore the valuable ecosystem that lives within the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Get up close and personal with a spectrum of vibrant hard and soft coral and underwater critters as you cruise through the idyllic islands. Listen to funny and informative commentary about the reef from your guide.

From Airlie Beach: Cruise and ReefWorld Pontoon Experience

2. From Airlie Beach: Cruise and ReefWorld Pontoon Experience

Explore the serene water and colorful underwater life at the Great Barrier Reef by a pontoon. You will encounter many species of fish, and corals while enjoying water activities like snorkeling and swimming. Depart from Airlie Beach, and cruise through the Whitsundays on a high-speed, luxury vessel. Enjoy morning tea as you pass by deserted islands, secluded bays, and beaches en route to the outer Great Barrier Reef. The vessel features spacious lounges, full air-conditioning, huge outside view decks, and a duo of bars that will gladly serve you your favorite refreshment, including both alcohol and soft drinks. Arrive at the permanently-moored, spacious, and innovative pontoon on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The water quality and diverse marine life are unrivaled. Meet hundreds of fish species and admire a variety of hard and soft coral. See unbelievable snorkeling and diving (at an extra cost on the day). Spend the time as you please: Make use of the undercover seating and tables, sun decks to top up your tan, freshwater showers, and changing rooms. Visit the underwater chamber if you prefer to see the underwater world below without getting wet. Take a ride on a semi-submersible boat. Indulge in a delicious tropical-style buffet lunch and purchase drinks from the bar as you please. Finally, return to Airlie after a beautiful day.

Airlie Beach: 30-Minute Jet Boat Ride

3. Airlie Beach: 30-Minute Jet Boat Ride

Blast your way through the bay on an exhilarating 30-minute jet boat experience. Whiz past the glitzy Coral Sea Marina, and get your adrenaline pumping through 360s, 180s, drift, power stops, and nosedives. With bucket loads of the best jet boating has to offer, each tour is crammed with enough action to really make your day and your stay. As you zoom around the stunning blue waters of Pioneer Bay, soak up magnificent views of the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach. Everything you need is provided, including a lockbox/small luggage storage, spray goggles, spray jackets (upon request), funny and informative commentary, and free GoPro photos to remember the experience.

Available activities

You might also like...

Frequently asked questions about Airlie Beach Family-friendly activities

What are other things to do than Family-friendly activities that are worth visiting in Airlie Beach?

The other unmissable things to do in Airlie Beach are:

Which Airlie Beach Family-friendly activities are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

Other Sightseeing Options in Airlie Beach

Want to discover all there is to do in Airlie Beach? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Airlie Beach

The experience was really good. Big boat with plenty of space takes you out to the pontoon. The boat first stops at either Hamilton Island or Daydream Island to let passangers off and then carries on to the pontoon. The trip is about 2.5 hours one way. You have about 4-5 hours on the pontoon. Cash bar onboard and buffet snack and lunch provided which was adequate. Once at the pontoon you are provided with a stinger suit, mask and snorkel for snorkelling. You can pay extra on the day to do diving which we opted for. It was a little bit rushed to gear up as we were the first group to dive that day but the facilities are great and their "moon pool" (a staircase onto a platform) makes it super easy to get ready and comfortable before decending. The dive masters were fantastic, knowledgeable and caring and adhered to all safety protocols and were extremely professional. Recommend you bring your own fins for snorkelling as they are not provided. Unfortunately here are no lockers.

Brent was pretty amazing led us through a range of twists and turns while informing us tourists of the local area (not sure if he was pulling our leg though ) but I would totally recommend this Jet Boat ride

It's a must do for people who don't enjoy snorkelling....so close to the coral reef!!!!

Best jet boat ride I’ve been on. So much fun and gets the adrenaline going.

Fun at a fast pace. Great communication and friendly staff