This whale watching tour is led by certified marine naturalists who provide expert interpretation of the amazing whale behaviors you'll encounter. As an exclusive, you'll also interact with an onboard whale researcher. Listen to live whale songs with underwater hydrophones and learn the latest whale facts and findings. Drinks, snacks, and souvenirs are all available onboard. You'll cruise in comfort on Hervey Bay's newest, a state-of-the-art vessel the Ocean Defender. Enjoy a fast, smooth ride with panoramic water-level views from forward-facing seats offering plenty of shade. On this small-group tour, there are excellent photo opportunities. The Ocean Defender is eco-friendly, fully licensed, and follows all regulations for whale protection. Enjoy the knowledge that your ticket supports whale research, marine education, and ocean conservation in Australia and around the world. 

After pickup from your accommodation, head to the marina in Airlie Beach by bus. Board the custom-built catamaran and enjoy fresh, homemade, gluten-free brownies as a morning snack. The first stop is at one of the area's many beautiful reefs to go snorkeling. Be blown away by the vivid colors, bountiful fish, and coral formations of the Great Barrier Reef's outer fringes. This spot offers a quieter way to experience the UNESCO-protected reef. Then, head to the second snorkeling spot on the northern tip of Hook Island. With your guide, discover the area's underwater valleys, caves, and a variety of marine life. Continue to Whitehaven Beach for a buffet lunch of zucchini frittatas and quiche lorraine served with cold sliced meats, cheeses, salad, and fresh bread. After lunch, join a guided bush walk and history talk to Hill Inlet Lookout, located at the northern end of the beach. Admire the world-famous spot where white sands and turquoise waters blend in a unique swirling effect. Enjoy some free time to relax on the beach and soak up the scenery. An afternoon snack of fresh fruit will be provided before the scenic journey back to Airlie Beach by boat. Be dropped back at your accommodation at approximately 5:00 PM.

Hop aboard a catamaran for a day trip to remember to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive, or swim in the water, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and take in the marine wildlife. Meet your crew at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, pay the reef levy, and hop aboard the luxury catamaran. The crew will select reef locations depending on the day's conditions from Flynn and Milne reef or further north at Norman and Hastings reefs. All offer diverse reef structures teeming with exotic marine life. Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail for the outer Great Barrier Reef. Relax with morning tea on the way, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine eco-system from a marine expert. Review snorkeling techniques with the crew during the journey. Arrive at the first outer reef location, where you can snorkel, dive or swim in the water. You may also choose to sunbathe, or chill on the boat on the upper sun deck or the netted deck trampoline at the bow of the boat. You can avail complimentary guided tours from the staff. A dedicated dive tender is available for experienced certified divers who want to explore deeper waters. All certified divers receive a complimentary dive guide. First-time divers will receive clear and concise scuba instruction in the water from qualified PADI professionals. Savor a fresh tropical buffet lunch prepared onboard. Treat yourself to a selection of hot and cold dishes including buffet meats, salads, and tropical fruit. Travel to the second outer reef location for the day for your choice of activity. Look out for corals, exotic marine life such as parrotfish, reef turtles and 'nemo' fish. End the day as the captain hoists the sails, and cruise back to Cairns. Enjoy a cold drink from the bar (own expense) and relax on the boom netting. Alternatively, watch presentations about the marine life from the passionate eco-certified staff.

Experience a day on board 'Reef Goddess' to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Begin your adventure at Clump Point Boat Ramp where you'll board MV Reef Goddess. After an introduction and safety briefing from your captain, depart Clump Point and head off to the East sitting on 17 knots reaching your first reef location in under 1 1/2 hours. In the water at the first Outer Great Barrier Reef location (locations are determined on the day to suit weather conditions), you'll have an hour exploring untouched reefs with the crew on hand to assist with your gear and getting going. A free snorkel briefing will cover what to do and what not to do to ensure your safety and enjoyment at the reef. Depart for a 1/2 hour cruise to the second snorkel location and lunch preparation. Arrive at the second location where your friendly crew will serve lunch with cold cuts, fresh prawns, salads, and fresh tropical fruit. After your well-earned lunch, jump in for another hour of learning, exploring, and experiencing one of the world's natural wonders. After more snorkeling or diving, your crew will 'up anchor' and head for home back to beautiful Mission Beach.

Take in the full spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef from the sky during a scenic flight from Cairns. Onboard a fixed-wing plane, see up to 140 kilometers of the Outer Barrier as well as many inner islands, reefs, and sand isles. Within 10 minutes of departing Cairns, the real adventure begins, as you get wonderful photo opportunities over Green Island, Oyster Reef, Vlasoff Cay, Upolo Reef, Pixie Reef, and Arlington Reef. Sit back in air-conditioned comfort as you glide through the sky. Take in the spectacular hues of green and blue from your window seat while listening to the pilot's informative commentary about the sights below. Get a chance to spot marine life with manta rays, green turtles, dugongs, sharks, and, if in season, whales, in clear view from the aircraft. Once your journey comes to an end, fly right back to Cairns.

Explore the deep depths of the Capricorn Caves in a 45 minutes tour of down below. Take a walk through ancient geological formations, learn the history of early explorers, and hear the echo of your oohs and awws as a result of the cave's acoustics. Gain a sense of adventure as you follow the zig-zag passage through the caverns and cross a suspension bridge. Hear captivating stories from your guide of the archaic Australian landscape and try to catch sight of amazing wildlife. The area is home to many endangered species and guides offer small and interpretive tours that last 45 minutes. After the tour, take advantage of the licensed cafe or take a dip in the pool on the premises.

This half-day whale watch cruise departs twice daily from the Hervey Bay Marina on the luxury 20-meter catamaran Tasman Venture. Experience a tranquil cruise across the Great Sandy Strait and past rugged islands before sailing along the pristine western side of World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). The catamaran was specifically designed for whale watching, offering clear viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and a unique water-level viewing platform for the ultimate personal experience. Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime up-close and personal encounters with the majestic humpback whales and marvel at their sheer size and athleticism. Friendly, experienced staff will provide expert commentary throughout the tour and serve a morning or afternoon tea and delicious antipasti platter.

Delight in a 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the big window views from your comfortable fixed-wing aircraft, and learn all about the area with your experienced pilot's expert commentary. After pickup from your accommodation in Airlie Beach, head to the nearby airport for take-off. Unlike flights offered by other companies in the area, the local partner is able to take-off from much closer to Airlie Beach, saving you the long 40-minute travel time. Once up in the air, marvel at the best bird's-eye views of the 74 Whitsunday Islands. Fly over Whitehaven Beach and picture postcard Hill Inlet before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing one of the most photographed reef locations Heart Reef. After you land, transfer back to your accommodation in Airlie Beach.

Explore Great Keppel Island on a full-day trip from Yeppoon with round-trip transfers. Glide across the waters in a ferry, snorkel in idyllic beaches, and enjoy lunch in a local bistro. Depart from the Keppel Bay Marina and cruise over to Great Keppel Island. Take in the coastal views before disembarking directly on the picturesque Fisherman's Beach. Make your way to the beachfront Water sports and Activities hut to collect your snorkeling equipment. Head to the nearest reef directly off Shelving Beach or Monkey Beach to see the world beneath the waves. Enjoy plenty of time to explore any of the 17 beaches on the island. Stop at The Hideaway Bar & Bistro and tuck into a delicious lunch. A choice of burger or Caesar salad, including a can of XXXX or Great Northern, wine, or soft drink. After a day of adventure, return your snorkeling equipment to the hut and board your return ferry back to Yeppoon.

Embark on a day trip where the rainforest meets the reef. See natural sights including the Great Barrier Reef, experience a wildlife cruise, and participate in a smoke ceremony as you go. Start your adventure with a scenic coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, the far north’s very own great ocean road with panoramic views of the sparkling Coral Sea. The first stop is Mossman Gorge, which is in the southern sector of the world-famous Daintree National Park. The gorge has been carved out by the cold mountain waters of the Mossman River, which winds through large granite boulders, bordered by lush green rainforest. It’s a magical place and you’ll be welcomed by the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people, who will also cleanse you of evil spirits during a smoke ceremony. Also, enjoy a refreshing swim in the cascading waters. After crossing the mighty Daintree River and a lunch break, it’s time to explore the ancient rainforest environment on an interesting guided tour of the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk. Highly trained guides will give expert rainforest interpretation, which will inform and impress. Be amazed at the huge diversity you will encounter, you will discover everything from low-lying ferns and shrubs, to the massive rainforest canopy and even mangrove ecosystems - all in one short easy walk. You can choose to taste locally made ice cream, at your own cost, and prepare for a photo opportunity at the Alexandra Range Lookout, which provides sweeping views over the Daintree River, its rainforest delta, and out to the Coral Sea. In the afternoon, experience a wildlife cruise on the river (if option selected). During the cruise, you may see a crocodile, while learning about the fragile ecosystem of this impressive serpent-like river system. On the return journey to Cairns, drive through Port Douglas, a picturesque beachside village with a laid-back vibe and loads of bars and cafes.