FAQ | Whitehaven Xpress

Do you operate everyday?

Yes we do, every day except December 24-25-26 and New Years Day.

We also prefer NOT to take guests out in wet weather or strong wind warnings. Your enjoyment is our priority!

How long do we have on Whitehaven Beach?

Approximately 2 ½ – 3 hours – longer than most other tour operators.

Do you provide transfers?

Return transfers from your Airlie Beach accommodation is INCLUDED in your ticket!

How many people can the boat take?

Our maximum capacity is 47 passengers, however we usually cap it at 37 passengers.

Do you cater for vegetarians?

Yes we do. We provide freshly made food made in-house in our approved catering facilities, and are happy to provide home-made vegetarian burgers. We also cater for pescatarians with locally caught fish!

Do I need to book in advance?

It really depends on the time of year. During school holidays Whitehaven Xpress can book weeks in advance.

We recommend booking once you have made your travel plans.

If you are concerned about the weather being unfavourable on your selected date, you can change the date of travel if we have the availability or cancel your booking and receive a FULL refund.

Do you ever cancel due to bad weather?

If Whitehaven Xpress decides that conditions in the Whitsundays are unfavourable or unsafe due to bad weather or a strong wind warning from the Bureau of Meteorology then we will cancel the tour.

In this situation, it is not an enjoyable day to be on the water and Whitehaven Xpress will issue a full refund to any passengers.

Can I smoke on board?

No. Ours is a Non-smoking vessel, similar to any public transport.

However you can smoke at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, just be sure to use the waste facilities on this protected island.

Do I have to wear a stinger suit?

Although not mandatory, we strongly encourage guests to utilise the complimentary stinger suits during the warmer months, as an Irukandji sting is extremely painful and can even be fatal. Check out this video for more info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prEwJDsfWMo.

Is there drinking water available on the boat?

Yes we have complimentary water for your refills and we also sell cold bottled water.

What should I bring?

Please bring a camera, beach towel, sunscreen, swim suit, hat, refillable drink bottle and sunglasses. Perhaps a light jacket for the cooler days and winter months.

We sell alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages on board, so please bring some cash.

Most importantly, bring a sense of adventure!

Do you have a toilet on board?

Yes, we have two toilets on board for your convenience.

There are also toilet facilities at both Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach.

Do we go on the beach at Hill Inlet

Yes, we offer the longest time at Hill Inlet compared to other tours, to allow both the Lookout and Beach to be visited.

Does the tour include snorkelling?

Our tour provides the longest time on Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, for exploring, swimming and relaxing. We prefer to provide this extra time to our guests, rather than rushing from one spot to the next to snorkel.

But please feel free to bring your own snorkel mask to enjoy seeing the sea life at Whitehaven Beach!