Jet Boat Hire
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$191
per adult
Ocean Rafting
Ocean Rafting
5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursNature & Wildlife ToursSpeed Boats Tours
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
Ocean Rafting visits the “Wild Side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life. There are two exciting tour options, the Northern Exposure and Southern Lights, and each Ocean Rafting day includes an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks. Ocean Rafting is the only tour to have direct access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach, and special snorkel sites at Hook Island and Border Island ensure a memorable underwater experience.The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing guests to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. The vessels were originally designed and built as rescue crafts and are driven by 450hp engines. 70% of the vessel is shaded, providing comfort from the tropical sun. Small groups allow guests to experience tropical paradise away from the crowds.Ocean Rafting has been operating since 1997 and is proud to have special permits allowing its vessels to visit protected areas in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Skipper and Eco Host will ensure guests have a fun filled adventure and personalised service, from the courtesy bus pick up in the morning to snorkel lessons and a guided National Park walk in the Whitsunday Islands.
Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Boat Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$472
per adult
Private and Luxury
1 hour
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
95% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$294
per adult
Travellers talk about
(185 reviews)
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5.0
9,409 reviews
Excellent
8,407
Very good
790
Average
130
Poor
50
Terrible
35
Charlotte W
6 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
This a good and well run tour which we would recommend if you're looking for a high octane, buzzy vibe which fits a lot into the day. It wasn't quite to our taste so want to leave a detailed review to help others make an informed choice. It was definitely worth the money and a good experience.
The boat: an inflatable raft carrying 30 people. Some seats and some sitting on the edges. As we left the Harbour the music went on, club style tunes. The ride was smooth and the skipper did some good tricks snd high speed including racing other boats from the company.
Mu husband found the boat a bit cramped and music too loud whereas I didn't mind and liked sitting on the edge.
The walk: takes about 25 minutes as is a very easy walk up to 3 viewpoints of whitehaven beach and a short talk at the top.
We had hoped for more from the walk as we enjoy a long and natural walk and found it to be more of a photo opportunity with loads of other tours there. We picked the tour partly due to the walk option to try and suit both out interests but on reflection did not quite work out. If you're looking for a lovely view and a fab photo you'll be happy but if you want a proper walk that's not what you're getting.
The beach: experience of the whitehaven sand was nice. We were served lunch on the beach and had time for a swim and saw some stingrays. Lunch was good, lunchbox style with a roll, potato salad, noodle pot and chicken and salad. We ordered a few beers to have on the beach from the onboard bar. We were there in total about 45 mins so was quick. If you want more beach time the company run another tour with this focus.
The snorkelling: we were taken to 2 bays which were sheltered and good choices. We saw fringing reefs and some fish and corals. Didn't feel like long in the water although time does goes quickly. By the time we were in it was about 30 mins for each snorkel. The crew took underwater photos but only on the first snorkel so we didn't get one unfortunately as we didn't realise this was only an option for the first snorkel.
The crew: great and fun people. The deckhand circulated and chatted to everyone and was upbeat and positive the whole trip. The skipper was very skilled and friendly.
Overall the tours fits a lot in but is fast paced. If you want an upbeat and fun but fast day out I'd do this tour. If snorkelling and seeing the reef is your priority I'd try an outer reef tour.
The boat: an inflatable raft carrying 30 people. Some seats and some sitting on the edges. As we left the Harbour the music went on, club style tunes. The ride was smooth and the skipper did some good tricks snd high speed including racing other boats from the company.
Mu husband found the boat a bit cramped and music too loud whereas I didn't mind and liked sitting on the edge.
The walk: takes about 25 minutes as is a very easy walk up to 3 viewpoints of whitehaven beach and a short talk at the top.
We had hoped for more from the walk as we enjoy a long and natural walk and found it to be more of a photo opportunity with loads of other tours there. We picked the tour partly due to the walk option to try and suit both out interests but on reflection did not quite work out. If you're looking for a lovely view and a fab photo you'll be happy but if you want a proper walk that's not what you're getting.
The beach: experience of the whitehaven sand was nice. We were served lunch on the beach and had time for a swim and saw some stingrays. Lunch was good, lunchbox style with a roll, potato salad, noodle pot and chicken and salad. We ordered a few beers to have on the beach from the onboard bar. We were there in total about 45 mins so was quick. If you want more beach time the company run another tour with this focus.
The snorkelling: we were taken to 2 bays which were sheltered and good choices. We saw fringing reefs and some fish and corals. Didn't feel like long in the water although time does goes quickly. By the time we were in it was about 30 mins for each snorkel. The crew took underwater photos but only on the first snorkel so we didn't get one unfortunately as we didn't realise this was only an option for the first snorkel.
The crew: great and fun people. The deckhand circulated and chatted to everyone and was upbeat and positive the whole trip. The skipper was very skilled and friendly.
Overall the tours fits a lot in but is fast paced. If you want an upbeat and fun but fast day out I'd do this tour. If snorkelling and seeing the reef is your priority I'd try an outer reef tour.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chloe S
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Friends
Thee number one highlight of my east coast tour! From start to finish there was none stop laughter thanks to Ritch and Heath! There wasn’t any part of this trip I would change and would recommend to everyone!! Thank you for making it a day I will for ever remember
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katelyn J
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Friends
We couldn’t recommend this experience enough! If you love snorkelling definitely do the northern exposure tour we saw turtle’s beautiful coral and many fish. Kurt our captain brought the vibes with a pumping playlist and the thrill of the ocean rafting on thriller was amazing! Emily was so knowledgeable and took us snorkelling and to the hill inlet on Whitehaven beach. Thank you so much from Katelyn and Emelia
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roshani B
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Friends
Literally had the best day of my life, big up Heith & Rich for everything they were amazing!!! As well as Charlotte, thank youuuu will recommend this to anyone I know!!!!! JAMMIN FOREVER
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yiew!! Here’s to the “best day ever!” Thanks for the epic feedback! Team Ocean Rafting
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Meg P
1 contribution
Nov. 2023 • Couples
We had such a sick time on the boat with Oak & Jesse!! Thank you so much guys! Wouldn’t have been as good of a day without you :) such a stun tour & overall beautiful day & would absolutely recommend doing this tour if you wanna see heaps of amazing spots in the whitsundays!!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Couldn’t be happier hearing you had an outstanding day on the water with Oak and Jesse seeing the very best the Whitsundays has to offer! Hope you have some incredible memories of your adventure! Team Ocean Rafting
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniela E
Barcelona5 contributions
Oct. 2023
Everything - from booking, pick up and the actual flight was really well planned and on time. Ben our pilot was funny and really good. I love my first scenic flight with Ocean Rafting and will highly recomend the flight over the Great Barrier Reef!
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Couldn’t be happier hearing your time in the skies was the highlight of your trip! Thanks for choosing to see it all with us and the 10/10 review! Team Ocean Rafting
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nicolejohnen
Aachen, Germany1 contribution
Nov. 2023
We had so much fun.It was a perfect day at the Whitsundays. The two snorkel points were great and Daisy and Kurk are really awesome.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Couldn’t be happier hearing you had a ton of fun exploring the best of the Whitsundays with us! Thanks for the five star feedback! Team Ocean Rafting
Written 28 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cherylcats
Wollongong, Australia127 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Very exciting to see one of the wonders of the world in the small plane. Flew over the Whitsunday islands and witnessed the most spectular views of the Great Barrier Reef. So happy to have done this amazing flight and would highly recommend this tour.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
To see a world wonder is always an awe inspiring experience! The vastness of its raw beauty is truly incredible isn’t it!! Thanks so much for choosing to see it all with us and for the exceptional recommendation! Team Ocean Rafting
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Troy
Geelong, Australia2 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Fantastic day! Oak and Daisy were such good hosts for the day! Very fun and just great vibes. Will definitely recommend to family and friends! Cheers legends
Written 22 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Couldn’t be happier hearing that it was an incredible adventure and the good vibes were flowing!! Thanks for the epic recommendation legend! Team Ocean Rafting
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tracey B
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia39 contributions
Nov. 2023
This was the second time we had used Ocean rafting. We did the southern option and a little cloudy and windy but still as beautiful. The snorkelling was amazing so much coral and fish seen. The lunch which was an extra was worth booking very tasty.
Whitehaven beach is definitely more spectacular in the sunshine and not when cloudy. Many fish seen in the shallows too.
The boat ride is fun however when windy a little more wild. Also I would suggest that at least 1 boat was available for those not wanting such a wild ride. The donuts and speed is fine but cutting close to the backs of other boats at speed was not so enjoyable and when a couple in the party were not fans of wild boat rides but came to be part of family group it was a little too far. There is a difference between fun and wild to dangerous and too far.
Not all boats do this as our last excursion was only donuts and speed.
Whitehaven beach is definitely more spectacular in the sunshine and not when cloudy. Many fish seen in the shallows too.
The boat ride is fun however when windy a little more wild. Also I would suggest that at least 1 boat was available for those not wanting such a wild ride. The donuts and speed is fine but cutting close to the backs of other boats at speed was not so enjoyable and when a couple in the party were not fans of wild boat rides but came to be part of family group it was a little too far. There is a difference between fun and wild to dangerous and too far.
Not all boats do this as our last excursion was only donuts and speed.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for choosing to travel with us again, we appreciate your support as a returning customer and are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Southern Lights experience, clouds wind and all! We're thrilled that the snorkeling experience exceeded your expectations, with an abundance of coral and fish to admire as you explored the underwater water world. It's fantastic to know that you throughly enjoyed the lunch options too, thanks for the great feedback on that. Whitehaven beach is spectacular in all conditions but we understand on a post card perfect day, it truly shines, and understand your disappointment at the cloudy conditions on the day of your visit. With regards to the journey on the boat, safety is our top priority and we strive to provide a range of experiences to cater to the different preferences of our guests. All crew members are highly trained professionals who are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for our valued guests. We apologize if some of the high-speed maneuvers were not enjoyable for you and your party. We understand that while some guests enjoy an exhilarating experience, others may prefer a more relaxed outing. We aim to strike a balance between the two and we apologize if the trip fell short of your expectations on this occasion. Thanks for the feedback and we hope to see you again someday. Team Ocean Rafting
Written 23 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi, I will travel to Airlie Beach at November by cruise ship and the ship will arrive at 7.am and leave at 5 pm. I'm very interested to book your one day tour ,tour number is 6381RAFTING, but I'm wondering what's your specific tour schedule like? I can't find it in the introduction, will you return to Airlie beach before 4pm?
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Thanks for getting in touch we have specific cruise ship departures that work in with arrival and departure times. Please touch base with our office on 0749466848 to discuss
Hi, I will travel to Airlie Beach at November by cruise ship and the ship will arrive at 7.am and leave at 5 pm. I'm very interested to book your one day tour ,tour number is 6381RAFTING, but I'm wondering what's your specific tour schedule like? I can't find it in the introduction, will you return to Airlie beach before 4pm?
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Thanks for getting in touch we have specific cruise ship departures that work in with arrival and departure times. Please touch base with our office on 0749466848 to discuss
All-of-Creation
Monroe, NC776 contributions
If you had to spend two days driving (1 day there, and 1 day back) and would only have 1 day in Airlie Beach to do this, based off of your experience with Ocean Rafting, would you do it?
Ian D
Sydney, Australia2 contributions
Yes we would. We had 3 days in Airlie and this was the best day. Hope this helps :)
travellerdianne
Bendigo, Australia15 contributions
Re southern lights tour:- I am a 63yr old "chicken". Is this nail biting scary?? I just want to wander the islands (not snorkel). Thankyou
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Hi There,
Sorry for the delay in response. The youngest Ocean Rafter has been 3 months old and the Eldest has been 87!! So Ocean Rafting is suitable for all ages, provided the weather is not forecast a strong wind warning. If you are looking to just explore the island, i would suggest the Southern Lights tour, as it offers less time snorkelling and more time on Whitehaven Beach.
All-of-Creation
Monroe, NC776 contributions
For those of you with young children, who went during stinger season, which tour did you do?
yuris1009
Sunshine Coast, Australia44 contributions
It’s depend on how old is your kid but Ocean Rafting and also Cruise Whitsunday,these company provide you wet suit. As long as you are wearing fitted size, you don’t need to worry about stinger too much. Both company has pretty covered and different size so if you really want to make sure the size, just give them a call.
disneydreamer09
brisbane3 contributions
Hi jenelle could you please advise which P&O shore tour you booked that included both snokelling and whitehaven beach in the same tour, as I can't seem to find P&O s/t with both inclusions. Thankyou Disneydreamer09.
rye792
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
Sorry for late reply
It was ocean rafters from Arlie beach not p&o
qianyuc2018
Guangzhou, China1 contribution
Where can I get the photos taken by the staff on my trip?
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Hi there...you will receive an email shortly with a link to your photos from your day out with Ocean Rafting! We hope you had a great time! :-)
molesend
Andover, UK2 contributions
How disabled friendly is it.
OceanRafting_Safari
4 contributions
Ocean Rafting absolutely welcomes guests who require extra assistance however we do need to understand the extent of your disability in order to assess if the tour will be suitable for you in terms on boarding, disembarking, water activities, weather conditions which affect the ride and so on. If you are able to contact us directly we can certainly discuss from there! :-) Thank you, from the Ocean Rafting team.
HaveAlohaWillTravel
Australia20 contributions
Hello! Are wetsuits provided on the trips as part of the larger cruise ship deals? I can't find any info! :) Thank you!
Madelyn V
2 contributions
I don’t think so, but stinger suits were available for rent (or included in certain packages) which made us feel a lot better in the water!
Deb M
Adelaide, Australia3 contributions
Hi On a cruise early Feb 18. Interested in snorkelling though wonder if not recommended due to the stingers even where this tour goes to.
Do they sting thru the 50+ UV long sleeved protection tops?
Thank you for your reply.