Dolphin & Whale Watching • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
Dolphin & Whale Watching in Airlie Beach
THE 10 BEST Airlie Beach Dolphin & Whale Watching
Dolphin & Whale Watching in Airlie Beach
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
Scuba & Snorkelling • Taxis & Shuttles
Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours
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Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Scuba & Snorkelling • Waterskiing & Jetskiing
What travellers are saying
- MattSydney, Australia3 contributionsWe recently spent a week on the sailing cat Coralita, ex Airlie Beach. Had been on the bucket list for years, having seen such boats anchored in little bays off Hayman Island years ago. Finally we got the opportunity to do it ourselves.
In terms of the company WE - they were fabulous. Very well organised, with excellent communication throughout. We took the opportunity to stay on board overnight the night before our charter was to begin. An easy walk into Airlie to Woollies for stocking up on supplies etc... And dinner at the nearby marina.
The morning of the charter you have to go through a very thorough briefing. Kid you not it took nearly 4 hours. Overkill perhaps, but in many ways it proves they are serious about safety etc...
For the next 7 days/nights we cruised/sailed around places such as Nara Inlet, Mocona inlet, Blue Pearl Bay (Hayman), Butterfly Bay, Tongue Bay (Whitehaven), Sawmill Bay and finally Dugong Bay. Cataran Bay was a gem we weren't expecting. Snorkelling superb. What a joy to just anchor in your own bay or beach, head off in search of a good snorkelling spot in the ducky, or SUP to secluded beaches etc... The BBQ was fired up most evenings. Our boat had 4 berths, each with their own bathroom. Yes it is squeezy, but 8 of us fitted in just fine.
We did have an issue with an engine alarm (so basically motored on one engine for the final two days) - but that didn't detract from our experience. And the staff were in regular contact during that time - just in case it became an issue.
Could go on and on - but I think the beauty of such a charter is you have a vehicle to find your own way, plot your own course. I would highly recommend WE as an operator based on our experience.Written 7 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Matt Herron6 contributionsI’ve been in Australia now for 5 months and this has blown me out of the water and knocked the socks off everything I have done so far.
We went snorkelling, to Whitehaven beach and around the islands and it was nothing less than stunning. I’d like to give a massive Thankyou to the crew as they played a huge roll in making my experience the best it possibly could be. Ayla or being a fantastic deckmate with loads of energy, JMac for getting us around safe and sound and being an all round donny. Ben for cooking up some fantastic meals and feeding me and Larissa for being an awesome instructor.
If you are thinking about doing Whitsundays I could not recommend the new horizon more. It’s worth every single cent.Written 18 March 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ellie F3 contributionsWe had the best time on the Atlantic clipper, the crew were amazing and the food was great! We did snorkelling, went to Whitehaven beach and loads more we’d definitely recommend to anyone. Also a massive thankyou to Jmac for saving my go pro from the bottom of the ocean! I dropped it in when jumping off the boat and thought I wouldn’t ever get it back! He searched for ages and managed to get it back for me! Absolute hero! Can’t thank him enough!!!!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jessica B11 contributionsOur family had the most amazing trip aboard PORTLAND ROADS sailing the beautiful Ngaro Sea Country in November. From booking to disembarking nothing was too much trouble for John, Danny and the team. We had a very relaxing trip visiting many wonderful beaches and coral quays making forever memories with the family. Special shout out to John for the wonderful welcome on Day 1 and Danny for the brief and setting us up for the trip of a lifetime. We have visited the Whitsundays and reef on several occasions but Danny’s expert recommendations meant we experienced some of the best coral and marine life we have ever seen! We even saw goats! The fleet at PORTLAND ROADS is so well maintained and every possible contingency is planned for you will never have any problems at sea which is a very welcome comfort! And the team are only a call or message away too. Thanks again to the team at Portland Roads - we will be back for sure💙Written 30 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Deb C1 contributionThis is the second time we have rented a catamaran with Whitsunday Rent a Yacht. This time we brought family and friends and we had an amazing time again. These guys make it so easy to book, prepare for the trip and are friendly and helpful all the way through. We will definitely be back.Written 4 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chris V6 contributionsVery enjoyable and relaxing evening sail. Nice way to see the sunset if it's a clear night. Worth doing.Written 17 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- very disappointedWarrington, UK5 contributionsGreat day for all the family would loved to have had more time at Whitehaven beach Grant and kala were fab hosts and very helpful.Written 29 December 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mairwen1United Kingdom11,666 contributionsA Sunsail catamaran was an amazing way to explore the Whitsunday Islands. Pristine beaches, secluded bays and coral coves, whale sightings, snorkelling, kayaking and hiking trails - it was an incredible week of boating.
THE BOAT:
We hired a Sunsail 42ft Leopard catamaran for 7 nights, starting out of Shute Harbour.
The boat was brand new, well equipped and spacious. We BBQ-ed and had our meals out on the back deck and had our bubbles and nibbles on the top deck. There were three couples on board and we had plenty of space to move around easily.
SUNSAIL SUPPORT:
Ours was a bareboat charter, meaning that we sailed the boat ourselves. However the support from Sunsail was excellent. We really couldn’t have had a better experience. After a very thorough 3-4 hour brief from Sonia, we were let loose. Sunsail offers you the option to remain in Shute Harbour overnight and although I’ve seen a lot of people recommend this, we were all keen to get going so we set sail to Happy Bay. From Shute Harbour, this was the nearest place to pull up for an overnight anchorage.
FOOD & SUPPLIES:
We used Whitsunday Provisioning Platinum Package for the week. This turned out to be a brilliant decision and made all the difference to our trip. We didn’t have to waste holiday time shopping beforehand in Airlie Beach, or transporting supplies. They delivered straight to the boat, the cold food was well-packed in foam eskies, the food was high quality and we had more than enough. All of the condiments and extras were included so we had absolutely everything we’d need. I’d highly recommend using them.
ITINERARY & WEATHER:
With 6 days we were able to explore a lot. We did a combination of very popular spots like Whitehaven and Cid Harbour and other less well known secluded spots like Cateran Bay and Blue Pearl Bay. ‘100 Magic Miles’ was an invaluable guide for planning. It’s the boating Bible to the Whitsundays (your boat should have a copy on board).
We quickly learnt that we had to be flexible. Ultimately where you go is determined by the weather and wind. We had some pretty wild wind when we were there in September. As a result, we chose to overnight in the more protected, sheltered spots so that we wouldn’t be buffeted by weather.
We also learnt to arrive early at popular spots in order to secure limited public moorings.
It is worth noting that it’s not completely free sailing. You cant always go wherever you like and you will are subject to some limitations. For example you must be anchored/moored by 4pm, and you have to radio in each morning and each afternoon.
The daily ‘radio scheds' were very helpful and (along with making water), it became a fun part of our little boating routine. Each day, they checked our plan and advised whether it would be safe and whether our proposed overnight would be comfortable in the given conditions.
Depending on conditions and prevailing winds, some areas may be off limits or they may direct you to a particular anchorage. Due to very strong wind on a couple of days, we weren’t allowed to sail for several days. In the end, we only had 2 days of sailing and for most of our trip, we could only motor around. This was a little disappointing but there is so much to do and explore that we very quickly got over that.Written 16 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Matt4 contributions1/2 day charter for 3 with Will.
Excellent knowledge of the spots to be, and when to be there. He is not afraid to use some fuel, unlike other charters.
The boat is perfect and Will's music selection is on point 👍.
We caught a variety of fish, and enough of them to feed 7 people that night.Written 26 September 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rachel D182 contributionsWe had a good day out looking for Whales with Glen. Unfortunately their were not many whales around on the day that we went but we did manage to see a few. Glen was very friendly and made the trip interesting.Written 3 August 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lucas M12 contributionsJenna, Matt and Gonzalo were amazing instructors and took their time to make sure I was learning in a safe and relaxed environment. The learning doesn’t stop once your out of the water as we would do small workshops on the boat every afternoon. All were very approachable and more than happy to chat about anything free diving related. We had a great crew and the other divers will definitely be long time mates. My retreat on the Whitsundays was exactly what I needed to take my mind off my business. Thanks Oceansense! I will hopefully be booking another retreat soon!Written 18 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Wade H2 contributionsWe had an excellent day out Murray was awesome and so helpful and patient with the inexperienced on board. Meanwhile putting us on some great fishing spots. Great service we definitely be backWritten 21 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
