Transfers can be pre-booked online at Heart of The Reef Shuttles, or with us. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to organise. The transfer service between Whitsunday Coast Airport and Airlie Beach takes around 40 minutes. The shuttle will drop guests at their desired location. Alternatively, you can book a taxi transfer to Airlie Beach.

Hamilton Island is a 35 – 50 minute ferry ride to the mainland. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like a ferry transfer arranged, and we can organise this for you. Alternatively, you can call Resort Connections on Ph: + 61 (0) 7 4946 7322 to organise your own transfer.

The Ferry price is $55 per person from Hamilton Island to the Port of Airlie Marina, Airlie Beach. From Port of Airlie, it is only a short walk to Airlie Beach central.  However, if you require a bus or taxi, you can talk to the friendly staff at the ferry terminal and they will be able to help you out.

There are luggage storage facilities in Airlie Beach or you may be able to store your luggage at your hotel or accommodation.

You can bring a small, soft-sided bag on board. No hard cases are allowed and please no zips.

Many shops on the main street of Airlie Beach sell cheap bags that are appropriate, such as dry bags, tote bags or food shopping bags. They are the perfect size for trips to the Whitsundays and dry bags have the added bonus of keeping all your belongings dry.

Bed bugs used to be a common problem on the east coast of Australia, especially amongst travellers using hostels and budget accommodation. Often, bed bugs would transfer from the beds and linen to the zips on people’s backpacks/luggage.

These would then be brought onto our boats. This is not a problem on our vessels anymore. In addition, zippers scratch the wood surfaces of the boats. Therefore, to minimise the risk, we ask that you don’t use a bag with a zip.

All of our vessels depart from Coral Sea Marina | Resort (formerly Abell Point Marina). The marina is split into two villages – North and South. Please check your specific boat page for the exact departure point. In the south village, there is an area of umbrellas with green turf and benches, which is the meeting point.

There is a public car park in Coral Sea Marina | Resort (formerly Abell Point Marina). You can stay for any period but parking fees are payable at your own cost.

The Whitsundays gets around 300 days of sun a year. That being said there are two distinct seasons – winter (dry season) and summer (wet season). Winter is from May through to November and summer is between November through to May.

From June to November are the best times to visit as the climate is at its best. Between July to October you will also have the opportunity to see whales.

We provide a mask, snorkel and stinger suit for every person on the trip, which is included in the price. We do not provide fins. We do provide life jackets, and other flotation devices on request if needed.

All our tours are eco-certified, and for us to keep in line with the regulations set out by this certification, we do everything we can to limit the amount of damage to the coral. We found, through years of experience, that giving people fins drastically increased the damage occurring to the coral.

We strongly advise that you do not bring fins on your trip, unless you have permission from the skipper of your trip prior to departing.

A stinger suit is a thin wetsuit appropriate for the warmer water here in the Whitsundays. They are designed to help protect you against stingers and from the sun while you snorkel.

A stinger is a general term used to describe anything in the water that may cause a sting in some way. From sea lice to jelly fish, we do get them in the Whitsundays, as with everywhere in the World. So, for your protection and safety we ask that you wear a stinger suit when in the water.

In a cabin baggage size bag bring; enough clothes for the duration of your trip, swimwear, a towel, light footwear such as flip-flips/thongs or slides, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and camera.

No, you will need to bring a beach towel.

We suggest to bring light footwear, such as sandals, thongs/flip-flops or slides.

This depends on the individual. We advise bringing however much you would normally drink for a social event, per how many days/nights you are on the boat. Please be advised – you do not have to bring alcohol at all if you do not wish to.

Yes! (Payable onboard)

• Open Water Course: $949
• Advanced Course: $875