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Northern Exposure tour

Whitsunday Regional, Queensland, Australia
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Duration

8 Hours

Group Size

32

Tour Type

1 Hour Flight, 1 Hour Tour, Scenic Flight

Language

English

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NORTHERN EXPOSURE

Each Ocean Rafting trip offers three days in one, including an exhilarating ride to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, pristine Whitsundays snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks. The Northern Exposure eco adventure is a favourite amongst avid snorkellers because it is the only Whitsunday adventure which includes two different snorkel destinations.  Enjoy snorkelling around Hook Island including Mantaray Bay, Maureens Cove and other specially selected Whitsundays snorkelling spots, ensuring a memorable underwater experience.

Include/Exclude

  • Visit to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Guided National Park walks Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling Personalised snorkel instruction Use of snorkel equipment and flotation devices Reef and island naturalist talks Courtesy bus transfers
  • Fresh Tropical Lunch Pack - $20 Sunsuit/Wetsuit Hire - $8 Prescription Mask Hire - $20 Water Soft Drinks/Juice Beer/Cider Chocolate

NORTHERN EXPOSURE

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I am visiting on a cruise ship…can I book Ocean Rafting tours?
Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.
Q. Where can I access tour photos from my day out?
If you have already enjoyed your Ocean Rafting adventure and would like to view the images from your day out, you can view them here: From 17 June 2024: https://tourphotos.com/oceanrafting Until 16 June 2024: http://oceanrafting.fotomerchant.com Please allow 2-4 days for photos to be uploaded.
Q. What is the difference between the Northern Exposure tour and the Southern Lights tour?
The main difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure tour has more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights tour offers more beach time. The Northern Exposure tour departs at 08:45am and returns at approximately 3:30pm. You’ll visit two different snorkelling sites around Hook Island, with 45 minutes to one hour at each snorkel site, as well as the northern end of Whitehaven Beach at stunning Hill Inlet for 1 – 1.5 hours. The Southern Lights tour departs at 10am and returns at approximately 4:30pm. You’ll visit one snorkel site for an hour and spend two hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach, with its 7km stretch of world famous silica sand. If you wish to focus mainly on snorkelling then we suggest the Northern Exposure tour, or if you wish to spend more time at the beach, we suggest the Southern Lights tour. The tour from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach can take between 1 – 1.5 hours depending on wind, tide, swell and weather conditions. *Please note: the tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change.
Q. Is Ocean Rafting suitable for all ages?
Our boats are suitable for most ages from 6 months upwards (weather permitting). If you are concerned about the weather conditions for the date that you are travelling, or wish to speak to one of our friendly office team about young passengers travelling, please call u
Q. What if I have a medical condition?
Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are pregnant (weather dependant) or heavily pregnant.
Q. Will I get sea sick?
Due to the open-style design and speed which our vessels travel, it is very rare for Ocean Rafters to experience sea sickness on board, unlike slower vessels where you experience a slow-rocking motion that can cause sea sickness. The most common time for passengers to ever feel nauseous on the water would be when the vessel has stopped. We welcome anyone that is prone or worried about seasickness to take any necessary medication prior to travelling.
Q. How long will I spend on the boat?
The longest part of the journey is just over an hour, which is the ride out to the Whitsunday Islands and the return journey back to the mainland. Between the other stops the journey will be anywhere from 10 – 20 minutes, depending on where the skipper chooses next, given conditions on the day.
Q. How fast do the boats travel?
Ocean Rafting’s custom built vessels travel up to speeds of 30 knots, allowing you to experience a fun, high speed ride whilst exploring the islands and beaches of the beautiful Whitsundays.
Q. How long do you spend snorkelling on each tour?
The Northern Exposure tour visits two snorkelling locations around Hook Island, each for approximately 45 minutes. The Southern Lights tour visits just one snorkelling location around either Border Island or Dumbell Island for approximately 1 hour. *Please note: the tour itinerary is a guideline only and is subject to change depending on tide, wind and other weather conditions. The sites that you will snorkel at are carefully selected by our highly trained skippers to ensure that you have the most memorable underwater experience possible for the conditions of the day.
Q. Is snorkelling equipment included?
Masks, snorkels and fins are included. We do offer prescription masks available for hire for the day for $20.  We also offer equipment for the little Rafters.
Q. Do I need to wear a stinger suit or wet suit?
Certain times of the year in the Whitsundays are stinger season (usually between late October – April/May). At this time of the year we do highly recommend hiring a stinger suit.  These will cover around 90% of your body, fins will cover majority of your feet and your mask will cover some of your face, leaving less than 5% of your body exposed. Wet suits are available for hire during the winter months, which simply provide you with an extra layer of warmth whilst snorkelling. The hiring of stinger suits and wetsuits can be arranged upon check in.
Q. What if I am not a confident swimmer?
If you are not a confident swimmer, please make sure that you tell the office team when you check in as well as the crew on board the vessel as they will assist you if you wish to snorkel. We also offer life jackets and pool noodles on board for extra buoyancy.
Q. Can I snorkel if I wear glasses?
We have a range of prescription masks available for hire for $20.
Q. How long do you spend at Whitehaven Beach on each tour?
The Northern Exposure tour spends between 1 – 1.5 hours at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. The Southern Lights tour spends between 2 – 2.5 hours at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach. *These timings may change, subject to weather conditions.
Q. Do you visit Hill Inlet for both tours?
Yes, both visit Hill Inlet Lookout, offering the ultimate in Hill Inlet tours.
Q. What should I bring and what footwear should I wear?
Bring along a small bag with things that you would usually take to the beach i.e. a towel, swimmers, sunscreen and a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the Hill Inlet tours and walk to the lookout. A jacket during the winter period is recommended to protect you from the wind and warmth after snorkelling. Cash for any drinks or snacks on board is recommended and if you haven’t chosen to purchase lunch, please ensure that you bring your own, as we do not visit any resorts or shops during the day.
Q. Do you pick up from mainland accommodation?
Ocean Rafting offers a courtesy pick up from most mainland hotels and hostels. Upon making a reservation, if your accommodation is not listed, we will advise of the nearest pick up point.
Q. Is the pick up included in the price?
Yes, we offer a courtesy pick up for all Ocean Rafting Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tours, as well as our Fly Raft Package and Scenic Flights.
Q. Do you pick up from any of the resort islands?
Ocean Rafting departs from Airlie Beach and we also offer a pick up from Daydream Island Resort. Unfortunately, we do not pick up from any other island resorts for our Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tours.
Q. What time can I check in?
Check in for the Northern Exposure tour starts from 7:45am. We advise any guests that are making their own way to our office for check in to arrive between 8am – 8:15am.  Check in for the Southern Lights tour starts from 9am. We advise any guests that are making their own way to our office for check in to arrive between 9am – 9:15am.
Q. Where is the check in office located?
The Ocean Rafting office is located at the Northern Village of Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Drive, Airlie Beach, next to Sorrento Restaurant. If you are still unsure of our location, please check with your accommodation reception or call us
Q. Is there parking available at the Marina?
There is a car park at both the northern and southern end of Coral Sea Marina (our office is located at the Northern Village). The car parks are between $6 – $14 to park for the day.
Q. Are there bathrooms on board?
Six out of eight of our Ocean Rafting vessels have toilets on board. These are not to be used whilst the boat is in motion. There are toilets at Coral Sea Marina, at the Hill Inlet Lookout (both Ocean Rafting Hill Inlet tours visit this site) and at the southern end of Whitehaven Beach (only accessible from the Southern Lights tour).
Q. What is included for lunch?

The fresh tropical lunch pack is an optional extra which can be pre-ordered for $20 per person. The lunch consists of salad, cold meats, bread roll, a selection of fruit and sweet treats.

View the lunch inclusions and dietary breakdown here: https://oceanrafting.com.au/lunch-menu * Lunch inclusions subject to change.
Q. Do you cater for dietary requirements or allergies?
Yes, we cater for most dietary requirements and allergies. We do however need to be informed of any of special requirements at least the day prior to departure to ensure that a substitute can be provided or catered for.
Q. Can I bring my own lunch, if I do not purchase the lunch?
Yes, we like to offer our guests the option! Please ensure that any lunch that you do bring is kept in a small concealed bag. We may also be able to store this in our cool drinks esky for you.
Q. Can I purchase drinks on board?
Yes, we have a range of cold beverages that you may purchase on board. Please bring cash along on the day to pay for these. Alternatively, you will be able to pay by card at the end of the day.
Q. Can I bring my own drinks?
Ocean Rafting has a no BYO alcohol policy. However you are able to bring along soft drinks and bottled water for your day.
Q. Are there any shops on Whitehaven Beach?
Whitsunday Island is a National Park, so there are no shops or buildings on the island (other than the toilet amenities).
Q. Is there any shade on Whitehaven Beach?
At certain times of the day there is very little/minimal shade coverage at Whitehaven Beach. Therefore, we strongly recommend frequent application of sun block to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Q. Can I bring my camera or phone to take pictures?
Ocean Rafters do frequently bring along cameras or phones for the day. Although we do have dry boxes under the seats designed to keep your belongings safe, all electrical and personal belongings are brought at your own risk and is no responsibility of Ocean Rafting if these items are lost or damaged during the day.
Q. Do you take photos on the day and how much are they?
Our staff will be using Go-Pros to take photos throughout your day on Ocean Rafting’s snorkelling, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet tours. A link to preview these photos will be emailed to the address that you provided upon check in 72 hours after travel. These photos will then be available to purchase online. For one photo it is $8, or for 4 or more photos it is $4 per photo. * If you do not wish to have your photos taken during your day for any reason, please just let our staff know prior to departure. 
Q. Do you rent Go-Pro’s or underwater cameras for the day?
No, Ocean Rafting does not rent Go-Pro’s or cameras.

Tour Terms & Conditions

OCEAN RAFTING

All fares are inclusive of Marine Park fees and GST.  Ocean Rafting reserves the right to charge our customers a fuel levy if fuel is over $1.50 per litre.

Sites are weather and tide permitting. Ocean Rafting reserves the right to arrange alternate itinerary when necessary. Please note departure times may sometimes be weather and tidal dependant. Please reconfirm your booking 48 hours prior.

Ocean Rafting may use photographs of our clients in promotional material, including but not limited to social media, however if you do not consent please advise Ocean Rafting.

Liability: Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of the clients which are beyond our control. Tours are not suitable for guests with pre-existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are in their third trimester of pregnancy (other pregnancy stages are weather dependant).  Minimum age 6 months. A signed release will be required from all participants on departure. We recommend you take out travel insurance.

Fitness and Health: Although good health and a positive attitude are essential, you do not need any prior experience to partake in an Ocean Rafting adventure.

Cancellations/Refund Policy: Your booking includes a 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations. Ocean Rafting accepts cancellations and amendments for bookings up until 12:00pm the day prior to departure for the Northern Exposure tour, Southern Lights tour, Fly Raft package and Scenic Flight tour. Any cancellations after 12:00pm the day prior are not eligible for a refund. Please Note: On occasion, in the interest of guest safety, we may have to cancel tours due to unfavourable weather conditions. In this unlikely event, you will be offered travel on another suitable day or issued a refund, minus 5% booking fee of your fare price.

Credit Card Surcharge: If you are paying by credit card please be aware these transactions incur a non-refundable 1.6% surcharge.

Rates: Tour rates shown are valid for travel until 31 March 25.  For travel after that date, relevant rates will display when future dates are selected in the booking table.

Cruise Ships: Please be aware that if you are travelling to the Whitsundays on a cruise ship, the timings of our Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft experiences do NOT align with the visiting cruise ship schedule. To avoid disappointment, please book through your cruise ship tour desk directly.

Queensland Public Holidays: The following days incur a public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family (2ad and 2ch) on the Northern Exposure, Southern Lights and Fly Raft package, as well as charters and all Rafting Squad bookings, including birthday travel. Scenic flights will NOT incur surcharge:

APR 25 – MAR 26

  • 18 April 25 – Good Friday
  • 19 April 25 – Easter Saturday
  • 20 April 25 – Easter Sunday
  • 21 April 25 – Easter Monday
  • 25 April 25 – Anzac Day
  • 05 May 25 – Labour Day
  • 20 June 25 – Show Whitsundays
  • 06 October 25 – King’s Birthday
  • 25 December 25 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
  • 26 December 25 – Boxing Day
  • 01 January 26 – New Year’s Day
  • 26 January 26 – Australia Day

APR 26 – MAR 27

  • 03 April 26 – Good Friday
  • 04 April 26 – Easter Saturday
  • 05 April 26 – Easter Sunday
  • 06 April 26 – Easter Monday
  • 25 April 26 – Anzac Day
  • 04 May 26 – Labour Day
  • *Still to be announced* – Show Whitsundays
  • 05 October 26 – King’s Birthday
  • 25 December 26 – Christmas Day (CLOSED)
  • 26 December 26 – Boxing Day
  • 28 December 26 – Boxing Day public holiday

FLY AND RAFT AND SCENIC FLIGHTS.

As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above. Minimum numbers of four passengers for flights/flight packages apply. Flights are subject to pilot discretion, weather and air traffic control. For legal and safety reasons all passengers are weighed prior to boarding. Maximum per seat weight is 125 kgs. Full names and exact weights per passenger must be advised when booking  due to flight weight availability. Flights are conducted by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures trading as WAVEAir Pty Ltd, AOC# CASA.AOC.0067 and Whitsunday Air Services Pty Ltd AOC#1-KPVQ0 -06, licensed and certified Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carriers. Cancellation Policy:  100% cancellation fee applies for cancellations after midday the day prior.

CHARTERS

As per Ocean Rafting T&C’s above except for charter payment and cancellation policy as follows:

  • Payments can be made via Credit Card or Bank Deposit. (A 1.6% credit card surcharge applies)
  • Cancellation up to 5 days prior to departure – Full refund less 5% non-refundable booking fee for all cancellations.
  • Cancellation less than 5 days prior to departure – 100% cancellation fee applies
  • A $200 Public Holiday surcharge is applied to rates for charters booked on Queensland public holidays

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