Your ship drops anchor in the bay off Airlie Beach. You check your day-trip itinerary, confident
that booking a tour through your ship’s local contractors has ensured a seamless plan for the
day. One last glance through your day bag - passport, favourite bathers, sunnies. Okay, perfect!
Time to make your way to the tenders and depart for a day of pre-planned activities amongst the
white sands of the Whitsunday Islands.
Alternatively, you’ve opted for the more adventurous route. Foregoing the well-beaten track,
you’ve decided to do your own research, curating the perfect day to suit you. So, what are your
options as a cruise ship passenger? I’m glad you asked - you might be surprised by just how much
this charming little town has to offer.
Get Out on the Water
- Embark on a 6-hour sailing adventure aboard Wings 3, a custom-built 60-foot catamaran that visits lesser-known yet equally spectacular islands of the Whitsundays. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Langford Island and its sand spit - famously known as the filming location of the iconic Australian tourism ad starring Lara Bingle: “So where the bloody hell are ya?” - or Black Island, part of the Marine National Park green zone. This pristine, beautifully secluded island is a true hidden gem, accessible only to a limited number of vessels. Gaze in awe at the coral from a glass-bottom kayak or test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard. After a short sail, you’ll arrive at a snorkelling site along a breathtaking fringing reef - just one of thousands within the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise home under sail before disembarking at Coral Sea Marina.
- Climb aboard Pioneer Adventures’ 1- hour glass-bottom boat tour, complete with expert, engaging commentary on the vibrant marine life and coral structures below. Departing from Shute Harbour Marine Terminal - just a 20-minute drive from the heart of Airlie Beach - this experience allows you to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef even with limited time, and without getting wet.
- Seek thrill and adventure on a jet ski tour. Choose a 1.5 hour ride around the bay to dip your toes into the action, or fully immerse yourself with the Ultimate Island Trek - a 4 hour experience featuring three hours of exhilarating jet skiing and a one hour stopover at a stunning Whitsunday Island resort. After working up an appetite, you’ll be rewarded with a gourmet wood-fired pizza lunch.
Prefer to Stay on Solid Land?
There’s still plenty to see and do.
- Explore the best of Airlie Beach with Driftwood Tours’ Airlie Beach Explorer, a cruise-ship-friendly 3 hour guided sightseeing tour showcasing scenic lookouts, waterfront highlights, and hidden local gems only a local would know.
- Book a local tuk tuk or Segway tour. These flexible experiences can be tailored to suit your interests, and your friendly, knowledgeable guide will be more than happy to answer all your questions about the region.
- Unwind at Mulligan’s Sports Bar with a game of virtual golf or darts, or head to The Pub (Airlie Beach Hotel) for a game of pool and live entertainment. On weekends, the venue hosts performances by renowned tribute bands - be sure to check the Airlie Beach Hotel website for dates and times.
- Visit the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a sprawling freshwater oasis right in the heart of town. This laid-back, completely free attraction is perfect for soaking up the sunshine, enjoying the sea breeze, and cooling off with a swim. Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, and your swimwear and settle in.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the Bicentennial Boardwalk or wander through the boutique stores lining the main street. Before heading back to your ship, don’t forget to pick up a local Airlie Beach souvenir to remember your day ashore.
