First time on the Providence Whitehaven Beach cruise? This guide covers departure details, tour highlights, ticket info, packing tips, and how to make the most of the day.
Providence Whitehaven Beach tour overview and what to expect
This is a full-day sailing adventure aboard a 62-ft gaff-rigged schooner, run by Whitsunday Sailing Ecotours. You’ll cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, with stops at Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and a coral reef for snorkelling.
The vessel holds about 24 people, giving a relaxed, small-group feel. Guests may even help hoist sails or steer under crew guidance.
How to get there and logistics
The tour departs from Coral Sea Marina North, Airlie Beach. Check-in is at 7:00am and the schooner sets sail around 7:30am.
There is a hotel pick-up option for some accommodations in and around Airlie Beach. If you drive, parking near the marina needs to be planned; long-term parking is limited.
Providence day cruise tinerary highlights
Here’s what a typical day looks like on the Providence cruise:
- Sail to Whitehaven Beach and relax on its famously white silica sand for 1-1.5 hours.
- Short walk (approx. 10 minutes) to Hill Inlet lookout, where you’ll see the swirling patterns of sand and water. (Note, it doesn’t go inside Hill Inlet like the Ocean Rafting tour).
- Return to the schooner for a picnic-style lunch, which may be homemade wraps, fruit and other light fare.
- After lunch, anchor near a reef in the Whitsundays for snorkelling, with gear provided.
- Sail back to Airlie Beach in the afternoon, enjoying the wind in the sails and the open sea.
Providence Whitehaven cruise ticket prices, inclusions and booking
Ticket price: The 9-hour Whitsundays day cruise aboard Providence starts at A$199. This price was most recently checked in November 2026 and may change in future.
What’s included:
- Use of snorkelling gear (mask and snorkel).
- Morning tea (light snack).
- Lunch on board (picnic-style or wrap style).
- Bottled water, tea/coffee.
- Licensed bar is available on board (alcohol at extra cost).
Booking: Book the Providence Whitehaven Beach cruise to secure your spot.
What to bring on the Providence cruise & packing tips
For a comfortable and safe day, pack:
- Swimwear and a towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat
- Sunglasses and light clothes (ideally long-sleeved for sun protection)
- A reusable water bottle (there’s a refill station on board)
- A camera or waterproof camera / GoPro
- A dry bag for valuables (especially for beach and snorkelling stops)
Providence Whitsundays tour: Safety & accessibility
The schooner tour requires only basic fitness, as there are some short walks (Hill Inlet) and basic movement on deck.
Be aware that shade is relatively limited on deck, so sun protection is important.
There are onboard toilets, but the schooner is not fully wheelchair accessible, and walking to the lookout or beach requires moderate mobility.
Best times to go & insider tips
Departing early gives a peaceful sail and more time on Whitehaven Beach before it gets busy. The morning light also makes Hill Inlet look particularly stunning.
Snorkelling conditions are generally best when the water is calm — bringing a dry bag will help you protect gear from splashes.
If you’re interested in being more hands-on, let the crew know — you may be invited to help with sailing manoeuvres.
Nearby things to do after your cruise
When you return to Airlie Beach, you can combine your trip with:
- A walk around Airlie Beach Lagoon: Perfect to unwind after a day on the water.
- A snorkelling or reef trip to other Whitsunday Islands: Build on your day cruise with more marine exploration. Two night cruises offer a different, sleep aboard experience.
- Cross-over to Hamilton Island: If you have time, you could stay a night and explore more of the islands.
FAQ: Practical questions answered
How long do you spend on Whitehaven Beach?
You’ll typically have about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the beach and its sand.
Is snorkelling hard?
Not really. Snorkelling gear is provided, and the crew help launch into calm reef areas.
Can I steer the boat?
Yes — guests are often invited to help steer or raise sails if they’d like.
Is food included?
Yes. Morning tea, lunch and snacks are included. Drinks besides water are available to purchase.
Are kids allowed?
Yes — the tour is family-friendly and suitable for a range of ages.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operator may adjust the itinerary or cancel, depending on conditions. Make sure to check on the day.
Disclosure: This guide contains affiliate links. Book through them, and I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Queensland travel
Other Queensland travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Cairns for first-time visitors.
- Exploring the Great Barrier Reef: Best islands and tours.
- Wildlife encounters on the journey up to Cape Tribulation.
- Planning a visit to the Jindalba Boardwalk near Cape Tribulation.
- Six reasons to visit K’gari (formerly Fraser Island).
