Q: How do I get to the Whitsundays/ Airlie Beach?

A: Our Getting to the Whitsundays page provides full information on Air, Rail and Road services to the Whitsundays.

Q: Where can I stay in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays? A: Accommodation in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays range from backpacker accommodation to luxury five star resorts. Find something to suit your needs in our Accommodation Listings. Q: Do you offer an accommodation pickup service? A: Yes, there are FREE courtesy coach transfers from all local area accommodation to Shute Harbour and Abel Point Marina which is just five minutes from Airlie Beach.

Q: Is it going to be hot when I get to the Whitsundays?

A: The Whitsunday Islands are classified as being located in the tropics with an average daily temperature of 27°C. Summer is over those months around January where the average temperature is over 30°C. The winter months are those around July with an average temperature of 23°C. The water temperature in the Whitsundays varies from around 23°C in winter to 28°C in summer. If it's summer time in tropical North Queensland take plenty of sunscreen with you and a hat!

The table below provides a 12 month guide to Temperatures and Rainfall in Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

Q: Is there shade on the boat and on the pontoon?

A: Yes, the boat and the pontoon provide plenty of protection from the sun but you should still continue with all the normal precautions - apply sunscreen at regular intervals throughout the day and wear a hat.

Q: Can I scuba dive with Cruise Whitsundays? A: Yes, you can scuba dive when visiting Knuckle Reef Lagoon on the Great Barrier Reef Adventure day cruise. We provide our guests with the opportunity to dive (whether certified or discover introductory), snorkel and learn about the reef with one of the Cruise Whitsundays’ professional, qualified instructors. All you need to do is either pre-book your activities before you depart or let the crew know you would like to partake in these activities when you are travelling out to the reef.

Q: Can I buy drinks on the boat?

A: A full range of drinks are available through out the day with our Great Barrier Reef Adventure. On the Camira Sailing Adventure, your drinks are included in the cost of the cruise. Tea and Coffee are provided throughout the day on both cruises.

Q: Is there drinking water on board the boats? A: On the Great Barrier Reef Adventures trip, normal tap water is available free and bottled water is for sale. On Camira there is a cold water cooler with filtered water. Q: How long does it take to get to the reef? A: It takes 2.5 - 3 hours to get to Knuckle Reef Lagoon depending on the weather and sea conditions.

Q: What do we do whilst cruising to the reef?

A: Getting there is half the fun on board 'Seaflight' a 37 metre wavepiercer ideally suited to outer reef cruising. It is the largest vessel in the Whitsundays and offers a comfortable ride, being fitted with a motion control system. It has spacious air-conditioned lounges, large outer viewing decks and two bars serving refreshments. We offer Marine Biologist talks and informative commentary as well as stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands.

Q: What if I forget something, do you sell things like sunscreen on the boat?

A: Yes, ’Seaflight’ sells merchandise like shirts, hats, sunscreen and seasick tablets.

Q: What should I bring? Swimwear & towel Jacket/ sweater during cooler months Protective clothing, hat & sunscreen lotion Money / credit card for optional purchases Your camera & a sense of fun!

Q: Do I have to pay Reef Tax?

A: The Reef Tax or Great Barrier Reef Environmental Management charge is included in your cruise fares. This charge goes to the Government and is used for the management and protection of the reef by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

Q: What if we want to go on a cruise without the kids?

A: 121 ChildCare provide casual child care and are open between 6:30am - 6:30pm Monday to Friday. They are open throughout the year including school holidays (excluding gazetted public holidays).

If you have any other questions and concerns please contact one of our representatives.