Whitehaven is not well known for snorkelling because it lacks fringing reefs. You can take a look under the surface to spot the occasional fish or turtle on the sandy bottom, but for the best snorkelling take a short walk to Chance Bay. You can access the Chance Bay walking track from the southern end of Whitehaven.

Can you swim at Whitehaven Beach?

The short answer is yes! The balmy tropical waters surrounding Whitehaven Beach remain at a pretty constant 26 degrees year-round and the picture-perfect setting makes this one of the best places to swim in the Whitsundays.

Is there coral at Whitehaven Beach?

HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN! Spend the day discovering Whitehaven Beach and the vibrant fringing coral reefs of the Whitsunday Islands. Discover the Southern Whitehaven Beach trails, relax, unwind on the beach and snorkel the coral reefs teeming with life!

Can you snorkel at Whitsundays?

If you want to snorkel right off the beach

Comprised of 74 individual islands and coral cays fringed by spectacular coral gardens, the Whitsundays region is renowned for its beach snorkelling and shallow waters perfect for little explorers. There's no need to book onto a boat tour to meet the local marine life.

Are there sharks at Whitehaven Beach?

Whitehaven Beach is perhaps best known for its dazzling white sand, crystal clear waters and perfect photographic opportunities, but is often a good place to see sharks. It's home to both blacktip reef sharks and baby lemon sharks, which use the calm and shallow waters waters as a nursery.

Whitehaven Beach Snorkeling Cruise | The Whitsundays

Where can I not swim in the Whitsundays?

Naturally formed Heart Reef is located in The Whitsundays, the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef, however, you can not swim or snorkel here. We recommend enjoying a scenic flight over Heart Reef either by helicopter or seaplane, for a brilliant photographic opportunity.

When can you not swim in the Whitsundays?

Never swim or wade at dawn, dusk or night. Never swim or wade when drunk or affected by drugs. Stand at least 2m from the water's edge and do not stand or sit in one place for too long.

Where is the best snorkelling in Whitsundays?

10 of the best snorkelling spots in the Whitsundays

• Langford Island. ...
• Blue Pearl Bay - Hayman Island. ...
• Stonehaven Bay - Hook Island. ...
• Luncheon Bay - Hook Island. ...
• Mantaray Bay - Hook Island. ...
• Mackerel Bay - Hook Island. ...
• East Reef - Hook Island. ...
• Cateran Bay - Border Island.

Can you snorkel off the beach at Airlie Beach?

Great snorkelling during low tide (otherwise, the coral is too deep). Average visibility, but no worse than what you can see off the shore of Hamilton or Hazelwood Islands, and way better than some other spots.

Can you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach?

If you love snorkeling and have not done the Great Barrier Reef yet then you are missing out. There are tours leaving daily from Airlie Beach that you can catch and get started. The marine life is like no other anywhere else in the work, you can see turtles, manta rays and over 1500 species of fish.

Is taking sand from Whitehaven illegal?

Whitehaven Beach is a highly protected national park and it is actually illegal to remove any sand, coral, shells, rocks or sticks.

Is it worth going to Whitehaven Beach?

Final Verdict: Is Whitehaven Beach worth visiting? Yes and no. While the beach was very picturesque with amazing, smooth white sands and blue waters, it was also very busy. Other blogs have mentioned that the beach is relatively quiet compared to its famed reputation.

What is special about Whitehaven Beach?

The pure, pristine environment

Whitehaven Beach is protected by the Whitsunday Islands National Park, and in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. It's been voted the world's top eco-friendly beach, and Queensland's cleanest beach.

Do you need to wear stinger suit at Whitehaven Beach?

Stinger suits (wetsuits) are provided to each guest, at little or no cost, to minimise any risk of being stung whilst in the Whitsundays waters. It is important to wear your wetsuit during any water-based activities, including swimming, snorkelling, or scuba diving!

Does Hamilton Island have crocodiles?

There is also a wildlife park on Hamilton Island, which houses another saltwater crocodile, so enquire with us how to visit for the day or overnight to watch these incredible apex predators.

Are there sharks at the Whitsundays?

The most common sharks around the Whitsunday islands are harmless reef sharks such as Whitetips, Blacktips and Wobbegongs (an aboriginal name meaning shaggy beard). It's highly likely that when you meet a shark while snorkelling or diving, they will swim away.

Where can I snorkel in Airlie Beach?

You will visit Whitehaven Beach including the famous Hill Inlet Lookout on the Northern End. Snorkel locations can include Luncheon Bay, Caves Cove, Blue Pearl Bay plus many more destinations.

Can you snorkel off Daydream Island?

Small but mighty, Daydream Island is just 1km in length and only 400m wide, so you can take walks around the island or grab a kayak and circumnavigate for an alternative view. There's snorkelling right off the beach on the fringing reef on the east side of the island and stand-up paddleboards for hire.

Can you snorkel in Airlie?

Almost every day-trip out on the water offers snorkelling as part of the tour – whether you choose to fly, sail, cruise, kayak or go by high-speed raft or power boat to the reef – there are so many snorkelling options. Be sure to chat them through with our team.

Is Chalkies beach good for snorkelling?

Snorkelling. Chalkies is a popular snorkelling site. The northern end of the beach is where the best coral and fish can be seen, especially on a low to mid-tide. hawksbill and green turtles frequent the area, listen for the sound they make when they come up for air and keep an eye out when snorkelling.

What is snorkelling like at Daydream island?

Inexperienced swimmers will enjoy snorkelling at Daydream Island's Living Reef tank, which houses 100 species of fish and 80 species of coral. “It's a gentle introduction because it's a controlled environment with no currents to swim against,” says Lachlan Levings, one of the resort's resident marine biologists.

How long does it take to get to the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach?

How long does it take to get from Airlie Beach to Great barrier reef (Landmark)? It takes approximately 12h 1m to get from Airlie Beach to Great barrier reef (Landmark), including transfers.

Why is Whitehaven Beach so white?

But what makes the sand on this island so unique - why is Whitehaven Beach so white? Whitehaven Beach's sand is made from 98.9% pure silica and it is this silica which gives the sand its unique white colour and a particularly fine powdery grain.

What is the best month to go to the Whitsundays?

Early spring, specifically the month of September, is considered the best time to visit the Whitsundays. Everything aligns in September thanks to the consistently sunny weather, low humidity, light trade winds and perfect conditions for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

Are there sharks near Hamilton Island?

A girl and a elderly woman have been bitten by a shark in the Whitsundays, continuing a spate of attacks in the popular north Queensland region. The pair had been in shallow waters at Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island when they were attacked about 9.30am on Thursday, a Queensland ambulance spokesman says.