The most popular Airlie Beach tours focus on the Whitsunday Islands since they’re so close to town. 

Boat rides and scenic helicopter flights are both on offer, depending on how you want to experience this Australian paradise. Overnight outings are ideal for exploring the islands further. 

Specialist snorkeling and diving excursions let you venture beneath the waves where the magical marine kingdom awaits. 

Land-based sightseeing is also on the cards for learning about local nature and history. Expect many rainforests and waterfall action as you delve deep into the island interiors.   
 

If there’s one place you’ve heard of in Australia, it’s the Great Barrier Reef. Comprised of over 3,000 individual reef systems, this UNESCO World Heritage site is quite something to behold. 

If it’s paradise islands and tropical fish you seek, then this is the place to come. 

The best way to explore is on a boat tour, with plenty of stops for snorkeling in scenic spots. Sea-plane flights and helicopter rides are also fun ways to appreciate the scale of this mesmerizing ecosystem. 

Scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding are also possible as part of a boat-based trip.  

Whitehaven Beach features on many Airlie Beach tours, and with good reason. It’s just a short distance from the town, and the dazzling white sands are some of the best in the region. 

The clear waters are just made for swimming, and you never know what marine life you’ll encounter. 

You can visit by boat or air if you’re feeling adventurous. Some excursions stop at other islands on the way for snorkeling and exploring. 

Once you’re at Whitehaven Beach, take a moment to walk up to the Hill Inlet Lookout for stunning views back across the bay. 
 

Take to the skies and see the Great Barrier Reef from above on these scenic airplane tours from Airlie Beach.

From up here, the Whitsunday islands look like pinpricks in a giant ocean map, surrounded by turquoises and golds. You’ll fly over Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island, so keep your camera handy. 

Some airplane trips combine aerial sightseeing with a stop at the beach for the perfect day out. Whitehaven Beach is the most popular add-on, while Hardy Lagoon and Chalkies Beach also feature. 

Don’t forget your swimming gear if you want to take a dip in the sea.
 

Just a short hop from Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island is one of the most coveted vacation destinations in the country. 

It’s the biggest island in the Whitsunday Archipelago, with dreamy tropical beaches and a resort vibe. Bushland and coral reefs set the scene for a day out in nature. 

Most Airlie Beach tours take place by boat, so you know you’ll travel in style. On arrival, sailing and snorkeling are the main events, as well as walking trails that crisscross the island. 

Sunset cruises add a dash of romance, with drinks and nibbles to enjoy as dusk falls over the Coral Sea.

Feel the need for speed? Then jump on a jet ski and skim across the waves, as you explore the beautiful Airlie Beach coast. Full instruction will be given, so you don’t need any experience. 

You can choose to explore Pioneer Bay or head to the Whitsunday Islands for the perfect backdrop. Keep an eye out for dugongs, whales and sea turtles.

Jet boat rides are also available if you’d prefer someone else to be in charge of the throttle! These thrilling excursions are a fun way to check out the natural attractions of Airlie Beach while having the time of your life. 
 

If you thought the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef were impressive from the water, just wait until you see them from above. 

Helicopter tours from Airlie Beach will take your breath away, with unrivaled aerial viewing of this beautiful region. 

Live commentary will ensure you know what you’re seeing, with photo opportunities available from all angles. The colors are vibrant, with beaches and reefs making for pretty pictures. 

As a bonus, some flights land on Whitehaven Beach where you can take a stroll, snorkel in the ocean and watch for whales. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for all the family. 
 

Topping the list of quirky Airlie Beach tours are the Segway excursions. Rolling around on two wheels is a great way to see a lot in a short space of time, and beginners are welcome. 

After a short practice session, you’ll head off on your journey, stopping for pictures at overlooks as you go. 

Ride through the tropical forests of Conway National Park if you want to get close to nature. You might spot exotic birds and even crocodiles as you trundle along the trails. 

Prefer something a little tamer? Then opt for the sunset boardwalk tour and enjoy views of the ocean.
 

Get your heart pumping, as you leap out of an airplane on a skydiving mission above one of Australia’s most jaw-dropping ecosystems. No experience is needed, just bags of courage!

You’ll be jumping with a professional instructor, so just hang on and enjoy the rush of freefall. As your parachute opens, you’ll have time to catch your breath and take in the views. 

From up here, the Great Barrier Reef stretches for miles, with the forested Whitsunday Islands sitting pretty far below. Some skydives end on Whitehaven Beach – nowhere more scenic for a soft landing!
 

A visit to Airlie Beach is all about the water, so why not step things up a notch with a multi-day adventure at sea? 

It’s the ultimate way to explore the islands, without coming back to land in the evening. You’ll get to experience the sunrises and sunsets out on the ocean, as you sleep on the boat. 

Most excursions use catamarans or sailing yachts for a relaxing experience. Snorkeling and beach-hopping are the order of the day, with gourmet meals provided on deck. 

Ramp up the ocean expedition by spending a night at “Reefsleep” – a pontoon moored over the Great Barrier Reef.