Transfers can be pre-booked online at Heart of The Reef Shuttles, or with us. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like us to organise. The transfer service between Whitsunday Coast Airport and Airlie Beach takes around 40 minutes. The shuttle will drop guests at their desired location. Alternatively, you can book a taxi transfer to Airlie Beach.

Hamilton Island is a 35 – 50 minute ferry ride to the mainland. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like a ferry transfer arranged, and we can organise this for you. Alternatively, you can call Resort Connections on Ph: + 61 (0) 7 4946 7322 to organise your own transfer.

The Ferry price is $55 per person from Hamilton Island to the Port of Airlie Marina, Airlie Beach. From Port of Airlie, it is only a short walk to Airlie Beach central.  However, if you require a bus or taxi, you can talk to the friendly staff at the ferry terminal and they will be able to help you out.

There are luggage storage facilities in Airlie Beach or you may be able to store your luggage at your hotel or accommodation.

You can bring a small, soft-sided bag on board. No hard cases are allowed and please no zips.

Many shops on the main street of Airlie Beach sell cheap bags that are appropriate, such as dry bags, tote bags or food shopping bags. They are the perfect size for trips to the Whitsundays and dry bags have the added bonus of keeping all your belongings dry.

Bed bugs used to be a common problem on the east coast of Australia, especially amongst travellers using hostels and budget accommodation. Often, bed bugs would transfer from the beds and linen to the zips on people’s backpacks/luggage.

These would then be brought onto our boats. This is not a problem on our vessels anymore. In addition, zippers scratch the wood surfaces of the boats. Therefore, to minimise the risk, we ask that you don’t use a bag with a zip.

There is a public car park in Coral Sea Marina | Resort (formerly Abell Point Marina). You can stay for any period but parking fees are payable at your own cost.

The Whitsundays gets around 300 days of sun a year. That being said there are two distinct seasons – winter (dry season) and summer (wet season). Winter is from May through to November and summer is between November through to May.

From June to November are the best times to visit as the climate is at its best. Between July to October you will also have the opportunity to see whales.

The tour operator will provide a mask, snorkel and stinger suit for every person on the trip, which is included in the price. Fins are not provided.

Life jackets, and other flotation devices are on request if needed.

We strongly advise that you do not bring fins on your trip, unless you have permission from the skipper of your trip prior to departing.

A stinger suit is a thin wetsuit appropriate for the warmer water here in the Whitsundays. They are designed to help protect you against stingers and from the sun while you snorkel.

A stinger is a general term used to describe anything in the water that may cause a sting in some way. From sea lice to jelly fish, we do get them in the Whitsundays, as with everywhere in the World. So, for your protection and safety we ask that you wear a stinger suit when in the water.

No, you will need to bring a beach towel.

This depends on the individual. We advise bringing however much you would normally drink for a social event, per how many days/nights you are on the boat. Please be advised – you do not have to bring alcohol at all if you do not wish to.

Day 1: Departure & Hook Island
• 4:00 PM: Depart from Port of Airlie, cruising northeast toward Hook Island while enjoying
stunning views of the Whitsundays.
o After boarding and settling into your cabin, students can connect to onboard
internet and begin e-learning with our instructor.
o For those who have completed e-learning beforehand, the instructor will review
materials and answer any questions.

• 7:00 PM: Arrive and anchor in a sheltered bay at Hook Island.
• Enjoy a gourmet dinner onboard and relax under the stars, setting the tone for your
adventure.

Day 2: Dive, Snorkel & Explore
• 5:30 AM: Rise and shine! Start the day with a scenic cruise along Hook Island’s coastline,
heading to Butterfly Bay or Luncheon Bay—perfect spots for vibrant coral reefs and
marine life.
• 6:00–9:00 AM: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast served onboard.
• 6:30–9:00 AM: Divers in the water;
o Begin with certified divers, dive 1
o Advanced Open Water students, dive 1
• 9:00 AM – 12.30 AM: Continue with
o Snorkel sessions
o Certified divers, dive 2 and 3
o Advanced Open Water students, dive 2
o Introductory Discover Scuba sessions
• 10:00 AM: Morning tea served by the onboard chef.
• 12:00 PM: Depart Hook Island while enjoying a freshly prepared lunch. Next stop: the
picturesque Border Island.
• 2:00 PM: Border Island fun begins!
o Snorkel among vibrant reefs.
o Certified divers, dive 4 & 5
o Introductory Discover Scuba sessions
o Take a guided bushwalk to a stunning lookout with sweeping views of the
Whitsundays.
o Relax on the beach, try stand-up paddleboarding, or join in beach games.
• 5:00 PM: Head back to Summer Jo for a mouthwatering dinner as the sun sets.
• 5:30 PM: Certified divers (dive 6) and Advanced Open Water Students dive 3 – night dive
• 7:00 PM: Dessert is served! Unwind with your fellow adventurers over a cold beer or glass
of wine while enjoying the tranquil evening.

Day 3: Whitehaven Wonders & Homeward Bound
• 5:00 AM: Start the day with a sunrise cruise to Tongue Bay on Whitsunday Island.
• 7:00 AM: Hop aboard our tender for a guided walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, where
you’ll marvel at the swirling sands and turquoise waters below. Then, explore the iconic
Whitehaven Beach—don’t forget your camera!
• 10:00 AM: Return to the vessel and relax as we begin the journey back to port.
• 2:00 PM: Arrive back at Port of Airlie, bid farewell to new friends, and take home
memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 1
On Arrival
• A refreshing platter of seasonal tropical fresh fruit

Dinner
• Flavourful Tikka Masala
• Fresh, crisp garden salad
Dessert
• Warm apple and berry crumble, served with custard or cream

Day 2
Breakfast
• Freshly baked bread (toasted if desired)
• Assorted condiments
• Selection of cereals with a variety of milks
• Various flavours of yogurt
• Fresh seasonal fruit

Morning Tea
• Soft and fluffy muffins

Lunch
• A deli-style spread featuring:
o Assorted cold meats and cheeses
o Fresh salads
o Bread and wraps
o House-made pesto

Afternoon Tea
• A gourmet antipasto platter with:
o Freshly made hummus
o Salami and chorizo, olives, dips, and crackers

Dinner
• Chef’s special chilli, served with:
o Fresh guacamole
o Steamed rice
o Crispy tortilla chips

Dessert
• Summer Jo’s signature chocolate brownie, topped with ice cream

Day 3
Breakfast
• Freshly baked bread (toasted if desired)
• Assorted condiments
• Selection of cereals with a variety of milks
• Various flavours of yogurt
• Fresh seasonal fruit

Morning Tea
• Summer Jo’s famous banana bread

Lunch
• Wraps with a variety of fresh fillings, including:
o Cold meats or falafel
o Crisp lettuce and fresh salads
o Pesto pasta

Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are available throughout the trip in the lower saloon.

To ensure your comfort and safety divers must be 12+ years or over and they may require that you have a Divers Medical Certificate for certain medical conditions and also if you are over 45 years old.

Please read the following questions carefully:

• Do you currently have an ear infection?
• Do you have a history of ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance?
• Do you have a history of ear or sinus surgery?
• Are you currently suffering from a cold, congestion, sinusitis or bronchitis?
• Do you have a history of respiratory problems, severe attack of hay fever or allergies, or lung disease?
• Have you had a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or history of chest surgery?
• Do you have active asthma or history of asthma, emphysema or tuberculosis?
• Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
• Do you have behavioural health problems or a nervous system disorder?
• Are you or could you be pregnant?
• Do you have a history of colostomy?
• Do you have a history of heart disease or heart attack, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
• Do you have a history of high blood pressure, angina, or take medication to control blood pressure?
• Are you over 45 and have a family history of heart attack or stroke?
• Do you have a history of bleeding or other blood disorders?
• Do you have a history of diabetes?
• Do you have a history of seizures, blackouts or fainting, convulsions or epilepsy or take medications to prevent them?
• Do you have a history of back, arm or leg problems following an injury, fracture or surgery?
• Do you have a history of fear of closed or open spaces or panic attacks (claustrophobia or agoraphobia)?

If any of these conditions apply to you, you will require a Divers Medical Certificate before you can scuba dive.

A Divers Medical Certificate can be obtained from:
Whitsunday Doctors Service
257 Shute Harbour Rd (Opposite xBase)
Airlie Beach
Ph: 07 4946 6241