Run by an experienced tourism team, the operator provides an exciting selection of day cruise experiences and activities that really make the most of this incredible part of the world - including the stunning Whitsunday Islands National Park and the Great Barrier Reef.

The day cruises include the Great Barrier Reef Adventures day cruise, the Camira Sailing Adventure to Whitehaven Beach and Island Escape day cruises to South Molle Island, Long Island and Daydream Island Resort & Spa.

The operator is based at Airlie Beach – the gateway to the Whitsundays. Airlie Beach, located on a peninsula that stretches out to the Whitsundays passage, provides an ideal mainland base for an unforgettable Queensland holiday.

The operator is the latest addition to Marine Tourism Holdings (MTH) the parent company of the successful business South Sea Cruises in Fiji. MTH have also established a highly successful backpacker brand 'Awesome Adventures' which has a wide variety of operations in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji.

Marine Tourism Holdings brings a wealth of experience to their Whitsundays operation. The company has been operating for nearly 20 years and has won a string of Awards in both New Zealand and Fiji.

The cruises we focus on quality, safety and of course fun! With modern, state of the art vessels and facilities, rigorous staff training and customer focus the company is setting new standards in the region. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and showing you the Whitsundays at its best! 

HOW WE CARE
2008 - 'International Year of the Reef'
The operator has a strong environmental ethic. We believe that the reef and its marine life are the most important aspects of our operation. We are dedicated to the care and the protection of the reef for all to enjoy – today and tomorrow, and we are proud of the many steps that we have taken to care for our environment. for more information on the International Year of the Reef go to www.iyor.org

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
All our activities and operations are designed following world-best environmental practices to prevent potential impacts on the reef.

REEF PROTECTION PROGRAM
We perform ongoing monitoring of reef health and biodiversity at our site to help in detecting adverse impacts and unusual natural phenomena.

NO TOUCHING POLICY
We have adopted a no touching policy with regards to all marine life. This helps protect the animals from stress and disease.

BIODEGRADABLE CLEANING AGENTS
All chemicals used on the pontoon and vessels are biodegradable and the amount of these chemicals used is kept to a minimum. Silicon based antifoul products are used on ‘Seaflight’ as alternatives to toxic antifoul paints. This avoids potential leaching of toxic chemicals into the ocean.

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY
As new environmental technologies and products are developed, we trial them. One example is the use of microfibre for cleaning to eliminate the need for chemicals.

LITTER CLEAN UP AND WASTE REDUCTION
Our scuba divers carry out daily ‘litter patrols’ of the reef and surrounding areas. Wherever possible, plastic items are replaced with biodegradable or reusable products. All sewerage and waste is carried back to the mainland and pumped into the town treatment system and not dumped in to the sea.

OIL SPILL CONTROL
The risk of fuel and oil spills from the pontoon has been eliminated by not having a generator on the pontoon. A fully equipped oil spill kit is however kept on the pontoon at all times.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Scientists are actively encouraged to conduct reef research at Knuckle Reef Lagoon.

INTERPREATATION PROGRAMS
Interpretive/educational programs have been designed by reef specialists to make the visitors’ experience enjoyable and informative.

STAFF TRAINING
All our staff are well trained in environmental awareness and reef ecology to promote a sense of stewardship towards the reef.

COMPLIANCE AND ENVIRONENTAL MANAGEMENT CHARGE
We comply with all legislation and permit requirements set out by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Included in your cruise fare is a $5.00 per head fee which is used for the management and protection of the Reef by this authority.

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LIAISON
We liaise closely with government agencies and community groups to help promote and support good overall environmental management of the reef.

Other Information

CLIMATE

The climate in the Whitsundays is subtropical being just above the tropic of Capricorn. Located on the same Latitude as Fiji, sunny tropical weather is guaranteed almost all year round. An average annual temperature of 27°C and an estimated average of 8.25 sunshine hours per day ensures an incredible year-round climate. 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 Whitsundays water temperature 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:

GETTING TO THE WHITSUNDAYS

The Whitsundays are located in central Queensland, approximately 1,100km north of Brisbane and 700km south of Cairns. Getting to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays, is easy with a variety of Air, Rail and Road options available.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY AIR

The Whitsundays are serviced by two domestic airports, Whitsunday Coast Airport on the mainland at Proserpine, and Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island. Proserpine is situated about 20kms inland from Airlie Beach with shuttles meeting all flights to take you to in to the beach town.

International access to the Whitsundays is available via connecting flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Cairns. Airlines servicing the region are Qantas, Virgin Blue and Jetstar.

Approximate flying times:
* Sydney - 2 hours 15 minutes
* Brisbane - 1 hour 30 minutes
* Melbourne - 2 hours 45 minutes

RESORT CONNECTIONS

There are Resort Connections connecting Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Coast (proserpine) Airports to Daydream Island Resort & Spa, South Molle Island, Long Island and all Airlie Beach properties. We have a dedicated coach with a meet and greet service at Whitsunday Coast Airport. Resort Connections provides a seamless, hassle free and fast connection for arriving and departing guests with two brand new vessels. With Resort Connections you can choose which way to come based on the flight time and deal that suits you.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY RAIL

Queensland Rail's 'Sunlander' and 'Queenslander' services to Proserpine depart Brisbane and Cairns several times weekly. The Great South Pacific Express also services this area.

Discover Queensland’s tropical beauty in comfort and style aboard the country’s most innovative train, the Tilt Train. The new Tilt Train services Proserpine Station, with two return services weekly between Brisbane and Cairns. The Tilt Train departs Brisbane Monday and Friday afternoons, and Cairns Sunday and Wednesday mornings. Daylight running of the Tilt Train allows passengers to enjoy the picturesque landscapes in a convenient and comfortable environment.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY COACH

Coach company Greyhound offers regular services between major cities and Airlie Beach. Greyhound has several daily services that run northbound from Brisbane and southbound from Cairns.

THE WHITSUNDAYS BY CAR

If you choose to drive to the Whitsundays the roads are in excellent condition with some beautiful scenery along the way. The Bruce Highway runs from Brisbane to Cairns. The turn off to Airlie Beach is one km north of Proserpine (150 km north of Mackay, 300 km south of Townsville) and is then a 20km trip into the beach town.

Approximate travel times:
* From Brisbane - 13 hours
* From Cairns - 8 hours
* From Mackay - 90 minutes
* From Bowen - 50 minutes
* From Proserpine - 15 minutes

Cruise Whitsundays Insurance