cruise whitsundays great barrier reef reefsleep experience

• Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Adventures

Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Reefsleep Experience

• Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Reefsuites
• Explore’s Full Day Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
• Hamilton Island Air Fly/Cruise to Reefworld
• Hamilton Island Air Reef Discovery Fly Both Ways by Helicopter
• Journey to the Heart Tour - Heart Reef Experience
• Hamilton Island Air Heart Reef & Whitehaven Express Scenic Flight by Aeroplane
• Hamilton Island Air Heart Reef & Whitehaven Scenic Flight by Helicopter
• Hamilton Island Air Heart Reef & Whitehaven Stopover by Helicopter
• Hamilton Island Air Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Express
• Hamilton Island Air Best of Both Worlds by Helicopter

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Let the waves gently rock you to sleep Great Barrier Reef Reefsleep Experience

Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Great Barrier Reef after dark, with this unforgettable overnight trip to Reefworld on Hardy Reef.

Discover the peace and tranquillity of the Great Barrier Reef after dark - with this unique and truly unforgettable Reefsleep experience.  As part of this small and exclusive tour, you will spend two days and one night out at the pontoon, on the magnificent Hardy Reef.

What you’ll love about Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Reefsleep Experience:

• Small tour group. This overnight tour is limited to 30 people, so that after dark, you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this precious part of the world.
• Unique accommodation. You sleep under the stars in a very comfortable Reefbed (with shared bathroom facilities).
• Peace and quiet. All other day visitors to the Reefworld pontoon depart at 2.30 pm (except for a small group of helicopter guests who depart slightly later) and return at 11.00 am the following day (again, helicopter guests may arrive slightly earlier), so the time in between is exclusive to Reefsleep guests. Enjoy an alfresco dinner prepared by the on-board chef, or relax with a drink and watch the sunset from the top deck of the pontoon.
• Quality meals and service. During your stay, you will receive personal service from your Reefsleep host, an alfresco dinner including wine and beer, a full breakfast, two buffet lunches, and morning and afternoon tea daily.
• Snorkel or dive the reef during the day. You will have plenty of time to snorkel around the reef and your tour includes all snorkelling equipment (including stinger suit).
• Experience all that Reefworld has to offer. When you’re finished diving or snorkelling, you can also enjoy a semi-submersible coral viewing, reef appreciation talk, and unlimited access to the underwater viewing chamber.

Details at a glance

• Two buffet lunches, dinner, breakfast and morning and afternoon teas.
• All inclusive soft drink, beer and wine.
• Use of snorkelling equipment, semi-submersible tour.
• Sleep in a Reefbed under the stars!
• See the reef at night from the underwater viewing chamber, when it truly comes alive.
• Experience the peace and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef at night, without any of the day crowds.
• Sit back with a glass of champagne and watch the sun set - and the stars rise - from the top deck of the pontoon.
• 8.30am - check in Cruise Whitsundays Hamilton Island
• 9.00am - Depart Hamilton Island 
• 11.00am - Arrive at Reefworld (weather and tide dependent)
• 12.00pm - 2pm Lunch is served
• 2.45pm - Main day cruise boat departs and Reefworld is yours to enjoy.
• The remainder of the day is spent snorkelling, then relaxing with a drink at sunset, while your Reefsleep host prepares your alfresco dinner under the stars.
• Breakfast and day at leisure. Lunch provided.
• 2.45pm - Boat departs Reefworld back to Hamilton Island.
• 5.00pm - Arrive Hamilton Island.
• Small overnight bag
• Change of clothes
• Credit card for extra snacks, drinks or souvenirs.

We highly recommend to pre-request your tours to avoid disappointment. Please click on the above button to submit your tour request.

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About cruise whitsundays.

Based in Airlie Beach, we know how lucky we are to call the Whitsundays home and work hard to showcase the highlights of this incredible region to visitors from around the world.

Our resort connections, day cruises and activities can take you to the Great Barrier Reef, iconic Whitehaven Beach, must-see Hamilton Island, energetic Airlie Beach and the ocean and islands in between.

We also offer Reefsleep – a fabulous night under the stars on the outer Great Barrier Reef and Australia’s first underwater accommodation, ReefSuites. Be prepared for an intimate experience that will stay with you forever.

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Journey Beyond and Cruise Whitsundays acknowledges Traditional Owners of Country throughout The Whitsundays and Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

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• Visual Hotel Review: Reefsleep Experience, Great Barrier Reef
• By Lisa Michele Burns

Sleeping under the stars on Hardy Reef in the Whitsundays

There has always been something special about waking up to the sound of the ocean. The gentle lapping of waves and soft whistle of a salty breeze accompanied by sunshine rising above the horizon. Imagine this experience on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s natural wonder off the coast of the Whitsundays in Queensland. During the Reefsleep experience you can spend a night under the stars, wake up to the sun rising over the Coral Sea then snorkel after breakfast, sounds pretty perfect right!?

A few short weeks ago I was lucky enough to take part in the Reefsleep experience with Cruise Whitsundays and I have to say, it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Coordinates 19°44’29.7″S 149°10’55.9″E

Having lived in the Whitsundays for a number of years as a child then again for 6 years as an adult on Hayman Island, I was always curious about what happened out on the reef after dark. Was it silent and a little eerie? Something only sailors with sea legs can do?

Luckily, for my sea sickness prone stomach it was something anyone can do. Sleeping on the Heart Pontoon may as well be like sleeping on solid ground. It’s sturdy and secure meaning you won’t get the usual rocking and rolling feeling you get on yachts. Hooray!

But first, let me start from the beginning and then I’ll fill the page with photos because after all, that’s what a ‘Visual’ hotel review is all about.

Starting bright and early in Airlie Beach, we took the Cruise Whitsundays boat first to Hamilton Island and then onward out to Hardy Reef. Passing by some of the 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday group, we were also treated to some friendly displays by a number of Humpback Whales that visit the region between the months of May to October.

Arriving at Heart Pontoon it felt a little crazy knowing that it would be our home for the night. Two full days of underwater adventures ahead and nothing in sight for miles except glistening seas and coral reef.

During the day as a Reef Sleep guest you do have to share the pontoon with day trippers but after 3pm it’s all yours and you’ll take great glee in waving the boat goodbye as it sails towards the mainland. If you’re suited up and ready to jump back in the water, you can do so the moment the boat leaves the pontoon and you’ll get quite a shock at just how many fish are there!

Two full days of underwater adventures ahead and nothing in sight for miles except glistening seas and coral reef.

Less people in the water means so many more fish are peeping out and swimming about. We took full advantage of the private snorkelling time and made sure we didn’t leave the water until the granny wrinkles were in full force. Part of the reason we were booked on the reef sleep experience was to make the most of the Great Barrier Reef without crowds. To capture the underwater world in it’s most natural state and to photograph a series of underwater portraits ( you can find them here ).

Come sunset, the hot showers are turned on so you can freshen up for canapes and get ready to watch the sun go down. If like me ‘watching’ the sunset means mainly ‘photographing’ the sunset, then you’ll be surprised that you can actually photograph, watch and eat your way through a spread of canapes at the same time. Drinks and nibbles are brought up to the top deck to enjoy at sunset and because the deck is quite small, you’re never too far away from the food to take a photo!

After a delicious dinner (which you order from a menu before arriving), the fun really begins. Finally all that wondering about what happens after dark is exposed.

There has always been something special about waking up to the sound of the ocean. The gentle lapping of waves and soft whistle of a salty breeze accompanied by sunshine rising above the horizon.

The Great Barrier Reef is alive…really, really alive!

At night you’ll hear splashes, see shadows in the water and get to hand with cute little sea birds that roost for the night on deck. The pontoon has a very cool spot lurking beneath, an underwater viewing chamber which you can access during the day, but at night…wowsers, that’s when things get very interesting.

Giant trevally are darting around, schools of fish slowly cruise past the window and one big surprise, a massive 3 metre long giant grouper called George. We actually saw George’s shadow from above the water and thought he was a giant shark cruising through. You’ve never seen five grown adults screaming and running faster with excitement that our group down to the underwater viewing chamber…to discover that it in fact wasn’t a mega shark, instead a big chunky grouper just getting his dinner.

George kept us occupied for about two hours…who said you need TV!?

The sun rays were gleaming through the clouds and illuminating the shallow pockets of water into a teal tone.

When it came time to get some sleep, the swags were a cosy retreat with plenty of flaps available so you could choose how much, or how little air got inside. We opted to keep our side panel open with just the light fly screen layer so we could watch the stars and get woken by sunrise.

Speaking of sunrise…I’m no morning person but when my weary eyes were greeted by a glimmer or light in the distance I bolted out of the swag to get my camera. The sun rays were gleaming through the clouds and illuminating the shallow pockets of water into a teal tone.

A perfect start to another full day snorkelling and enjoying the underwater magic on the Great Barrier Reef. Actually, mother nature treated us to a glass out, one of those amazing days where the weather is extremely still and the surface of the water is glass-like. So lucky!

To book your own Reefsleep Experience, check out the Cruise Whitsundays website for more information.

In the meantime, take a peek at my collection of photos from our little home on Heart Pontoon…

Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens. With 17+yrs experience as a professional travel and landscape photographer, all advice found on this site is from my personal experience on the road. I hope it’s useful for your own travels and would love to hear in the comments about your trips and experiences around the world.

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Blog comments.

September 22, 2018 at 4:11 pm

Oh! I would love to do this one day, you’re so lucky!

Lisa Michele Burns

September 24, 2018 at 11:27 am

It really was so much fun Shelley, I highly recommend it!

September 24, 2018 at 11:14 am

Do you camp usually? I would like to know if it was a good night sleep or a bit rough? I don’t usually camp but this looks like a good place to try it!

September 24, 2018 at 11:28 am

I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a camper…I wish I was but I like a few little luxuries and this was absolutely a great alternative to real camping. The swags were really comfortable, you have pillows, linen and there are hot showers and toilets just downstairs. The part I liked the most was that because you’re on a floating pontoon, the tents aren’t sitting on dirt and there’s no creepy crawlies around!

Leigh Forbes

September 27, 2018 at 9:28 am

I love following you around the world and seeing your amazing photos. It sounds like an awesome experience to stay out on the reef. I went to Whitehaven beach on a daytrip last year. It was so beautiful.

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My Honest Reefsleep Whitsundays Review: What You Need To Know

We’ve finally ticked off our Whitsundays bucket list and spent a night on the Reefsleep with Cruise Whitsundays . If you’re looking for Reefsleep reviews and unsure whether it’s worth it, read on because I’m sharing everything you need to know before booking it.

Expect to learn about what you need to bring with you, whether you’ll get any sleep and how you’ll be spending your time on this 1 night and 2 day adventure on the Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef.

Table of Contents

What makes the Reefsleep special?

At the ReefWorld pontoon, there are two accommodation options; Reefsleep which is where you sleep on the top deck of the pontoon in swag tents under the stars, or Reefsuites which is Australia’s first underwater hotel rooms.

In this unique experience, guests have the opportunity to spend the night (or longer) out in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef.

While many tourists flock to Whitsundays for the exceptional Whitehaven Beach or the popular Hamilton Island, many people don’t realise that it’s a three hour boat ride from Airlie Beach to the outer reef called Hardy Reef.

This is where you’ll find the best snorkelling and diving in Whitsundays which is also accessible from the ReefWorld pontoon (unless you’re staying on Hook Island which I’ve heard is also very good).

Best time of year to visit

Wondering when the best time of the year is to stay on the Reeflseep experience? We asked most of the staff at the time of visiting and they all confirmed between May-July is the best time of year because you’ll get mostly great weather and it’s whale season. They told me they see whales all day long swimming near the pontoon. The temperature also doesn’t change that much from the day into the evening temperatures so it doesn’t get that cold in winter.

When we visited in November, I made the rookie mistake of not bringing any warm clothes because I thought it would be really hot. It was windy in the afternoon and quite cold. Don’t worry about it being cold in the Reefsleep because it’s not.

How long to spend on the Reefsleep experience

If you’re wondering how long to spend on the Reefsleep, one night is a good enough timeframe. I asked the staff what the most popular amount of time people spend on the pontoon and they said it was indeed just a night. Even though it’s just one night, you’ll feel like you’ve been away much longer in a good way.

Reefsleep vs Reefsuites?

Wondering whether you should book the Reefsleep or Reefsuites? While there are 12 Reefsleep swag tents and only 2 Reefsuites to book, bare in mind that you may have to book way in advance for a Reefsuite.

We managed to take a quick look into one of the Reefsuites when we first arrived to be able to bring you this guide, and it really is a wow moment when you open the door into the room.

The floor to ceiling glass windows in front of the bed, as well as the glass bottom floor and bathroom window really is quite something to be seen. What I noticed was how the sound in the room definitely reminded me that we were indeed in an underwater room as you can hear the sound of the water, like you are indeed underwater.

Although there wasn’t many fish swimming around when we popped into the room, the guests who were staying there said there were schools of massive fish all swimming around at night time. This is because they are drawn to the lights to be able to find food easily. I would have loved to have seen that in the room.

We asked the staff which they would prefer out of the two options and all said the Reefsleep simply because you get to sleep under the stars.

Personally I would have preferred the Reefsuites because you get privacy and space from the other guests. If you’re staying in the Reefsleep, you’ll have access to your swag tent until 2pm the next day which is pretty amazing.

What to pack

If you’re unsure what to bring with you, make sure you bring the following:

I brought my carry on suitcase and it was too big to fit into the drawer in the tent. Now realising, I would have brought a small backpack instead.

Also bring:

• Sunscreen lotion
• Thongs & swimmers
• Beach poncho (I regret not bringing mine)
• Hairdryer and toiletries
• Playing cards (you’ll get enough phone reception to get a text if you’re with Telstra but that’s about it)
• Warm jumper and trousers
• Rain coat (we did experience a couple of showers)

You don’t need to bring

• A towel as they are provided. The beach towels aren’t big so you might like to bring your own

Getting to the ReefWorld pontoon

Firstly, do not be late for the boat departure from Port of Airlie at Airlie Beach. We arrived about 10 minutes before the boat was to depart (you’re supposed to get there 30 minutes before) and from that moment on, it felt a little hectic for us, but luckily we had reserved seats at the front of the boat because we were staying in the Reefsleep.

As the boat was packed, we quickly realised that there were day trippers on this day trip on our boat too (I suppose I didn’t realise this and maybe assumed the boat we would be getting on was just for the people staying on the pontoon).

It was a three hour boat ride with a stop off in Hamilton Island to drop off/pick up more passengers which I quite liked as I’ve not seen it before and it looks so much fun watching everyone drive around in golf buggies in the marina. The boat can stop off in Daydream Island as well to pick passengers up, although it didn’t on our trip.

As we spent three hours on the boat, I would recommend getting a seat at the top of the deck, just because I feel like it would be a little more chilled out. There were forms for us to fill out and a lot of staff on the mic selling snorkelling safaris, diving and helicopter tours for when we reached the pontoon.

I have to say the three hour boat ride goes very fast so you won’t be bored. Plus, you get access to the free bar while you’re on the boat so you can order soft drinks, beer and wine throughout the trip if you are booked into the Reefsleep or Reefsuites. Just bare in mind if you want to do any snorkelling or diving to wait until afterwards if you’re drinking alcohol.

You also get morning tea on the boat before the waves pick up and it gets a little bumpy. This doesn’t last too long, and I didn’t see anyone sick on the boat so you should be fine unless you suffer from sea sickness easily.

You won’t get the pontoon to yourselves

Just an FYI but the day trippers arrive at 11am on the same boat as you, and they’ll be there until around 2:30pm. During this time the ReefWorld pontoon is pretty hectic and there are a lot of people around, especially on the bottom deck.

If you’re staying in the Reefsleep, you’ll be asked to leave your luggage at the top deck inside the roped off area only for Reefsleep guests. You won’t be able to access your tent until the boat leaves with the guests from the night before, until after 2:30pm when the day guests depart. Along with the day trippers, you’ll be served lunch on the boat you came on which is parked up next to the pontoon.

In the 3h30m that the day trippers are on the boat, you can go snorkelling or diving like we did. To be honest the time goes fast so you won’t feel like you’re waiting for the day trippers to leave, but it sure is a nice feeling when they do.

Should you go scuba diving or snorkelling?

You can snorkel and dive straight off the ReefWorld Pontoon into the Hardy Reef in the Great Barrier Reef! As we both have our scuba diving licence, we started with a dive off the old pontoon opposite ReefWorld.

Just to let you know, there are only two dive sites to choose from off ReefWorld. We also asked about night diving and they don’t run it due to health & safety.

While we noticed a lot of the coral was dead during our dive around the Hardy Reef, we got to see some cool underwater life, a standout being the giant clams. If you’re interested in diving at ReefWorld, you’ll only go around 10-12 metres deep because there’s not much to see if you go deeper. The visibility is pretty good and it’s a great spot for anyone looking to learn to dive or to try an introductory dive.

The snorkel safari guided snorkel tour will go along almost the same spot as we did during our dive but it’s an extra cost if you’re here on a day trip or if you’re a Reefsleep guest. If you’re staying in the Reefsuite, the snorkel safari is included in your booking.

We went for a snorkel off the pontoon after we woke up and it was actually a bit better than diving for us. This could have been because of the time of day and there being less people in the water at the time.

Jump on the free semi submersible tour

If you’re on a day trip or staying at ReefWorld, you can jump on the semi submersible tours which is a 30 minute boat ride underwater around the Hardy Reef so you’ll be able to see some tropical fish and coral while learning all about the Great Barrier Reef. This is a brilliant activity for families, and if you’re lucky you might even see some reef sharks and sea turtles.

Take a look in the underwater observatory at night time

If you don’t feel comfortable going on the semi submersible tour, you might prefer the the underwater observatory instead which is an underwater viewing chamber. Located on the pontoon, this is the perfect opportunity to see the fish underwater without having to go into the water. It’s also a better option if you suffer from claustrophobia and would prefer to pop down and back up above the sea level whenever you like, unlike the semi submersible tour.

At night time, make sure you pop down to the underwater observatory after dinner because you’ll more than likely see big schools of fish and the giant groper called George. It’s an amazing experience and definitely worth seeing.

Optional activities (paid tours to consider)

If you’re looking for more things to do aboard the Reefsleep, you can book the following tours while you’re on the boat on the way there:

Helicopter tour

Helicopter rides take place at the ReefWorld pontoon, which is also located near to the famous Heart Reef. The 10 minute tour is a great way to see the Great Barrier Reef from above which I highly recommend. We did this scenic seaplane ride on our last trip to Whitsundays which also included Whitehaven Beach on the amazing Whitsunday Island, an incredible experience from Airlie Beach.

Snorkelling safari

The guided snorkel tour (snorkel safari) is basically where you’ll be taken on a small boat near to the other pontoon (will take only a couple of minutes) and then drift back to the ReefWorld pontoon. On this tour you’ll learn all about the Great Barrier Reef and Hardy Reef as well as the coral and fish you’ll spot along the way.

Scuba diving

Book a scuba dive or introductory scuba diving experience and go a little deeper than you would snorkelling to see the fish and reef much closer.

Expect a lot of food

There’s so much delicious food already being dished out on the Reefsleep, you definitely won’t go hungry. We were given morning and afternoon teas, lunch, canapes, dinner, breakfast, followed by more morning teas, lunch and another afternoon tea. I think by the time we got to dinner, I was so full, I struggled to eat much more!

The only difference with the food is you’ll have your first lunch on the Cruise Whitsundays boat you arrived on, and your second lunch at the table on the deck of the pontoon. Lunch on the pontoon was a sit down meal rather than a buffet, but all the food was pretty good.

Free alcohol on board the Reefsleep

Reef suite and Reef sleep guests get free beer, wine and soft drinks from the beginning of the trip, although beer at the time of visiting was either Corona or Great Northern. If you want to order and cocktails or spirits, you’ll need to pay for them out of your own expense. I asked the crew if guests tend to get carried away with the free alcohol and they told us they don’t as many people tend to have a couple of quiet drinks when visiting.

What’s it like sleeping in the Reefsleep swag tents?

I was quite cold during my visit in the latter half of the day, but thankfully there are blankets you can use to keep warm. With that in mind, I wondered whether I was going to be really cold in the night. Truth be told, you won’t be cold at all.

I have never slept in a swag tent before and they are much more roomy than you think and super comfortable. These quality swag tents have secret storage containers inside the tent so you can put a few things in them. There’s also a light switch inside and a charging dock for a portable fan if needed. We didn’t use ours, but we kept a little bit of our tent open in the night anyway for a bit of air flow.

If you’re wondering about charging up your phone or camera, there are charging stations behind the bar, rather than in your tent.

One thing to note is that there are two covers to open to get in and out of the tent. If you leave one of them open, just make sure you use the clips to secure them, otherwise they will flap onto the tent in the night like ours did. I have seen photos of the tents being completely open but I don’t know how you open them up fully because it looked like they were properly zipped in.

There is a drawer below your tent (just like you’d have under your bed) to store your stuff in. As I mentioned before, I brought my carry on suitcase and it was a bit too big to put into the drawers. I would totally recommend bringing a small rucksack to be able to put it in your drawers easily.

Other than what the tent is like, remember you’ll be sleeping next to 11 other tents in what feels like a luxury glamping experience. However, lying in bed with the lights off, looking up at the night sky is an amazing experience and totally worth booking the trip for. We loved this and it really felt like a wow moment for us while out in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef.

You’ll share the bathroom and showers

If you’re staying in the Reeflseep, expect to share the bathroom and showers with everyone else. They are clean and modern with enough space to get changed and plug sockets to use a hairdryer etc.

What were the other guests like?

There was 17 of us staying in the Reefsleeps and Reefsuites and we managed to speak to most of the guest on the boat while we were there. It did feel a little segregated with the older Australians hanging out together, a couple of German travellers and then a group of English and Australians who met on the boat on the way there.

I think it’s very pot luck with the people you’ll be spending your time with, and could easily make or break the experience because you’re staying in such close proximities of each other. With that in mind, that wouldn’t put me off booking this incredible experience because it is a once in a lifetime trip that everyone should do.

What was the Reefsleep experience actually like?

While I found the boat ride over a little overwhelming, I really enjoyed seeing the reef and sleeping on the pontoon. Having done the Scenic Flight on our last trip, I remember us flying over the Reefsleep, and this time I just couldn’t believe we were actually spending a night in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef on that same pontoon!

I suppose I thought it was going to be much more chilled out than it was, purely because I didn’t realise the day trippers would be on the same pontoon as us.

Although the day trippers were only there for 3h30m, it did feel pretty cool seeing the boat leave us there to have the entire pontoon to ourselves. Maybe that made it feel extra special for us.

Our guests did tend to keep to their own groups but I think it’s totally pot luck with the guests you’ll get on the trip so don’t worry too much about connecting with everyone.

I have to highlight that the crew are excellent here and I have to give a special shout out to Nat who looked after all of us so effortlessly, I thought she was brilliant.

Would I do it again?

I’m glad we got to experience the Reefsleep and I can see why it’s such an amazing experience and opportunity to spend a night on the Great Barrier Reef in a special way. Being able to see the sunrise from one side of the boat and sunset from the other side is a pretty cool experience.

So, you should absolutely book either the Reefsleep or Reefsuite trip as you won’t find anything else like it in the Whitsundays!

Wondering where to stay in Airlie Beach?

If you’re staying in Airlie Beach I highly recommend these places:

• Luxury : Coral Sea Marina Resort – we stayed here and it’s fantastic (pictured). The outdoor pool is an amazing spot to kick back at sunset on the day bed with a cocktail in hand.
• Luxury : Mirage Whitsundays – five minute drive from Airlie Beach with outdoor pool and beautiful palm trees.
• Mid range : Whitsunday Terraces Resort – jaw-dropping views overlooking the Whitsundays and Airlie Beach.
• Backpacker : Magnums – legendary and long standing backpacker resort for party goers.

Other things to do in Whitsundays

I highly recommend staying at Palm Bay Resort on Long Island. Seriously this place has our heart. We stayed here for our honeymoon and it honestly is a cool adults only island at an affordable price.

For tours, read our full guide for the Best Whitsunday Tours so help you plan your trip!

If you’re looking for day trips to Whitehaven Beach, I highly recommend either Ocean Rafting or Red Cat Adventures . We have done both of them, and they are excellent.

For islands, I have heard Hook Island and Hayman Island are supposed to be incredible with South Molle Island being an underrated island to visit on this jet ski adventure .

And if you’re staying in Airlie Beach, check out our Best Things To Do In Airlie Beach guide. We share everything there is to do including visiting the amazing Conway National Park, Cedar Creek Falls and some local hidden restaurants.

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REEFSLEEP SERENITY

Limited time deal - discover the Outer Reef, sleep under the stars in paradise and relax in a modern apartment in Airlie Beach with Reefsleep Serenity! 

• Two days of adventure on the Reefsleep tour including snorkelling, scuba diving, guided snorkel safaris, sunset nibbles with food and alcohol included.
• Overnight stay in your own deluxe Double Reefbed where you will fall asleep under the stars! 
• Two nights in your own deluxe Airlie Searene apartment with a wet edge pool and private balcony. 
• Really unwind and extend your stay at Airlie Searene with an extra night or two

Spend two days exploring the wondrous Outer Great Barrier Reef and one night in your own unforgettable Reefbed with the delightful Reefsleep tour ! Continue your getaway at Searene Apartments , with two nights in a private, modern apartment with a wet edge pool overlooking Airlie Beach and the Coral Sea. And the holiday doesn’t have to stop there, with an optional extra night at Sereane Apartments available for a fraction of the usual cost.

The Reefsleep Serenity package is an unforgettable, unique experience amongst one of the world’s seven wonders. Fill your days with sunshine, saltwater, marine creature sightings and sunset nibbles and adorn your nights with starry skies and island magic. Rest assured our travel experts will look after the little details like courtesy transfers, accommodation and a brilliant itinerary so you can grab your holiday hat and enjoy the Whitsundays!

Reefsleep Highlights

• 2 days on Reefworld pontoon 
• Overnight stay in your own alfresco, starlit Reefbed
• Drinks included (wine, beer, cider and soft drink)
• Delicious catering provided
• Maximum 24 guests
• Tea and coffee included
• Access to Reefworld snorkelling, sun lounges, underwater observatory and more
• Add ons such as scuba diving and scenic flights available at extra costs

Searene Highlights

• Two nights in a private, deluxe apartment
• Choose between a studio apartment or a two bedroom apartment
• Modern, open plan living Equipped kitchenette
• Private balcony 
• Bathtub and modern bathroom
• Wet edge infinity pool with a view
• Television and wifi
• Continental breakfast 

Please refer to your ticket for accommodation check-in and check-out times before arrival.

The beauty and adventure of the Whitsundays are at your fingertips. And, with a side of deluxe, modern accommodation to rest your head at night, the Reefsleep Serenity package will provide you with modern comforts and natural wonders!

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Airlie Beach

Check in to your chic Searene Apartment (check ticket for times) and settle into paradise! Dive into the stunning wet edge pool overlooking the Coral Sea, sun lounge under the sun or enjoy a good book and glass of wine on your private studio balcony. We recommend a wander down to the heart of Airlie (only a 10-minute walk) and enjoy tapas and dinner, seaside style...

Check in to your chic Searene Apartment (check ticket for times) and settle into paradise! Dive into the stunning wet edge pool overlooking the Coral Sea, sun lounge under the sun or enjoy a good book and glass of wine on your private studio balcony. We recommend a wander down to the heart of Airlie (only a 10-minute walk) and enjoy tapas and dinner, seaside style, and perhaps a bit of live music. Head back up to the apartment for an early one to refresh for your day of Airlie exploration tomorrow!

Day 2: Explore Airlie Beach 

A free day in Airlie Beach is yours today, where you will find plenty of local activities like hiking, restaurants, bars and swimming spots. Whatever your style, Airlie Beach’s seaside township is a vibrant and diverse scene. Whether you’re chilling out by the lagoon, heading to Cedar Creek Falls or enjoying waterfront cocktails, soak up the charm of Airlie Beach your way! If you can’t get enough of the islands, our variety of day tour deals can take you to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitsunday Island for the unmissable beach day in an island paradise.

Day 3: Reefworld Pontoon & starlit Reefsleep bed

Have a morning coffee on your private deck or squeeze in a morning swim before checkout. Embark on your Cruise Whitsunday vessel at around 8 am to enjoy a speedy scenic cruise through the rolling, lush Whitsunday Islands! Gaze out at the breathtaking sights and glistening waters on your way to the Outer Reef Reefworld Pontoon, arriving at approximately 11 am. The marvels of the Outer Great Barrier Reef await you, so dive in to discover the friendly fish, turtles and brilliant corals! With snorkelling included and scuba diving and guided snorkel tours available for booking , there is an abundance of ways to discover this worldy phenomenon! 

Once all the day guests leave at around 3 pm, the pontoon is all yours. Chose to enjoy antipasto nibbles at sunset, or dive back in for a private twilight snorkel. A decadent dinner menu and drinks await you before you mosey to your deluxe alfresco Reefbed. Unzip your spacious glamping swag to delight in the cool sea breeze while you gaze up at twinkling stars, ever so far away from the light pollution of the city. Let the sound of the ocean lull you to sleep on this unique Reefsleep experience. A tip for those who love a sunrise, wake up a little earlier to catch those striking golden hues emerging over the horizon, with a cup of coffee in hand! 

Day 4: Reefworld Pontoon 

Day 4 is your oyster, and you can choose to get back into the water for more snorkelling and diving or to relax aboard the abundant Reefworld pontoon! With relaxed deck loungers, sun-filled days and an onboard bar, breathe easy and turn on holiday mode. Head down to the underwater observatory for a glimpse into the wonderful ocean life below, or even book a scenic flight to see the dazzling Outer Reef from above (conditions permitting). Arrive back into Airlie Beach by around 6 pm.

If you're looking for additional accommodation towards the end of your stay, enquire with us to receive discounted rates on additional nights at your Searene Studio apartment ! If you’re not one to cut your holiday short, spend another day in paradise... whether you’re heading back out to the glorious Whitsunday Islands, embarking on a regional road trip to Bowen or just want to chill out by the pool and slow things down, a longer holiday was never a bad idea!

Departs/Returns

Airlie Beach - Port of Airlie Marina

• Departs: 8:00am
• Returns: 6:05pm (the next day)

*All timings are approximates only. Please allow space in your itinerary for slight schedule changes and amendm...

*All timings are approximates only. Please allow space in your itinerary for slight schedule changes and amendments. 

More Information

What to bring.

• Please refer to Reefsleep’s packing list

What's Included

• Two days on Reefsleep’s Pontoon 
• One night of Reefsleep starlit accommodation
• Meals and alcohol during your Reefsleep tour
• Two nights in a private Searene studio apartment or two bedroom apartment
• Fresh linen
• All marine park permit fees
• Courtesy transport

What's Extra

• Additional third night in Searene Apartments
• Cocktails and spirits
• Photographs
• Scenic flights
• Guided snorkelling tours
• Scuba diving (subject to age and medical conditions). 

If you would like to add scuba diving or a guided snorkel to your booking, please book here . Please provide your "SW" booking reference from your Reefsleep tour when making your scuba diving payment/booking.

Terms and Conditions

Important Information:

Children under 12 are not permitted aboard this experience for safety reasons.

Blackout periods or minimum stays may apply over peak holiday periods.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 

Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.

Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 

Transfers are at an additional cost. Please enquire if you would like to add transfers to your booking.

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies.

Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.

Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees. You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations :

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. Cancellations made 30 days prior to travel date forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to [email protected]. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.

Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Sailing Whitsundays retail outlet located Airlie Beach, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Mr Travel online department.

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.

Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Sailing Whitsundays/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.

Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel/Sailing Whitsundays.  If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.

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Reef Sleep Whitsundays: A Great Barrier Reef Underwater Hotel & Glamping Experience

Would you believe me if I told you that you could camp under the stars with 360-degree views of the Great Barrier Reef?

What if instead of camping, you could go glamping , sleep on a comfy mattress, and have all your meals prepared for you?

What if you could wake up in the middle of nowhere to barista-made coffee (made with an actual espresso machine)?

OK I’M LISTENING!

Nope, I’m not talking about staying at a luxury resort on one of Queensland, Australia’s stunning islands (as far as I know, you don’t get 360-views from them).

This is something WAY more unique that I don’t think many people know about yet, something that you’re gonna wanna put on your travel bucket list ASAP.

Allow me to introduce you to Reef Sleep : a luxury glamping experience on a pontoon in the Whitsundays’ Great Barrier Reef!

But first, we need to get two things out of the way before we dive in:

1 – Unfortunately this is yet another installment in the Lindsay Gets Seasick series. If you’re new around here, I have a terrible, sporadic, and seemingly incurable habit of getting seasick on boats … and now, pontoons. More on this shortly, but just wanted to mention it upfront and apologize for the lack of variety of photos in this post. I had grand plans of flying my drone, snapping some underwater photos, doing some long exposure tripod shots at night… but it was all but impossible when I could barely bring myself to be anything but horizontal for 90% of the time :(

2 – Reef Sleep is not a cheap experience; it’s a bucket list item, and a splurge, and IMO it’s well worth the cost. At the time of publishing this article (November 2022), one night at Reefsleep Whitsundays costs $1220 AUD (US$818 ) for 2 people. We received a generous media discount from Cruise Whitsundays for our stay, but I was prepared to pay in full.

Table of Contents

The Reef Sleep Itinerary

Reef Sleep is operated in conjunction with the Full Day Adventure , which is a day trip to the Reef World pontoon.

What this means is that at 8am, both Reef Sleep guests and day trippers board the same boat from Airlie Beach and spend the afternoon together on the Reefworld pontoon (along with the previous night’s ReefSleep guests). ReefSleep guests get to enjoy priority boarding and reserved seating on the boat.

The boat ride from Airlie Beach to the pontoon is 3 hours (8-11am). At 9am, the boat stops at Hamilton Island to pick up more guests and then continues on to Hardy Reef.

From 11am-3pm, the pontoon is busy with day trippers getting all their snorkeling time in, while last night’s Reef Sleep guests occupy their glamping beds (which are converted to day beds during the day). If it’s Day 1 of Reef Sleep for you, you’re not yet allowed into the bed area, but are free to sunbathe on the main deck area, swim, snorkel, or book a dive or snorkel safari. You’ll also be served lunch on the boat with all the day trippers (which pales in comparison to what you’ll eat when your Reef Sleep adventure properly starts later in the day!).

At 2pm, last night’s ReefSleep-ers vacate the beds and around 2:30pm, the new Reef Sleep guests are “checked in” to their beds for the next 24 hours or so.

At 3pm, the daytrippers + the Reef Sleep guests from the night before depart for Airlie. This is when your Reef Sleep experience really begins!

Around 5pm, drinks and canapes are served downstairs.

Dinner is served downstairs around 6pm, followed by dessert.

The next day, the buffet breakfast begins at 7am downstairs. Some kind of snack is offered around 10am, and then lunch is served at 12pm *upstairs* near the ReefSleep beds (away from the daytrippers).

At 2pm, you must vacate your bed and the ReefSleep area, but you’re free to relax on the main deck area or boat until you depart at 3pm.

The boat arrives back at Hamilton Island at 5pm, and Airlie Beach at 6pm.

The Reefworld Pontoon

The Reefworld pontoon is sectioned off in 4 quadrants across two levels:

The bottom level has the snorkel and dive deck on one side, and a dining table, underwater observatory, underwater hotel room, and I’m assuming the kitchen and staff area on the other side.

The top level has an open deck with tables, chairs, and recliners on one side, and the private ReefSleep area with the glamping tents on the other side. If you’re doing the day trip or it’s Day 1 of your ReefSleep experience, you’re pretty much limited to half of the top deck if you want to relax and sunbathe; if it’s Day 2 of ReefSleep for you, you’ll want to be on the other half of the top deck, relaxing on your bed or the bean bag loungers.

Toilets and showers are located in the middle of the top deck and honestly, they are nicer and cleaner than some caravan park bathrooms I’ve encountered. Showers are only available to ReefSleep guests and therefore only open outside of day trip hours. And yes, they do actually have hot water – you just have to use it sparingly so that everyone else can enjoy it too.

The Reef Sleep Beds (Glamping Tents)

ReefSleep Whitsundays guests have access to the private half of the top deck (where the beds are) from 2:30pm on Day 1 to 2pm on Day 2.

Judging from old photos I found online, it seems the ReefSleep glamping situation has improved significantly since ReefWorld opened up in late 2019. Originally they had swags set up all around the top deck (not just on one side) – like, actual swags you would take camping… which to be honest, would still be pretty epic.

But 3 years on, they’ve upgraded the swags to actual queen beds on a platform, with a pull-out drawer underneath for storage, two small drawers inside (at the headboard), a shelf above the headboard, an overhead light, a few USB outlets, and two tiny portable fans you can plug in to keep cool. It’ll probably be the most comfortable sleep you’ve ever had outdoors!

Note that they don’t provide blankets on the beds, just a top sheet, so pack layers if you tend to get cold. I slept in a thin jumper (sweatshirt) and pajama shorts. The pillows and mattress were very comfortable.

Like a swag, the Reef Sleep beds have a couple of flaps you can zip up to make your bed into a tent. One layer is a screen, while the other is water resistant canvas that helps keep you dry if it rains. I found it very hot and stuffy when zipped up all the way, so slept with the flaps cracked open a little bit. If the weather is clear and not too cold, you’ll want to sleep with the flaps all the way open for optimal stargazing.

Early in the evening, we got hit with a quick rain and some heavy winds and our beds remained dry when zipped up. After the storm, we got to watch lightning in the distance that lasted for HOURS – it was seriously so cool. I may not have been able to eat dinner, but at least I could watch the lightning and then later on, the stars, all while laying in bed nauseous.

Also worth noting is that they turn on a neon blue light by the snorkel deck to attract more fish at night. This happened to be right in front of our bed, so I was able to watch these massive groupers swim around in the dark. One was definitely over a meter long!

Reefsleep beds are spaced about a meter apart around the edge of one side of the top deck. We got lucky with a bed that faced the sunrise, which meant we didn’t have to move an inch to watch it after waking up. (BTW, do you love how I switched from meters to inches in 2 seconds there? Welcome to life as an American in Australia, 8 years on!)

Late morning on Day 2, staff will tuck away the flaps and turn your bed into a day bed so you can lounge on it in-between swims without having to lay on wet sheets.

Reef Suites: A Great Barrier Reef Underwater Hotel

BY THE WAY… there is one liiiiiiiittle thing you can do to upgrade your experience at Reef World: book one of the Reef Suites ! If you’ve ever wanted to stay at a Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel, this is your chance.

Reef Suites Whitsundays is the first Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel. Instead of a fancy glamping tent on the top deck, you’ll be staying below deck amongst the thousands of fish that occupy the waters immediately surrounding the Reef World pontoon. From bed, you’ll be able to watch all sorts of sea life at all hours of the day through floor-to-ceiling windows.

If you do end up swapping stargazing for fish viewing from bed by choosing Reef Suites over Reef Sleep, rest assured that you’ll still be able to experience everything that the Reef Sleep guests do: the two experiences are exactly the same, minus the sleep situation. And on Day 2, the staff will set up one of the day beds on the top deck for you so you can relax with the Reef Sleep-ers away from the day trippers.

A Reef Suite costs $1400 for one person and $1990 for two people sharing. There are only two Reef Suites available to book on the Reef World pontoon, so be sure to book well in advance if you want to experience this amazing Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel room!

Food at Reefsleep

If you’re at all worried about what the food at Reef Sleep is like, rest assured that you will eat WELL and OFTEN.

Lunch on Day 1 is served on the day trip boat for Reef Sleep-ers, Reef Suite-ers, and day trippers. It’s available from approx. 11:30am-1:30pm and you’re free to re-enter the boat at any time to grab some food or cool off in the aircon.

There’s also some light food and snacks served on the boat both on the way out to Hardy Reef and on the way back to Airlie Beach.

All of the boat food is pretty average, nothing special – which I think is good because it make you appreciate the amazing food you’re served once the day trip boat leaves for the day!

At 3pm, daytrippers depart for Airlie, and Reef Sleep and Reef Suites guests get to enjoy the rest of their time on the ReefWorld pontoon with a bit more luxury – and that includes the food.

Drinks and canapes are served downstairs around 5pm, or just before sunset. Wine and beer are included, while cocktails are at an additional cost. And when I say canapes, I don’t just mean cheese and crackers; they served some seriously delicious-looking bites to eat before dinner, with seafood . The staff were nice enough to bring up a plate of canapes to our bed for Pete to enjoy while he sat with seasick me.

For dinner, we were served steak on a bed of veggies and mash (there was also an option of chicken for anyone who didn’t eat red meat, and a vegetarian option as well). I recall one of the staff asking us on the boat ride over what our dinner preferences were. Dessert was some “double or triple chocolate thing”, according to Pete (he’s not the best at details, hah, but said he enjoyed it). I ate precisely none of the food served to us this evening and it KILLED ME.

The next morning, the breakfast buffet opened at 7am and we were free to take whatever we liked from the spread, which included a variety of noms like scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado/guacamole, fresh fruit salad, granola/muesli, yogurt, and possibly a few other items I missed because I was slightly distracted by THE ESPRESSO MACHINE.

Yes, there is a proper espresso machine on a pontoon in the Great Barrier Reef, can you even believe it?! I got to order my usual flat white, which I definitely had not expected to be able to do. I couldn’t quite stomach it though, mostly because I was still recovering from seasickness but also because I didn’t like the taste of the beans or milk they used. I think that’s more of a me problem though (big coffee snob over here, as you know). Pete thoroughly enjoyed his chai latte, which he ordered more of later in the day as well.

Later in the morning, I believe we were offered some nibbles to snack on before lunch at 12pm. Chicken and salmon were the lunch options, followed by a layered fruit and yogurt cup for dessert. Day 2 lunch was the only meal served at the upstairs table, which is situated in the middle of the Reef Sleep side of the top deck. I guess they have to do it that way so that the daytrippers don’t see the ReefSleep-ers having fancier food?

To sum it up: the food at ReepSleep is very good, better than what you’d have on most any other boat trip in the Whitsundays.

Snorkeling at Reef World

Snorkeling is included with your ReefSleep Whitsundays booking. Whenever the snorkeling platform is ‘open’, you can feel free to head down to the dive deck, grab a stinger suit, snorkel, mask, and fins, and hop into the water to have a swim or snorkel.

NOTE: Stinger season in the Whitsundays is typically October to May, when the water is warmer. While the odds of getting stung by a jellyfish are very low, you do NOT want to F with them. It just isn’t worth the pain and potential damage a sting could cause you. So be sure to wear a stinger suit if you go in the water during these months!

There are ropes set up just off the ReefWorld pontoon which you can use to pull yourself along while snorkeling – especially helpful for going against the current with minimal effort. There are also a couple of small floating platform-like things you can hold onto if you want to take a little break from swimming but don’t want to get out of the water. And don’t forget to look underneath the pontoon while snorkeling – there are SO many fish there!

As many other ReefSleep reviews will recommend, it’s best to snorkel before or after the daytrippers do (so, outside of 11am-3pm). The fish will be more active with fewer people around and closer to the start and end of the day. I believe the snorkel deck closes at 5pm and reopens at 8am the next morning (or at least it did when we visited in late October; times may vary depending on the time of year).

So what can you do from 11-3 instead of snorkeling? On Day 1 you don’t have access to your glamping beds yet, so during this time you can relax on the main deck or boat (note that the boat has aircon, the pontoon does not), check out the underwater observatory, or take a quick glass bottom boat tour over the reef. All of these are included with your ReefSleep booking free of charge.

Or, you might opt for an optional extra paid activity…

Optional Extra Activities At Reef World

There are plenty of opportunities to upgrade your Reef Sleep experience if you’ve got extra cash to spend. They’ll all be mentioned on the boat ride to the reef and you can either book while on the boat, or later on while on the pontoon.

Snorkel safari – Want to be taken to the best parts of the reef and learn about what you’re seeing? Book a guided snorkel safari to make the most of your snorkeling time on ReefSleep. I believe the price is around $60 or so per person.

Diving – Whether it’s your first time or your 50th dive, nearly anyone can sign up to dive Hardy Reef while on Reefsleep Whitsundays. For certified divers, one dive costs $112 and each additional dive is $60. Dives are guided by staff and all dive equipment is available on the pontoon, so no need to BYO. For first-time divers, an intro “Discover Scuba” dive costs $142 (plus $60 for a second dive) and it’s prefaced with a lesson on how to use the equipment and what to do while on the dive.

Photos – On the boat back to Airlie Beach, you can purchase photos that staff took of you on the pontoon and in the water. I believe they have all the photos taken that day available to browse on an iPad before purchasing.

Scenic helicopter flights – Having done a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef on my first trip to the Whitsundays 8 years ago, I can HIGHLY recommend this as an add-on to ReefSleep. You’ll fly over the iconic Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach before reaching Heart Reef (yes, there really is a heart-shaped reef!). If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you, flying over the Great Barrier Reef is a must do.

We were quoted somewhere in the $400’s for a 40-minute scenic flight that finished at Hamilton Island, but you should be able to book one that starts and ends at the pontoon (I assume this would be slightly cheaper, but don’t quote me on that). You may also be able to bargain a cheaper fare at the last minute, as pilots always want to fill their aircraft rather than fly with empty seats (we were offered about $100 off each for a last-minute flight).

If you have limited time in the Whitsundays and flying over the reef is a priority, it makes sense to book a scenic flight add-on in advance. Otherwise if you have more time, you can opt to book a scenic flight that departs from Airlie Beach instead of flying during ReefSleep.

Can I Hire/Rent An Underwater Camera For ReefSleep?

Having retired my old GoPro4, I’ve been without an underwater camera for years now and wouldn’t really use one enough to justify buying it. So I spent some time researching options for renting camera housing or an underwater camera in Airlie Beach.

Unfortunately… there are none (unless they don’t have an online presence and therefore didn’t pop up during my extensive research).

However, there IS one semi-secret option you may be able to take advantage of. There are a few GoPro9 ‘s available for hire for the day during day trip hours (you hire them on the boat, not on the pontoon). On the boat trip to the reef, the staff will do a LOT of talking about what to expect on the day and what options are available. They’ll mention the GoPros for hire and that it’s first come, first served. So if you want to hire a GoPro to snap some photos while snorkeling, raise your hand right away for it.

GoPro hire for the day is either $80 or $90 (I can’t recall, darn seasick brain!) and includes an SD card you get to keep afterwards. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to keep the GoPro for the entire ReefSleep experience, it’s just for use while the day trippers are there… which means you’ve got to use it from 11am-3pm on Day 1, and return it to the boat staff before the boat heads back to Airlie for the night.

Personally, I think you’d be better off investing in some underwater housing for your iPhone instead – it’s pretty affordable, you get to keep it for future water activities, and can use it outside of day trip hours while at ReefSleep.

CLICK TO BUY THE AQUATECH AXISGO IPHONE WATERPROOF PHONE HOUSING

Will I Get Seasick At Reef World?

Unless you’re me, almost definitely not 😛

The boat is fairly large and stable, so even on choppy waters you shouldn’t feel too much shaky movement. Sometimes the water can be a bit rougher as you get out closer to Hardy Reef and the pontoon, but usually it’s pretty smooth sailing otherwise.

Then once you arrive at the pontoon, you’re on a platform that you typically won’t feel moving. Unfortunately when we visited, the current was strong and the overnight storms had apparently caused a little more movement than usual in the pontoon. I could feel it swaying lightly back and forth for most of our stay. Again, unless you tend to get seasick often, this likely won’t bother you at all.

So how the heck did I manage to get seasick on Reef Sleep? Well for me, seasickness usually happens in the moments after the boat stops moving, and before we’re allowed off of it. Those few minutes of the boat churning in the water as the crew is in the process of docking it can sometimes send my body haywire and make me feel as if I just finished 10 consecutive go’s on the Mad Tea Party (spinning tea cup) ride at Disneyland.

I also realized afterwards that the ginger tablets I took to prevent motion sickness are pretty useless. What I should have taken is a motion sickness prevention pill that has some other active ingredients in it (the Aussie equivalent of the Dramamine, whatever that is). And what I REALLY needed (but can’t get in Australia) is a prescription like Scopolamine.

Once I start feeling seasick, the only thing I can really do is lay down and sleep it off – so that’s how I spent 90% of my Reef Sleep Whitsundays experience :(

BUT, I have to commend the Cruise Whitsundays ReefSleep staff for being so accommodating and caring while I was feeling seasick. Paige was the one in charge during our stay and she couldn’t have been more helpful and kind to me. From the frequent check-ins to the hydralyte and toast deliveries straight to my bed to even inquiring if it might be possible for us to depart sooner via helicopter, she was absolutely amazing and made me feel so taken care of. It’s service like this that can turn a terrible experience into a salvageable one, and I’m so grateful to her for doing that for me.

That’s why I can look back at my experience and see more positive than negative. Sure, I felt sick and couldn’t eat any of the incredible food, but I got to enjoy 5-star service and 360-degree reef views from bed for 24 hours, which is pretty spectacular.

What To Bring (+ NOT Bring) To ReefSleep

There’s a short packing list on the Cruise Whitsundays site that outlines what to bring to Reef Sleep.

In addition to these, I’d also recommend packing:

• A light layer to wear at night, even during summer (it can get windy)
• Headphones (to entertain yourself on the 3-hour boat ride to/from the pontoon, or block out the noise of the daytrippers)

More importantly, there are a few things you actually DON’T need to take with you which will help keep your bag lighter:

• Bath towel and beach towel (they provide beach towels on Day 1 when you arrive on the pontoon, and bath towels on your bed when they do turn down late-afternoon on Day 1)
• Shampoo and bath soap (dispensers are in the shower)
• Coffee (they have an actual espresso machine!)
• A soft bag to carry all your belongings in (well, you can , but it’s not required like it is when you book a Whitsundays sailing trip . You’re allowed to bring a suitcase, but only a carry-on size would fit in the drawer below your bed).

Is Reef Sleep Worth It?

As of November 2022, Reef Sleep Whitsundays costs $1220 for two people (sharing a bed), or $815 for one person (own bed). Reef Suites (the underwater hotel room) costs $1990 for two people or $1400 for one person.

If your eyebrows went up at these prices, I feel you. It’s certainly not a budget travel experience, but rather something you might plan to save up and budget for on your trip to the Whitsundays.

But consider what you’re getting with the Reef Sleep experience.

You’re essentially getting to do the Great Barrier Reef Full Day Adventure snorkelling day trip TWICE – that’s $299 x 2 x 2 people, which is $1196. Already that’s about what Reef Sleep costs ($1220).

In addition to that, you get an additional 20 hours on the pontoon free of crowds, during which you can snorkel, relax on your private day bed-turned-glamping tent, enjoy 3 meals with table service, and take advantage of the free wine and beer.

When you look at it this way, it’s an absolute no-brainer: Reef Sleep is worth it, no question , when you break down the numbers.

Is Reef Sleep worth it from an experience perspective? 100% yes, and I say this having spent the majority of the trip nauseous and laying down not doing anything.

I’ve been lucky enough to have snorkeled several different areas in the Great Barrier Reef and I’d rank Hardy Reef as being one of the better spots in terms of how active the sea life was when we snorkeled (around 9am, pre-daytripper arrival). So if snorkeling and fish spotting are important to you, you won’t be disappointed with ReefSleep.

In terms of service, I was very impressed with the staff we had. Everyone I interacted with was so nice and happy to help us however they could.

As for the food on ReefSleep, well, I couldn’t stomach any of it due to nausea… but Pete said it was great, and the other guests seemed to enjoy it. I did manage to show up for breakfast on Day 2 to nibble on some fruit, and the buffet spread they had out for us was pretty impressive (probably better than any hotel breakfast you could have back in Airlie Beach).

And lastly: how often do you get a chance to fall asleep under the stars and wake up surrounded by 50 shades of blue water? Glamping anywhere is amazing, but glamping on a pontoon in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef is such a unique luxury travel experience. This is definitely one for the bucket list!

Want More To Do In The Whitsundays?

Check out these blog posts:

• 15 Things To Do In The Whitsundays Besides Sailing
• Solway Lass 3D/3N Whitsundays Sailing Trip
• Whitsunday Blue 3D/3N Whitsundays Sailing Trip
• Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight
• Camping on South Molle Island

Thank you to Cruise Whitsundays for a generous media discount on Reef Sleep Whitsundays. Note that all opinions expressed here and elsewhere on this blog are my unbiased own, and are uninfluenced by any gifts or incentives I may receive.

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