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Explore the Whitsundays

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.

Our Experiences

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.

We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging, and commit to building a brighter future together.

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Australia's First Underwater Hotel Lets You Sleep Next to Fish in the Great Barrier Reef

By Kris Fordham

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I am 15 feet underwater, in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef . In front of me, fish of every size, shape, and color—tiny orange-and-white striped clownfish, silvery giant trevally, candy-colored parrot fish—are swimming around in a joyful frenzy. I feel like I’ve crashed some sort of underwater dance party. Suddenly, the fish dart away at a dizzying speed. Out of the depths, a hideous, shark-like creature with mottled gray skin and bulging eyes emerges, and begins slinking towards me. Suddenly, his jaws open, revealing rows upon rows of thin, sharp teeth. I scuttle backward, only to find myself trapped—by a pile of soft, thick pillows. I laugh, flooded with relief. This sea monster can’t possibly touch me: I’m watching this entire scene unfold from my king-size bed, in a glass-walled hotel suite beneath the Coral Sea.

Moments like this happen frequently at Reefsuites , Australia’s first underwater hotel . The hotel, which opened this past December just off Hardy Reef, consists of just two suites suspended beneath a floating pontoon managed by luxury tourism operator Cruise Whitsundays . Reaching it is a trek—from Brisbane, it’s an hour-and-a-half flight to Airlie Beach, then a three-hour boat ride over to the reef. But in this undersea sanctuary, you can observe 1,500 species of fish, as well as turtles, rays, and yes, even sea monsters from floor-to-ceiling windows, all without wetting a single toe.

Over breakfast, I tell Thorin, a snorkel instructor, about my near-encounter with the sea monster. “Oh, that’s George—he’s deadly,” he says of the Queensland Groper. “He ate a shark once. Last week, he swallowed a whole turtle. He spat out the shell and we found it under the pontoon.”

I’m reminded of this as I sit in bed later that morning, sipping coffee while admiring a green sea turtle glide innocently through the turquoise waters. George’s dinner, I think to myself, a little sadly. Poor thing. And then I watch as the turtle sidles up behind a peacefully bobbing jellyfish and casually rips it in half with its teeth, slurping up its tentacles like spaghetti.

One of the rooms at the newly opened Reefsuites, Australia's first underwater hotel.

“It’s wild out there,” says Gabriella, a Reefsuites concierge, as she shows me around my suite. She gestures outside the window at a giant trevally tailing a tiny striped clownfish. “This is not an aquarium. This is the ocean. This is the reef.”

Her words echo in my mind. This is not an aquarium. This is the reef.

As a native Australian, I’m all too aware of how fragile the environment is, and how crucial it is to respect it. As I write this, deadly fires rage across the country —my own hometown of Sydney is engulfed in smoke and ash. And it was only two years ago that Cyclone Debbie tore through the Whitsundays, leaving entire islands stripped bare and destroying homes, hotels, and infrastructure. The Great Barrier Reef suffered extensive damage, with some reefs seeing a 95 percent loss of coral—a further blow to an ecosystem already threatened by the effects of climate change (like coral bleaching), and natural predators like coral-killing starfish. In a region still very much in recovery, are tourist attractions like Reefsuites adding further harm?

It’s a question worth asking. In the past year alone, the region has seen an unprecedented number of new tourism developments . The Queensland Government, in an effort to revitalize the region post-Debbie, pumped $25 million into new attractions, including luxury hotels like the newly reopened InterContinental Hayman Island Resort , a six-sculpture underwater exhibit, and a permanent underwater museum—the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere—set to open in March. The launch of Cruise Whitsundays’ $8 million pontoon—a two-story, 6,000-square-foot floating platform aptly named Reefworld—this past December has lured an additional 300 visitors out to the reef for snorkeling and diving day trips; of these, 28 stay the night in swag tents on the pontoon's upper deck (a glamping-beneath-the-stars experience called Reefsleep ), while four head down to spend the night in an underwater Reefsuite.

“It gives more people the chance to see the Great Barrier Reef,” says Kate Jones, Queensland’s Minister for Tourism Industry Development. “Thanks to this new attraction, we’re expecting an extra 60,000 visitors per year to the Whitsundays.” (The region currently receives more than 2 million visitors annually.)

The increased tourism is, of course, terrific for the economy: Reefworld alone is expected to bring in an extra $23 million for local businesses. And the attractions themselves are certainly well-intentioned: new hotels, like the 100 percent solar-powered Elysian , show a deep commitment to sustainability, and the Museum of Underwater Art aims to increase awareness of the environmental issues affecting the Great Barrier Reef. But as I watch hundreds of day-trippers pour off the boat from Airlie and plop one-by-one into the shimmering water, making a beeline for the reef, I’m reminded of the tourists swarming Machu Picchu and the congested sands of Boracay —and I can’t help but wonder if our increased presence might only be damaging the precious landscape we came all this way to see.

“When you have 300 people going out on the same section of reef every day, then yes, there’s bound to be some localized damage to the reef,” says marine biologist Johnny Gaskell, who is based on nearby Daydream Island. “Usually, though, it’s not permanent, as corals do recover rather quickly from physical damage, granted it’s not from a cyclone. By concentrating tourism to one small section of the reef, and by carefully managing and controlling it, you’re ultimately able to protect other sites that are more vulnerable and in need of recovery.”

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

That’s good news—except that tourism on the reef doesn’t exactly seem all that “concentrated.” Reefworld operates off of Hardy Reef, while the underwater art installations can be found scattered all throughout the reef, from Magnetic Island and John Brewer Reef all the way down to Langford Spit. Still, Gaskell says that development is strictly controlled and that tourism sites are carefully selected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA). In fact, only 8 percent of the entire reef is set aside for tourism. (For perspective, the whole of the Great Barrier Reef is larger than Italy , spanning a 135,000-square-mile area. That means roughly 9,000 square miles are allocated to tourists—which is geographically huge, but just a small part of the overall reef).

Gaskell also adds that tourism operators are not only limited in where they can operate on the reef, but how. All operators are required by the GBRMPA to acquire a permit ensuring that they meet strict environmental standards during construction and operation, and work closely with the GBRMPA to monitor visitor behavior and reef health. Additionally, all tourism operators like Cruise Whitsundays are required to pay an environmental management charge of $6.50 per visitor to the GBRMPA, part of which goes toward protection and conservation activities, as well as toward environmental research. This means that every tourist, whether they’re aware of it or not, is actually helping to fund conservation efforts on the reef.

“Overall, tourism has a negligible impact on the reef,” says David Wachenfeld, chief scientist at the GBRMPA. “In fact, some of the reef’s highest coral densities are found at the most heavily visited tourism sites, due to tourism operators managing the site so carefully. Without question, climate change is the greatest source of impact to the reef.”

But what about Reefsuites? Surely these luxury underwater suites must leave a greater impact on the reef than the snorkeling exploits of your average day-trip visitor?

“Having fully submerged suites doesn't impact the reef,” says Luke Walker, Chief Operating Officer of Journey Beyond, Cruise Whitsundays' parent company. “The physical impact of adding the underwater suites to a standard pontoon design is negligible. We've had significant input from the GBRMPA to ensure the protection of the reef at every stage of development.”

Reefworld, Cruise Whitsundays' floating pontoon, on which Reefsleep and Reefsuites are located.

Gaskell seconds this. “As far as I know, Reefsuites has no greater impact on the reef than having a boat out there,” he says. “Besides, any small impact is outweighed by the value it brings. It’s one thing to go out snorkeling or fishing for the day, and another thing entirely to spend the night underwater, surrounded by marine life. It allows people to make a connection with the environment that they wouldn’t otherwise get, and that makes all the difference.”

So while this idea—that added tourism can actually do more good than harm—sounds counterintuitive, especially when you consider places like Venice , Dubrovnik, and Angkor Wat , which struggle routinely with overtourism —it makes sense. It wasn’t until this trip, as I snorkeled through the Reef's glistening emerald waters and came face-to-face with its marine life, that it stopped being just another destination and became part of my own story—a place I cared about and wanted to help protect.

When I saw George emerge from the depths that first night, I’d registered him immediately as an interloper, an unexpected guest. And then I caught myself. Who was I kidding? George lived here. I was the guest in his house. And like any guest, it was my duty to behave thoughtfully and respectfully. This notion of responsibility stayed with me long after my Reefsuites experience.

As travel becomes increasingly democratic, it’s easier than ever to take our access to these destinations for granted; we flit from one spot to the next, assuming our right to be there and rarely questioning the effects of our presence. But when you're quite literally out of your depth, staring down the jaws of a 700-pound sea monster, you begin to ask yourself: Should I even be here?

One night, unable to sleep, I found myself gazing out into the infinite blue, overcome with awe and gratitude, asking myself this very question. And in that quiet vastness, I saw the whole thing for exactly for what it was: a beautiful and bizarre privilege.

Reefsuites start from $547 per person, per night.

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CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach

Departure Times

Departure Point: Port Of Airlie, Airlie Beach

Pricing Options

See the Outer Great Barrier Reef on an action-packed full day trip!

• Spend a day on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef!
• Snorkelling and scuba diving available
• One of the few day trips to visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef
• See marine life up close in our underwater observatory
• Great for the whole family!
• Introductory and certified divers welcome - recommended to book in advance

Join the beloved Great Barrier Reef Adventure for a unique and unforgettable trip to the outer reef amongst the pristine Whitsunday Islands ! Head out to the unique, fun-filled Hardy Reef pontoon and experience the Outer Reef like never before, with a range of incredible activities including snorkelling and scuba diving. Get up and close to our wondrous marine life and end the day by relaxing... there’s no better way to spend a day at sea! 

This day trip offers an incredible range of opportunities that will leave you in awe. The incredible scenery, both above and below the water, will leave you speechless.  Dive right in and swim and snorkel the cool, aqua waters of the Great Barrier Reef , leaving you with an incredible insight into the world below. If you’re up for a unique perspective or don’t want to dive, we’ve got you covered - take a trip down to our underwater viewing chamber and join in the fun!

After exploring, it’s time to enjoy a scrumptious buffet lunch, provided by an incredible, local award-winning restaurant. Once your tummy is full, you’ll have the opportunity to try scuba diving or enjoy a scenic flight (for an extra cost). Up for relaxing instead? The pontoon is calling your name - providing a spacious and secure way to enjoy the beautiful Outer Reef all afternoon, find your zen while floating above millions of years of evolution. Regardless of how you choose to spend your afternoon, taking a day trip aboard the Great Barrier Reef Adventure is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!

• Depart Airlie Beach and head towards the Great Barrier Reef
• Enjoy a stable pontoon with plenty of room for relaxing
• Free to use snorkelling gear and wet/stinger suit
• Delicious buffet lunch
• Enjoy morning and afternoon teas/coffees
• Semi-submersible
• Fun for the whole family
• Underwater viewing chamber
• Sun loungers on the top deck
• Several other activities are available for purchase onboard such as scuba diving, scenic flights, snorkel tours

Jump on board the Sunshine State’s most luxurious and innovative reef pontoon, proudly located at Hardy Reef. Featuring Queensland’s largest and most spectacular underwater viewing chamber, a trip with Great Barrier Reef Adventure is one of the most unique and incredible ways to spend your time in the Whitsundays.

Important Information:

• This tour is also available to depart from Hamilton Island and Daydream Island .
• Youth must be aged 15-17 and have a valid high school ID. 

Sample Itinerary

Departing at 8 am from Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef Adventure is set to be an incredible adventure. Our first port of call is the pontoon, also known as Reefworld. Placed adjacent to coral walls, it’s the perfect spot to safely explore the surrounding reefs. The reefs around Reefworld boast their very own magnificent ecosystem, with an incredible and diverse range of coral and marine life t...

Departing at 8 am from Airlie Beach, Great Barrier Reef Adventure is set to be an incredible adventure. Our first port of call is the pontoon, also known as Reefworld. Placed adjacent to coral walls, it’s the perfect spot to safely explore the surrounding reefs. The reefs around Reefworld boast their very own magnificent ecosystem, with an incredible and diverse range of coral and marine life to spot. It’s a unique and humbling opportunity to rub shoulders with the lively fish population who are bound to surprise and delight you - especially our beloved Giant Groper! With an array of included and optional activities, personalise your day out on the Hardy Reef Pontoon to be as adventurous or relaxed as you please!

Snorkelling Providing all of the snorkel gear and stinger suits required, spend your days making a splash and immersing yourself in the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Glide over kaleidoscopic corals, brilliantly-coloured fish, weird and wonderful marine molluscs as well as some giants of the sea! A perfect natural discovery experience for adventurers and families alike, you will never forget the amazing experience of snorkelling the flourishing Hardy Reef! 

Underwater Viewing Aquarium For those who’d prefer to stay dry, make use of our wonderful underwater viewing chamber - it’s hands-down one of our favourite pontoon activities! A unique underwater chamber will allow you to gaze at the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef like never before as you get up close with huge tropical fish, sea turtles and more inside this wonderful ecosystem. 

Guided Snorkel Tour - Add On If you’re ready to dive deeper into the sights you’ll see on your snorkel, there’s no better way to learn more than taking a guided snorkelling tour with Reef Safari. Your passionate guide will point out all of the incredible species and coral you come across, leaving your curiosity qualmed and your mind at ease. Catering to small groups, our intelligent and passionate guides will escort you to a few very special areas where you’ll get to spot marine life. Get up close and personal to the Maori Wrasse, tropical fish, turtles and reef sharks, before being awestruck by incredible and colourful coral formations.

Book your guided snorkel tour in advance with us for a seamless day of exploring! 

Scuba Diving - Add On Want to dive deeper? Choose one of our optional add on experiences to try out scuba diving! Both introductory and certified divers are welcome to join us in exploring the incredible life of the Great Barrier Reef. The magic will be right at your fingertips - there’s absolutely no better place to experience the enchantment of your first scuba dive than here. The wonder also remains for experienced divers: the incredible coral formations and vivid marine life in the Great Barrier Reef are like no other! As a major bucket list item for any diver, Hardy Reef is set to impress!

Book your scuba dives in advance with us to enjoy a worry-free day.

Scenic Flight - Add On If you’re looking for an incredible and unique way to see the reef, look no further than up! Take the ride of your life in a helicopter and see the brilliant hues of green and blue from above. Enjoy the incredible maze of coral reefs and gaze lovingly at the iconic Heart Reef on this perfect adventure for families, couples and friends! Witness a whole new angle to the spectacular, glistening reef with a magnificent scenic flight. Scenic flights are available for purchase on the day of your Reefworld experience.

Glass Bottom Semi-Submersible Boat Head out on the exciting and educational semi-submersible glass-bottom boat for yet another incredible view of the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. With insightful commentary (available with an interpreter), this underwater discovery experience is perfect for all ages. Explore the wonderful fish, creatures, corals and mammals that call the reef home without even getting wet! 

Photos Our passionate team of onboard photographers will capture your incredible day with ease - from your first underwater experience to rubbing shoulders with a magnificent Maori Wrasse, our team will be snapping away! Photos will be available for purchase at the end of the day, where you can walk away with an array of incredible captured memories that will last a lifetime.

Please note: Some of the above optional activities are available for an additional cost. Please advise us at the time of booking if you would like to add any of the above optional extras. Age and medical restrictions apply to all activities with Great Barrier Reef Adventures. Please ask us if you have any questions.

Our Delicious Sample Menu

To view the sample menu for  CW: Great Barrier Reef Adventures  please click here . 

More Information

What to bring.

Please bring only a small bag with:

• Photo identification
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses etc)
• Beach towel
• Jumper or jacket (seasonal)
• Cash or credit cards for onboard purchases

What's Included

• Snorkelling equipment
• Wet/stinger suit
• Buffet lunch
• Morning and afternoon tea and coffees
• Semi-Submarine/Glass Bottom Boat Tour
• Underwater Observatory 

What's Extra

• On board purchase such as drinks, alc...
• On board purchase such as drinks, alcohol and snacks
• Photographs
• Scenic flights
• Guided snorkelling tours
• Scuba diving (subject to medical conditions and age restrictions).  If you would like to add scuba diving or a guided snorkel to your booking, please click here . Please provide your "SW" booking reference from your GBR tour when making your scuba diving payment/booking. 

Optional Extras can be pre-purchased by clicking here

Terms and Conditions

Important Information: 

Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge, however no infant meals are included. Guests must be able to show valid ID at check in to support their ticket type (i.e Senior, Youth or Child ticket). If you cannot produce the valid identification to meet your ticket requirements, you will not be able to travel without paying a surcharge/difference in fare.

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 vessel 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. 

Scuba Diving/Medical Disclosure:

Age and medical restrictions apply to diving activities. A medical questionnaire must be completed. Divers cannot fly for 24 hours after diving and the company accepts no liability for medical conditions experienced as a result of flying after diving. All diving is operated by Reef Safari Pty Ltd and booking to dive with them deems acceptance of the terms and conditions as published on their website www.reefsafari.com.

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:

No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 

Sailing Whitsundays are required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period (48 hours). It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

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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Frequently asked questions.

Yes, scuba diving is available for both introductory and certified divers. However, diving is an extra cost which you can opt to add at the time of booking. The prices are as follows; $165 for the first introductory dive, $120 for the first certified dive, and $69 for second dives. You must be 12+ to dive.

Yes. Transfers to and from select accommodations are available at an extra cost.

There won't be room for large suitcases or backpacks. However, we offer luggage storage for as little as $10 a day in our Travel Shop which is located at the top of Airlie Beach's main street. The address is 344 Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach, QLD, 4802.

Yes, we certainly do. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary requirements and the Cruise Whitsunday staff will do their best to accommodate at no extra cost.

You will be departing and returning to the Cruise Whitsundays terminal located at the Port of Airlie in Airlie Beach.

It sure is! The pontoon is suitable for children of all ages. Infants are welcome and are free if they are 3 years of age or under.

During stinger season we provide stinger suits that help to protect you from being stung so that you can still swim and explore the Great Barrier Reef safely.

Yes - pregnant women are allowed to travel on this tour at any point during their term, but doing so is ill-advised in certain weather conditions

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Booking For CW: Great Barrier Reef Tour from Airlie Beach

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Sailing Whitsundays acknowledges the Ngaro, Gia and Juru people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and seas in which we operate. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.

• 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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Whitehaven Beach

Discover Whitehaven Beach by helicopter, with a spectacular flight over the Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

12 Jul 2013

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Australasia , Australia , Bucket list travel · June 13, 2022

Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel: Reefsleep & Reefsuites with Cruise Whitsundays

Want to sleep overnight at the Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays? Enjoy the Milky Way from your Reefsleep rooftop tent or opt for the Reefsuites Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel, the only underwater hotel in Australia.

As far as bucket list experiences go, this has got to be up there with the most unique and epic accommodation experiences in the world .

The Great Barrier Reef in itself is an absolute phenomenon, so big that it’s visible from space, with a vibrant, bustling world under the surface. No Queensland road trip is complete without a visit to the reef, but if you want to take your Great Barrier Reef experience to the next level, a visit to Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld pontoon is the way to do it.

Offering both day trips and overnight adventures, Reefworld is a must-visit if you’re spending any time at Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, but spending a night out on the pontoon is an unforgettable experience that I cannot recommend highly enough.

Read on for loads more info on Reefworld, Reefsleep (the tents on top), Reefsuites (the underwater hotel), when is best to go, what you need to take and what a Reefworld itinerary looks like.

Where is Reefworld?

Reefworld is a pontoon located out at Hardy Reef on the outer Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest coral reef system in the world at a whopping 2300km long. The pontoon is 39 nautical miles from shore, about three hours by boat from Airlie Beach.

What can you do out at Reefworld?

Reefworld is a one-stop-shop to get you up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef, whether you want a day trip or an overnight trip, and if you want to stay above sea or underwater. Yes, for real!

There’s a patrolled snorkelling area that you can snorkel in all day to try and spot fish, clams, turtles, eels and more, there’s a full pontoon with both sunny and shaded areas, there’s guided snorkels and dives available at an extra cost, and there’s a semi-submarine and an underwater observatory for easy fish spotting too.

Sleeping under the Milky Way: What is Reefsleep?

Reefsleep is an overnight Great Barrier Reef experience that includes:

• Two days, one night on the Reefworld pontoon sleeping in a comfortable swag under the stars
• Ferry transfers to and from Reefworld from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
• All-inclusive food and drink (excluding spirits, you can purchase those at your own cost)
• Snorkelling gear
• 24 hour access to the underwater observatory
• A semi-submarine trip to see the reef without getting wet
• And the opportunity to add on activities like a guided snorkel safari, a helicopter ride over the famous Heart Reef, an introductory dive or a certified dive if you have your dive ticket

The swags themselves are surprisingly comfortable, with a double bed, a light, mini fans and the option to sleep with the tent wide open, have a bug net window (kind of unnecessary as there are no bugs that far from land) or to close it up completely.

There are 12 swags on the top deck each with a storage locker underneath the bed, as well as a couple of showers and bathrooms, a big dining table, and some bean bags for chilling out, with this half of the top deck reserved for Reefsleepers only (no day guests allowed).

On the other side of the pontoon’s top deck is a bar area with lots of tables and chairs, this is accessible by day trippers too.

Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel: What are Reefsuites?

Reefsuites offers the same in terms of transport, food and drink, but you get to sleep in one of two underwater (!!!!) suites on the pontoon, getting you up close and personal with the locals.

And by locals, I meant LOADS of fish.

The Reefsuites are pretty luxurious, with a double bed looking out towards floor to ceiling windows under the sea, as well as a full bathroom.

You’ve got to go down a couple of metres of stairs to get to your room so it may not be a great idea if you’re claustrophobic, and I can’t promise you’ll sleep particularly well because the neon light is on all night to attract the fish to your window, but you can sleep when you’re back on land! This is the only underwater hotel in Australia and it’s absolutely a bucket list experience.

The Reefsleep/Reefsuites itinerary

Depart from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island

The Cruise Whitsundays catamaran to take you out to Reefworld leaves from Airlie Beach at 8am (check in at 7.30am) and goes via Hamilton Island, departing there at 9am. It’s about two hours from Hamilton Island to get to the pontoon on the outer reef, three hours from Airlie, so you’ll arrive at 11am. This boat is shared with the Reefworld day trippers too but the overnight guests get priority boarding and priority seating (winning!).

Much of the boat trip is taken up with briefings from the staff about your overnight experience as well as the different activities on offer, and there’s a morning tea provided which includes granola, yoghurt, muffins and fruit.

Day at Reefworld

From your arrival at Reefworld at around 11am until the day trippers depart at about 3pm, you have access to all the activities on offer! You could enjoy the Queensland weather from the sun loungers, get the best view of the reef with a helicopter ride, book in for a dive, head out on a guided snorkel safari to spot sea life, go for a cruise in the semi-submarine, or just hang around in the safe snorkelling area right in front of the boat (which is patrolled by lifeguards).

If you’re not a confident swimmer there’s pool noodles for extra buoyancy or life jackets if you prefer, and there’s full body stinger suits as well as wetsuits to go over top if you want a bit more warmth, although I went at the start of June and the water was a toasty 26 degrees!

I booked a dive first thing, diving the Great Barrier Reef was at the very top of my Australia bucket list so I was beyond excited to tick this off. I got my PADI Open Water license in Thailand back in 2015 so I was able to book a certified dive, which is still guided but you put on all your own gear, and you can dive up to 18m deep. The fish life here is absolutely insane, you will immediately understand why it’s so often listed as one of the best diving spots in the world.

Reefworld offers introductory dives for those who haven’t dived before, they can go up to 6m and you have one guide for every two people, with the dive guide doing everything from gear set up to getting your buoyancy right to literally holding your hand and guiding you if you want! This is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the reef at its best, as well as anyone who reckons they might want to do get their diving license but wants to give it a bit of a trial first.

While it may look relaxing, diving actually exerts so much energy, so after 40 minutes underwater I was absolutely starving and ready for another meal. Lunch is served between around 12.30 and 2.30pm, we had DIY buns and wraps as well as a couple of curries and rice.

After lunch there’s plenty more daylight to partake in the Reefworld activities, I decided to try out the semi-submarine and spent a couple of hours in the snorkelling area searching for a turtle with no luck.

Once the day trippers leave

After 3pm when the day trippers and the previous night’s guests head back to the mainland, Reefworld is all yours.

There can be up to 28 overnight guests at Reefworld and usually they do get booked out pretty far in advance, but somehow I managed to swing an absolute fluke and only had to share the pontoon with two couples in the underwater suites, so I had the entire Reefsleep top deck to myself. What a win!

A fancy cheeseboard is brought out at around 3.30pm, and then the crew will check with you if you want to book any in-water activities (like the guided snorkel or the dives) outside of day trip hours. I’d recommend making the most of the opportunity to swim the reef once everyone has left, the fish are much more active when there’s only a few of you snorkelling around.

Our crew booked a guided snorkel safari for 4pm, where we got to take advantage of the low tide and see much more of the reef than when we were snorkelling earlier in the day. The guided snorkel goes outside of the safe snorkel area and you’re with a guide the whole time, who points out all the different fish and other underwater life.

Two minutes into our snorkel safari we spotted a huge green sea turtle that hung out with us for a couple of minutes as we drifted along, mission complete! We also spotted Maggie, the huge Maori Wrasse that frequents Reefworld, as well as a couple of Nemos and about twenty million other fish.

The evening at Reefworld

Access to the water closes at 5pm for safety, so after our snorkel safari we got showered and cleaned up for sunset canapes at 6pm on the top deck. Sunset was just magical, there’s something about being on the water with no other boats or humans in sight, it feels as though the world has stopped for a moment.

The canapes were seriously impressive too, we got a mini platter with an oyster, a scallop with nduja sauce, a prawn, a hoisin beef bao, seaweed salad, a feta quiche and a garlic-stuffed mushroom.

Once you’ve witnessed the sky change colour, it’s time to head downstairs for dinner, which was equally impressive. We had scotch fillet steak with sweet potato puree and greens*, and dessert was a chocolate walnut brownie with cream.

*All my real-life friends know that I’m not a huge vegetable fan so you better believe me when I tell you these vegetables were absolutely delicious. Broccolini, asparagus, kale and mushrooms, cooked perfectly, sautéed in something mind-blowing. I would eat all my vegetables if they all tasted like this.

After dinner the night is yours, we enjoyed a couple (okay, more than a couple) more drinks before the bar closes at 8pm, then watched the huge groupers hang around the underwater neon light while the smaller fish chased each other around.

Overnight at Reefworld

The swags are super comfortable, with the option to sleep open air under the stars, do up the mesh net, or do up the waterproof cover if you want to be fully enclosed.

I’m sitting in my swag right now typing this, it’s 11.30pm at the start of June and I’m sitting in my shorts and tshirt with the covers fully open! Sleeping under the stars is something I always try to say yes to, especially when you’re literally miles away from any light pollution. Seeing the Milky Way from an open-air tent in the middle of one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you want to close the covers but don’t want to overheat there’s little fans you can plug in, but if you want to charge phones or other devices you’ll need to use the plugs in the bar area as the swag plugs don’t have enough power and you might trip a fuse. The swags also have a light inside.

Morning of day two at Reefworld

Waking up from a Reef Sleep swag has got to be one of the best wake up experiences in the entire world. Have you ever seen anything this beautiful?

I am not a morning person, in fact I’m the total opposite and prefer to be fast asleep until at least 9am, but this sunrise was well worth losing a couple of hours of sleep. Let’s be honest, I went back for a post-breakfast nap afterwards anyway.

After you’ve taken a million and one sunrise photos, breakfast is served from 7-8am, with a first course consisting of fresh fruit, yoghurt and granola, before a hot breakfast comes out (we got avocado and poached eggs on toast with bacon). Then it’s time to make the most of the few hours before the next lot of day trippers arrive at 11am.

I decided to book another certified dive for the second morning, the current was much stronger this time so we just took a boat out about five minutes from the pontoon and then just drifted back to our home base. No more turtles but some giant clams, colourful nudibranchs and a huge moray eel all said hello.

Post-dive our small group of five overnight guests were served pastries for morning tea as the boat arrived with the next round of guests. They allow all overnight guests to have access to the private areas of the boat until 2pm, with Reefsuite guests checking out of their underwater hotel room at 11am to migrate up to the Reefsleep swag deck, which was great as we were able to relax and lie down away from the craziness.

Afternoon of day two at Reefworld

Our lunch was served up on the Reefsleep deck, we had baked chicken with mashed potato, grilled tomatoes, asparagus and pesto, and lunch-dessert was berry yoghurt parfait.

After lunch you’ll have an hour and a half or so before it’s time to get back on the boat, so live your best boat life while you can! I could’ve squeezed in another dive if I wanted to but I was too disorganised and had to pack up my stuff so I decided to do a quick snorkel instead, and the friendly Maori wrasse Maggie came up to personally see me off.

At 2pm it’s time to check out of the Reefsleep area (sad face!) and move your belongings onto the boat for departure between 2.30pm and 3pm.

Depart Reefworld back to the mainland

On the boat trip home Reefsleep guests have priority seating yet again so you can soak up the last little moments of feeling special before hitting the mainland.

On the way back the Reefworld staff come around to show you photos that are available for purchase from the photographers out at the pontoon, who have been snapping away taking photos on deck as well as underwater while you were snorkelling or diving. Photos can be bought per photo or in a package, I didn’t need to buy any as I took my own GoPro, but they’re a great souvenir if you didn’t have an underwater camera. Afternoon tea is served during the three hour trip too.

How much is Reefsleep?

Reefsleep is $610 per person twin share or $810 if you’re travelling solo.

How much is Reefsuites, the Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel?

Staying in a Reefsuite is $995 per person twin share of $1400 for solo travellers.

Is Reefsleep worth it?

Abso-freakin-lutely. I can honestly hand on heart say that my Reefsleep experience was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, and I have been extremely fortunate to live a life where I do a lot of cool things.

For me it would be up there with standing under the Northern Lights, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, and watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. Bucket list experiences that you’ll never, ever forget.

Reefsleep is an expensive one-off cost *but* if you look at the inclusions it’s actually brilliant value. The day trip is $285 per person, so for just an extra $325 per person you’re getting an incredible accommodation experience, canapes, a chef-cooked dinner and breakfast, unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks, and the opportunity to enjoy the reef with far less people. Airlie Beach is expensive too, so if you just did the day trip and then stayed at an AB hotel and ate dinner and breakfast at a restaurant you’re probably looking at a similar cost!

I reckon Reefsleep is something worth saving for so you can fit it into your trip without feeling like you’re spending too much on one thing. And if you have something to celebrate, it’s the perfect place for it.

Is the Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel room worth it?

I didn’t stay in the underwater hotel room (unfortunately!) but my lovely pontoon-mates Jess and Sam invited me down to their room to check it out and take some photos, and once again I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is worth the splurge if you can afford it.

What’s the day trip like?

The day trip is $285 per adult or $132 per child. It’s a long way to go, with three hours there, four hours on the pontoon and then three hours home, but there’s no denying that Reefworld offers a unique Great Barrier Reef experience on the outer reef with thriving underwater life and no disruption from other boats.

If you have time I would definitely suggest an overnight stay rather than the day trip just to make the most of the pontoon, but if you can’t afford to spend the night (in terms of money or time!) then the day trip is still an epic thing to do.

Reefsleep FAQs

Can kids do the Reefsleep or Reefsuites? Kids aged six or over are allowed on the overnight trip, but they pay adult prices.

Where can you park? There is paid parking available at the Port of Airlie marina.

What should you bring? Bring a small overnight bag with the following:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Camera and GoPro if you want them (though they do have a limited number of GoPros available for hire)
• A warm jumper or jacket in case it gets chilly at night

When is the best time to go? The reef is worth a visit year-round, but if you’re flexible then the best time would be between May and October, when temperatures are mild, there is less rainfall and less chance of stingers.

I visited in June and was worried about if it would be too cold at night or in the water but it was absolutely divine, even compared to New Zealand water in the summer! They do offer stinger suits for snorkelling and you can request a wetsuit if you get particularly cold.

What’s a stinger suit and why do I need one? A stinger suit is a thin 1mm full-body swimming costume to protect your skin from stingers a.k.a. jellyfish. There are a variety of jellyfish found in Queensland’s tropical waters, and they are more likely to be found from November to May, but stinger suits are available for Reefworld guests to wear year-round. They also offer sun protection as an added bonus!

Is there WiFi? There’s no WiFi or cellphone reception out at the pontoon, so you’ll be off the grid. Enjoy it!

Will I get seasick? The three-hour boat trip does go across the open ocean so if you’re prone to seasickness then take some medication for the trip. Once you’re on the pontoon it is very stable and you forget that you’re on the water, but in bad weather you can probably feel the swell a little so if you are really sensitive to movement, take enough pills to get you through two days (absolute worst case scenario).

Is it eco-friendly? Australia has extremely strict regulations for tourism operators to meet in terms of both the environment and wildlife, and the Great Barrier Reef is no different.

Reefworld is located on the Hardy Reef in a green zone, which means there’s no fishing allowed, and while fish-feeding is heavily restricted on the GBR (feeding fish changes their natural behaviour which can impact reef health), Reefworld has a rare permit to feed the fish in line with set rules, like what they can feed them, how often to feed them and where to feed them.

Cyclone Debbie was a category four tropical cyclone that hit the Whitsundays in 2017 which caused underwater landslides and damaged some of Hardy Reef, and feeding fish in the right areas of the reef means that the fish are able to stay in that area despite the damaged reef, which in turn helps the living coral survive and grow.

What’s the accessibility like? Unfortunately boat out to Reefworld and the pontoon itself does require stairs to move around so it’s not wheelchair accessible. If you can handle 5-10 stairs to get on and off the boat plus 15 stairs up to the top deck then you would be okay.

Has this blog post put Reefworld on your bucket list? Whether you want to sleep under the stars with Reefsleep or treat yourself to the epic Great Barrier Reef underwater hotel room experience , or perhaps you just want to head out for a day trip, Reefworld is something that has to be on your Australia itinerary.

Find out more about Reefsleep & Reefsuites here.

Other Australia blog posts you might like:

• Three days in Adelaide
• Reasons to visit Kangaroo Island
• A review of the Langham Sydney

Huge thanks to Cruise Whitsundays for hosting me on the Reefsleep experience. As always all opinions are my own and are based on my own personal travel experience.

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Reefworld Fly/Cruise

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from every possible perspective with this combination Fly/Cruise package to Cruise Whitsundays ReefWorld. This tour features a 30 min scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitehaven beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, and outer reef. The tour also includes approximately 2 hours at Reefworld, a tropical buffet lunch, snorkeling and coral viewing from the underwater viewing chamber, before returning home by catamaran. (Cruise/Fly option also available)

Lunch is supplied by Cruise Whitsundays on-board the cruise vessel, Hamilton Island Air does not provide any food and beverages on this tour.

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• Port Douglas
• Sunshine Coast

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• About this activity

Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld

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Beyond the Whitsundays, your destination is Reefworld, our multilevel reef facility permanently moored 39 nautical miles from shore at spectacular Hardy Reef. Snorkel, swim, dive and explore – an undersea encounter with this amazing ecosystem is unforgettable.

Or if you’d rather stay dry, experience the reef from our underwater observatory or take a ride in a semi-submarine. After a sumptuous buffet lunch, you’ll have more time to explore before you head back to shore with lifelong memories of this epic Australian icon.

Your day includes:

• Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays to the outer reef
• 4 hours at Hardy Reef
• Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
• Access to underwater observatory
• Semi-submarine guided tour
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
• Optional activities (own expense): guided snorkelling safaris and scuba diving

Activity location

• 24 The Cove Rd, Port of Airlie
• 4802, Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia

Meeting/Redemption Point

• 24 The Cove Rd

Multiple meeting/redemption points available, see location information for full list

• Wed, Apr 17 -
• Thu, Apr 18 $204
• Fri, Apr 19 $204
• Sat, Apr 20 $204
• Sun, Apr 21 $204
• Mon, Apr 22 $204
• Tue, Apr 23 $204
• Wed, Apr 24 $204
• Thu, Apr 25 $204
• Fri, Apr 26 $204
• Sat, Apr 27 $204
• Sun, Apr 28 $204
• Mon, Apr 29 $204
• Tue, Apr 30 $204
• Wed, May 1 $204

Airlie Beach

• Activity duration is 10 hours 10h 10h

Departs Port of Airlie at 8am – you must check-in at least 30-minutes prior. Returns to Port of Airlie at approximately 6:10pm Starting point: 24 The Cv Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia

Hamilton Island

Departs Hamilton Island at 9am. Returns to Hamilton Island at approximately 5pm Starting point: 8 Front St, Whitsundays QLD 4802, Australia

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Environmental Management Charge (Reef tax)
• What's included What's included Up to 4 hours on the pontoon
• What's included What's included Air-conditioned vehicle
• What's included What's included Snorkelling with all gear provided, including wetsuits and stinger suits
• What's included What's included Semi-submersible coral viewing with reef appreciation talk
• What's included What's included Scenic return cruise through the Whitsundays to the outer reef
• What's included What's included Access to underwater observatory
• What's included What's included Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
• What's excluded What's excluded Guided snorkel tours with Reef Interpreters (payable direct)
• What's excluded What's excluded Introductory or certified dives (payable direct)
• What's excluded What's excluded Scenic Helicopter Flights over world-famous Heart Reef (payable direct)
• What's excluded What's excluded Photography, video or DVD of daily activities (payable direct)
• What's excluded What's excluded Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you book

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• All diving activities permit adults aged 16 years and over.
• Nearest airports: Fly into Proserpine airport also known as Whitsunday Coast Airport (40 miles from Airlie Beach) or fly into Hamilton Island Airport
• Please bring swimsuit, towel, protective clothing from the sun including a hat and sunblock, light jacket or sweater during the cooler months, money or credit card for optional purchases, your camera and sense of fun!
• Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time
• Please advise dietary requirements

Activity itinerary

Cruise whitsundays, whitsunday islands.

• 8 Front Street
• 4802, Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
• Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia

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The Most Amazing Underwater Hotels In The World

Posted: February 5, 2024 | Last updated: February 6, 2024

Sleeping with the fishes

From futuristic chambers attached to the seabed to serene suites with vast windows looking out onto fish-filled aquariums, there are some out-of-this-world underwater hotel rooms that are well worth diving into.

Manta Underwater Room, Manta Resort, Tanzania

Lapped all around by the Indian Ocean waves, guests in the floating underwater room at The Manta Resort regularly wake up to find reef fish and octopus ogling them as they lounge in their supremely comfortable king-size bed. This extraordinary underwater chamber, which lies 820 feet (250m) offshore from the luxury resort on Pemba Island, is on the bottom floor of a three-level floating structure, which includes a lounge and bathroom at sea level.

By day, Pemba Island has some excellent dive sites for guests to discover, including some deep ones where napoleon wrasse fish, potato grouper, cubera snapper, turtles and white tip sharks are all likely spots. But the Underwater Room really comes into its own at night as spotlights set up on all sides of the structure attract shy ocean dwellers to come a little closer. For a change of scene, guests can climb a ladder to the roof of their off-shore retreat to lie on the double day bed and watch the stars.

Underwater suites, Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland, China

One of the most ambitious buildings ever created, the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland  was designed by the same team as Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab. Built within an abandoned quarry in Songjiang, the five-star luxury hotel spans 18 stories, only two of which are above ground level. And two floors lie submerged beneath a 33-foot-deep (10m) aquarium which is filled with exotic marine life. It has two underwater suites where guests can soak in private views of the colorful reef fish, small black-tipped reef sharks and sting rays. 

As well as its dreamy underwater realm, the so-called “groundscraper” hotel has other unexpected features including a rock climbing wall that scales up the quarry's rock face and a huge glass “waterfall” atrium which runs down the entire length of the quarry. The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland boasts serious eco-credentials too: most of the energy is renewable, while the architects chose this site to preserve the landscape. The ceiling is covered in greenery to help it blend into the surrounding countryside.

Ocean Suite, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore

Singapore's Resorts World Sentosa is one of Asia’s largest theme parks, which includes S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark among its popular attractions. Housed within this adventure playground are 11 Ocean Suites , which offer guests an escape down into an underwater kingdom. The bedroom's floor-to-ceiling windows are revealed with the touch of a button and the lights automatically dim, ensuring the perfect view into one of the world’s largest aquariums. 

There's no need to worry about privacy here as the glass-fronted suites are located in a private part of the resort’s S.E.A. Aquarium. The only prying eyes will be the 100,000 marine animals from over 1,000 different species that swim by. When they're not spellbound by the hammerhead sharks, manta rays and clown fish gliding past them, guests at the two-story townhouse-like suites can enjoy the private deck with plunge pool and dedicated butler service. 

Reefsuites, Reefworld, Australia

If you thought sleeping inside a giant aquarium was extraordinary, how about bedding down in the world’s largest tropical coral reef? Two new glass-walled hotel suites have opened beneath the waves of Australia's Coral Sea, offering marine lovers a window onto the myriad wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Billed as Australia’s first underwater hotel, the Reefsuites opened in December 2019 just off Hardy Reef near the Whitsundays archipelago. 

The submerged suites are suspended beneath Reefworld, a permanently moored floating pontoon that lies 40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach and is managed by tour operator Cruise Whitsundays. The double bedroom suites have large reinforced glass windows with lights that can be switched on when it's dark so guests can see what lurks beneath at night. Likely sightings from the bed and bathroom include trevally, coral trout, snapper, giant maori wrasse, Queensland gropers, turtles, reef sharks and barracuda.

Reefsleep, Reefworld, Australia

If the suites are booked out, there are other options for people wanting to spend longer on the reef. Reefsleep is a two-day, one-night glamping experience where people can spend the night sleeping under the stars on the pontoon. After arriving by boat, guests spend their days snorkeling and swimming, going for a ride in a semi-submarine or watching life in the reef unfold from the observatory. The viewing gallery sits underneath the pontoon and is fitted with full-length windows for maximum reef gazing.

After a busy day out and about on the water, guests gather for sunset drinks as the sun slips down, followed by dinner. Their bed for the night is on the top deck – everyone gets a special Reefbed (pictured) to slip into and bed down for an extraordinary night's sleep under Queensland’s star-strewn skies. Plans are afoot for another underwater reef observatory and hotel in Australia. It will be located near Lady Musgrave Island in the southern Great Barrier Reef region.

Jules' Undersea Lodge, USA

Jules’ Undersea Lodge has to be the ultimate getaway for dive enthusiasts. Based in Key Largo, Florida, it has the world’s only dive-in, completely submerged underwater hotel rooms where guests must scuba dive their way to bed. The remodeled undersea laboratory, which sits five feet (1.5m) off the floor of a protected tropical mangrove lagoon, is filled with compressed air and is surprisingly spacious and cozy. It can accommodate up to six overnight guests in its two chambers, which are separated by a wet room with a "Moon Pool", where guests arrive and depart. 

The communal living room chamber is where guests gather to eat and even watch Netflix when they're not peering out to see what's going on around them in the lagoon's extensive ecosystem. A highlight of a stay has to be the gourmet dinner (for luxury stays) or pizza that's hand delivered in a water-tight box, and eaten as seahorses, angelfish, parrotfish, barracuda and snappers peep in the portholes. Previous diving experience isn't essential to stay here, though. A sleepover is open to anyone over 10 years-old who has taken the Discover Scuba course so they can reach their room safely with a diving instructor as their guide.

The Muraka, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the Maldives

The Maldives is all about over-water villas, but guests at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island can take it a step further by booking The Muraka suite . This two-level, three-bedroom residence features a special underwater chamber that allows guests to snooze 16 feet (5m) below the waves on the Indian Ocean seabed, while being immersed in all the luxuries the exclusive island resort has on offer. 

Above sea level, the suite has another bedroom and sun deck with pool and ladder that leads down into the rippling blue waters. Guests at the pricey suite are brought to the resort, which is set within the Alif Dhaal Atoll at the southern end of the Maldives, by private seaplane or speedboat and given a highly personalized service. They have use of a private chef and butler, access to a fitness trainer and complimentary spa treatments, plus jet skis for zipping around to explore more of this watery wonderland.

As well as its exclusive undersea suite, the Conrad resort also lays claim to having the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant. The small but spectacular Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (pictured) opened in 2005 and lies 16 feet (5m) below the ocean's surface. It serves up sensational views of the surrounding corals and ocean life to 14 diners along with a menu of contemporary European cuisine and fine wines.

Subsix at Niyama, the Maldives

This isn't a bedroom but a special mention must go to the Niyama resort in the Maldives – a stunning collection of over-water bungalows that offer a window onto the secret life of the Indian Ocean. Lying 19.5 feet (6m) below the waves, Niyama's underwater restaurant and club Subsix allows guests to dine and party the night away as shoals of parrotfish, butterflyfish and damselfish dance by. The designers have done an exceptional job of bringing the coral in too, with quirky sea urchin seating and an enormous shoal-like ceiling installation.

Huvafen Spa, Huvafen Fushi, the Maldives

Another honorary mention goes to heavenly hideaway  Huvafen Fushi  in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives. The exclusive resort lays claim to having the world's first underwater spa treatment rooms. Guests at this secluded and serene space can enjoy a dream-like spa experience as they undergo a variety of relaxing treatments while cocooned in glass-walled treatment rooms and watching undulating coral gardens and topical fish flit by.

Underwater Suite, Atlantis the Palm, Dubai

Standing out from the crowd in Dubai's ostentatious hotel scene is quite a feat but Atlantis, The Palm hotel does exactly that. Among the 1,500-plus rooms of this palatial hotel lie two underwater suites, aptly named Poseidon and Neptune, where guests can sleep next to a vast fish-filled lagoon while lapping up every conceivable luxury.

Two floors of the Atlantis' lavish three-story underwater suites are submerged beneath the surface of the Ambassador Lagoon, a man-made coral reef in the sprawling resort that usually attracts thousands of visitors every year. The 11-million-liter (2.4 million gallons) lagoon is home to around 65,000 marine animals including fearsome sharks, the huge napoleon wrasse and shoals of colorful angelfish.

The twin underwater suites – which come with a private butler – have above-ground lounges where guests can gaze out at the lagoon's lapping water. Down below, the bedrooms and bathrooms have soaring floor-to-ceiling windows onto the private marine oasis, allowing guests to stare at the entrancing scene as they wallow in the bed or marble bath. For those wishing to get even closer to their colorful neighbors, the suite includes entry into the aquarium which can also arrange tank dives.

Now discover 99 of the world's most amazing bucket list experiences

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Reefworld Cruise / Fly

Description.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from every possible perspective with this combination Cruise/Fly package to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. This tour features a 30 min scenic flight encompassing views of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and the outer reef. The tour also includes approximately 2 hours at ReefWorld, a tropical buffet lunch, snorkeling and coral viewing from the underwater viewing chamber, after arriving by Cruise Whitsundays catamaran. (Fly/Cruise option also available)

2.0 hours on-board ReefWorld

Example itinerary, checking in for your great barrier reef adventure..

Check into the Cruise Whitsunday office 20 minutes prior departure and collect your boarding pass.

Cruise Whitsunday vessel departs Hamilton Island for Reefworld.

Sit back and enjoy your scenic cruise out to Hardy Reef through the Whitsundays.

2 hrs at Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld

Spend approx 2 hours at the Great Barrier Reef where snorkeling, a semi submersible and lunch is provided by Cruise Whitsundays.

Scenic flight to Hamilton Island Air

Depart Reef World by helicopter (approx. 35 minutes) with scenic views of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the outer reef including Heart Reef.

Transfers home

Once you land back at Hamilton Island Air we will organize a complimentary transfer to the Cruise Whitsundays office, Reef View Hotel, Beach Club or Whitsunday Apartments.

Experience the Great Barrier Reef

• Approx. 2 hours at Reefworld
• Fly/Cruise also available
• Helicopter flight over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet & world-famous Heart Reef
• 1 departure daily
• $630 Adult* $580 Child (3-13 incl)*

Are you ready to fly?

Hamilton Island Air offers helicopter, seaplane and aeroplane tours throughout the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef and Hamilton Island area. Our luxurious tours can include scenic flights, helicopter transfers, reef cruises, snorkelling and more. Book Online for the experience of a lifetime.

Introducing

Land on ‘Heart Island’ moored near Heart Reef to sail and snorkel

Search Results

The 2023−24 summer has seen substantial climate driven impacts across the Great Barrier Reef, with widespread coral bleaching, two cyclones and several severe flood events.

The Reef Snapshot 2023−24 , released today by the Reef Authority, Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the CSIRO, confirms the cumulative impacts experienced across the Reef this summer have been higher than previous summers.  

This also includes outbreaks of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish.  

The Reef Snapshot applies the Coral Reef Bleaching Framework developed by AIMS, James Cook University and the Reef Authority that describes bleaching events in a clear and consistent way.

Monitoring coral condition is still ongoing as the Reef’s fifth widespread bleaching event since 2016 continues to unfold.

Aerial surveys were conducted over 1000 reefs spanning the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Torres Strait. Coral bleaching was observed on 73 per cent of surveyed reefs within the Marine Park and 6 per cent in the Torres Strait.  

Reefs in the far north of the Marine Park and in the Torres Strait recorded lower levels of coral bleaching.

The Snapshot shows the highest levels of coral bleaching were found across the southern region and parts of the central and northern regions, where in some areas, corals were exposed to record levels of heat stress.  Parts of the central and northern regions also experienced the highest levels of coral bleaching.

The Great Barrier Reef is but one of many coral reef systems across 53 countries that have experienced widespread coral bleaching in the last 12 months, prompting the USA’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to announce a fourth global bleaching event.  

The Reef Authority’s Chief Scientist Dr Roger Beeden said monitoring and responding to the conditions on the Marine Park over summer is vital.  

“Climate change is the greatest threat to the Great Barrier Reef, and coral reefs globally,” said Dr Beeden said.  

“The Great Barrier Reef is an incredible ecosystem, and while it has shown its resilience time and time again, this summer has been particularly challenging.”  

“The management work we do 365-days a year is all focused on protecting the resilience of the Reef.  Work to control coral predators such as crown-of-thorns starfish, compliance with the Marine Park rules to protect the Reef’s precious biodiversity and heritage values, coupled with conservation actions undertaken with partners such as the tourism industry, are all vital to support Reef recovery following periods of stress,” said Dr Beeden.     

The Reef Authority is continuing to work with the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the Reef Joint Field Management Program, Crown-of-thorns starfish control program, tourism operators, and researchers on further in-water surveys.  

In water surveys complement aerial surveys by providing data on fine-scale impacts of heat stress, such as the severity of coral colony responses, the prevalence of bleaching in different habitats and depths, and any coral mortality at the time.

Tourism operators as always have helped with heavy lifting, conducting 15,450 reef health surveys including, 65,000 images at 272 high value tourism sites and submitting this data into the Eye on the Reef system.  

The data from these surveys give a greater overview of the severity of bleaching among different coral types, habitats, and depths over the coming months.

Dr David Wachenfeld, Research Program Director at Australian Institute of Marine Science said mortality from the bleaching event has already been observed by AIMS research divers in each region of the Reef.    

“AIMS's long-term monitoring of the condition of reefs over the next 12 months will help us understand the ultimate balance between loss and survival of corals from coral bleaching, cyclones, floods and crown-of-thorns starfish over the last few months.

“While these results are still to come, the extent of the heat stress, and the result of the aerial surveys indicate this is one of the most extensive bleaching events the Reef has experienced in AIMS’ nearly 40 years of monitoring.

“The Great Barrier Reef has seen increases in coral cover to high levels in recent years, indicating it is still a resilient system. But this resilience has its limits.”

CSIRO Executive Director Environment, Energy and Resources Dr Peter Mayfield said research partnerships were critical to tackling the range of pressures on the Reef. 

“Modelling, monitoring and innovation has a critical role to play in better understanding the impacts of climate change on the Reef, not just now but into the future. This includes looking at how we can scale up ecosystem repair and adaptation, both on land and in coastal and marine areas.”

View a copy of the Reef Snapshot 2023-24 and stay up-to-date with the latest Reef health information .

Images, video and map: Available here  

Reef Authority Media  Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority [email protected] I (07) 4750 0846

AIMS Media  [email protected] I 0456 196 845

CSIRO media  [email protected]  I 0419 228 147

International tourist figures still millions below pre-COVID levels as slow recovery continues

For two years, Marcela Ribeiro worked three jobs to save for her dream holiday to Australia.

Like millions of people across the globe, the 35-year-old from Brazil had long wanted to explore the country's world-famous destinations, specifically the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed rainforest and sandy beaches. 

"I worked really, really hard, many jobs, to get here," Ms Ribeiro said.  

"The flights were very expensive, so I have to watch everything I spend. I can't afford to eat out in the restaurants every day." 

It's been a similar story for William Grbava from Canada and Amelia Mondido from the Philippines, who last week arrived in Australia for a holiday. 

"It's expensive here, much more than we were expecting. We have only been able to factor in a short stop in Sydney," Mr Grbava said. 

"We just had a beer and a pizza in Circular Quay for $50.

 "What I really wanted to do was drive up the coast to Brisbane, through Byron Bay and those beautiful towns. That's what I did when I was younger. But with the cost of fuel and car rental, it wasn't possible." 

Industry yet to recover to pre-COVID levels 

It's been more than four years since Australia's borders suddenly closed to the rest of the world and became one of the most isolated destinations on the globe. 

COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the country's economy, but nowhere was the pain as instant or more devastating as in the tourism industry. 

In 2019, 8.7 million tourists visited Australia from overseas in an industry that was worth $166 billion. 

New figures from Tourism Research Australia show there were only 6.6 million international visitors last year, a deficit of more than 2 million compared to 2019 levels.  

Victoria experienced the largest loss in international visits at 33 per cent, followed by Queensland at 24 per cent and New South Wales at 22 per cent. 

Nationally, Chinese visitor numbers — which made up the bulk of visitors to Australia pre-pandemic — slumped to 507,000 last year, down from 1.3 million in 2019. 

Figures for the month of February show more than 850,000 people visited Australia, an increase of 257,000 for the same time in 2023, but 7.5 per cent less than pre-COVID levels. 

Gui Lohmann from Griffith University's Institute for Tourism said there were a number of reasons for the slow return of international visitors. 

"The airfares are significantly high and we are under an inflationary situation with labour and food costs," Professor Lohmann said. 

"It could be challenging for Australia to reach above 8 million international visitors in the scenario we are in at the moment." 

Professor Lohmann said cost-of-living pressures were also at play in the return of international tourists, as was a "reset" in European thinking.  

"Many Europeans believe a long-haul trip is quite damaging to the environment and they're also flying less generally," he said. 

"Their domestic airline routes no longer exist [and] have been replaced by train trips." 

He said China's ongoing economic problems, the war in Ukraine and United States' election were also having an impact.  

"It's a much more complicated world we are facing after the pandemic," he said. 

A long road to recovery 

Oxford Economics has forecast it could take until 2025-26 before Australian tourism returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

Tourism Australia, a government agency that promotes holidays, said the strongest markets since borders reopened had been New Zealand, the United States and the United Kingdom. 

"We always knew that the recovery of international travel to Australia would take time, and we have continued to see the steady return of international visitors to our shores," a spokeswoman said. 

Maneka Jayasinghe, a tourism expert at Charles Darwin University, said affordability was a key factor in attracting visitors Down Under.  

She said the state and federal governments should consider subsidising travel to Australia. 

"Measures to reduce costs, such as discounted hotel prices, tourism package deals and food vouchers could be of importance to encourage visitors to Australia," Dr Jayasinghe said. 

"Tourism operators were badly hit during COVID so may not be in a financially viable position to provide further perks to visitors, especially the small-scale operators in smaller states and territories and those operating in remote areas." 

She said re-establishing links with traditional tourism markets, including Japan, was also a potential solution. 

"Countries with a rapidly growing middle class, such as India, could have high potential to grow. Some of the south-east Asian countries, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, could also be attractive due to their proximity to Australia." 

Dutch tourists Tim Erentsen and Laleh Maleki estimated it would cost them around $16,000 for their three-week holiday in Australia, where they are visiting Sydney, the Whitsundays and Cairns. 

"It has been expensive, especially the flights," Mr Erentsen said. 

Ms Maleki said the couple had travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US and the cost of hotels and food in Australia was comparable. 

"We thought if we were coming all this way and spending the money to get here, we should stay a bit longer, which is adding to the cost," Ms Maleki said. 

But despite that extra cost, she said the trip had been worth it. 

"We love the nature, it feels very safe here. The food is so good and the people are very friendly." 

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