Excursion Scenic whitsundays by seaplane tour at Hamilton Island
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Experience the spectacular beauty of the Whitsunday Islands in a unique new way during this half-day flight-seeing tour and visit to Whitehaven Beach.
Seaplane Flight to Whitehaven Beach
Depart the pier for the approximately 15-minute transfer to the airstrip. Upon arrival, receive your safety briefing and board your seaplane for a scenic and exhilarating 15-minute flight to Whitehaven Beach, considered one of the Top 10 beaches in the world. En route, your pilots provide commentary as you take in breathtaking aerial views of the famous Whitsunday Islands and fringing reefs over Hill Inlet before landing at beautiful Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach
After a water landing at Whitehaven Beach, the next 1.5 hours is at your leisure. The crystal-clear aqua waters and pristine silica sand of idyllic Whitehaven stretch over seven kilometres (about 11 kilometres) along Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. Upon arrival, it's easy to see why Whitehaven is the most photographed beach in Australia, and was named 'Queensland's Most Beautiful Beach' by Keep Australia Beautiful and 'Queensland's Friendliest Beach' in 2009. It defines nature at its best, and offers a true sense of relaxation and escape.
Beach Visit and Light Refreshments
During your 1.5-hour visit, you can swim, explore the beach, relax in the sun or under your sunshade, and enjoy some sparkling wine and water before it is time to re-board your aircraft for the approximate 10-minute flight to Hamilton Island, then a brief transfer back to the pier.
Please note: During stinger season (Oct-May inclusive) passengers enter the ocean at their own risk. This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and seaplane. The surfaces at Whitehaven are mostly white sandy beaches, with a slight incline to reach the water. Once on the beach, walking is at guests' discretion. Sunshades are provided at the beach, but there are no bathroom facilities. Whitehaven is not part of the Great Barrier Reef; there is no coral viewing on this tour. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach or water shoes, and bring sun protection and a towel from the ship. The maximum weight of each guest must not exceed 287 pounds (130 kilograms). The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Whitsunday Islands, Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef, Hayman Island, Daydream Island, Surrounding Islands, Whitehaven Beach