Serene, picture-perfect Whitehaven Beach is home to many large Feathertail Stingrays that bath in the waters off the beach. The Beach is located in the Whitesunday’s National Park, in Queensland, Australia
Pros
Cons
Snorkel Video
Snorkel Snaps
Full Review
Highlights
No Coral
1-2 Meters Average Depth
Good Visibility
Easy Difficulty
No Cafe’s nearby
Tours approx $80-$120 USD
Sea Urchins very unlikely
Jellyfish unlikely
When:
Who:
Tour Cost:
Star Rating:
Cost:
Whitehaven beach is the jewel in the crown of the 74 islands, Whitsunday Island Nature Reserve, located approximately 55km off the North East Queensland coast, Australia. The heavenly white sand is as fine as flour matched with the turquoise blue ocean current which made for an experience like no other.
Stingray Spot
Top Tip:
For the best look out photographed below, I’d recommend the walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout which is a viewpoint looking over the swirling waters.
Cowtail Rays (Feathertail) bask in the shallow waters near the shore. They are pretty big stingrays, generally in groups (fever), and keep themselves to themselves. Take safety precautions and do not get close as they have a deadly venomous tail. I’d take a pair of goggles and submerge yourself so you’re sitting on the sand nearby.
You can also see the stingrays in the water as the water is incredibly clear. Do not swim on top of these creatures, they will feel threatened and whip their tail which can be fatal. This isn’t what I’d classify as a snorkel location, but if you’re going, it is a cool place to spot stingrays. If you get too close they’ll normally swim off. You can potentially see small juvenile reef sharks navigating the sanctuary of the shallow waters.
If you’re visiting Whitehaven Beach, there is a footpath to walk up to a lookout spot called Hill Inlet Lookout which is where you can get a stunning view of the swirls in the ocean, as shown in our video. I caught the tide and weather on a good day and got this incredible view of the contrasting turquoise blues matched with the clear skies.
Safety Tip:
Do not swim over the top of the Stingrays! In defence they will put their tails up which can cause serious injury or fatality.
Tour Guide Options
Tour guide operators run from Airlie beach, and there are several tour operator options. There is the option of either a day trip or a multi-day trip staying on a boat, which includes snorkeling, sightseeing, food, and more.
Best Snorkel Spot
Whitehaven Beach is a stunning attraction in Queensland, situated on the 74 islands Whitsunday Island Nature Reserve. Although it is an incredible view, you don’t require a snorkel and mask as you can see Feathertail Rays from the surface. They are generally found basking at the shoreline.
Best Time Of Year
Australia’s dry season (July-October) is generally the best time of year to visit Whitehaven Beach as you’re more likely to get good weather.
Popular Marine Life
Cowtail Stingray
Blacktip Reef Shark
Where is Whitehaven Beach?
Whitehaven beach is a pristine, breathtaking beach located in the Whitsunday Nature Reserve, off the North East coast of Queensland, Australia. Whitehaven Beach is on the largest island of the 72-island Whitsunday reserve and is the jewel of the Whitsundays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Several tour operators set off from Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands, and Whitehaven Beach.
Tours vary on the length of time with some operators offering 1-3 day trips, and some the option of a half day excursion.
Spring (July-December). During September Humpback whales breed in the Whitsunday islands nature reserve and can be spotted swimming and breaching.
The closest accommodation to Whitehaven Beach would be where the majority of the tours start, in the town of Airlie Beach. The town has a very chilled vibe, with hostels and hotels, and a stop off for tourists visiting the Whitsunday Islands.
Luke
FOUNDER
Luke is a passionate snorkeler who started Snorkelverse to live his dream of combining his passions for snorkeling, marine life, protecting marine ecosystems, and helping others.
Top 6 Things To Do In Queensland, Australia
