Great Barrier Reef

Diving, Snorkelling and Fishing

DIVING AND SNORKELLING

Experience the spectacular inner and outer Great Barrier Reef with our on island Dive Centre. Choose from introductory or guided certified dives, single or double tank dives and half or full day trips. Night diving and snorkelling are available weekly plus private dive and snorkel guides, private charters and dive courses on request.

NIGHT DIVE

Enjoy a Hayman Signature Experience, an amazing underworld adventure below the waters surrounding Hayman, as our dive professionals take you aboard our dive vessel, Sun Aura, to nearby Castle Rock Wall on an unforgettable dive experience amid vibrant colours and nightlife. Dive amongst the reef’s creatures, which are only likely to emerge in the evenings, including crabs, shrimp and crayfish, plus moray eels, parrot fish and dancing feather stars. An array of other sights will fascinate including the corals which will appear fluffy as the polyps extend and retract their tentacles as they feed. The evening includes a dive briefing and a certificate which will be presented to each diver.

A$225 per person

Minimum 2 persons

Please note that Night Dives are available to certified divers only, who have completed a day dive with us.

DIVE AND SNORKEL

Explore the Great Barrier Reef’s magnificent underwater world with a Hayman dive or snorkel experience. The Dive and Snorkel Centre, situated within Hayman’s Marine Centre, is a 5-Star PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) accredited training facility. Highly qualified dive instructors conduct a full range of PADI dive courses, escorted day dives, private charters and snorkel safari trips so guests can make the most of the reef’s stunning marine life. Guests can also hire or purchase dive gear and snorkel equipment, and take advantage of our dedicated guest storage area and change room facilities.

DIVE AND SNORKEL VESSELS

Hayman offers a range of vessels from which guests can enjoy dive and snorkel activities. These include small speedboats and luxury cruisers available for private charter.

DIVE COURSES

Hayman Dive and Snorkel Centre conducts a range of PADI dive courses to suit guest requirements. If you have always wanted to learn to dive, Hayman is the ideal place to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Let one of Hayman’s highly qualified dive instructors teach you the art of SCUBA during your stay on Hayman. Courses are available on request. Conditions apply.

LOCAL REEF DIVING

For the certified diver, Hayman's Dive and Snorkel Centre conducts excellent guided local diving around Hayman showcasing fantastic coral and marine life in picturesque settings. Hayman’s experienced dive instructors will guide you around the beautiful fringing reefs of the Whitsunday Islands for a truly memorable diving experience.

DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING 

For the novice or guest without a dive certification who wishes to see the Great Barrier Reef, one of Hayman’s experienced dive instructors will take you on an underwater journey to Blue Pearl Bay where you can see Giant Clams, Maori Wrasse, Lion Fish, Trumpet Fish, Rabbit Fish and Clown Fish.

REFRESHER DIVES

If you have not dived for a while and feel that you could brush up on some of your dive skills, one of Hayman’s experienced dive instructors can assist you with some of the basics during your dive. This will help build confidence levels, making for a more pleasurable dive.

PRIVATE DIVE AND SNORKEL CHARTERS

Hayman's Dive and Snorkel Centre offers private or group charters that include diving and snorkelling trips to experience the beautiful islands and spectacular marine life within the Whitsunday group. Enjoy a day of diving and sailing onboard a luxury catamaran. Sail to Hook Island and dive at Luncheon Bay or Maureen's Cove. A perfect way to experience the majestic Whitsunday Islands and surrounding crystal clear waters. Experience the outer regions of the Great Barrier Reef at Hayman's own private mooring located at sensational Bait Reef. This superb dive site offers coral wall dives, lagoons, fantastic coral mountains and incredible fish life, the pick of diving areas with the Whitsunday region. Let Hayman's Dive and Snorkel Centre take you on a dive trip to remember. The Whitsundays are blessed with beautiful fringing reefs that surround the islands. Fringing reef offers great diversity, with amazing varieties of coral and an abundance of marine life. Hayman's Dive and Snorkel team will take you on a private underwater tour of some of the fantastic bays and beaches that surround Hayman, Langford and Arkhurst Islands onboard one of Hayman’s sports boats.

All dive and snorkel trips are subject to availability and weather conditions. Sites will be chosen according to their suitability on the day. The Whitsunday Islands area is tidal which may affect water visibility on occasion. Bookings for private charters need to be reserved in advance.

OUTER REEF ADVENTURE

Traverse the waters of the Great Barrier Reef on board Cruise Whitsundays' vessel, Seaflight, a

37-metre wave piercer as you head out to an amazing pontoon at Knuckle Reef Lagoon. Relax in reserved seating in the Captain's Lounge on the mid-deck of the fully air-conditioned vessel with refreshments served throughout the day, including a sumptuous buffet lunch. Knuckle Reef Pontoon offers undercover seating and tables, plus sun decks for topping up the tan, freshwater showers and change rooms. There is a spectacular underwater viewing chamber, fun giant slide and swimming enclosure for children. The pontoon has its own ecosystem with magnificent corals and marine life not found in more open areas. It provides a unique world for you to explore, be it a Subsea adventure in a semi submersible or by glass bottom boat, snorkelling, diving or Seawalker helmet diving.

A$205 per adult

A$110 per child up to 12 years

• Full day cruise and snorkelling
• Reserved seating in the Captain's Lounge on the mid-deck
• Sumptuous buffet lunch
• Wines, beers, juices, soft drinks served throughout the day
• Morning and afternoon tea
• Priority bookings for Subsea semi submersible rides and glass bottom boat
• Presentation by a Marine Biologist in the underwater viewing chamber
• Breakfast or afternoon visits to Knuckle Reef Lagoon and guided Reef Safaris are also available.

REEF DANCER

A spectacular reef experience close to Hayman on our Reef Dancer semi submersible vessel. This trip incorporates coral viewing and snorkelling among magnificent coral formations and tropical fish followed by champagne and refreshments.

1 ½ hours

A$70

FISHING

The waters surrounding Hayman provide some of the best fishing in the world, with Australian and international records continually established in the region. The Marine Centre conducts escorted half and full day game and bottom fishing trips as well as private charters. The 12.5 metre game fishing boat, Sun Aura, features a spacious deck to allow smooth, quick and easy access to fishing tackle. Charters include hire, equipment, bait and fuel. Fishing charters are available on selected days and are subject to boat availability and weather conditions.

GAME FISHING

September – February

With the waters surrounding Hayman normally experiencing warm temperatures during this time, warm water pelagic fish likely to inhabit the region include Black Marlin, Sailfish, Bluefin Tuna, Wahoo and Mahi Mahi.

March – August

With the waters normally a little cooler during this time, other pelagic fish likely to be biting include Narrow Barred Mackerel (Spanish Mackerel), Black Kingfish (Cobia), Giant Trevally, Queenfish, and the occasional juvenile Black Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna.

Half Day Game Fishing

A$290 per person

Minimum 2 persons

BOTTOM FISHING

September – February

This is traditionally spawning time for local bottom fish, which means their feeding habits can be irregular, however good fishing days can be enjoyed when they are biting. The most commonly caught table fish in the reef waters during this time include Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweetlip and Scarlet Sea Perch.

March – August

This is traditionally the period for local bottom fish to be in their prime condition, carrying excess fat to survive the cool water months. Bottom fish can be temperamental, however, on good days, are available in abundance. The most commonly caught table fish in the reef waters during this time include Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Sweetlip, Scarlet Sea Perch, Trevally and Cod.

Half Day Bottom Fishing

A$260 per person

Minimum 2 persons

FISHING CHARTERS

Fishing charters are available on selected days and are subject to boat availability and weather conditions.

SUN AURA

Hayman’s Sun Aura is a 12.5 metre (41 foot) Flybridge Sportfisher, equipped to handle any fish caught within the waters surrounding Hayman. The professional crew is available to teach novice anglers the art of fishing and will provide helpful tips for the more experienced anglers. Sun Aura is used for scheduled and private fishing trips and charters.

WHITE FISHING CHARTERS

Half day fishing charters are conducted on White Fishing Charters’ 30-foot Kevlacat Sportsfisher 3000. Whether you are a serious gamefisher, hobby fisher or it is your first time fishing, White Fishing Charters and the professional crew will provide you with a fishing experience to remember.

Prices are quoted in Australian dollars and are inclusive of a 10% Goods and Services Tax. Hayman accepts cash, travellers cheques and all major credit cards including American Express, Diners, Visa, MasterCard and Bankcard. Hayman applies a 1.5% surcharge for Visa and Mastercard transactions and a 3.5% surcharge for American Express, Diners Club and JCB transactions. EFTPOS facilities are available however limits apply. Hayman does not accept personal or business cheques unless approved prior to arrival.

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Cruising and Sailing

HAYMAN MARINA

Hayman welcomes yachts to visit for the day or moor overnight, subject to space available. The marina is accessible via a deep-water channel dredged to 3.2 metres and can accommodate sail and power vessels up to 30 metres. Guests on yachts mooring overnight are required to stay in the resort. Marine safety regulations specifically preclude authorisation for guests and crew to stay aboard their vessels overnight in the Hayman marina.The resort's dress standards apply to guests on visiting vessels. The marina is open to vessels from 10.00am to 3.30pm each day. Marina bookings must be made in advance to ensure availability by phoning the Hayman Marine Coordinator on (61-7) 4940 1882 or calling on VHF Channel 16.

CRUISE CHARTERS

Hayman operates magnificent sleek white cruisers - Sun Eagle and Sun Goddess - which are beautifully appointed and are available for private charter for special occasions. These charters can take you to all parts of the fabulous reef surrounds. Meals and refreshments can be organised for you to enjoy during the cruise. 

FULL DAY AND EXTENDED DAY CHARTER

Head out on an incredible day of adventure to the Great Barrier Reef, stopping along the way to snorkel in the unique underworld of colourful fish and coral, or visit the silica sands of famous Whitehaven Beach.


SUNSET CRUISE

Experience the magic and romance of sailing into a beautiful Whitsunday sunset. Sip your sparkling wine and relax as you sail the waters.
2 hours
A$120

SPEEDBOAT DROP OFF

Let us recommend a beautiful spot for you - perhaps a stunning beach - close to Hayman and we will take you there.Bring along a picnic hamper which you can order through In Room Dining, or just a towel, as you snorkel, sunbathe - or simply chill out.
A$38 per person  

DINGHY HIRE

Follow the path of Captain Cook, who explored the waters surrounding Hayman in 1770, as you head out on one of our fun motorised dinghies. Our neighbourhood offers bays and beaches, reefs and romance, coral and crystal clear waters.
Full day A$120 per boat
Maximum 6 persons
½ day A$70 per boat
Maximum 6 persons

Prices are quoted in Australian dollars and are inclusive of a 10% Goods and Services Tax. Hayman accepts cash, travellers cheques and all major credit cards including American Express, Diners, Visa, MasterCard and Bankcard. Hayman applies a 1.5% surcharge for Visa and Mastercard transactions and a 3.5% surcharge for American Express, Diners Club and JCB transactions. EFTPOS facilities are available however limits apply. Hayman does not accept personal or business cheques unless approved prior to arrival.

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Helicopter and Seaplane Adventures

HELICOPTER ADVENTURES

Helireef showcases the natural wonders of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef with its extensive range of helicopter adventures. Your experienced pilot will provide an informative in-flight commentary via comfortable stereo headsets fitted in all helicopters. With an abundance of video and photography opportunities you will enjoy pristine beaches, uninhabited islands and coral reefs from the comfort of Helireef’s luxurious helicopter fleet.

REEF DISCOVERY TOUR

Reefworld is Australia’s largest purpose-built facility designed to offer guests the ultimate reef experience. Shaded decks, an underwater marine theatre, semi submersible rides, fish feeding, snorkelling equipment, wetsuits, buoyancy vests, fresh water showers, and a souvenir shop, are all available at Reefworld. These tours are private, departing mornings and afternoons and include aerial views over Hayman, Bali Hai, Langford Reef, Bait and Hardy Reefs and world famous Heart Reef. Diving options are also available at Reefworld. Enquire at the time of reservation for all your diving requirements.
3 hours
$A699 per person
Includes admission to Reefworld, sparkling wine, juice, water, cheese and tropical fruits and towels

WHITEHAVEN INDULGENCE PICNIC

This magnificent unspoilt beach is a ‘must see’ item on your holiday agenda. This tour is designed to capture Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet in all their glory. Savour the exceptional views over Hayman, Langford Reef, Hook and Whitsunday Islands and Hill Inlet, before landing gently on your own slice of paradise. Swim or stroll along 6 kilometres of pure white silica beach on uninhabited Whitsunday Island, or take a picnic lunch and relax under the shade of a beach umbrella with chilled sparkling wine.
2 hours
$A399 per person
Includes sparkling wine, cheese platter, juice, water, beach umbrella, picnic rug and towels

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Experience the best that the Whitsundays has to offer in this combined Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven deluxe tour. Fly to Fantasea Reefworld, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef to enjoy 2 hours of all inclusive use of this purpose-built reef platform. Spend an hour on Whitehaven Beach swimming or just relaxing underneath the shade of your beach umbrella with chilled sparking wine. This exclusive tour includes breathtaking aerial views over ancient reef lagoon systems, Heart Reef, Hayman, Hook Island, Langford Reef, Hill inlet and other pristine isolated islands.
4 ¼ hours
$A999 per person
Includes sparkling wine, cheese and tropical fruit platter, juice, water, beach umbrella, picnic rug and towels

HELI-GOLF

Take a helicopter across the Whitsunday Islands right to the door of the prestigious Turtle Point Golf Course located on the water’s edge at Laguna Whitsundays Resort. Enjoy 18 holes of championship golf at this exclusive David Graham designed course, which includes a Beach Club, Racquet Club, swimming pools and restaurants.
Fly direct Hayman-Laguna Whitsundays Resort  
$A950 per person
Fly/drive Hayman-Shute Harbour and return limousine transfers to Laguna Whitsundays Resort  
$A650 per person
Heli-Golf tours include golf fees, clubs, shoes and buggy hire. Departure times available to suit your choice of half or full day golfing

HELI-SCENICS

For the ultimate panoramic flight over the surrounding Whitsunday waters and Great Barrier Reef, choose from the following helicopter flights:
55 minute Great Barrier Reef Scenic  $A649 per person
25 minute Whitehaven Scenic  $A369 per person
10 minute Whitsunday Scenic  $A145 per person

HELI TRANSFERS

Travel in the luxury of a jet helicopter between Hayman and Great Barrier Reef Airport (Hamilton Island), Whitsunday Airport (Airlie Beach) and Proserpine Airport. Enquire at the Helireef Heliport or with Hayman Guest Services for prices. Helireef also offers inter-island transfers to and from the surrounding islands and mainland and has aircraft available for private charter or group activities. Helireef’s fleet includes aircraft ranging from3-seater helicopters to corporate 10-seaters.

All helicopter flights are operated at the discretion of Helireef (Whitsundays) and are subject to weather conditions and other influences outside Helireef’s control.

SEAPLANE ADVENTURES

Air Whitsunday operates a fleet of famous De Havilland Beaver DHC-2 and Cessna 208 Caravan amphibious floatplanes. Air Whitsunday is renowned for seaplane services that rendezvous with its privately operated glass bottom boat, moored at an exclusive snorkelling location inside the coral suspended lagoon of Hardy Reef.

REEF ADVENTURE

Departing daily, Air Whitsunday’ seaplanes showcase the amazing expanse of the Great Barrier Reef from above sea level before landing and transferring you to its private semi- submersible at Hardy Reef to experience its beauty from below sea level. Enjoy 2 hours of coral viewing and snorkelling from the comfort of the glass bottom boat moored inside the calm confined waters of Hardy Lagoon; a coral suspended lagoon in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Easy access into the water from the rear platform of the vessel ensures passengers of all snorkelling skill levels can enjoy this exclusive reef location in ease. The vessel also has an underwater viewing chamber, sun and shade deck areas and is equipped with all snorkelling equipment and flotation devices. All tours to this location are scheduled around low tide and being surrounded by a reef wall creates a tranquil coral lagoon for the aircraft to land in and for guests to snorkel. During low tide the location is only 2-6 metres deep providing the first time snorkeller with more confidence due to the comfortable conditions, while the more experienced can enjoy the abundance of marine life and coral that the added protection of the reef wall has provided. Enjoy aerial views of Hayman and Hook Island before heading over the Coral Sea and witnessing Hook, Hardy and Heart Reefs from above and then exploring this amazing underwater world from below!3 hours
$A390 adult 
$A350 child 2-12 years
$A2340 private charter (6-seater aircraft) Also ensures sole use of the semi submersible.
$A3900 private charter (10-seater aircraft) Also ensures sole use of the semi submersible.

WHITEHAVEN EXPERIENCE

Visit famous Whitehaven Beach in style by seaplane. Flights depart daily and include a spectacular direct scenic flight over Hayman, Hook and Whitsunday islands. Your aircraft will perform aerial work over the amazing swirling sands of Hill Inlet and the expansive stretch of world-famous Whitehaven Beach for that perfect postcard photograph. Land gracefully at an area of the beach with few or no other visitors where you are free to relax, sunbathe, swim and explore this remarkable pure silica beach. In some weather conditions, this tour may require the seaplane to land at an alternate beach in the vicinity of Whitehaven Bay.
3 hours
$A300 adult
$A260 child 2-12 years
$A1800 private charter (6-seater aircraft)
$A3000 private charter (10-seater aircraft)

PANORAMA

See the best the Whitsunday region has to offer in a half day tour and enjoy the incredible textures and colours of the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef from the air. This tour includes snorkelling and coral viewing from the private semi submersible at Air Whitsunday’s own reef location inside the calm waters of Hardy Lagoon. The vessel has an underwater viewing chamber, sun and shade deck areas, along with easy access into the water. All tours to this location are scheduled around low tide; being surrounded by a reef wall creates a suspended coral lagoon for the aircraft to land. Guests are able to take advantage of snorkelling, while rejuvenating in the refreshing waters amongst ancient coral gardens teeming with marine life. During low tide the location is only 2-6 metres deep providing the first time snorkeller with more confidence due to the comfortable conditions, while the more experienced can enjoy the abundance of sea life and coral that the added protection of the reef wall has provided. This adventure is followed with a relaxing 1-hour visit to Whitehaven Beach. Frequently voted as one of the world’s top ten beaches, this striking stretch of silica beach on Whitsunday Island is the perfect location to enjoy a picnic lunch, explore and recline in the crystal clear waters with turtles and rays.
4 ½ hours
$A530 adult
$A490 child 2-12 years
$A3180 private charter (6-seater aircraft)
$A5300 private charter (10-seater aircraft)

FANTASEA REEFWORLD

Fantasea Reefworld is the largest purpose-built pontoon facility on the Great Barrier Reef and is equipped with an excellent array of snorkelling and scuba diving equipment; in addition to a semi submersible vessel, an amazing underwater viewing chamber and vast sun and shade decks on the second storey viewing platform. Seaplanes arrive at the pontoon either before the Fantasea vessel has arrived or after it has departed for the day enabling guests the privilege of the entire pontoon and all its facilities to themselves. You can also experience a scenic flight over Hayman and Hook Island and the Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef. Explore the reef underwater world snorkelling or scuba diving and be back on island before lunch.
3 hours – snorkel only
$A480 adult/child
Certified dives are available for purchase on board the Fantasea pontoon.

SCENIC FLIGHTS

Air Whitsunday’s seaplanes provide a great way to enjoy our world heritage surrounds from the air. All aircraft have large panoramic windows, passenger headsets and include an in-flight commentary. Scenic flights can be booked at a time to suit your holiday schedule and require only 2 people on each flight. Choose a quick flight to Whitehaven Beach, taking in views of Hayman , Hook Island, Whitsunday Island,, Whitehaven Beach and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet; or a direct flight to the reef, where you will accelerate across the Coral Sea to Bait Reef, home of the amazing stepping stones, Hook Reef and Hardy Lagoon. The pilots will also show you one of the region’s biggest natural wonders, the perfectly shaped Heart Reef; or take part in the most comprehensive scenic flight on offer in the Whitsunday region and see all of the above on the 1-hour Reef and Whitehaven Scenic. The aircraft will descend to 500 feet whilst at the reef to take in all the sights so you can possibly spot a turtle, rays or, in season, pods of humpback whales.
30 minutes Whitehaven Scenic  
$A240 adult/child
$A1440 private charter (6-seater aircraft)
$A2400 private charter (10-seater aircraft)
45 minutes Great Barrier Reef Scenic
$A290 adult/child
$A1740 private charter (6-seater aircraft)
$A2900 private charter (10-seater aircraft)
1 hour Reef and Whitehaven Scenic 
$A340 adult/child
$A2040 private charter (6-seater aircraft)
$A3400 private charter (10-seater aircraft)

LAGUNA WHITSUNDAYS GOLF

Turtle Point Golf Course is located on the mainland at Laguna Whitsundays. The 18-hole golf course boasts natural beauty and prolific wildlife. The championship course, designed by former US Open and USPGA champion David Graham and partner Garry Panks, offers a true challenge as the 6399 metre layout meanders through native bushland and lush rainforest, and is framed by the Coral Sea lapping at a number of fairways. The Racquet Club, Halfway House and Pro Shop will be open for additional purchases such as food, refreshments, golf balls and merchandise. Departure and return times are dependant on the day’s schedule and aircraft availability, however Air Whitsunday will endeavour to meet your requests. The average time required for this booking is 7 hours. This allows for return flights and 5 hours on the green. Dress regulations apply to Turtle Point Golf Course. Golf shoes or runners and a collared shirt must be worn. Boat shoes, sandals, board shorts and t-shirts are not permitted.
$A375 per person incl.
Return flights with stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands and Conway Ranges
18-hole round of golf
Motorised golf cart hire
Golf club hire (excludes Callaway Clubs)
House beverage served at the Racquet Club

All seaplane flights are operated at the discretion of Air Whitsunday and are subject to weather conditions and other influences outside Air Whitsunday's control.

Prices are quoted in Australian dollars and are inclusive of a 10% Goods and Services Tax. Hayman accepts cash, travellers cheques and all major credit cards including American Express, Diners, Visa, MasterCard and Bankcard. Hayman applies a 1.5% surcharge for Visa and Mastercard transactions and a 3.5% surcharge for American Express, Diners Club and JCB transactions. EFTPOS facilities are available however limits apply. Hayman does not accept personal or business cheques unless approved prior to arrival.

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