Airlie Beach Lagoon surrounded by palm trees, green lawns and hillside resorts under a clear blue sky.

Airlie Beach, Australia

Cruises to Airlie Beach, Australia

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Things to do in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a must-see destination where the Great Barrier Reef meets tropical paradise. From sailing the Whitsundays Islands to lounging on sun-drenched beaches and exploring vibrant local markets, it’s the perfect gateway for adventure and relaxation.

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  • Palm trees lining the sandy edge of Airlie Beach with turquoise water and green hills in the background.

    Spend an afternoon browsing local markets, sampling fresh produce and meeting the friendly locals who give Airlie Beach its laid-back charm.

  • Two snorkelers floating in turquoise water near a secluded beach surrounded by lush forest on Hook Island.

    Cruise past secluded beaches and coves, discovering magnificent marine life and corals, as you explore either Black Island or Hook Island.

  • Two rainbow lorikeets with vivid blue, green and orange feathers feeding on bright pink tropical flowers.

    See the best of Airlie from the water, multi-million dollar mansions, native wild life & even a ship wreck!

  • A group of orange-and-white clownfish swimming among soft corals and sea anemones under sunlit blue water.

    Put on your mask and get up close and personal with Northern Australia’s diverse sea life, including giant graceful stingrays, familiar-looking orange and white clownfish and unusual sea cucumbers.

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Shore excursions to explore in Airlie Beach

Discover the best of Airlie Beach with unforgettable shore excursions that showcase its tropical beauty. From sailing crystal-clear waters to exploring lush rainforests and coral reefs, every adventure offers a unique glimpse into this coastal paradise.

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  • Aerial view of Heart Reef in the Great Barrier Reef, surrounded by shallow turquoise water and coral formations.

    Reef and Island Scenic Flight

    Take to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure over the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands. Witness the vibrant blues and swirling corals of this World Heritage wonder from above as you glide past Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and secluded island gems. Every moment of this breathtaking flight reveals the unmatched beauty of Australia’s tropical coast.

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  • Sulphur-crested cockatoo with a yellow crest perched in tall grass, eating wildflowers in a green meadow.

    Proserpine River & Crocodile Cruise

    Get up close to Australia’s wild side on a thrilling Proserpine River adventure. Cruise through lush wetlands teeming with birdlife and keep your eyes peeled for the famous “salties” basking on the banks. Then, hop aboard a tractor-drawn wagon to explore the untouched Goorganga wetlands, where your guide reveals the secrets of this incredible natural ecosystem.

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  • Aerial view of Whitehaven Beach showing turquoise water blending with white silica sand and lush green hills.

    Exhilarating White Haven Expedition

    Set out on an unforgettable adventure to Whitehaven Beach, a pristine paradise in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Ride a high-speed boat across turquoise waters, then sink your toes into the pure white sand of one of the world’s most eco-friendly beaches.

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  • Aerial view of a boat gliding through the vivid turquoise waters and white sandbars of Whitehaven Beach lagoon.

    Jet Ski Safari

    Feel the rush of adventure as you speed across the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays on a thrilling jet ski tour. Guided by experienced professionals, you’ll weave through scenic coastlines, spot sea turtles and seabirds and experience the ultimate mix of adrenaline and beauty. This 90-minute ride is the perfect way to see Airlie Beach from an unforgettable perspective.

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  • Green sea turtle swimming at the ocean’s surface, its brown shell gleaming under bright blue water.

    Ocean Rafting Marine Safari

    Take off on a high-speed motor-raft and race through the turquoise waters of the Whitsunday Passage toward Black or Hook Island. Guided by an expert eco-guide, you’ll explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life, spot sea turtles gliding beneath the surface and snorkel among giant clams, colorful corals and dazzling tropical fish.

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  • View of Hill Inlet’s curving sandbars and turquoise waters framed by lush green hills under a bright sky.

    Local Connections - Sea Kayaking

    Paddle across crystal-clear waters surrounded by white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and rocky islets teeming with wildlife. Feel the rhythm of the waves, spot sea turtles and dolphins and unwind on a coral beach—an unforgettable way to experience the beauty and serenity of Australia’s tropical coast.

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Discover all Airlie Beach shore excursions

Explore itineraries with cruises to Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a highlight on many Australia and New Zealand cruise itineraries, offering travelers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Step ashore to discover turquoise waters, lush tropical rainforests and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you prefer exploring on a scenic excursion or simply soaking in the laid-back coastal charm, Airlie Beach captures the essence of Queensland’s natural beauty.

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7-Day Queensland with Great Barrier Reef

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9-Day Queensland with Great Barrier Reef

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15-Day Asia & Australia

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Discover Airlie Beach on your next cruise

Discover the tropical allure of Airlie Beach, where palm-lined shores meet crystal-clear waters. This vibrant coastal town offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, from swimming in the lagoon to exploring nearby islands and reefs. 

Cruises to Airlie Beach
Aerial view of Whitehaven Beach showing bright turquoise water curving around forested islands in the Whitsundays.

Marvel at the swirling turquoise shallows and sugar-white sands of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays.

Waterfall streaming down rocky cliffs into a turquoise pool surrounded by sunlit forest at Cedar Creek Falls.

Cool off at Cedar Creek Falls as twin cascades tumble into a clear, rocky swimming hole.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

Discover our ships

Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

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Cruises to Airlie Beach FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

Let Princess get you there with travel, airfare & hotels

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  • Princess EZair

    Princess EZAir® Flights

    Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time, and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair® flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airline, allow you to book early and pay later with no penalty, and protect you if your flight is late or canceled. Princess EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages. Please note: Princess EZair® is only available in certain markets.

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    Airplane to Ship Transfer

    Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

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  • Cruise Plus hotel packages

    Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

    Extend your cruise vacation and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the representative’s services.

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Cruise deals and promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you can win prizes.

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A couple stands together on the deck of a cruise ship, smiling as they enjoy the ocean view under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

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