Jump in your Thrifty rental car and get going to begin exploring all the water hotspots around town, a town that sits on the traditional lands of the Ngaro people. From swimming to snorkelling, paddleboarding to kayaking, there’s something at Airlie Beach for anyone and everyone wanting to feel the rush of the ocean. 

Swim Among the Sea Life at Shute Harbour 

One of the top water activities to try while you’re adventuring around Airlie Beach is snorkelling the oceanic waters. An incredible way to get up close and personal with the vibrant sea life that characterises this region, snorkelling is suited to anyone with an appetite for adventure. Better yet, Airlie Beach is an ideal spot to do it, being the gateway to the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. You can hire a snorkel bundle for cheap from the local Airlie Beach’s Woah Adventure Shop. Once you’re kitted out, head out to the stunning Coral Beach in the Conway National Park, just under a half an hour drive from Airlie Beach. From there, you can explore the reefs and corals that populate these waters. There’s even a spectacular coastal forest to explore once you’re ready to get back on dry land. 

Feel the Sea Breeze Atop A Paddle Board 

Looking for a way to move your body while you enjoy the serenity of the picture-perfect ocean before you? Well, we’ve got the perfect water activity for anyone wanting a splash of fun. Stand up paddle boarding makes for the perfect adventure around Airlie Beach’s waterways. Hit up Whitsunday’s Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak for an affordable paddle board to hire and get going atop the shimmering surface of the pristine ocean. Paddle board potentials can hire a board from either Shingley Beach or Lagoon Beach, both only a couple of minutes’ drive out of the centre of Airlie Beach. Work that core while you gaze out over the endless blue horizon! 

Keep the Adrenaline Pumping with Kayaking 

Another spectacular way to combine both incredible outlooks with active water sports is jumping into a kayak and exploring the ocean as you paddle around. Whitsunday’s Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak also has you sorted with all things kayaks at Shingley Beach. Although a little bit pricier than a stand up paddleboard, it’s still a relatively affordable way to embark on adventure. Tow along the entire family and have some fun in the sun as the sparkling ocean water cools you down. You can even jump aboard a Guided Kayak Turtle Tour, which is only several more dollars than renting a kayak by itself. The Turtle Tour is a spectacular way to discover a few different beaches and their surrounding areas. 

Gaze in Awe at Whitehaven Beach 

Famous for being one of the more quiet beaches in the region, check out what the fuss is all about and prepare to drop your jaw to the floor at Boathaven Beach. The pristine turquoise of the sea set against the stone-white porcelain sand is enough to have you wondering if you’ve stumbled right into heaven. Observing the beauty of this spectacular beach is perfectly combined with the stinger nets that allow you to swim stress-free in the calming ocean. Frolick amongst the clear aquamarine and body surf through the gentle waves for a way to get the heart pumping. You can also explore the nearby shops and restaurants when your stomach starts to grumble.  

Soak Up the Sunset with a Airlie Beach Lagoon Stroll 

The perfect way to top off a brilliant trip to Airlie Beach is appreciating the gorgeous sunsets that graze over the ocean and fine sands in the evening. Airlie Beach Lagoon is an ideal place for a sunset stroll, with the twilight sky offering you a new outlook of this incredible waterway. Bring a picnic and enjoy an easy dinner as the orange threads through the blue of the ocean. There’s even BBQ facilities and grassy spots that make great dining areas for easy picnics. Get down early to enjoy the swimming pool lagoon, then dry off on the fine sand as the sun sets down on another beautiful day at Airlie Beach. 

Whether it’s swimming among the fish and coral or paddling through the deep blue of the pristine ocean, with your Thrifty rental car it’s easy to discover all the best water activities at Airlie Beach.