Coral Sea Marina
A premier marina in Airlie Beach, serving as the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, offering world-class facilities and stunni...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tour groups thin out
Coral Sea Marina
Best Time
Tour groups thin out
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier marina in Airlie Beach, serving as the vibrant gateway to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef, offering world-class facilities and stunning ocean views.
"Coral Sea Marina truly lives up to its reputation as a lovely destination with top-notch facilities and a prime location."
🎯 Book South Arm Berth
Request the south arm for quieter stays, away from commercial operator traffic.
🚗 Courtesy Car Access
Utilize courtesy cars for quick trips to Airlie Beach town for supplies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whitsunday Island Tours
Marina Departure Point
Embark on boat trips to iconic Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.
Waterfront Dining
Marina Precinct
Enjoy fresh flavors and stunning sea views at cafes and bars like Boho Cafe.
Superyacht Spotting
Marina Berths
Marvel at impressive vessels, including luxury superyachts, docked at the marina.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Gateway to Paradise
Marina Life & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book South Arm Berth
Request the south arm for quieter stays, away from commercial operator traffic.
🚗 Courtesy Car Access
Utilize courtesy cars for quick trips to Airlie Beach town for supplies.
🍽️ Waterfront Eats
Enjoy diverse dining options with stunning views right at the marina.
🥽 Reef & Island Adventures
The marina is the prime departure point for Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday tours.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book South Arm Berth
Request the south arm for quieter stays, away from commercial operator traffic.
🚗 Courtesy Car Access
Utilize courtesy cars for quick trips to Airlie Beach town for supplies.
🍽️ Waterfront Eats
Enjoy diverse dining options with stunning views right at the marina.
🥽 Reef & Island Adventures
The marina is the prime departure point for Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday tours.
📸 Scenic Views
Capture breathtaking photos of the marina, boats, and surrounding ocean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Coral Sea Marina is widely praised for its excellent facilities, stunning location, and role as a gateway to the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Visitors highlight the modern amenities, friendly staff, and convenient access to tours and dining. Some guests have experienced noise and traffic when placed with commercial operators, but management is noted as understanding and proactive.
"Well appointed marina with excellent facilities. Modern showers with good water pressure. Awesome lounge area with pool table, gym, views. Courtesy cars available for short trip to town for supplies , 5 min drive or 20 min walk. Neighbouring resort offers free use of pool plus 10% discount on food and beverage to marina guests. Plenty of other cafes within close walk."
Brian Simpson
"Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach truly lives up to its reputation as a lovely destination. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted by a well-maintained and welcoming environment. The marina boasts an impressive array of amenities, catering to a diverse range of needs. Whether you're a boat owner, a tourist looking for waterfront experiences, or simply someone wanting to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Coral Sea Marina has something to offer.
The facilities are top-notch, with well-maintained berths and excellent services for vessels of all sizes. Beyond the boating aspects, the marina precinct is a hub of activity. You'll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or Browse for souvenirs. The waterfront promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll, offering stunning views of the Coral Sea and the surrounding islands.
What makes Coral Sea Marina particularly appealing is its location. Situated in the heart of Airlie Beach, it provides easy access to the town's attractions and is a gateway to the wonders of the Whitsunday Islands. It's a fantastic base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef or embarking on sailing adventures.
Whether you're setting sail, looking for a picturesque place to relax by the water, or seeking convenient access to tours and activities, Coral Sea Marina is a standout destination in Airlie Beach. Its combination of excellent amenities, a prime location, and a genuinely lovely atmosphere makes it a must-visit."
Jimmy Narbutas
"The marina was full and we were placed with the commercial operators which was so noisy and a lot of traffic.
I would suggest requesting the south arm when booking as it's quieter and closer to the Ocean Club and Lookout Lounge.
We did provide feedback to management when we were leaving and they were very understanding and proactive. We wish we had mentioned it on arrival but we didn't know until 5pm when the Thunder Cat and other operators returned with hordes of people."
Angela Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coral Sea Marina is a short 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from Airlie Beach town center. Courtesy cars are available for marina guests for short trips.
While walking is an option, local taxis or ride-sharing services can also take you to the marina from Airlie Beach. Some accommodations may offer shuttle services.
Yes, helicopter transfers to luxury island retreats like Elysian can depart from Coral Sea Marina, offering a scenic start to your island getaway.
Most Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Island tours depart directly from Coral Sea Marina, making it the most convenient access point.
Coral Sea Marina is located in Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia, serving as a primary gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the marina precinct itself is generally free. However, you will need to purchase tickets for any boat tours, activities, or dining experiences.
The marina is accessible at all times for boaters. Shops, restaurants, and tour operators within the marina have varying hours, with many cafes opening from 6:30 AM.
Tours can be booked directly through the individual tour operators or via online travel agencies. It's recommended to book in advance, especially for popular Great Barrier Reef trips.
Marina guests may receive discounts at neighboring resorts, including 10% off food and beverages at the Coral Sea Resort.
It's advisable to book your berth in advance, especially during peak seasons. You can contact the marina directly for availability and pricing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The marina offers modern showers, a lounge area with a pool table, a gym, and waterfront cafes and restaurants. Courtesy cars are also available.
Yes, marine life such as eagle rays and soft corals can be spotted around the marina, especially on overcast days.
You'll see a variety of vessels, from small recreational boats to large superyachts and commercial tour vessels heading to the Whitsundays.
Absolutely! The marina precinct features several cafes and bars, including Boho Cafe and The Garden Bar, offering waterfront dining experiences.
The marina offers stunning scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a popular spot for photographers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the boats, the ocean views, and the marina architecture. Sunrises and sunsets offer particularly beautiful light.
Yes, the marina is home to impressive superyachts, and photographing them is a popular activity for visitors.
The Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade, part of the Reef Festival, has been a visually stunning event in the past.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the marina's beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the marina and boats, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant yachts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider tours that focus on shorter durations or offer activities suitable for younger children. The marina itself provides a safe and engaging environment for a stroll, with plenty of sights to keep little ones entertained. Look for dining options with kid-friendly menus, like those found at Boho Cafe, which offers poke bowls and smoothie bowls that can appeal to various tastes.
⚓ Sailors & Boaters
For those planning longer stays or needing provisions, the proximity to Airlie Beach town is a significant advantage. The courtesy cars make restocking easy, and the marina's location provides a secure and scenic base for exploring the Whitsundays.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Don't miss the chance to photograph the impressive superyachts that frequent the marina, offering a touch of luxury to your portfolio.
+1 The marina precinct itself, with its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere, provides diverse photographic opportunities. Consider capturing the energy of tour departures or the tranquility of a quiet morning. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Your Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
Many visitors choose to base themselves at the Coral Sea Marina Resort for its direct access to these excursions. The resort's location means you can often walk directly from your accommodation to your tour boat. This convenience is a major draw for travelers looking to make the most of their time in the Whitsundays.
When planning your reef trip, consider booking in advance, especially during school holidays or peak tourist seasons. Research different tour operators to find one that best suits your interests, whether it's a high-speed catamaran for a quick visit or a more relaxed sailing trip.
Life at the Marina: Beyond the Boats
The precinct is dotted with charming cafes and restaurants, offering delightful waterfront dining experiences. Boho Cafe is a popular spot for smoothie bowls and poke bowls, perfect for fueling up before or after a day of adventure.
Beyond the practicalities, the marina hosts events like the Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade, showcasing community spirit and creativity.
This blend of essential services, leisure activities, and community events makes Coral Sea Marina a dynamic destination in itself.Accommodation and Local Stays
Many visitors praise the resort for its excellent location and amenities, making it a top choice for Whitsundays accommodation. Beyond the resort, the marina precinct is surrounded by other options, and marina guests often benefit from reciprocal arrangements. For instance, guests can enjoy the use of a neighboring resort's pool and receive discounts on food and beverages.
When considering where to stay, think about your priorities. If immediate access to boat tours is key, the Coral Sea Marina Resort is ideal. If you prefer a slightly different vibe or more budget-friendly options, exploring accommodations within walking distance in Airlie Beach town is also a good strategy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit