Australia · SNORKELING

Snorkelling in Australia: The 15 Best Days in the Water

45 tours  ·  from $63 a head

Coral off Cairns, wrecks off Moreton, whale sharks at Ningaloo and turtles almost everywhere. These 15 are compared on water time, how far the boat goes and whether the wetsuit, gear and guide are in the fare.

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout - Hill Inlet is the essential first view
Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, White Water Rafting, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

1.Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4,777 reviews · from $149Our pick

Ocean Rafting takes you from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and secluded fringing reefs aboard a fast inflatable boat. Choose Northern Exposure for more snorkeling or Southern Lights for extra beach time. Guides such as Bernie, Hailey, Georgie, and Max combine safety advice, reef talks, and plenty of boat-ride fun.

“Superb! Everything is so satisfied. All members of Wipeout are so friendly and enthusiastic to us! Totally recommend!”

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Barbecue Lunch with a View
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

2.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as marine biologist Indy provide guidance, while lunch, afternoon snacks, and return wine are included.

“Great experience and they provide amazing reef views, food, service and fun! Well organized, friendly staff, and snorkeling in the reef was magical.”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Thunder Cat turns the journey into part of the trip
Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

3.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,953 reviews · from $164

Spend about eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ high-speed Thunder Cat, with two snorkeling stops, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, buffet lunch, snacks, and live commentary. The crew, including guides such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, and Jared on different departures, helps first-time snorkelers and confident swimmers alike.

“We went as a young couple and had an amazing day, we were in great hands with the skipper Shannon and the crew Vicky and Trish were super as well. The music, food everything was a vibe, Trish had the whole boat laughing with her jokes. The snorkeling was great as well. Highly recommend the red cat!!!”

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Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach - Choosing Northern Exposure or Southern Lights
Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach

4.Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,119 reviews · 390 minutes - 1 day · from $147

Join Ocean Rafting from Airlie Beach for a full day on a fast semi-rigid inflatable boat. Choose a northern route with two snorkel stops or a southern route with more Whitehaven Beach time. Guides such as Ben, Jenna, Brent, Daisy, and James lead the safety briefings, nature talks, walks, and reef sessions.

“Brent and James were our guides and led us to a great time hopping the islands. Relaxing sunny day with loud music and lots of good waves.”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Wonder Wall and the outer edge of Upolu Reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

5.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom takes you by fast 65-foot catamaran to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours at two reef sites, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, optional certified or introductory scuba, breakfast snacks, seafood lunch, and afternoon treats. A maximum of 75 people keeps the day organized and personal.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

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Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - AquaQuest makes the water access easier
1-Day Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

6.Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Join Divers Den aboard AquaQuest for an eight-hour Cairns reef trip to two outer reef sites near Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get snorkeling gear, a guided tour, wetsuit or lycra suit, meals, hot showers, and up to five hours in the water. Introductory scuba sessions are available for eligible participants.

“Brilliant day out with 2 hours snorkelling in 2 different locations we saw all sorts of bright coloured fish giant clams coral reefs white tipped fin sharks and a whale shark apparently quite rare to see . our guides and all the staff on board were amazing very informative about the coral reef health and safety was paramount we had a delicious lunch on board too”

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Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - First stop at Wonder Wall
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Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

7.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Join Ocean Freedom from Cairns for a full reef day aboard a 20-metre catamaran. You will visit Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay, snorkel with guides, ride a glass-bottom boat, and choose certified or introductory scuba sessions. Crew members including Ollie, Paul, Tori, and Blair are praised for calm instruction and attentive care.

“The staff were all amazing. You can tell they really enjoy their job. The nibbles they provided throughout the day and the lunch was really good. I expected it to be alot busier given it was peak season but was fortunate to book onto a tour that only had just over 30 people compared to the max 75 capacity”

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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding - Seeing Magnetic Island from the sea
Canoes & Kayaks, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

8.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,372 reviews · from $114

Join Aquascene Magnetic Island at 8:30 am for a five-hour small-group cruise around the island. Adam, Kalvin, Anita, and other local guides share island stories, Indigenous history, and reef knowledge while you snorkel fringing reefs, paddle board, swim, and visit quiet beaches. Equipment, wetsuits, snacks, tea, and water are included. Ferry tickets are not.

“The trip and experience are amazing. Adam and the crew make you feel most welcome. Even got a cup of tea delivered to myself on the pontoon.”

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - Choosing between two reef locations
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Half-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

9.Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $126

Take a fast boat from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef for about 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling. With up to 27 people, three daily departures, reef guides such as Bradley, Lily, and Caitlin, quality gear, snacks, and seasonal stinger suits, this suits confident swimmers seeking a focused half-day outing.

“Our snorkeling guide Caitlyn was very helpful and super kind”

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Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat - Choosing between snorkeling and the glass bottom boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

10.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,284 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $73Best value

Take a 45-minute catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay covered in rainforest. Choose shore snorkeling or a glass bottom boat tour, then add a pool swim, crocodile visit, reef trip, or quiet beach time. Guides such as Connor bring the coral and marine life to life.

“It was a wonderful experience! From the katamaran to the glass bottom boat. Special mention for the glass bottom boat's captain who was very knowledgeable and fun. He surely loves what he is doing 😃”

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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - The 75-minute cruise from Brisbane
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Moreton Island Day Trips, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Gold Coast, Tour Reviews, Tours in Gold Coast

Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

11.Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,039 reviews · 1 day · from $152

Spend a full day aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, a purpose-built catamaran sailing from Brisbane to Moreton Island. You’ll snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with guides such as Jess, Georgia, or Brooke, watch for dolphins and turtles, eat a tropical buffet with ocean king prawns, and enjoy beach time with paddleboards and kayaks.

“A Huge Thank You! A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing staff who made this truly wonderful experience unforgettable — from the smooth bus transfer and delicious lunch to the incredible snorkeling adventure. This was by far the best snorkeling experience I’ve ever had! Everyone was so friendly, professional, and helpful, and the fish certainly showed up in full force. Aside from a few friendly bumps in the water, the snorkeling was absolutely fantastic. A special thank you for taking my camera down to capture that incredible shot of the grouper — what a moment! This experience brought me a deep sense of serenity and peace. I’m already saving…”

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Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel - South Whitehaven Lookout is worth the uphill walk
Full-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options – All Day Beach Or Snorkel

12.Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options – All Day Beach Or Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,028 reviews · from $164

Spend about eight hours on ZigZag Whitsundays’ high-speed boat from Airlie Beach, with four hours at Whitehaven Beach, a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout, buffet lunch, and flexible boat-to-beach transfers. Choose the beach-only option or add a reef snorkeling stop with equipment included.

“Staff so nice helpful and friendly! Everything provided that you need. Food plentiful and delicious. Snorkelling spot perfect, saw plenty of colourful fish, corals, HUGE ray and a turtle! Dave, Jess, Emily, Fi, Cass, Mr Mustache, Mr Magnetic, Chickybabe and the others (did my best) are all wonderful, engaging staff. Definitely choose this tour, you won't regret it!”

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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - The outer-reef platform gives you hours, not minutes
Historical Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

13.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Spend about eight hours traveling from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer-reef platform by fast catamaran. Snorkel with supplied gear, join marine biologist talks, or stay dry with glass-bottom boats, a semi-submersible, and an underwater observatory. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra. Guides such as Ella, Ethan, Kaitlin, and Takuya may add expert help.

“Helicopter ride was good. Different way to see the reef. Our pilot kept us out a little longer because he spotted a shark. We were unable to do the glass bottom boat though because the timing didn’t work out so that was disappointing. The semi submersible sub was good and we could see a lot. It started to get really warm in there towards the end.”

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Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling - The 60-minute flight over Heart Reef
Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

14.Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 788 reviews · 1 day · from $378

Fly over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach, then join Ocean Rafting for a fast, wet ride to Hill Inlet, two snorkel sites, lunch, and beach time. You get a guaranteed plane window seat, guides such as Heath, Jenna, Tori, and Brad on recent trips, and a small group capped at 12 people.

“Both parts of the tour absolutely amazing!! Take note that December is rainseason in Airlie Beach. My flight was scheduled for Friday but had to be canceled due to difficult weather conditions on that day, but the team did an amazing effort in rebooking it for the next day. For the rafting part (still happened on the original day), skipper Ben and guide Georgia on boat Black Betty did a great job in keeping our mood high - we had so much fun on the boat and during the tour, they put the music up and it was a real party - were even rewarded with sunshine at Whitsunday Coast,…”

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Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas - Snorkeling among coral and fish
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Port Douglas, Tour Reviews, Tours in Port Douglas

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

15.Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 782 reviews · from $233

Cruise from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef aboard a fast catamaran. Snorkel from a permanent pontoon, join a marine biologist, or stay dry in the semi-submersible and underwater observatory. Optional extras include scuba, an Ocean Walker helmet tour, and a helicopter flight. Lycra suits, equipment, tea, and buffet lunch are included.

“Great experience! They handle couple hundred people pretty well. Safety was of upmost importance. Need to plan ahead on the time that you have on the platform. We enjoyed it immensely.”

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New in Snorkeling

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★ 5.0Half Day Snorkel 2.5hr Turtle Tour on the Ningaloo Reef, ExmouthFrom $104169 reviews
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★ 4.9Snorkel Discovery TourFrom $112252 reviews
★ 5.0Snorkel with Turtles Gold CoastFrom $114159 reviews
★ 4.5Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)From $63318 reviews
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★ 4.5Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise & Lunch – BrisbaneFrom $192327 reviews
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