Australia · SNORKELING

Top 15 Snorkelling Trips in Australia

59 tours  ·  from $53

Good snorkelling trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout - The ride from Coral Sea Marina
Airlie Beach Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Sailing Trips

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

Ride a fast inflatable raft from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and quiet fringing reefs. You get snorkel gear, guided walks, reef talks, hotel transfers, and a choice of extra beach time or extra snorkeling. Guides such as Georgie, Max, Tori, and Bernie bring plenty of energy.

“Awesome crew to a fantastic location nothing was too much trouble and a great time was had by everyone.”

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - First Reef Session: Saxon or Norman Reef
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews

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, enjoy a barbecue lunch, and add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight. Marine staff including Indy, Phil, and Lourie help make the day approachable.

“Great experience with the operator. Went for scuba diving with family for the first time. Awesome. Highly recommended.”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Whitehaven Beach and its startling sand
Airlie Beach Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Sailing Trips

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’ Thunder Cat, visiting Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and two reef snorkel sites. Crew members such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, and Jared provide instruction, lunch, snacks, and gear. Pickup from selected Airlie Beach points is available.

“The weather was quite moody but we still had a lovely experience - visibility was decent in the reef and the beach/lookouts breathtaking. The music and bumpy ride made it a super fun experience as well.”

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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding - The 8:30 am start in Nelly Bay
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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

4.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

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

Spend five hours cruising Magnetic Island with Aquascene guides such as Adam and Calvin, stopping at quiet bays for snorkeling, paddle boarding, swimming, and reef lessons. Equipment, UV suits, wetsuits, snacks, tea, coffee, and water are included. Ferry tickets to Nelly Bay are separate.

“What an amazing experience! Adam was a wealth of knowledge, and so clearly passionate about Magnetic island. The island itself is so beautiful from the sea, we spent a lovely time in a beautiful little bay where we could swim in the ocean and go out on paddle boards and clamber up to a stunning waterfall, with a lovely morning tea from Jan, who was also very helpful and experienced. The only slight downside was the snorkelling opportunity - this was due to a change in the weather - which meant the conditions were pretty rough and the snorkelling was less than ideal. But still a fabulous experience which I…”

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - The reef stop: about 90 minutes that goes quickly
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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

5.Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

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

Ride a fast boat from Cairns Marlin Marina to the Great Barrier Reef with up to 27 people. You get quality gear, a guided 1.5-hour snorkel, snacks, flotation aids, and seasonal stinger suits. Guides such as Bradley, Lily, Caitlin, and Gus help you spot coral and marine life.

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

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Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat - Green Island, an ancient coral cay with rainforest
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Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

6.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

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

Take a 45-minute catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay with rainforest, beaches, and easy reef access. Choose shore snorkelling or a glass bottom boat tour, then add lunch, crocodiles, scuba, or a pool break. Glass bottom guide Connor is known for clear, lively reef explanations.

“We did the snorkeling from the shore. We saw green turtles, tons of huge fish, sea stars, stingrays etc! Loved it!”

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Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling - The 60-minute flight to Heart Reef
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Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

7.Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

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

Combine a 60-minute scenic flight over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach with a high-speed Ocean Rafting trip. You get a guaranteed window seat, guided Hill Inlet walk, lunch, snorkeling gear, and either two snorkel sites or extra time on Whitehaven Beach.

“Simply amazing! A must do! The view you will have on the flight on the great reef barrier and on the Withsundays islands is incredible! Everything is organized well with the transport so you can go on with the boat trip. The crew was friendly and funny! The view of whitehaven beach after a small and easy 20 minutes walk was beautiful! The snorkeling part was great, we saw a turtle. And the food was good. We rested the last hour on whitehaven beach after such a wonderful day!”

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Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise - From Port Douglas to the edge of the continental shelf
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

8.Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 711 reviews · 8 hours · from $210

Join Wavelength from Port Douglas for an eight-hour, snorkelling-only trip to three Outer Reef sites. Marine biologists such as Kate and Kaia help beginners, lead reef walks, explain coral life, and take free in-water photos. Lunch, snacks, drinks, suits, and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

“The crew were really energetic and knowledgeable. Taught us a lot about the incredible reef. We went to three reef areas to snorkel and all quite varied. Wish we had more time to repeat this amazing experience!”

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Lady Musgrave Day Trip from Bundaberg Including Snorkeling - Snorkeling from the pontoon, with equipment supplied
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Lady Musgrave Day Trip from Bundaberg Including Snorkeling

9.Lady Musgrave Day Trip from Bundaberg Including Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 683 reviews · from $240

Spend about 10 hours cruising from Burnett Heads to Lady Musgrave Island aboard a spacious catamaran. You get morning tea, lunch, snorkeling gear, a glass-bottom boat trip, a guided island walk, and warm showers. Staff members such as Danny, Georgia, Mandy, and Phil add lively reef insight along the way.

“What a great trip to Lady Musgrave island. Saw so many fish and sea turtles. and lots of coral reef.It was a fantastic experience. Would highly recommend this to everyone!”

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Airlie Beach: Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling - The early morning start at Coral Sea Marina
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Airlie Beach: Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

10.Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 640 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $137

Spend nine hours aboard the 62-foot Providence, sailing from Coral Sea Marina to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and a fringing reef. You can help raise the sails, snorkel with provided gear, and enjoy tea, coffee, and water. Lunch is optional, and crew members such as Jack, Fin, Harry, and Phone keep the day friendly and well organized.

“Great day out lots of communication from guys in board. Snorkel spot was great and plenty of time at Whitehaven beach”

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Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas - Low Isles and the 1878 lighthouse
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Sailing, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

11.Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 565 reviews · from $243

Spend 7.5 hours sailing from Port Douglas to Low Isles aboard a 33-passenger catamaran. Snorkel in a sheltered lagoon, join a marine biologist, ride the EV Discovery glass-bottom boat, walk to the 1878 lighthouse, and enjoy buffet lunch with tea included.

“Everything was wonderful. They may need to get a few bigger sized flippers as they weren’t able to provide a larger size for my brothers”

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Whitsunday: Whitsunday Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch - The speedboat ride from the marina
Airlie Beach Tours, Lunch Experiences, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours

Whitsunday: Whitsunday Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

12.Whitsunday: Whitsunday Islands Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 486 reviews · 7 hours · from $162

Cruise the Whitsundays by fast speedboat with crew such as Luke, Dane, or Dave. Snorkel for about an hour, eat a fresh buffet at Whitehaven Beach, then walk to Hill Inlet Lookout. The small-group feel, clean gear, stinger suits in season, and smart timing make this a strong one-day island option.

“I highly recommend this tour! Dan and Luke were amazing—super attentive, friendly, and made sure everyone was comfortable throughout. They had a great sense of humor and really added to the experience. The entire tour was nothing but enjoyable!”

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Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour - From Crystalbrook Marina to the Low Isles
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

13.Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 469 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Take the Calypso XI from Port Douglas to Low Isles in 30 minutes. Snorkel the calm lagoon, join a glass-bottom boat ride, and walk to the lighthouse. Guides such as Roman, Katie, Dani, and Cedric have led reef and island tours, with tea, coffee, fruit, and muffins included.

“Awesome! Staff where wonderful & looked after us really well.”

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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with Snorkeling Tour - Tangalooma Resort gives you a comfortable base
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Moreton Island: Tangalooma Day Trip with Snorkeling Tour

14.Tangalooma Day Trip with Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 422 reviews · 1 day · from $119

Cruise 75 minutes from Brisbane to Tangalooma Island, then use the resort pools, beach, bars and facilities before a guided 90-minute wreck snorkel. You get about 30 to 35 minutes in the water, all equipment, lunch credit, a boat drink, Eco Ranger talks and a 3:15pm dolphin presentation.

“Really great activity. The guided snorkel tour was really good but too short for me. So as soon as we were brought back I hired gear from the same outlet, put my stuff in the lockers and walked back up the breach (10-15 walk), left my water and towel on the beech and headed back in. Once you have done the tour, you have the knowledge and confidence to go back in. They were helpful enough to have told me the direction of the tide and so I knew which end of the wreck to start at and swim gently with the tide. Thoroughly recommended”

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Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas - Leaving Port Douglas from Crystalbrook Marina
Cairns Tours, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

15.Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 390 reviews · from $175

From Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, Calypso Reef Charters takes you to the sheltered Low Isles lagoon for guided or independent snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat ride, and island time. Early and afternoon departures help avoid the busiest hours, with gear, snacks, coffee, and tea included.

“Small group of people with opinions to snorkel, tour the island or experience the glass boat ride. Friendly staff who gave plenty of advice & freedom”

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New in Snorkeling

★ 5.0Lagoon Explorer – Ningaloo Reef Full-Day Kayaking and Snorkeling AdventureFrom $200119 reviews
★ 4.5Muiron Islands Snorkeling in ExmouthFrom $19022 reviews
★ 4.5Half Day Sailing and Snorkeling Tour from Coral BayFrom $13243 reviews
★ 5.0Coral Bay 2-Hour Coral Viewing and SnorkelingFrom $13388 reviews
★ 4.5Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic LunchFrom $83322 reviews
★ 4.52-Day Snorkelling Experience – Great Barrier Reef Twin ShareFrom $50238 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling TourFrom $142219 reviews
★ 4.0Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from CairnsFrom $87282 reviews
★ 4.5Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Pontoon with Snorkeling & ActivitiesFrom $214132 reviews
★ 4.5Julian Rocks: Premier Snorkeling Tour Byron BayFrom $9247 reviews
★ 4.0Providence Whitehaven Beach Sailing and Snorkeling CruiseFrom $142214 reviews
★ 4.5Lady Enid Sailing and Snorkeling Day Trip including Whitehaven BeachFrom $204207 reviews
★ 5.0British Defender 3D2N Whitsunday Snorkelling Sailing AdventureFrom $53030 reviews
★ 4.5Whitsundays Sailing & Snorkelling Day Tour – All InclusiveFrom $126127 reviews
★ 4.7Manly and Shelly Beach Snorkeling TourFrom $77204 reviews

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