SNORKELLING · AUSTRALIA SNORKELING TOURS

Snorkelling in Australia: The 15 Best Reef Trips

105 trips  ·  from $53 per person

Outer-reef pontoons out of Cairns, fringing reef at Whitehaven, and Ningaloo in whale-shark season. These 15 compare crossing times, stinger suits and how much reef time the day actually contains.

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout - Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout
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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 quieter fringing reefs aboard a sun-shaded inflatable boat. Choose Northern Exposure for more snorkeling or Southern Lights for extra beach time. Guides such as Georgie, Max, Tori, and Bernie combine safety advice, reef talks, and a thrilling ride.

“Ocean Rafting you are blessed to have Brad and Georgie. What an amazing day - the boat trip was heaps of fun, great communication, lunch was beautiful and fresh, being ahead of the crowds all day was also a plus. Highly recommend this tour, snorkelling was the best we've ever seen. Thanks for a perfect 5 star day!”

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - The Evolution boat and the long ride out
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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

Spend about 8.5 hours aboard Evolution, traveling from Cairns to two outer reef sites near Saxon, Norman, or Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, and choose a scenic helicopter flight. Marine guides, barbecue lunch, snacks, and a glass of wine are included.

“The trip was SO well organised, even though there is a lot of people on the boat, you don’t even realise because everything runs so smoothly. The reefs we were taken to were absolutely amazing & the staff were especially friendly and helpful all the time. I would 100% reccomend this trip if you want to go to the barrier reef.”

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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Hill Inlet Lookout and the tide-dependent view
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Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

3.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

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

Cruise from Airlie Beach aboard Red Cat Adventures’ Thunder Cat for Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and two reef snorkel stops. The eight-hour day includes transfers, equipment, park fees, buffet lunch, snacks, and live commentary. Guides such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, and Jared are known for keeping the mood lively and the day well organized.

“It was a wonderful experience thanks to the well-planned itinerary, our knowledgeable guide, and the captain of the boat. Both were extremely kind and attentive, always making sure the passengers felt comfortable and cared for throughout the entire trip.”

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Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach - Two routes, two different priorities
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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

You’ll speed from Airlie Beach aboard Ocean Rafting’s semi-rigid vessel, reaching Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout, and inner reef snorkel sites near Hook and Border Island. Choose a north route with two snorkel stops or a south route with more beach time. Guides such as Ben, Jenna, Daisy, and James lead the day in English.

“Great view on Whitheaven Beach. Super funny and entertaining guides James and Brandon. Driving in the speedy boat was so cool”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - From Cairns to Upolu Reef
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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

Set out from Cairns on the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran for six hours at Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. Snorkel with a marine naturalist, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or add certified or introductory scuba sessions. Expect a maximum of 75 people, reef equipment, a seafood buffet, and close crew support in the water.

“It is a 5 Star tour. Small group, very friendly crew members, great food, wonderful snorkelling experience.”

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Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - What you might see beneath the surface
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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

From Cairns, Divers Den’s AquaQuest takes you 90 minutes to two outer reef sites at Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get guided snorkeling, optional scuba sessions, equipment, meals, hot showers, and up to five hours on the reef. Guides such as Vanessa and Mazie help first-time scuba participants feel at ease.

“Vanessa and Mazie were amazing!!! I did an introductory dive, one with each of them, and Vanessa was super patient with us and it was awesome! The second dive with Mazie was just fabulous because we had more time to explore and really take in the reef! Lunch was delicious and the cruise manager was just as sweet as pie!! Truly an amazing Christmas I will never forget!”

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Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - From Marlin Marina to open water
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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

Travel from Cairns on Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran to Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay. You’ll snorkel with marine guides, ride a glass-bottom boat, and have time for optional certified or introductory scuba. Expect an intimate feel when numbers are low, strong food service, and careful instruction from crew such as Ollie, Paul, and Tori.

“We absolutely loved the two intro scuba dives. Our guide Paul was wonderful at instruction and calm direction through some beginner's anxiety. Reese, Maddy, and the entire crew were amazing. It was an intimate experience with only 35 guests on board, and we felt well attended to. Lunch, snacks, etc. were great. Would love to come back - thank you to team Ocean Freedom!”

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ABC Reef Safaris - The first reef briefing sets the tone
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ABC Reef Safaris

8.ABC Reef Safaris

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,443 reviews · from $458

From Port Douglas, ABC Reef Safaris takes you by custom catamaran to quieter outer Great Barrier Reef sites for about seven hours. Expect guided snorkeling, marine biology talks, quality gear, lunch, and a staff ratio as low as one guide to four guests. Guides such as Zoe, Will, Paula, Sam, Callum, and Jason are known for patient help in the water.

“An excellent trip to the outer reef with two marine biologists and just a handful of snorkelers. Would give 6 stars if I could.”

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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding - Local stories from Adam, Kalvin, Anita, and the crew
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Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

9.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 small-group cruise around the island. Adam, Kalvin, Anita, Jan, or other local crew members may lead the day, sharing island stories and reef facts while you snorkel, paddle board, swim, watch wildlife, and enjoy morning tea in a secluded bay.

“We had an amazing time on this tour - the crew were amazing with our children and allowed us to continue snorkeling when the kids didn't want to. Highly recommend!”

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - What happens at the two-hour mark
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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

10.Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

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

Set out from Cairns Marlin Marina on a fast boat with up to 27 people. You get 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling at one of two reef sites, with gear, snacks, flotation aids, and seasonal stinger suits included. Guides such as Bradley, Lily, Caitlin, and Sophia help you spot coral and marine life, while complimentary GoPro photos may provide a useful souvenir.

“Really good! Caitlin, Marie and Victor were great, very helpful and funny! The activity was great, can be hard work but really worthwhile”

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Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat - Choosing between snorkelling and the glass bottom boat
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Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

11.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

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

Cruise from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay with rainforest, beaches, and easy reef access. Choose beach snorkelling or a glass bottom boat tour, then add a pool swim, eco walk, lunch, or optional crocodile visit. Glass bottom boat guides such as Connor bring the reef to life.

“It was great, we spotted 3 turtles while snorkelling, a small reef shark, sting ray and multiple star fish. It was so easy snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef here straight from the beach and Jetty, it’s a really good spot for beginner snorkelling too! There were restaurants on the island, a couple of walks and a life guarded beach as well. The glass bottom boat was definitely worth it. It was a great day.”

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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - Tangalooma Wrecks: the main event
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Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

12.Moreton Island: 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 from Brisbane to Moreton Island. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with a guide, watch for dolphins, turtles, and dugongs, enjoy a tropical buffet with ocean king prawns, then paddleboard or relax on the beach. Gold Coast pickup is available.

“Had an awesome day out with See Moreton! Our snorkeling was incredible, lunch was super tasty, and I really enjoyed the free time we were given to explore and lounge! 10/10 would recommend!!”

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Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel - Whitehaven Beach gives you four hours to choose your own pace
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Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options – All Day Beach Or Snorkel

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

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

Spend about eight hours cruising from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach on ZigZag Whitsundays’ air-conditioned high-speed boat. Choose a beach-only day or add snorkeling at a small reef where you may see tropical fish, turtles, rays, and coral. Enjoy a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout, buffet lunch, snacks, and flexible water-taxi transfers.

“This is a great option for people who want a more personal and relaxing trip. Jet, Emily and Katie (I hope that was her name) hosted the most amazing trip on a day with fantastic weather. Jet’s relaxed style was perfect for us. Loved the music selection too”

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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - Marine World platform: your base for the day
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Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

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

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

Leave Cairns at 8:00 am for a fast catamaran ride to Reef Magic’s outer-reef Marine World platform. Snorkel in a sheltered area, watch the reef from glass-bottom boats and a semi-submersible, or add scuba, helmet walking, or a helicopter flight. Marine biologists such as Ella, Ethan, and Kaitlin lead talks and help first-time snorkelers.

“I was worried this would be an overrated and underwhelming experience, but I could not have been more wrong. This was an unforgettable experience! There was plenty to do for those in our party that didn't want to snorkel. The lunch and coffee was delicious as well. Definitely worth the price!”

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour - Five hours of snorkeling, with scuba options
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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

15.Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 792 reviews · 9 hours · from $127

Meet at Cairns Marlin Marina for a full day with Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive. You will visit two outer reef sites, spend about five hours snorkeling or taking an introductory or certified scuba session, and hear Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Gunggandji, Mandingalbay, and Yirrganydji stories. Cultural guides such as Jed and Kevin may add music and performance to the day.

“Jen was amazing and did everything she could to make sure I had an amazing day, the whole crew were super friendly and experts in their fields which made it a really special and informative experience”

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