SNORKELLING · REEF SNORKELING IN AUSTRALIA

Reef Snorkeling in Australia: Our 15 Top Picks

36 trips  ·  from $84 per person

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 reef snorkeling in Australia worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you book.

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

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

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

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.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

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

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

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.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

3.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!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

4.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!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

5.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.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

6.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”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

7.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!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

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

8.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”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas - The 90-minute cruise from Port Douglas
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Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

9.Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

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

Sail 90 minutes from Port Douglas to Agincourt Reef on a fast catamaran. Snorkel from a permanent pontoon, join a marine biologist, or stay dry in the semi-submarine and underwater observatory. Lunch, tea, suits, vests, and gear are included. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra.

“We had an incredible experience! There’s so much to do at the Quicksilver Pontoon. The helmet dive is a unique experience. We had fish swimming all around and thru the group. We felt safe with our guide Kevin, who briefed us thoroughly and was very friendly. The semi-sub provided a nice easy view of the reef, made better by our guide Tanya with her thoughtful and funny commentary. The free swim snorkelling area is expansive. We felt safe and secure with all the instructions provided. All of the crew are very knowledgeable and experienced. This was an amazing bucket list experience that we will treasure forever.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise - First stop: getting comfortable in the water
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Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

10.Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

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

Spend eight hours aboard Wavelength, cruising from Port Douglas to three Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Marine biologists help you snorkel, explain coral and sea life, and lead guided swims. The day includes gear, wetsuit or lycra suit, meals, drinks, reef-safe sunscreen, and free photos.

“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!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options - Starting at Crystalbrook Marina in Port Douglas
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Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options

11.Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 438 reviews · 7h 30m · from $174

Cruise from Port Douglas to Opal or Agincourt Reefs for three reef stops, guided snorkeling, optional scuba sessions, meals, and reef talks. You may meet marine biologist Freya or instructors such as Ruth, Reenie, and Delphine. Expect a long day at sea, plenty of deck space, and changing conditions.

“We saw amazing coral and reefs. Best place we ever snorkeled. The guide and boat were wonderful. Dave had a great sense of humor and we really liked him. You won’t regret it!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas - The glass-bottom boat and coral cay visit
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Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

12.Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 436 reviews · from $243

Sailaway takes you from Port Douglas to Mackay Cay off Cape Tribulation for a full day on the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll snorkel with a marine biologist, ride a glass-bottom boat, visit a coral cay, and enjoy buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon refreshments. Marine biologist Barry may help explain the reef and point out turtles, fish, clams, and coral.

“Fantastic trip! Despite a mostly wet day had a great time - equipment and crew were top notch. Loved the smaller group (only 24 passengers) which made it so much more personal and enjoyable. The sea turtles and the stop on the sand cay were highlights!”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise - What happens at the Cairns departure
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Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

13.Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · from $212

Ride the 29-meter Silverswift catamaran from Cairns to three outer reef sites, often Flynn, Milln, and Thetford. Snorkel all day, try one or two introductory scuba sessions, or complete up to three certified descents. Guides such as Paul, Matilda, Vanessa, and Vinnie help beginners feel at ease, while lunch, tea, showers, and gear are included.

“Loved it!! If you do the intro scuba dive, be sure to book two dives. The first dive involves some safety training that limits your time looking at the cool stuff. The second dive skips all that because you’re familiar with the process. Totally worth it: one of the highlights of our trip.”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling - Checking in at Cairns Marlin Marina
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Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling

14.All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 373 reviews · 5 hours · from $140

Join Pure Snorkelling Adventures from Cairns Marlin Marina for a five-hour Outer Great Barrier Reef trip. A fast, purpose-built boat reaches one of 15 reef sites, where marine biologists such as Sophie, Seb, Monica, and Cam guide more than two hours of snorkelling. Gear, flotation aids, suits, snacks, and prescription masks are included.

“Amazing experience, super friendly and experienced staff! Couldn’t ask for a better way to explore the reef. Special thanks to Seb, Sophie and Monica :)”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel - The morning ride from Port Douglas
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Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel

15.Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 353 reviews · 8 hours · from $189

Spend a full day aboard Quicksilver’s 29-meter Silversonic catamaran, cruising from Port Douglas to three Agincourt Ribbon Reef sites. You get more than five hours in the water, a guided snorkel tour, meals, safety support, and gear. Scuba options cost extra, while licensed Minke whale encounters may occur from July through September.

“Great experience, crew were very professional and fun. Trip out to reef was rough but they prepared all passengers for the heavy seas. Reef experience was really enjoyable”

Dates and prices →Read our full review

New in Reef Snorkeling in Australia

★ 5.0Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure in Airlie BeachFrom $214100 reviews
★ 4.8Poseidon Outer Barrier Reef Dive and SnorkelFrom $21319 reviews
★ 4.6Low Isles Reef Snorkeling TourFrom $13446 reviews
★ 4.6Mission Beach: Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island TourFrom $13531 reviews
★ 4.9Guided Ningaloo Reef Snorkel AdventureFrom $15540 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Outer Reef Snorkel TourFrom $13815 reviews
★ 4.7Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day TripFrom $24081 reviews
★ 4.2Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island Small GroupFrom $13519 reviews
★ 4.8Great Barrier Reef Small Group Snorkelling TourFrom $14670 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour with LunchFrom $13241 reviews
★ 4.72-Day Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Boat TripFrom $46686 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef Overnight Snorkelling Boat TripFrom $49566 reviews
★ 4.8Anna Bay: Irukandji Entry Pass with Reef Shark SnorkelFrom $8519 reviews
★ 4.4Great Barrier Reef Snorkel from Shute HarbourFrom $19713 reviews
★ 5.0Agnes/1770: Southern Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day TripFrom $21122 reviews

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The animals

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The water

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The boat

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The day

Lunch on BoardOpen BarIsland HoppingBeach DaysWith Children