Snorkelling day tours and liveaboards
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, and for good reason. Spanning over 2,300km along the coast of Queensland, Australia, it is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, from brightly coloured fish and coral to giant clams and sea turtles.
Snorkelling is one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef for yourself. Not only is it a relatively inexpensive and accessible activity, but it also allows you to get up close and personal with the reef and its inhabitants.
What to Expect on Your snorkelling trip
When you arrive at the Great Barrier Reef, you will be given a briefing on the rules and regulations of snorkelling, as well as tips on how to stay safe in the water.
Once you are in the water, you will be able to see the incredible diversity of marine life that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer. Expect to see colourful fish, coral, and other sea creatures as you swim around the reef.
It is also important to remember that the Great Barrier Reef is a delicate ecosystem, so it is important to respect the rules and regulations that are in place to protect it. This includes not touching the coral or disturbing the marine life.
No experience necessary
Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, no experience necessary! Our snorkelling tours provide all the equipment you need and our friendly, professional team is always on hand to assist you in the water.
Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or new to snorkelling, our crew will guide you to the best coral patches and introduce you to the diverse marine life that calls the reef home. From finding Nemo to discovering giant clams, our team will make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
For your safety, we recommend snorkelling as a buddy team or with other guests. A lookout is always on watch during all snorkelling activities from the boat to ensure the safety of all participants. Our vessels are strategically parked near spectacular snorkelling locations, with easy access to the water via accessible entrance platforms and stairs, making it convenient for all participants to enter and exit the water safely.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore one of the world’s natural wonders, join us on a snorkelling tour today!
The best snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef
Our tours give you the opportunity to discover a variety of stunning locations on the outer Great Barrier Reefs. The specific snorkelling spots visited will be chosen by the boat’s Captain each day, based on the current weather conditions, time of year, and other factors to ensure the best experience possible.
The reefs and cays Cairns day boats visit lie north-east of the city. These are the ones we cover:
- Michaelmas Cay — 43 km north-east. A 1.5-hectare vegetated sand island on the western tip of Michaelmas Reef, rising about 3.5 metres above sea level, with coral reachable from the beach.
- Breaking Patches — 42 km north-east, a shallow patch of reef just west of Michaelmas Cay, sitting in less than 14 metres of water.
- Hastings Reef — 50 km north-east, a horseshoe-shaped patch reef. The bottom averages 13 metres, and the reef flat sits in only 1 to 3 metres depending on the tide.
- Moore Reef — 47 km offshore, around 90 minutes from Cairns. Sunlover and Great Adventures each moor their own platform here, so on those trips you enter the water from a fixed structure rather than a boat.
Which of these you see depends on your operator and the conditions on the day.
As the coral on the Great Barrier Reef needs sunlight to survive and thrive, the most beautiful reef spots are typically found in relatively shallow areas. Snorkelling depths range from 1-12 metres (3-40 feet).
See our Reef locations.
Tips for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
- Wear sunscreen: The sun can be strong on the Great Barrier Reef, so be sure to wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Bring a waterproof camera: The Great Barrier Reef is a photographer’s paradise, so be sure to bring a waterproof camera or hire one to capture the beautiful scenery and marine life.
- Listen to your guide: Your snorkelling guide will know the best spots to visit and will be able to point out interesting marine life that you might not have seen otherwise.
- Take it slow: The Great Barrier Reef is a large and diverse ecosystem, so take your time and enjoy the experience.
All snorkelling equipment is included!
All snorkelling equipment is included in our Great Barrier Reef tours.
This includes:
- a mask
- snorkel
- fins
- flotation devices
If you prefer to use your own equipment, feel free to bring it along. During stinger season, we also include stinger suits for added protection.
If you want to explore deeper, see our scuba diving page.
Snorkelling day tours to the Great Barrier Reef
Snorkelling liveaboards on the Great Barrier Reef
A liveaboard is an overnight dive trip: you stay on board and work the outer reef over several days rather than returning to Cairns each evening. It reaches sites a day boat cannot, and adds night dives.
Cairns liveaboards are built around diving, and some are designed for learning to dive and certifying on the same trip. Snorkellers can join most trips, but suitability varies by operator and trip length, as do nights, dives and reefs visited. Check what each includes before booking.
Compare the current options on our Cairns liveaboards page.
Quick answers
“Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel?”
No. Wear a flotation vest, stay close to the boat or pontoon and let the crew know if you are nervous. Many people snorkel the reef for the first time on a day trip.
“Where is the best snorkelling from Cairns?”
The outer reef gives you the biggest coral gardens and the most fish. For an easier day, the islands have snorkelling straight off the beach. Compare reef day trips and island day trips.
“Do I need a stinger suit?”
Marine stingers are in North Queensland waters in the warmer months, broadly November to May. A full-length lycra stinger suit is the simple protection, and many reef trips have them on board. Check your tour inclusions.
“Can I stay overnight to snorkel more?”
Yes. A liveaboard lets you snorkel early in the morning and late in the day when the day boats have gone. See Cairns liveaboards.