SNORKELING · AUSTRALIA

Snorkeling in Australia: Our Top 15 Days on the Reef

48 trips  ·  from $63 a head

The outer Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns and Port Douglas, the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach, and Ningaloo for whale sharks. These 15 are priced and clear about crossing time and how much of the day is spent in the water.

Ocean Rafting: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkelling & Hill Inlet Lookout - Choosing Northern Exposure or Southern Lights
Airlie Beach Snorkeling Tours, Australia Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

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

Spend about seven hours aboard a high-speed inflatable boat with Ocean Rafting, visiting Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and fringing reefs. Choose Northern Exposure for extra snorkelling or Southern Lights for more beach time. Guides such as Georgie, Scottie, Max, Tori, and Bernie add safety advice, reef facts, and plenty of energy.

“So much fun and very informative. Felt safe in the water. Enjoyed every moment of the day. The boat ride was exciting. Speed and a bit of a joy ride. Highly recommended this company.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise - Whitehaven Beach and the hour of bright sand
Airlie Beach Snorkeling Tours, Australia Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

2.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 fringing reef snorkeling sites. Guides such as Jet, Hannah, Frankie, and Carlos are known for lively commentary and careful support, with lunch, snacks, transfers, and mask and snorkel hire included.

“We had the best day out with The Red Cat Adventures Crew!! Kobe & Hannah were amazing, so knowledgeable and had the day run so smoothly! We had our 4.5yo son with us on the day trip & Kobe made special effort to assist and engage with him on his first snorkelling experience. If you’re looking for an awesome day out - look no further :) Will be back again another time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach - Choosing between Northern Exposure and Southern Lights
Airlie Beach Snorkeling Tours, Australia Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach

3.Airlie Beach: Snorkel, Hill Inlet Lookout & Whitehaven Beach

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

Join Ocean Rafting for a fast, 35-knot ride from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Hook Island, and Border Island. Choose a north route with two snorkel stops or a south route with more beach time. Guides such as Ben, Jenna, Brent, and Daisy add safety, local insight, and plenty of energy.

“Ben, Masha & lily were great tour hosts. they took us to great locations & offered to take photos for everyone. The lunch provided was tasty & filling. The boat was comfortable & great fun for those who are a bit of a thrill speaker, seating at the back of the boat is available for those who prefer a calmer ride. I'd recommend this tour for those who only have a day to see the islands.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Upolu Cay is the calmer coral garden
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Cairns Snorkeling Tours, Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Reef Snorkeling in Cairns, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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

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

Spend about nine hours aboard the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran, visiting Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours on the reef, guided snorkeling, a glass-bottom boat tour, optional scuba, seafood lunch, and close crew support. The day suits first-time snorkelers as well as confident swimmers.

“Really great day. Staff were helpful and friendly and really accommodating. Food was amazing experience was amazing. Can't fault a single thing we had a fantastic time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - Your first outer reef stop
1-Day Tours, Australia Snorkeling Tours, Cairns Snorkeling Tours, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Reef Snorkeling in Cairns, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

5.Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

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

From Cairns, AquaQuest carries you to two outer reef sites near Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get guided snorkeling, gear, meals, hot showers, and time for optional scuba activities. Staff such as Vanessa and Mazie offer calm support for first-time underwater explorers.

“staff were very friendly and informative. snorkeling kit was good, we felt safe at all times food was decent provided us sea sickness pills (~$5)”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - From Marlin Marina to Wonder Wall
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Cairns Snorkeling Tours, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Reef Snorkeling in Cairns, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

6.Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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

Board Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran at Cairns for six hours at Upolu Reef and Upolu Coral Cay. You get guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, optional introductory or certified scuba, a substantial lunch, and plenty of reef time. Guides including Ollie, Paul, Tori, and Blair are praised for calm, careful instruction.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

ABC Reef Safaris - Leaving Port Douglas for the outer reef
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Port Douglas Snorkeling Tours, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Tour Reviews

ABC Reef Safaris

7.ABC Reef Safaris

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

Start at 8:00 am from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina for a 7-hour-15-minute outer reef safari. ABC keeps groups small, supplies gear and lunch, and pairs you with marine biologist guides such as Zoe, Will, Paula, Sam, or Callum for guided snorkeling and optional first-time scuba.

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

Check availability →Read our full review

Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding - Cruising past secluded bays and unusual rock formations
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips, Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips in Australia, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

8.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

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

Spend five hours exploring Magnetic Island’s bays and fringing reefs with Aquascene guides such as Adam, Calvin, Anita, and Jan. Snorkel with tuition, paddle from a floating pontoon, watch for fish, birds, turtles, and seasonal whales, then enjoy morning tea on a quiet beach. Ferry tickets are separate.

“Adam and Calvin did an amazing job. Great service to everyone, super knowledgeable and amazingly friendly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - Two reef sites and 1.5 hours in the water
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Cairns Snorkeling Tours, Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling, Half-Day, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Reef Snorkeling in Cairns, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

9.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

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

Reef Adventures Cairns takes you from the Pier Shopping Centre to the Great Barrier Reef on a fast boat with no more than 27 people. Expect 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling, quality gear, snacks, stinger suits in season, and help from guides such as Bradley, Lily, Caitlin, and Gus.

“We had a great time on Maverick on Feb 9 at 8am. The guides and captain were all helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. Sadly, many animals were shy so we didn’t see much a variety but the corals, blue starfish, and fish were so pretty. Much appreciated that they took pictures and posted them for us all to see too!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat - Green Island, a coral cay with rainforest
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Glass-Bottom Boat Snorkeling, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

10.Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

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

Cruise from Cairns to Green Island for a flexible Great Barrier Reef day. Choose beach snorkelling or a glass bottom boat tour, then add rainforest walks, pool time, lunch, or optional crocodile viewing. Guides such as Connor bring the coral and marine life to life.

“We liked the island . Glass bottom boat was very good , saw lots of fishes and varieties of corals . Did sea walking”

Check availability →Read our full review

Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise - Boarding the Spirit of Mulgumpin
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Gold Coast Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling with Dolphins, Tour Reviews

Moreton Island: Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

11.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 trained guide, feed fish, enjoy a tropical buffet with ocean king prawns, spot dolphins and turtles, then use free beach time for paddleboarding or a swim.

“This was a spectacular day from start to finish. Our guide Emily was helpful and attentive to our every need. The boat is by far the nicest vessel of this type for this type of activity that I have ever been on. I would highly recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whitehaven Beach Tour: 2 Options - All Day Beach Or Snorkel - South Whitehaven Lookout rewards the 45-minute walk
Airlie Beach Snorkeling Tours, Australia Snorkeling Tours, Full-Day, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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 eight hours aboard ZigZag Whitsundays’ high-speed boat, with four hours at Whitehaven Beach, a guided walk to South Whitehaven Lookout, buffet lunch, and optional snorkeling at a coral reef. The family-run crew, including guides such as Britt and Jet, also provides stinger suits and beach transfers.

“The zig zag experiences along the route is definitely a bonus. Crew hospitalities are top of the notches.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - Snorkeling is the strongest part of the day
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Cairns Snorkeling Tours, Historical Tours, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Reef Snorkeling in Cairns, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

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

Travel by fast catamaran from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer-reef Marine World platform. Snorkel in a sheltered lagoon, join marine biologist talks, or stay dry with glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible, and observatory viewing. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra.

“Good trip. Husband got to dive and I got to have my feet in the ocean off 5he pontoon. Glass bottom boat and semi submersible were also included. We got a helicopter ride too (extra, but worth it).”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour - What the five hours in the water feel like
Australia Snorkeling Tours, Cairns Snorkeling Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling, Reef Snorkeling in Australia, Reef Snorkeling in Cairns, Scuba Diving, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

14.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

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

From Cairns Marlin Marina, Reef Magic and Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel take you to two outer reef sites for five hours in the water. Expect coral gardens, turtles, rays, reef fish, cultural stories, marine science talks, buffet lunch, and optional introductory or certified scuba.

“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”

Check availability →Read our full review

Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling - The 60-minute flight over the Whitsundays
Airlie Beach Snorkeling Tours, Australia Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews

Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

15.Airlie Beach: Fly Raft Package w Scenic Flight & Snorkeling

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

Fly over Heart Reef and the Whitsunday Islands, then race by semi-rigid raft to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and exclusive coral sites. You get a guaranteed plane window seat, lunch, gear, hotel pickup, and a small English-speaking group. Choose two snorkel stops or extra beach time.

“The scenic flight was stunning despite being a bit cloudy - don’t let that put you off! We had stunning views of Hill Inlet/Whitehaven beach (get an early morning flight if you can because there were no people on the beach), heart reef, the Great Barrier Reef and the river which is the boundary between tectonic plates in the ocean. Our pilot and guide, Alex, was awesome at pointing everything out to us and did a fly-by of the highlight spots for each side of the plane to see. Ocean rafting was a wild ride, clinging onto the edge of the raft while flying through the water (you don’t have…”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Australia Snorkeling Tours

★ 5.0Snorkel with Turtles Gold CoastFrom $114159 reviews
★ 4.4Town of 1770: Lady Musgrave Island Snorkelling Day CruiseFrom $198243 reviews
★ 4.9Magnetic Island: Snorkel Discovery TourFrom $112252 reviews
★ 4.5Kangaroo Island – Swim with Dolphins/Seals/Coastal SnorkelFrom $139261 reviews
★ 4.0Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from CairnsFrom $87282 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group Manly Snorkel Tour and Nature Walk with Local GuideFrom $78290 reviews
★ 5.02 1/4 hr Low Isles Reef Sprinter Snorkeling Tour-No Island AccessFrom $136297 reviews
★ 4.5Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)From $63318 reviews
★ 5.0Fly Raft Package: Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and Scenic FlightFrom $383316 reviews
★ 4.5Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise & Lunch – BrisbaneFrom $192327 reviews
★ 4.6Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tourFrom $63340 reviews
★ 4.8Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & SnorkelFrom $189353 reviews
★ 5.0Afternoon Low Isles Snorkelling & Sunset Sail from Port DouglasFrom $243354 reviews
★ 4.5Byron Bay: Snorkelling Tour of Julian Rocks “Nuthungulli”From $91357 reviews
★ 4.9Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day SnorkelingFrom $140373 reviews

Keep browsing

Snorkeling with Turtles96Reef Snorkeling61Catamaran Snorkeling Cruises55Snorkeling and Kayaking Trips111Sea Cave Snorkeling Tours53Speedboat Snorkeling Tours42
Scroll to Top

Pick your water

By the animal, the hull, or the kind of coast.

The animals

TurtlesDolphinsWhale Sharks and MantasCoral ReefThe Great Barrier Reef

The boat

CatamaransUnder SailSpeedboatsKayak and SnorkelGlass Bottoms

The water

Sea CavesBlue LagoonsCenotes and ManateesIsland HoppingSunset Swims

Easy days

Private ChartersOpen BarWhale WatchingSnorkel and ScubaEverything