WORLDWIDE · GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT SNORKELING
Somebody in the group will not put their face in the water, and a glass hull solves it. The 11 below carry snorkellers and non-swimmers on the same boat, priced, with the reef quality under the glass noted for each.
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”
From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, cruise around the protected islet with a marine biologist, spotting fish, seabirds, crustaceans, starfish, and old cannons below. Then use the provided snorkeling gear to swim with the wildlife. Guides such as Alex, Erica, and João bring the sea to life.
“The activity was amazing! You get to sail and see the San Miguel island from the ocean, discover about the history of San Miguel and Azores, take a look at the small island near Vila Franca, see different species that live in the nearby waters from the boat and finally swim between them taking a closer look. I really recommend this activity if you want to try snorkell with guidance in a place full of history and animals!”
Paddle a tandem glass-bottom kayak from Santa María Bay toward Chileno Bay, then snorkel from shore with guides such as Marco, Maury, Carlos, and Michael. Expect about three hours, beach launches, included gear, hotel transport, and route changes when wind or waves make conditions rough.
“This was so fun! Nico and Carlos were wonderful and accommodating. They even cater the experience by assessing water conditions and can even cater to the group if you have kids or older people in your group. They are knowledgeable and make you feel safe. Very fun and we saw lots of fish! Snorkeling was awesome”
Spend about two hours aboard a glass-bottom boat, snorkeling Villa Blanca and shallow and deep Paraiso reefs with a bilingual guide. Miguel, Santiago, Carlos, and other crew members may assist. Gear, water, soft drinks, and a post-snorkel beer are included, but bring $11 cash for marine and pier fees.
“Boat is small but comfortable. The staff was the best. Made the entire trip a lot of fun. We had three stops for snorkeling. All different where we saw different fish. It was a fun two hours”
Sail from Port Douglas to the Low Isles aboard Calypso XI, a 23-passenger glass-bottom boat. You get guided snorkeling, a calm lagoon, island time, reef viewing, turtles, birdlife, muffins, fruit, tea, and coffee. Prescription masks, flotation aids, and Lycra suits are available.
“Excellent staff made sure your trip was as good as it could be very informative the snorkelling was amazing 5 turtle’s expected more coral and fish but hopefully more on main reef. Had a lovely morning and being the first boat there was special only downside was the glass bottom boat tour my wife went on didn’t see much. cheers everyone.”
Take a fast catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay with rainforest, white beaches, and reef life. Your day includes snorkeling gear, a glass bottom boat trip, island walk, pool access, and return transfers. Guided snorkeling is optional.
“Snorkelling at the beach was nice. The water was clear and warm. Everything else about Green Island sucked. One overpriced cafe with nowhere near enough tables and chairs for the hundreds of people arriving by boat loads. Staff frazzled and rude from the pressure of trying to cope. The pool was crowded and, like the cafe, only half a dozen tables and chairs the only other alternative was hot concrete in full sun. $45 to sit on a beach chair at the beach. Probably caters well for the small resort but hundreds of tourists arriving by boat completely overcrowd the place, irresponsible of the boating companies who know full well…”
From Gili Air or Gili Trawangan, spend roughly four to four and a half hours visiting Turtle Point, underwater statues, Coral Garden, and Bongkas Reef. Your English or Indonesian-speaking crew supplies gear, life jackets, and water, with shared or private options and a stop on Gili Meno.
“Amazing experience. We had a private tour, would 100% recommend this. All staff were brilliant”
Board the Super Jumbo St. Raphael at Paphos Harbor for a 90-minute cruise over the 1950s Vera K. shipwreck, a short swim stop, and views through a 22-square-meter glass deck. Snorkels, noodles, and children’s life jackets are included. The longer cruise adds a slide, jumping platform, sandwiches, and fruit.
“Excellent, short but interesting trip to observe underwater shipwreck and sponges, with a fun stop to swim, splash and jump from the upper deck of the boat in local Blue Lagoon”
Take a fast catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, then choose beach snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat tour. You also get a self-guided rainforest walk, island pool access, and visitor facilities. Marine biologist Clarissa leads an informative reef talk on some departures.
“Very nice staff. Excellent experience. Enjoyed the tour and the boat ride. I would definitely recommend this company.”
From Vila Franca do Campo Marina, a skipper and biologist guide you around the volcanic islet, explain local marine life, and provide masks, fins, and snorkels. Expect a glass-bottom viewing session, guided snorkeling, and a flexible schedule that may last well beyond two hours.
“Alex was a great navigator and educated us on the history of the land as well as the marine life we were able to see.”
From Hurghada, you cruise to Paradise or Hula Hula Island for beach time, lunch, guided snorkeling, and a semi-submarine ride if selected. Guides such as Ali, Fady, Sayed, and Youssef Jr. are praised for careful help in the water, including with first-time swimmers.
“The tour guide SAYED was very nice We had a beautiful day in Paradise island”
By the animal, the hull, or the kind of coast.
