The 5 Snorkeling Trips in Australia That Earn Their Price

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

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

Spend about eight and a half hours aboard Evolution, traveling from Cairns to two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with provided gear, enjoy a barbecue lunch, and add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight. Marine guides such as Indy and Phil may add useful reef insight.

“Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it was a sight to behold.”

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2.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

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

Spend eight hours aboard Red Cat Adventures’ fast catamaran, Thunder Cat, visiting Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, and two fringing reef snorkeling sites. Expect live commentary, a buffet lunch, snacks, mask and snorkel hire, and an upbeat crew such as Hannah, Jet, Frankie, or Jared.

“Great experience the crew was very nice and it was everything perfect the view the 🪸 the food it was value for many tks”

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

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

Board the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran in Cairns for a full day at Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You’ll get reef briefings, guided snorkeling with a marine naturalist, a glass-bottom boat tour, buffet lunch, and optional certified or introductory scuba at extra cost.

“Great tour! Experienced instructors, well managed snorkeling & diving, and safety being maintained all the way. Plus the food is good : )”

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4.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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

Cruise from Cairns on Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran for six hours at Upolu Reef and Coral Cay. Snorkel above Wonder Wall, visit the Aquarium, join glass-bottom boat and drift snorkel tours, and choose certified or introductory scuba with guides such as Ollie, Paul, or Tori.

“The experience was Gold class. Instructors well drilled, friendly and hospitable.”

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5.Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 640 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $137Best value

Spend nine hours aboard Providence, a classic 62-foot gaff-rigged schooner, sailing from Airlie Beach to Whitehaven Beach. You can help raise the sails, walk to Hill Inlet Lookout, and snorkel a Great Barrier Reef fringing reef. Lunch is optional, and pickup from Airlie Beach accommodation is included.

“The excellent guides hosted a superb cruise with beach time and snorkelling - would do again!”

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