The 9 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.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

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

Sail from Cairns to 6,000-year-old Green Island by catamaran. Choose shore snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat, then add a rainforest walk, pool time, beach lunch, or optional crocodile visit. Glass-boat guides such as Connor explain the coral and marine life clearly.

“A fabulous half day trip, the journey was good and crew were helpful if needed. The island was beautiful and we found some lovely beaches towards the rear of the island all to ourselves. The glass bottom boat tour was fabulous, lots of fish to see and the guide was really informative and interesting. Highly recommend this trip!”

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6.Dolphin & Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,039 reviews · 1 day · from $152

Spend a full day aboard the Spirit of Mulgumpin, cruising from Brisbane to Moreton Island for guided snorkeling at the Tangalooma Wrecks, fish feeding, beach time, paddleboarding, and wildlife watching. Marine guides such as Jess, Georgia, and Emily help nervous beginners feel safe.

“Very well organised and safe. The food wasn’t great.”

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7.Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

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

Join Wavelength from Port Douglas for an eight-hour, snorkel-only cruise to three Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Marine biologists guide you in the water, explain reef life, and provide free photos. Expect small groups, about 90 minutes each way on the boat, lunch, snacks, and plenty of time in the water.

“Incredible experience, staff were super friendly and knowledgable. Had a great day and would 100% recommend.”

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8.Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

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

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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9.Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 469 reviews · 4 hours · from $135

Take Calypso’s glass-bottom boat from Port Douglas to the Low Isles, snorkel in a calm lagoon, and join the crew for reef viewing and island walks. Guides such as Katie, Dani, and Cedric have helped guests feel at ease, while the small 23-person boat keeps the outing friendly and manageable.

“My children aged 12 and 8 absolutely loved this experience. Seeing the marine life was amazing. My youngest was so excited to see turtles in the wild. Make sure you take suncream which is safe for the barrier reef. Ie. moogoo brand which is naturally Derived Clear Zinc Cream. This way it preserves the Barrier Reef for other future generations to enjoy 🥳🥳🥳”

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