Top 9 Snorkeling Boat Trips in Australia

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

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

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as Indy and Phil explain the sea life, while lunch, snacks, and a return glass of wine are included.

“The staff was great to work with! The day was such a fun experience for someone who had never been snorkeling before. You could snorkel as much as you wanted. Would highly recommend !”

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2.Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

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

Red Cat Adventures takes you from Airlie Beach aboard a high-speed catamaran for two reef snorkeling stops, Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet Lookout. Expect live commentary, lunch, snacks, and gear, with crew members such as Jet, Hannah, Frankie, and Carlos bringing plenty of energy to the day. Pickup is available from selected meeting points.

“The snorkeling was amazing and the coral was so healthy. All the crew were very friendly, enthusiastic, organized, and helpful. They were very knowledgeable about the reef and emphasized cultural respect and reef protection. They gave us brownies and fruit snacks, as well as a nice lunch that accommodated those with dietary restrictions.”

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

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

Spend about six hours at Upolu Cay and the Wonder Wall aboard a 65-foot catamaran. You can snorkel with a marine naturalist, join a glass-bottom boat tour, or add certified or introductory scuba. Expect guided water time, reef safety support, seafood lunch, and snacks.

“All the crew were professional, fun, and super friendly. I can’t swim at all, and it was my first time swimming in the ocean too, so I was honestly really nervous at first. But the crew looked after me so well, and it ended up being such an amazinRead more”

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4.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

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

Set out from Cairns on Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran for six hours at Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay. You’ll snorkel Wonder Wall and the Aquarium, join guided drift snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips, and choose certified or introductory scuba sessions. The crew includes instructors such as Ollie, Paul, and Tori, with lunch, snacks, and gear included.

“Food was sooo good! boat was spacious and cool. Dive instructors were lovely!!”

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5.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

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

Take a 45-minute catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay with rainforest, beaches, and reef life. Choose shore snorkeling or a glass-bottom boat, then add lunch, pool time, crocodiles, or other activities. Guides such as Connor explain the coral and fish clearly.

“A day on green island was amazing. We chose the snorkelling option (did have to pay extra for a stinger suit but well worth it) we then saw the crocodiles and had lunch which was really good too. Perfect day - so many turtles and fish! 100% would recommend.”

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6.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 or selected pickup points. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks with guides such as Jess, Georgia, or Brooke, watch for dolphins, turtles, and dugongs, then enjoy prawns, beach time, paddleboarding, and a bar onboard.

“great nature n fantastic experience. Also kind crew members!!”

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7.Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise

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

Board Wavelength at 8:10am for a snorkeling-only cruise from Port Douglas to three Outer Reef sites. Marine biologists lead optional guided swims, explain coral and sea life, and help nervous beginners. You get gear, suits, lunch, snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and free in-water photos.

“The crew were really energetic and knowledgeable. Taught us a lot about the incredible reef. We went to three reef areas to snorkel and all quite varied. Wish we had more time to repeat this amazing experience!”

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8.Providence Whitehaven Day Sail with Snorkeling

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

Spend about nine hours aboard the 62-foot Providence, sailing from Coral Sea Marina to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. You can help raise the sails, snorkel a fringing Great Barrier Reef site, and relax on deck. Lunch is optional, while tea, coffee, water, gear, and seasonal stinger suits are provided.

“A really fun day out. The beach is absolutely stunning and worth the journey. The boat is relaxing to sail on and the captain and crew are accommodating and very friendly. Recommended.”

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9.Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour

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

From Port Douglas, you’ll ride the Calypso XI for 30 minutes to Low Isles, where you can snorkel with a guide, ride the glass-bottom boat, and explore the island’s lighthouse and tropical paths. Crew members such as Katie, Dani, Cedric, and Ruth have helped make the trip welcoming for first-timers. Muffins, fruit, tea, coffee, and equipment are included.

“It was a much anticipated experience that lived up to its billing.”

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