Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour – Townsville/Magnetic Island

from A$339

4 hours 30 mins

Townsville & Magnetic Island

Enjoy a full-day snorkelling adventure on the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville or Magnetic Island. Explore multiple reef locations, swim above colourful coral gardens, and spot turtles and tropical fish. Includes snorkelling gear, lunch, and light afternoon tea. Approximate duration: 8 hours plus check-in.

Adult $339 | Child (2-14) $309 | Family (2 adults & 2 children) $1200

Key Highlights

Full-day adventure exploring the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
Depart from Townsville or Magnetic Island
Three to four hours of snorkelling at varied reef locations
Reef sites chosen for the safest and best conditions on the day
Snorkel above vibrant coral gardens, bommies, and marine habitats
Spot turtles, rays, reef fish, and seabirds
Expert snorkelling and safety briefings
Lunch and light afternoon tea included
Relax on board and enjoy open ocean views

What’s included

Full-day (8 hours approx) guided boat tour to the Great Barrier Reef
Pickup from Magnetic Island
Three to four hours of snorkelling across different reef locations
Mask, snorkel, and fins
Snorkelling and safety briefings
In-water assistance from crew
Lunch
Light afternoon tea
Wildlife-spotting opportunities

Overview

Discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkelling tour departing from Townsville with optional pickup at Magnetic Island. Immerse yourself in some of the world's most spectacular coral gardens and explore vibrant marine habitats across selected reef locations in the Central Great Barrier Reef.

You will spend approximately three to four hours snorkelling at various sites, chosen by the skipper for their safety and quality on the day. Swim above colourful coral formations, spot tropical fish, turtles, rays, and experience the diversity of the reef environment.

The day includes all snorkelling gear, thorough safety briefings, and in-water assistance from the experienced crew, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure. In between snorkelling sessions, relax aboard the vessel, enjoy the open water scenery, and refuel with an included lunch and light afternoon tea.

Check in at 7:30am for an 8:00am departure from Townsville, or at 8:15am for an 8:30am departure from Magnetic Island. The total tour duration is approximately eight hours plus a 30-minute check-in and briefing. Meeting points are 108 Flinders Street, Townsville City, or Nelly Bay Marina on Magnetic Island.

Commonly asked questions.

The full-day tour includes return boat travel from Townsville or Magnetic Island, approximately 3–4 hours of snorkelling across different reef locations, snorkelling equipment, safety briefings, in-water assistance, lunch and light afternoon tea

You can depart from either Townsville at 8:00am or Nelly Bay Marina on Magnetic Island at 8:30am. Townsville check-in is from 7:30am, while Magnetic Island passengers should arrive by 8:15am.

The Townsville experience takes approximately 8 hours, including check-in and briefing. The Magnetic Island option takes approximately 7½ hours.

The skipper selects the reef locations on the day based on weather, wind, swell, currents, visibility, mooring availability and safety. Different locations may feature coral gardens, bommies, reef walls and sandy lagoons.

Yes. A mask, snorkel and fins are included. You are also welcome to bring your own properly maintained equipment if preferred.

You should have reasonable swimming ability and feel comfortable in deep, open water. In-water assistance is provided, but guests must be capable of safely participating in the snorkelling experience. If you are nervous or inexperienced, let the crew know before entering the water.

Yes. Lunch and light afternoon tea are included in the tour price. Dietary requirements should be provided when booking, although not every dietary requirement can be guaranteed

Drinks are not included. Guests should bring sufficient bottled water for the full day. Additional bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and other refreshments are available to purchase onboard.

Children aged 2–14 years are catered for with a child fare. However, because this is a full-day offshore experience, parents should consider whether the journey and open-water conditions are suitable for their child. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

The experience is primarily designed as an offshore snorkelling tour. Guests who do not wish to snorkel can remain onboard, but anyone intending to enter the water needs to be comfortable in deep water and meet the crew's safety requirements.

Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a rash vest or long-sleeved sun shirt, a change of clothes and a warm jacket or rain jacket. You should also bring sufficient drinking water and any required personal medication.

Additional info by the operator.

7:30am - Check in at 108 Flinders Street, Townsville
8:00am - Depart Townsville
8:30am - Pick up passengers from Nelly Bay Marina, Magnetic Island
8:30-10:30am approx. - Travel offshore towards the Great Barrier Reef
10:30am-2:30pm approx. - Explore and snorkel at selected Great Barrier Reef locations
During the day - Lunch and time to relax onboard between snorkelling sessions
Afternoon - Final snorkelling session and light afternoon tea
2:30pm-4:30pm - Cruise back towards Magnetic Island and Townsville
4:30pm - Arrive back in Townsville

Duration and Departure Times: Townsville - 7:30am check-in for 8:00am departure Magnetic Island - 8:30am departure (arrive by 8:15am) Tour time - Approx. 8 hours plus a 30-minute check-in and briefing Meeting Points: Townsville - 108 Flinders Street, Townsville City Magnetic Island - Nelly Bay Marina The Great Barrier Reef is a natural environment. Visibility, currents, wildlife activity, reef locations, and sea conditions can vary daily.