Is it safe to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef the world’s most incredible underwater sanctuaries, an endless stretch of coastline dotted with vibrant coral reefs and unique marine life that has to be seen to be believed.

What makes the Great Barrier Reef so special is the host of ways in which nature lovers can experience this surreal phenomenon. Hop aboard a glass-bottom boat, see it from above via helicopter ride, dive deep down to get up and close with the reef’s fishy friends and, of course, snorkel along the surface of this gorgeous tropical wonderland.

Yes, snorkelling is well-and-truly on the itinerary in the Great Barrier Reef, granted you stick to the best and safest places to do so!

Let’s take a look at some of the best places to snorkel along this incredible stretch of coastline.

• Green Island, Cairns

  Green Island is easily one of the best places to experience the sheer beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, with lush coral gardens and an abundance of marine life calling the island’s shores home. Look out for unique anemones, giant clams, sea cucumbers and an endless array of fish species. This is the quintessential snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, a way to truly experience some of the absolute wonders this marine marvel has to offer.

• Lady Elliot Island, Bundaberg

  Lady Elliot Island is the perfect snorkelling spot in the Great Barrier Reef. This coral cay island situated in a marine park has beautifully tranquil waters and underwater gardens that are practically hugging the beach, meaning you don’t have to go out very far to experience the wonders it has to offer. Some of the incredible marine life you can experience at Lady Elliot Island include starfish, reef fish, sea urchins and coral outcrops.

• Magnetic Island, Townsville

  Magnetic Island offers premium places for beginner snorkellers to try out this awesome new hobby, with marked trails providing the boundaries for some of the most beautiful aspects of the reef. Nelly Bay is located just 100m offshore, and is certainly the easiest for snorkelling newcomers. The Geoffrey Bay trail, however, provides the opportunity to see the remains of the SS Moltke, as well as part of a WWII fighter jet.

The Great Barrier Reef is a snorkeller’s paradise, perfect for both beginners and seasoned pros. Pack your gear or take a tour and experience this most otherworldly part of Australia yourself!

Related article: Top 5 Things to Do in the Great Barrier Reef

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.