Best Times of Year to Snorkel at Different Locations in Australia

by Catalin Andries on July 09, 2024

Australia offers some of the best snorkelling experiences in the world, thanks to its diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. However, the ideal time for snorkeling can vary greatly depending on the location. This guide will help you plan your snorkeling adventures by highlighting the best times of year to visit various snorkeling hotspots across Australia.

1. Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

© Photo by Luka Peternel, CC By SA4.0, via Wikimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: June to October

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest coral reef system in the world. The best time to snorkel here is during the dry season (June to October). During this period, you can expect clear waters, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for underwater exploration. Additionally, this is the season when you might encounter minke and humpback whales.

2. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

© Photo by By SYPulau - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: March to August

Ningaloo Reef is known for its pristine coral formations and the chance to swim with whale sharks. The best time to visit is between March and August, which aligns with the whale shark season. The water is warm and visibility is excellent during these months, providing ideal conditions for snorkeling.

3. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales

© Photo by Fanny Schertzer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: October to April

This remote island offers some of the best snorkeling spots in the world. The waters around Lord Howe Island are clear and teeming with marine life. The best time to snorkel here is from October to April, when the water temperatures are warmer and the weather is generally more pleasant.

4. Jervis Bay, New South Wales

© Photo by Charliekay - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: November to April

Jervis Bay is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The best time to snorkel here is from November to April, when the weather is warm and the waters are calm. This period also coincides with the breeding season for many marine species, offering a unique underwater experience.

5. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

© Photo by DANIEL JULIE from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikipedia

Best Time to Snorkel: May to November

The Whitsunday Islands are a snorkeler's paradise, with their clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. The best time to snorkel here is during the dry season (May to November). This period offers calm seas, excellent visibility, and comfortable temperatures, making it perfect for snorkeling.

6. Rottnest Island, Western Australia

© Photo by Hesperian - Own work, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: October to April

Rottnest Island, located off the coast of Perth, is known for its diverse marine life and beautiful coral reefs. The best time to snorkel here is from October to April, when the water temperatures are higher and the weather is more stable. This period also offers the best visibility for underwater exploration.

7. Port Douglas, Queensland

© Photo by zpunout, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: June to October

Port Douglas serves as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The best time to snorkel here is during the dry season (June to October). The weather is cooler, the seas are calmer, and the risk of jellyfish is lower, ensuring a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience.

8. Moreton Island, Queensland

© Photo by J Brew, CC BY-SA 2.0, via WIkimedia

Best Time to Snorkel: March to May

Moreton Island, known for its shipwrecks and marine life, is best visited from March to May. During this period, the weather is warm and the water conditions are ideal for snorkeling. Visibility is usually at its peak, making it easier to explore the underwater wonders.

Australia offers a plethora of snorkeling destinations, each with its own unique marine environment and ideal seasons for exploration. By planning your trip according to the best times of year for each location, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable snorkeling experience. Whether you’re swimming with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef or exploring the vibrant coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s underwater treasures are waiting to be discovered.


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Based on 1513 reviews
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Prescription Lens for full face snorkel

Recently we went on a cruise to the South Pacific with lots of opportunities to snorkel. I was asked so many times "are they prescription lenses in there" & "where did you get them from".

The lenses were awesome, I was able to see and enjoy the snorkelling. Others tried mine and were amazed how good they were. As they were suctioned to the mask it made sure the mask was in the correct position on you face (not too high/low). Initially my lenses were a little tight to put together but they went in alright in the end :)

It was easy to find out what level (prescription/strength) was needed, I just went to my optometrist with the options and they told me which ones I needed.

D
Lifetime Warranty
Diane K. (Melbourne, AU)
The Ninja Shark Snorkel mask is awesome!

We bought these snorkel masks as we were going on a tropical holiday which included snorkelling tours and we both hated breathing through traditional plastic snorkels shoved in our mouths. My partner in particular did not want to snorkel because of this. These snorkel masks are FANTASTIC and were GAME CHANGERS. We did several lots of snorkelling on our holiday and every time, we were able to lie in the water, breathe normally and focus on looking underwater without worrying about breathing. Even if you dive underwater with these masks, the valve blocks water from coming into your snorkel mask. I bought the premium Equaliser Pro with the ability to pinch your nose if diving and my partner bought the basic model. Both are fantastic products - comfortable, easy to wear and highly recommended. You need to fit it tightly but it's really comfortable in the water and doesn't leak. Even when you come up you don't need to take it off, just keep breathing normally. I loved snorkelling with this product and even my anti-snorkelling partner really enjoyed it and felt this mask was a game changer.

T
Lifetime Warranty
Tom P. (Melbourne, AU)
Recommended

Great product and even better customer service

J
Package : Air Adults (Mask + Fins + Bag)
JEANNIE O. (Piara Waters, AU)
Bloody love this!

Never snorkelled in my life. Petrified of putting my head under water. But now my neck is bad - if I don't alter the way I swim - then no more swimming for me. This has opened 'a whole new world' - (haha -that songs stuck in your head now) - to me. I'm just using my ninja gear in my gym outdoor pool atm. My legs are getting so strong - and my lungs too - as I'm doing some great breathing. I have huge surgery coming up soon - and i believe this is allowing me to get to a great level of fitness - in preparation. Honestly - i can't go on enough about this product enough. My friend bought a cheaper version. She's given it away already... say no more 🤿🤿🤿

B
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Bolang C. (Perth, AU)
Great design

This is the best snorkel mask I’ve ever had. Very comfortable on face, easy to breathe. I am not a good swimmer, it makes me feel safe and enjoy snorkelling without distraction. Thank you ninjiashark.

Best snorkel ever!!

Got one of these for me and my 7 year old daughter for Xmas. We’ve used them twice already and love them!! So much easier to breathe, can see so much and just makes the whole snorkelling experience better! Would highly recommend!

Clear as day

Clear to see and easy to breathe,
Whole family loves the NinjaShark Snorkel mask.

R
Lifetime Warranty
Robyn H. (Adelaide, AU)
Amazing

The best snorkel and mask combination. No going back now! I could snorkel for over an hour easily. So glad I made this purchase

M
(DRAFT) Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Maureen R. (Townsville, AU)
Mermaid

While travelling in Timor leste l met a fellow snorkeller. We snorkelled for 10 days together the food was shit but the water was stunning. The friend was using Ninja Shark fins and mask mine were steaming up, letting in water and heavy. On arriving back in Australia l ordered straight away.
I was a little bit anxious on receiving my order as the mask was quite different to my old one and the fins were short and adjustable ( l wanted them to be my size ! ) well to my luck the weather was beautiful ( yes mid winter in Mackay ) and perfect for boating so off we scooted to Cockermouth ( don't laugh it's a real place ) jumping in and WOW I'm now a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ the mask and fins felt like part of me. I actually cried as not only was the equipment allowing me to explore as l wanted but the reef was STUNNING. So lm indepted to Ninja Shark for making me the mermaid l always aspired to be 🧜‍♀️

Took it to Tahiti

I wasn’t quite sure about getting a full face mask but bought mine (Electra package) before a trip to Tahiti which we got home from yesterday - absolutely LOVED it!!! I’ll be getting one for my wife before our next trip to a similar destination. BTW I make LOTS of crazy videos with lots of toys.

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Life changing

I do love my full face snorkel.. the freedom of nose breathing under the water.. the meditative and relaxative effect of this snorkeling is unexpected and great. Fits so well.. comfy to wear for long time.. highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Joanne T. (Brisbane, AU)
Super quality & fit

So happy we got Ninja shark, perfect for Great barrier reef snorkel day.
Flippers, mask, dry wallet, carry bag (good quality bag), anti fog spray, happy days.

Ninja Shark Kids Mask

We recently brought the Ninja Shark Kids 3-11 Mask + Fins + Bag package for our 7 year old who absolutely loves it! Will be buying three more for the rest of the family. 😊

Even better than expected!

I saw the kids full face snorkel masks online, and thought they looked pretty cool. I ordered two for Christmas, for my 3 and 6 year olds. Wow, did they have a great time with them!

I wasn't sure how the 3 year old would go with it, but he was comfortable in it almost immediately, and spent hours swimming around and seeing a whole new world of underwater scenery.

They were easy to fit, zero issues with them staying on. No leaks or fog.

They can't wait to get back to the water!

Highly recommend this product :)

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Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Nick J. (Brisbane, AU)
mask swimming

The mask did exactly what was stated. I was very happy and will get another mask for my daughter.

R
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Raffaele S. (Perth, AU)
Great way to swim

I have NEVER been able to snorkel but love swimming. These full face snorkels are an absolute game changer in my life. Now I try to swim around 5 kms a week in the local pool. The Ninja mask makes it easy to do laps. I’ve been using the Ninja Shark for a quite few years and find the new Electra the best full face mask ever. No leaks, no fog and really easy to use and great quality. I’ve noticed my regular chats with other swimmers at the pool have encouraged many of them to purchase one of their own. I’ve given my older models to my grandkids and they love them too.

Fabulous

I got one for the 3 year old and one for the 5 year old, I thought maybe the 3 year old would get the hang of it eventually but they both loved it and mastered it pretty quickly. We’ve only used in the swimming pool, excited to go snorkeling in the ocean soon. Great product.

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Lifetime Warranty
Sarah B. (Surfers Paradise, AU)
Love it!

Amazing product ! Have the electra package, kids love it. So easy to use. Highly recommend

J
(DRAFT) Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jen M. (Brisbane, AU)
Love it

Bought these for myself and my husband after getting the full face masks for the kids, and they were so good we’re getting them for the rest of the extended family for Xmas. The fact u can dive down and not get water down ur snorkel is a brilliant bonus! Makes our family holidays much easier and better without snorkel dramas!

This made our holiday

The product itself was amazing, but the service we received allowed us to get our 2 sets of masks for our cruise. We took them with us and used them multiple times for snorkelling on our cruise to Nouméa and New Caledonia. It was amazing snorkelling and being able to breathe easily, and the fins were the most comfortable I've ever used. I've got size 13 feet, and not only were they completely adjustable, but they were THE most comfortable fins ever invented. A massive shoutout to Colleen Zamora from your support staff who helped me out and made it possible to take our gear on holidays! Thanks Colleen!
The photo is us snorkelling off Amadee Island looking for turtles!

My kids love them

I’ve got three of these masks for my younger kids, however the oldest wants one too as the young ones rave about how good the are.

Summer Family Fun

Our Ninja masks have made snorkelling as a whole family very easy and enjoyable. The kids (and parents) find them super easy to use and have allowed us as a family of five to snorkel for longer than we ever could using traditional snorkel gear. I would highly recommend these masks.

G
Lifetime Warranty
Geri D. (Sydney, AU)
Lifetime warranty

Glad I have but haven’t needed to use .. yet

Great Mask

Love this mask. Kids find it so much easier snorkelling with the Ninja Shark. The snorkel mask is super clear and doesn’t fog up. The adjustable straps are great and easy to loosen and tighten. Very happy that we made the decision to get these for the kids.

A must for snorkelers!

Recently purchased the Equaliser Pro Mask, Finns and bag. 🤿 🐠🐡🐟🦈 Had an amazing time snorkeling off Fitzroy Island, the Pro mask allowed me to explore for over 7 hours. Higly recommend! Planning must next snorkeling trip! 🤿💦🌴☀️