Where to go snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef

by Mihai Pinzariu on March 18, 2020

It's about passion.It's about exploring. It's about adventure.

Where to go snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef

By Ninja Shark’s founder (and water enthusiast), Andrew Porter

It’d be easier to make a list of where to not go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef! This incredible ecosystem is the largest living ‘thing’ on Earth, made up of thousands of reefs and hundreds of gorgeous islands – you can even see the sprawling reef from outer space!

You’ll find over 600 types of unique coral life here, and an endless variety of fish and sealife to discover amongst its many islands. With all the different destinations it can be hard to know where to find the best spots, so here’s where to find the best snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef.

Fish in Great Barrier Reef: Blue Starfish, Clownfish, Dolphins, Goatfish, Kingfish, Lionfish, Moray Eels, Parrotfish, Reef Sharks, Sea Turtles, Stingrays, Triggerfish, Wobbegong Sharks, Yellowtail, and so much more.

Corals in Great Barrier Reef: Cauliflower Coral, Finger Coral, Flowerpot Coral, Hump Coral, Honeycomb Corals, Mushroom Coral, Organic Pipe Coral,, amongst 600 other species!

Great Barrier Reef snorkelling map

Best places to snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef

1. Agincourt Reef

Where: Port Douglas
Details: This is one of the best snorkelling sites in the world, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. A spectacular ribbon reef that’s crawling with an abundance of diverse sea life and complete with an underwater observatory, there are 16 different snorkel sites to explore here. It’s also one of the best places in the Great Barrier Reef where both advanced snorkellers and beginners have lots to enjoy.

Information:

  • You’ll have to go with a boat tour company to reach this reef, and they’ll provide all equipment, amenities, food, bathrooms, and more

2. Fitzroy Island

Where: 29km off the coast of Cairns
Details: Fitzroy Island is a local favourite, a rainforest-covered mountainous island with reef accessible right off the beach. The coral life here might not be as fascinating as elsewhere in the Great Barrier Reef, but there’s a tonne of active marine life to make up for it and a lot less crowds. This spot is the ideal getaway for those who want to snorkel, but do other things as well – here you can hike & bushwalk as well as swim with stingrays and sea turtles.

Information:

  • Apart from snorkelling and hiking, there are also kayaks, glass-bottom boats, and a Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to check out,
  • From Fitzroy Island you can also catch a boat out to the Outer Reef, where the more magnificent coral life awaits

3. Flynn Reef

Where: 60km off the coast of Cairns
Details: This is one for the pro-snorkellers who are willing to invest time and money into seeing the best of the best. The sites here are world-class, with massive fields of hard corals and excellent visibility. Saturated with brightly coloured coral gardens, you’ll find lots of active marine life and enormous schools of fish weaving through the plants here.

Flynn Reef is really the best of the Outer Reef – there are giant clams up to 2 metres big, huge sea cucumbers, turtles, diverse topography and truly incredible reef overhangs.

Information:

  • This remote snorkelling destination is almost exclusively for passionate and pro-snorkellers and divers. As it’s so far off the coast of Cairns it’s quiet and peaceful – but also requires a lot of time and money to get to,
  • The fish here tend to be quite tame in this area and hand-feeding is a possibility.

4. Green Island

Where: Cairns
Details: This beautiful snorkel spot is popular with the tourists, and just a 45-minute boat ride away from Cairns. It’s the closest part of the reef that you can explore, and for that reason it can be a bit overcrowded at times. You might have to share the beach with other snorkellers, but you’ll find rich coral gardens and bustling marine life as soon as you hit the sand, with reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, parrotfish, chromis, clownfish, and more.

Information:

  • The conditions here are calmer and more peaceful than the Outer Reef, making it a prime destination for beginner snorkellers,
  • Note that there are mostly seagrass beds here rather than pure coral, so if you’re after corals then head to another part of the reef,
  • You’ll find lots of boat and snorkel tours to take you to the best spots on Green Island.

5. Hardy Reef

Where: Hayman Island, Whitsundays
Details: The Whitsundays are a stunning spot no matter which island you choose, but this is one of its most popular destinations and the closest to the Outer Reef. If you’re a serious snorkeler, this spot may be a little too ‘mainstream’ for you as it’s designed to make the Outer Reef accessible to less advanced divers. Still, there’s plenty of beautiful marine life to explore including Maori wrasse, reef sharks, stingrays, and green sea turtles.

Information:

  • Australia’s largest pontoon, ReefWorld, is here and fully-equipped with everything from food to showers and shaded seating.

6. Heron Island

Where: 80km off the coast of Gladstone
Details: If you’re looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef without compromise, Heron Island is a great bet with one of the reef’s best snorkel sites. Just as good as hitting the Outer Reef, you’ll get to see all the incredible coral life without having to head out as far – you can snorkel right off the beach! You can find around 60% of the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life right here, so expect to see wobbegong & reef sharks, manta rays, cod, turtles, eels, and all the coral life this reef is famed for.

Information:

  • During low tide you can go reef walking and look at all the coral life in the shallows without having to get wet,
  • Between November and March (especially January) turtles hatch their eggs here,
  • Heron Island isn’t available to day visitors, so you have to stay overnight (also making it more exclusive and less crowded).

7. Lady Musgrave Island

Where: South Great Barrier Reef
Details: Just an hour and a half from Bundaberg is this 1200-hectare lagoon that offers some of the best snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef. Pristine, untouched, crystal-clear turquoise waters, no current, and great visibility all year. Can snorkelling get any better than this? You’ll find over 350 varieties of coral here and more than 1,300 tropical fish species to swim with. Look out for leopard sharks and reef sharks, as well as turtles!

Information:

  • Be aware that as a protected, uninhabited island, there are no facilities or supplies on the island. You can camp, but bring your own supplies.
  • This is a great snorkel spot for those on a budget or beginners wanting to snorkel shallow waters. Otherwise, the Barrier Reef can be quite expensive.

8. Opal Reef

Where: Port Douglas
Details: This is the section of reef that you see on Nat Geo when they show the Great Barrier Reef. Protected with restricted access, Opal Reef hasn’t seen the thousands of tourists that other parts of the Great Barrier Reef has, making it one of the most pristine and untouched areas. One of the best spots for beginners to get a taste of the Outer Reef, there are a number of different snorkel sites to explore, teeming with vibrant corals, white tip reef sharks, parrotfish, and turtles.

Information:

  • Look out for Angus, the blue-lipped Maori wrasse who has become famous amongst the Opal Reef marine life.

9. Tangalooma Wrecks

Where: Moreton Island
Details: The world’s third-largest sand island is a truly spectacular spot to throw on your snorkel mask and check out the pristine natural beauty. Off the shore of Moreton Island are the wrecks, 15 or so old boats, barges and dredges. The wrecks are just a short swim away from shore and home to over 175 different varieties of fish, crystal-clear water, and picture perfect scenery. Expect to see anything from turtles, moray eels, stingrays, dolphins, and sharks amongst all the fishlife.

Information:

  • The wrecks are close to the shore but be careful as there is a strong current and no lifeguards on duty,
  • You’ll find lots of snorkel tours with equipment hire to guide you through the sites,
  • The site is safe for kids. Click here to read a parent’s perspective on snorkelling Tangalooma Wrecks.
  • Click here to find out when’s the best time to snorkel at Great Barrier Reef

How many people dream of snorkelling but don't feel comfortable wearing a snorkel mask?

The Influencer @lud.around is a NINJASHARK lover!

NINJASHARK is the sound of a revolution in snorkeling. Whereas other water equipments companies are constantly adding poor quality products, we listen to your feedback and constantly improve our products to fit for all of your needs.

 
"I'm not leaving my room without the mask. The full face snorkeling mask from Australia is comfortable and fit me perfectly! Love how easy it is to breath out your nose and mouth when you snorkeling and even has earplugs!"

“The mask include GOPRO mounts, so you can easily film and photograph underwater scenery! I highly recommend especially to people who have a fear of snorkeling! This mask is really easy to use and is safe!” said @lud.around. “I can’t wait for my next trip with my new mask!”

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks makes your experiences the best they can be. They are exclusively sold on the Ninja Shark website.

The Ninja Shark full face snorkel masks comes equipped with advanced Anti-Fog technology, automatic drainage, no CO2 Buildup with improved uni-directional valves, and a revolutionary breathe flow system so you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.





“If you thought we’re just here to sell you products, think again. You’re part of the Ninja Shark family, and your feedback matters! We’re constantly working to improve our products and deliver the full face snorkel mask that exists only in our dreams!”

What customers are saying about us…

“Awesome set.

Loved the complete set. I even used the waterproof phone pouch to take photos and videos underwater. It made my Fiji experience so much better than using the free snorkel set that hurt your face after 2hours and leaving a sun/mask mark. The ninja leaves no marks and gives great vision under water in comparison. It did take some getting used to but it definitely paid off! Only frustration is that the tightening straps are quite basic; they should be much simpler to loosen and tighten both in and out of water.” – Jock

Try our line of snorkelling and swimming gear
by Ninja Shark! You’ll love it.

All Ninja Shark Products are tailor-made
with medical silicone.

We care about making our products safe and healthy for you—and our planet.
That’s why the Ninja Shark Full Face Snorkelling Masks are made from a non-toxic and environmentally friendly anti-allergic medical grade silicone, that’s not only safer for your kids but safer for you too.
1 comment
by Leanne Chalkley on November 26, 2021

Great suggestions.

LEAVE A COMMENT

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published


Based on 1482 reviews
91%
(1343)
7%
(98)
1%
(19)
1%
(10)
1%
(12)
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
Package: Dry Snorkel (Set + Fins + Bag)
Mermaid M. (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.

Judge.me YouTube video placeholder
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
Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
jomm11 (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 :)

N
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.

S
Electra - Full Face Snorkel Mask
Sheara R. (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.

S
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
Diving Dry Snorkel Set with GoPro mount
Jennifer 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! 🤿💦🌴☀️

awsome

we used our new masks over the weekend. they were amazing, my daughter barely had her head out of the water all day.

L
Lifetime Warranty
Lina J. (Gold Coast, AU)
life warranty

This is great! More stores should do it!

O
Lifetime Warranty
Olivia (Perth, AU)
Fantastic snorkel!

Our 5 year old has never snorkelled. Put it on and was snorkelling no problem straight away! Easy for him to put on and off by himself. We bought the full package with flippers (also amazing and he can put them on by himself) and the two wet bags. The foldable snorkel is so handy for storing while we are travelling. And the lifetime warranty gives us great comfort that we can use it for future trips! We are so impressed with this product I’m going to get mum and dad one too!

Kids snorkel

It is a lot easier for the younger children to have fun and snorkel without worrying about their nose breathing. My 6 year old swims confidently and happily.