Australia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. It also boasts some of the world’s most spectacular underwater experiences, including diving the Great Barrier Reef. However, you don’t have to be a scuba diver to enjoy Australia’s beautiful underwater scenery. Snorkeling in Australia allows non-divers to experience this fantastic marine world, teeming with colorful coral reefs, exotic fish, and fascinating landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, Australia’s diverse snorkeling spots have something for everyone.
Here are some of the top snorkeling spots to visit on your next trip down under.
Photo by Yanguang Lan on Unsplash
The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Undoubtedly, the Great Barrier Reef tops the list of snorkeling spots not only in Australia but globally. Stretching over 2300 kilometers (1429 miles) along the Queensland coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest coral reef system in the world. It is home to an astonishing diversity of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of hard and soft corals, 4,000 mollusk species, and a myriad of other colorful marine creatures like sea turtles, sponges, anemones, and much more!
Must-Visit Sites Within the Great Barrier Reef:
- Agincourt Reef: Located near Port Douglas, Agincourt Reef is an excellent snorkeling site thanks to its crystal-clear water, vibrant coral formations, shallow depths, and easy accessibility. This one area is home to 16 different sites where you can see the thriving Barrier Reef marine life and explore beautiful topography.
- Heron Island: This coral cay is not only a snorkeling paradise but also a turtle nesting site. Snorkelers can enjoy the rich underwater scenery right off the white sand beach. This site is a bit more remote, requiring a boat or helicopter transfer; however, the experience is worth it!
- Lady Elliot Island: Known as the “Home of the Manta Ray,” Lady Elliot Island offers exceptional visibility and the chance to snorkel right alongside these amazing creatures. This site is easily accessible via flight from multiple mainland cities and boasts a fantastic eco-resort for longer stays.
- Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia.
Ningaloo Reef is another World Heritage Site located and is the jewel in the crown of diving in Western Australia. This beautiful fringing reef extends for about 260 kilometers (162 miles) and is easily accessible, making it a great location to grab your snorkel gear and explore! Much of the reef lies near shore, making it perfect for beginner and advanced snorkelers.
Best snorkel sites of Ningaloo Reef:
- Turquoise Bay: Named Trip Advisor’s #3 beach in the world for 2022, Turquoise Bay is the best of the best. This picturesque bay is great for snorkeling due to its pristine waters and diverse marine life. The bay’s “drift snorkel” lets you float with the current over vibrant coral gardens, and lucky snorkelers can see manta rays, whale sharks, or sea turtles.
- Coral Bay: As the name suggests, Coral Bay is a hub for exploring the reef. The shallow waters here are perfect for beginners and are teeming with coral formations and fish species. You can also see manta rays year-round.
- Exmouth: Exmouth is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel with whale sharks from March to August. Snorkeling alongside these gentle giants is a bucket-list activity for any marine enthusiast.
- Lord Howe Island, New South Wales.
Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
Lord Howe Island is a remote paradise easily accessible by a two-hour flight from Sydney. Sitting in the middle of the Tasman Sea, this island is the world’s southernmost coral reef and offers some of the best snorkeling in the region. Restricted to only 400 visitors at a time, you can explore the entire island without the crowds.
Snorkeling spots not to miss on Lord Howe Island:
- Ned’s Beach: Famous for its fish-feeding frenzies, Ned’s Beach is a fantastic spot to snorkel for beginners and families where you can see a wide variety of fish species like wrasse, kingfish, mullet, and spangled emperors in shallow, clear water.
- Lagoon Beach: This calm, sheltered lagoon provides an excellent snorkeling experience with coral gardens and diverse marine life, including turtles and rays. You will also see colorful sponge beds and the shy Galapagos sharks.
- Admiralty Islands: A short 15-minute boat trip from Lord Howe Island takes you to a set of spectacular volcanic islands known as the Admiralty Islands. Although these islands offer more advanced snorkeling with deeper waters, this area is famous for boasting some of Australia’s best diving sites that advanced snorkelers and freedivers can also enjoy.
- Baird Bay, South Australia.
For one of Australia’s most unique snorkeling experiences, head to Baird Bay in South Australia. This small bay is home to a colony of Australian sea lions and a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, offering a thrilling opportunity to snorkel with these playful marine mammals.
Key Highlights of Baird Bay:
- Sea Lion Snorkeling: In the calmer waters of the bay, you can swim with the inquisitive and friendly sea lions. The curious sea lions often approach snorkelers, creating an interactive experience you will never forget.
- Dolphin Encounters: While the dolphins swim in deeper water, you can still snorkel right alongside them in their natural habitat. This unforgettable experience provides more advanced snorkelers an up-close encounter with one of the world’s most intelligent creatures.
- Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
Rottnest Island, located just off the coast of Perth, is a favorite local getaway known for its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life. The island’s crystal-clear waters and protected bays make it an ideal snorkeling destination where you can see over 400 different species of fish, sea turtles, crustaceans, and more!
Photo by Amanda Klamrowski on Unsplash
Best snorkeling spots on Rottnest Island:
- The Basin: One of the island’s most popular spots, The Basin offers easy access to vibrant coral reefs and an array of fish species in shallow waters. It is only a 10-minute walk from the island’s main settlement and is the perfect beach to relax in this area’s crystal-clear waters.
- Parker Point: This marine sanctuary zone is known for its stunning underwater scenery. You can follow the Parker Point Snorkel Trail, which offers underwater signs that divers and snorkelers can follow to learn about the environment surrounding them.
- Little Salmon Bay: With its calm, clear waters and abundant marine life, Little Salmon Bay is perfect for snorkelers of all levels and offers another marked-out snorkel trail.
Snorkeling in Australia is a must-do activity for everyone visiting this beautiful, diverse continent. No matter your comfort level in the water, Australia offers a snorkel destination that is perfect for you. To improve your snorkel skills before visiting Australia, become a Snorkel Diver and increase your confidence in the water.
Whether you’re aiming to explore the vastness of the Great Barrier Reef, drift over coral gardens in Ningaloo, or swim with sea lions in Baird Bay, each destination promises a unique and mesmerizing underwater adventure. So, grab your snorkel gear, dive into these pristine waters, and discover what makes Australia so great!
