Kayak and Snorkel Tours in Australia: the 8 Best to Book

1.Magnetic Island Discovery Tour with Snorkeling & Paddle Boarding

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,372 reviews · from $114Our pick

Start at 8:30 am in Nelly Bay for a five-hour cruise around Magnetic Island. Aquascene’s small group tour combines reef snorkeling, paddle boarding, secluded beaches, island stories, and wildlife viewing. Master Reef Guides provide tuition and reef education, while the crew may include local hosts such as Adam, Calvin, Anita, or Jan.

“Highly recommend! Absolutely beautiful ocean water, beaches and sea life. Guides were amazing! It was a lot of fun”

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2.Moreton Island Day Trip (Kayak, Snorkel & Sandboard) frm Brisbane or Gold Coast

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 633 reviews · from $128

Spend a long, active day on Moreton Island with guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy and Will. Ride a 4WD along the beach, snorkel around the Tangalooma Wrecks, paddle transparent kayaks, and sandboard the dunes. Lunch and equipment are included, but ferry and national park fees cost extra.

“We had an excellent day! We enjoyed very much all the activities we had, the crew had been wonderful! Hardly recomended!”

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3.Gold Coast: Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 340 reviews · 2h 30m · from $63

Join local guides such as Jane or Nelson for a 150-minute paddle from Biggera Waters to Wave Break Island. You’ll learn basic kayaking, snorkel a protected rocky reef, walk across the manmade island, enjoy fruit and local snacks, and receive free digital photos. Morning trips are usually gentler.

“We really had a great time with Angel. He was funny, kind and professional. Above all he has amazing photo making skills. Highly recommended for something to do in Gold Coast!!!”

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4.Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 318 reviews · from $63

Paddle from Biggera Waters across the Broadwater to Wave Break Island with guides such as Nelson, Caroline, and Karen. You will kayak, take a short bushwalk, snorkel among subtropical fish, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and water. The tour suits first-timers, though tides and weather can affect water clarity.

“Participated with family and children, beautiful atmosphere and environment, very friendly and patient staff”

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5.Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 90 reviews · 6 hours · from $162

Spend six hours aboard Wings III, a 60-foot air-conditioned sailing catamaran limited to 29 people. You’ll sail near Hook Island and Hayman Island, snorkel a fringing reef, paddle a SUP or clear-bottom kayak, and relax in the jacuzzi. Crew members may include Maddy, Mike, Mon, Sarah, or Stu. Bring your own drinks, and note that Whitehaven Beach is not included.

“10/10 experience, impeccable in every way. Honestly can't rate this tour highly enough. If you're stuck on a cruise ship, trying to book a day tour but getting frustrated with bad internet and trying to align transfer times, let me save you the hassle - BOOK THIS TOUR! These guys made sure we made it back in time for the cruise transfer. 9.30am start Coral Sea Port, 4pm return Coral Sea Port. Nothing was too much trouble, boat was luxurious! Tour itself was beautiful, they took us to the best secluded spots where we had privacy and space. Fully catered with premium quality food, catered to my allergies very safely.…”

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6.Gold Coast: Kayaking and Snorkeling Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 36 reviews · 2 hours · from $53Best value

Paddle the calm Broadwater to Wavebreak Island with an English-speaking guide, then snorkel from the beach among sub-tropical fish. You may spot stingrays and dolphins along the way. The tour suits beginners, but bring sturdy water shoes because parts of the island shore have sharp shells and rocks.

“the guide was amazing and the Very knowledgeable about Australia and gave me lots of Intel about the ocean and Australia as a whole. very much enjoyed the trip”

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7.Exmouth: Half Day Turtle Kayak & Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 35 reviews · 4 hours · from $106

Paddle the calm shallows of Bundegi Sanctuary Zone with an English-speaking guide such as Kim, Jules or Kolton, watching for turtles, rays, baby reef sharks and osprey. Then snorkel coral gardens from your kayak. Transfers, equipment, snacks, sun protection and tour photos are included.

“Myself and my wife had the most amazing experience Kayaking and snorkeling with the assistance of our guide Kim who was fantastic from the moment she picked us up to the moment she dropped us off. with Kim's guidance and knowledge we managed to have the wonderful experience of swimming with turtles which was my wife's dream. Kim helped make sure everyone had the best experience on the tour and I would recommend this tour highly to anyone who hasn't had the chance to experience the reef at ningaloo.”

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8.Exmouth: Lagoon Explorer – Full day kayak & Snorkel tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 6 reviews · 8 hours · from $198

Spend eight hours with Exmouth Adventure Co. kayaking Cape Range National Park and snorkelling Ningaloo Reef. Guides such as Neri combine safety help with local stories, while turtles, rays, coral, beach lunches, and changing launch sites keep the day varied. You need reasonable fitness, but no kayaking experience.

“The snorkeling was great especially from the shoreline after we had lunch. Just be aware you need a certain amount of fitness to do this activity. Our guides were wonderful. Helpful and professional and had great local knowledge. It was a beautiful day to be out on the reef.”

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