The 10 Best Kayak and Snorkel Tours in Australia

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

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

Spend a full day on Moreton Island with Australian Sunset Safaris, riding a 4WD to the Tangalooma Wrecks for snorkeling and transparent kayaking, then sandboarding the dunes. Guides including Michelle, Ryan, Darcy, Will, and Jacob help with equipment and safety. The day is active and tightly timed, with lunch included but ferry and national park fees extra.

“It's a lot of activities but I LOVED it all! It will be a very busy day you'll get sandy etc. just be prepared. Bring sand, shoes, flip-flops sun shirts... The crew was absolutely wonderful that took care of us. Ryan, Jay and too many that I can't remember. The lunch was very good. Everyone was so upbeat and fun.! Jacob, the guy that was driving out to the sun dunes was amazing! Loved it all! And all the crew! 😍”

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2.Wave Break Island Kayaking & Snorkeling tour

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

Paddle from Biggera Waters across the Broadwater with guides such as Jane, Nelson, Angel, and Caroline. You’ll learn basic kayaking, walk across Wave Break Island, snorkel a protected rocky reef, watch for stingrays and dolphins, and enjoy fruit, snacks, and water by the beach. The 150-minute tour suits beginners, but afternoon wind and the lack of changing rooms matter.

“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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3.Gold Coast Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour (2.5 Hours)

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

Paddle from Biggera Waters to Wave Break Island with guides such as Nelson, Karen, and Gonzalo. You’ll receive kayak and snorkel gear, safety instruction, snacks, water, digital photos, and winter wetsuits. The reef can be cloudy after wind or rain, so book for the kayaking, island time, and wildlife as much as the snorkeling.

“This was an experience, the guides were amazing and had some interesting stories to tell. We started off with instructions on how to kayak, after which we kayaked to breakwater island and walked to a snorkelling destination.”

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4.Whitsunday Islands Sailing, SUP & Snorkel Tour

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

Spend six hours aboard the air-conditioned 60-foot catamaran Wings III, sailing near Hook Island and Hayman Island. You’ll snorkel, swim, paddleboard, kayak, and visit Langford Island, with fresh morning tea and lunch included. Crew members such as Mon, Mike, Maddy, and Sarah help beginners feel at ease. Bring your own drinks, and note that Whitehaven Beach is not included.

“Our sailing tour was absolutely incredible! The crew was professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, ensuring everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the journey. The boat was immaculate and well-equipped, offering plenty of space to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable adventure, this sailing tour is a must!”

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5.Whitsunday Islands Sail, SUP & Snorkel Tour- Small group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $156Top rated

Spend six hours aboard a spacious, air-conditioned 60-foot catamaran from Airlie Beach. Sail toward the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel near Hayman Island, use SUPs or a clear-bottom kayak, and enjoy fresh morning tea and lunch. Crew members including Mon, Mike, and Stew have helped make this a relaxed day on the water.

“What a great experience. From the time I stepped on the sailing boat until the time I hopped off, we had an absolute ball. The morning tea was yummy and the lunch was simple but filling. Good Job!”

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6.Kayaking and Snorkeling Guided Tour

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

Paddle the Broadwater with an English-speaking guide, then kayak to Wavebreak Island for beach snorkeling among subtropical fish. Dolphins are seen on about 80% of tours, and stingrays may pass below. The two-hour outing suits beginners, but bring sturdy water shoes for shell-covered sand 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.Half Day Turtle Kayak & Snorkel Tour

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

Paddle the shallow Bundegi Sanctuary Zone from Exmouth with a local guide, watching for turtles, rays, baby reef sharks, osprey, and fish. You will snorkel from your kayak at sheltered Ningaloo Reef coral gardens. Pickup, equipment, snacks, sun gear, and tour photos are included, with guides such as Kim, Kolton, Jules, and Neri leading small groups of up to eight.

“Loved the whole deal. Guide fabulous… coral reef so colourful. Wonderful activity.”

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8.Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour with Fish Feeding

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 35 reviews · 3 hours · from $63

Paddle a stable double kayak across the calm Gold Coast Broadwater with an English-speaking guide, then snorkel from a man-made island among colourful subtropical fish. You can feed the fish, watch for dolphins and stingrays, and enjoy a light beachside breakfast. No swimming skills are needed, and life jackets are provided.

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9.3-Hour Kayak and Snorkeling Experience in Batemans Bay

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $114

You paddle from a Batemans Bay meeting point to a snorkel site chosen for the day’s wind, swell, rain, tides, and visibility. Guides provide kayak and snorkel gear, land training, up to 40 minutes in the water, and morning tea. First-time kayakers and snorkelers are welcome, but moderate fitness is needed.

“internet staff is really nice kind. Very professional, look after all the people. Feel very safe and notable.”

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10.Lagoon Explorer – Full day kayak & Snorkel tour

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

Join Exmouth Adventure Co. for an eight-hour kayak and snorkel day in Cape Range National Park. Guides such as Neri lead you through sheltered Ningaloo lagoons, with turtles, rays, coral, and colourful fish often in view. Kayaks, snorkel gear, food, park entry, transport, and guide-taken photos are included.

“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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