Snorkelling is undoubtedly one of the most amazing and relaxing ways to experience the wealth of beauty that lays beneath the water’s surface, whether you are exploring a magical coral reef or a tranquil rainforest river system. With a mask, snorkel and fins being all you need, snorkelling is a great option to explore life underwater with ease and without the need to undergo certification (as in the case of diving) or to carry heavy equipment with you beneath the surface.
Tropical Far North Queensland (TFNQ) is one of the most amazing locations on earth for top notch snorkelling. Home to two breathtaking World Heritage Listed sites, namely the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest (and the only location on earth whereby two World Heritage Listed sites meet), TFNQ is abundant with outstanding snorkelling locations and astonishing water clarity. Thousands of exquisite sea and freshwater creatures (including tropical fish and turtles) as well as numerous species of unique flora (such as coral) call this beautiful part of the world home and are waiting to be explored!
In addition to snorkelling the Outer Reef and Ribbon Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef (such as the famous Agincourt and Hastings Reefs), the below are our top three picks for incredible snorkelling near Cairns.
Fitzroy Island, near Cairns
A visit to Cairns just isn’t complete without a trip to nearby tropical Fitzroy Island, located just an easy 45-minute Fast Cat ride from the Cairns Marina. Covered in tropical rainforest National Park (97% to be exact!) and home to Australia’s number one beach, Nudey Beach, according to the Australia Top 101 Beaches for 2018, Fitzroy Island is a snorkeller’s paradise, with snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef available straight off the shores of stunning Nudey Beach, as well as from Welcome Bay.
With the opportunity to cast your eyes on exquisite tropical fish (including Nemo!), numerous types of coral, majestic sea turtles and enormous gropers just metres from the shore, snorkelling on Fitzroy Island is an action-packed activity made possible using your own gear, or you can elect to hire a mask, snorkel and fins from the island’s very own Fitzroy Island Sports Hub.
Welcoming day visitors year-round as well as the opportunity for you to make the most of the island’s large variety of accommodation options (from beachside camping all the way through to luxurious ocean view suites), Fitzroy Island is the perfect base for snorkelling the magical Great Barrier Reef straight from the shore.
Low Isles, north-east of Port Douglas
Situated a mere 15km north-east of the popular seaside town of Port Douglas lay the Low Isles (two individual islands that share the same reef). Able to be spotted on a clear day from Port Douglas’ famous main beach, Four Mile, the Low Isles are accessible by boat and are just a short ride away from the Port Douglas Marina.
Due to both shallow waters and beach access, the Low Isles are suited to children as well as swimmers and snorkellers who have only a little experience or feel nervous in the water. Despite not being as clear as other locations on the Great Barrier Reef (depending on conditions), in the waters of the Low Isles you have the opportunity to explore over 150 different types of coral, numerous species of tropical fish, and perhaps sea turtles and reef sharks too!
Image Credit: everythingcairns.com
Mossman River, Mossman
Making its way through the world’s oldest and one of the most exquisite rainforests on earth (the Daintree Rainforest) is the crystal-clear Mossman River, situated north of Cairns. Taking a guided river drift snorkelling tour, whereby you drift with the river’s natural current, is a tranquil and amazing way to explore the magic of both the Mossman River itself as well as the surrounding tropical rainforest vegetation.
Back Country Bliss run daily river drift snorkelling tours along the Mossman River (away from the popular tourist location of Mossman Gorge), and accommodate adults and children aged from 3 and up (provided river conditions on the day are suitable; ability to swim is much preferred).
Snorkelling the cool, crystal clear water of the Mossman River, on this tour you will have the opportunity to spot tropical fish, eels and perhaps even a turtle or platypus, alongside lizards, birds and butterflies that call the rainforest home. Transfers (from Port Douglas and Mossman accommodations), wetsuits, boots, snorkelling gear and snacks are included.
Image Credit: backcountrybliss.com.au
