Tour Highlights
- All snorkelling equipment included including lycra suit and wet suits during winter months
- The one off opportunity for snorkelling at multiple locations on the outer Great Barrier Reef at Sinker Reef near Hardy Reef.
- Multi award Australian owned and family operated business with 14 years of experience
- On board licensed bar - drinking only permitted once all in water activities completed... safety first
- Travel with an accredited Climate Action Leaders and don't leave a footprint
Description & Tour Inclusions
Included In Price
- Snorkel the world-famous Great Barrier Reef
- 360° rooftop deck for panoramic views
- Relax in premium seating designed for extra comfort
- Travel in style aboard our fully air-conditioned vessel
- Free courtesy bus transfers included
- A local supplier with qualified chefs caters for lunch and snacks
- All-Inclusive of lycra suits, snorkelling equipment and wet suits (winter months)
- Ride through the iconic Whitsunday Islands on your way to the Great Barrier Reef
- Full-day tour 9:00 am – 5:00 pm which means more time on the reef
- Travel with accredited Climate Action Leaders and don’t leave a footprint
- Enjoy a cold drink onboard with our fully licenced bar. We accept both cash and card on board for any additional purchases
- Australia’s only Marine-accredited Savannah Guide Enterprise
- Proudly Australian-owned business for the past 14 years
- 2018-2022 Gold National Tourism Award Winners
- 2024 Best Adventure Tourism Business in the Whitsundays
- Travel with Proud Climate Action Leaders with exceptional local knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef
- Up to 80 Passengers
Full Day snorkelling tour on the Great Barrier Reef, departing Shute Harbour. Enjoy 4 hours on multiple reef locations, with an all inclusive day full catered and all snorkelling equipment including lycra suits and wet suits during winter months provided.
What to Expect
Join a full-day snorkelling tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef, departing from Shute Harbour Marina—just minutes from Airlie Beach. Travel aboard one of the region’s most stable and comfortable vessels, designed to handle open-water cruising with ease. As you cross the Whitsunday Passage, the ocean opens up to reveal secluded reef systems teeming with colourful corals and tropical marine life.
At hand-selected reef locations, chosen daily for water clarity and vibrant biodiversity, you'll have ample time to snorkel and discover the reef’s extraordinary underwater world. Whether you're a confident swimmer or new to snorkelling, the professional crew will provide all the guidance and equipment you need for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Back on board, unwind with panoramic Coral Sea views and a catered alfresco lunch featuring fresh regional produce. This eco-certified Great Barrier Reef tour offers a relaxed, immersive experience that connects you with one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
From June to September, keep your eyes peeled—Humpback Whales are often seen in these waters during their annual migration.
Features and Highlights
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Full-day snorkelling tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Shute Harbour (near Airlie Beach)
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Explore outer reef sites, hand-picked daily for the best visibility and marine life
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Travel aboard a stable, purpose-built catamaran or monohull with shaded and sun-drenched decks
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All snorkelling equipment included, with optional flotation aids and wetsuits available
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Locally prepared lunch served on board in a relaxed alfresco setting
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Expert crew and guided snorkel briefings for all skill levels
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Ideal for couples, families, small groups, and first-time snorkellers
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Eco-certified operator with a strong focus on marine conservation
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Bonus: Humpback Whale sightings during winter (June–September)
Smooth and Stable Journey:
- Depart from Shute Harbour on a wave-piercing, stable catamaran, specifically designed for the Whitsundays to ensure the smoothest ride possible. This vessel is perfect for those prone to seasickness, offering a comfortable experience as you cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Exclusive Small-Group Experience:
- Join a small-group eco-adventure limited to 40 guests, providing a more intimate and personalised snorkelling experience. Dive into the pristine waters of the Great Barrier Reef and explore its underwater wonders.
Comprehensive Inclusions:
- All necessary snorkelling gear is provided, including lycra suits, fins, and wetsuits during the colder months, ensuring you are fully equipped for your adventure.
- Enjoy multiple snorkelling sites at the stunning outer Great Barrier Reef, maximising your time in the water.
Full-Day Itinerary:
- The tour operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM departing Shute Harbour Marina, allowing ample time to explore various iconic locations and soak in the vibrant reef environments.
- Refreshments are available throughout the day with an on-board licensed bar, plus complimentary tea, and coffee.
Eco-Friendly and Comfortable:
- Travel with a Climate Action Leader accredited operator, ensuring your adventure leaves no environmental footprint.
- Benefit from on-board facilities including a toilet for comfort and a local supplier with qualified chefs providing delicious lunches and snacks.
Ideal for Diverse Travelers:
- This tour is fantastic for families looking to bond in nature, couples seeking a romantic getaway, or small groups in search of an exciting day out (note: not recommended for children under six years).
- Experience the unique opportunity to see Humpback Whales in their natural habitat during the winter months.
Explore more snorkelling tours departing from Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island and prepare for an unforgettable full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef, filled with breathtaking scenery and wildlife encounters.
Itinerary
Itinarary
- Depart from the picturesque Shute Harbour Marina at 9:00am
- Snorkel the world-famous Outer Great Barrier Reef
- Guest numbers are kept personalised and well below the vessels capacity
- During winter, you can see Humpback Whales in their natural habitat
- Swim & Snorkel in crystal clear waters
- A day of adventure with creature comforts
- Beautiful natural surroundings
- Feel peace of mind that you are travelling on a Climate Action Leading tour
Learn more about the best things to do and see on the Great Barrier Reef.
Sample Menu
Morning tea:
- An assortment of Mini Muffins
- Chocolate Brownies
- Freshly cut seasonal Fruit.
Lunch:
- Selection of Sliced Meats
- Roast Chicken Breast
- Rice Noodle Salad
- Crushed Potato Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Falafel Pasta Salad
- Fresh Crusty White Rolls
- and Assorted Condiments
Afternoon Tea:
- Antipasto selection including crackers, cheese, meats, and other delightful tasty treats
Complimentary courtesy pick-up and drop-off
We also offer complimentary courtesy pick-up and drop-off from selected local bus stops. If you’d like to use this service, please contact us on 07 4946 4444 at least 48 hours prior to departure to confirm your pick-up location. Please be ready for pick up’s at these locations at the times listed below:
- Shute Harbour Road at Adventure Whitsundays – 8:00am
- Shute Harbour Road at Pandanus Drive – 8:05am
- Beach Court Holiday Villas (Road Side) – 8:05am
- Whitsunday Shopping Centre – 8:05am
- Mantra Club Croc (Reception) – 8:10am
- Shute Harbour Road at Altmann Avenue – 8:10am
- Coral Sea Marina – 8:10am
- Coral Sea Resort Entrance – 8:10am
- Airlie Beach Central – 8:15am
- Coconut Grove at Airlie Beach – 8:15am
- Shute Harbour Road at Hermitage Road – 8:20am
- Shute Harbour Road at Loop Road – 8:20am
- Shute Harbour Road at Ferntree Road – 8:20am
- Shute Harbour Road at Flametree – 8:25am
- Make Own Way – Shute Harbour Marina Terminal – 8:15am
Tour Details
Tour Languages Offered
English
EnglishDeparts From
Shute Harbour
Departure Time
Check in 8.15am, Departs 9.00am, Returns 5.00pm
Departure Instructions
DEPARTURE LOCATION: Shute Harbour Terminal/Marina
Pickup Locations
Airlie Beach
- Complimentary courtesy pick-up and drop-off from selected local bus stops.
Destinations
- Whitsunday Islands
- Outer Great Barrier Reef
Months of Operation
January - December
Days of Operation
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
This tour doesn't operate on Christmas Day
Duration
8 hours approx.
Fitness Level Required
Medium, Active
Restrictions
Recommended for confident swimmers that have previously snorkelled.
Additional Information
- Recommended for confident swimmers that have previously snorkelled.
- Please note: In the event of inclement weather where it is deemed unsafe to travel to the outer reef, rest assured that we’ll still deliver an exceptional experience by taking you to the inner reef within the picturesque Whitsunday Islands.
- We reserve the right to alter snorkelling locations due to tidal location changes, safety concerns or weather conditions.
- Snorkelling is a physical activity. A certain level of fitness and ability is required to participate.
What to Bring
- Pack a small soft bag.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel and a hat
- Practical clothing and footwear (warmer items during winter)
- Underwater camera
- Card for purchases, no cash
- Refillable water bottle
- A sense of fun and adventure!
Child Policy
- Minimum age 6
- This tour is not recommended for Children under six years old. However, children under 6 years old must be approved before departure, and there are limitations regarding their participation in water activities.
Cancellation Policy
Our T&Cs
All cancellations must be in writing.
We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.
In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.
Please see our terms and conditions for details prior to booking.
Additional Tour Operator's T&Cs
- Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure: Cancellations within 24 hours of departure will forfeit the full cost of the trip.
Red Cat Adventures:
All prices are per person in AUD and include GST, National Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park entry fees, professional skipper and host, live aboard, all meals, fresh linen and use of snorkelling equipment and snorkel suits. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure (Thundercat Day Tour, Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure and Tongarra Day Sail) or less than three weeks before departure private charters will result in complete forfeiture of the full price. We reserve the right to substitute vessels without notice at any time for any reason. We recommend you take out travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss of personal goods and the inability to travel due to weather. Clients should note that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard guests, we cannot be responsible for any damage, personal injury or loss due to the actions of passengers that are beyond our control. All cruises are subject to weather and the vessel operator’s discretion. Please allow extra time to travel during the wet season (Dec-May) as we occasionally have road closures due to flooding. At certain times of the year, ‘dangerous’ jellyfish inhabit these waters, and passengers should take care of their own safety. Passengers entering the water do so at their own risk, and the vessel’s owner will not be liable for any personal injury, illness, death or other consequences of passengers being stung by jellyfish. To minimise this risk, you will have a full-length protective ‘Snorkel Suit’ to wear while swimming and snorkelling during the cruise.
- Snorkelling can be physically demanding and is NOT recommended for individuals with:
- Medical conditions worsened by exertion (e.g., heart disease, asthma, lung complaints).
- Conditions causing loss of consciousness (e.g., epilepsy, diabetic conditions).
- Asthma triggered by cold water or salt water mist.
- Non-Swimmers
To ensure your safety, please fill out your waiver and inform the crew of any medical conditions affecting your ability to snorkel safely.
Red Cat Adventures shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for any injury to a person or property which is suffered or sustained by any passenger as a result of participating in any of its sailing adventures, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law. Outer Reef Snorkel Adventure – while we strive to reach the Outer Reef during the Outer Reef Snorkelling Adventure, our operations are subject to weather conditions. The safety of our guests is our highest priority. If, on the day of your tour, weather conditions are deemed unsafe for travel to the Outer Reef, we will instead conduct the tour within the Great Barrier Reef’s inner reef, snorkelling along the fringing reef of the Whitsunday Islands.
From
au$299.00
Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.
Child:
au$249.00
Family: au$959.00
Tour Code: 1115
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