Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tips

Snorkelling Tips Great Barrier Reef

If you are new to snorkelling and you have planned a wonderful holiday on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, then you will need to read our tips on how to use and fit your snorkelling equipment before you go and begin to explore the coral reefs to see all the lively and colourful marine life on a day tour or a live aboard dive and snorkel tour.

Each and every one of the Great Barrier Reef tour boats carry all the diving and snorkelling equipment on board for the daily use by tourists.

The snorkelling equipment comes in all shapes, sizes and colours and you can even order special optical one’s if you have poor eye sight.  Once you are all settled on the boat your reef hosts will invite you to come along and get fitted for your flipper size and mask size from the box of equipment on the boat.

The masks and snorkelling gear are sterilised in disinfectant on a daily basis so you will need to rinse them off in the salt water before using them.  The crew will also show you videos and do a presentation on how to know when you have the right size mask and how to fit your snorkelling gear correctly.

If you are a non-swimmer and or you are travelling with little children or older grandparents we highly recommend you book a Great Barrier Reef tour to visit an interactive pontoon that sits out on the edges of the Great Barrier Reef.

The reason we make this recommendation for new snorkellers, and non-swimmers is because from these stable pontoon platforms you can take scenic helicopter flights, ride around and view the reef in a semi-submersible submarine, view all the underwater action in the observatory under the pontoon,  listen to the marine biology and fish feeding presentation, try Seawalker, Helmet Diving and Scubadoo.

A pontoon trip is great for everyone with a range of activities - just because you cannot swim does not mean you need to miss out on seeing the Great Barrier Reef!

Photo Courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland

How To Fit Your Snorkelling Gear

Fins

• All Great Barrier Reef tour boats have bins full of fins that are relatively the same as your shoe size so just let the crew member know your shoe size or select them yourselves.
• When trying on your fins make sure you are sitting down and not in the way of other guests.  
• Another tip is to not try and walk around the boat with your fins on as this is very dangerous to yourself and those that may be around you.
• Only place the fins on your feet as you are about to enter the water on the edges of the boat.

Mask & Snorkel

• When choosing a mask think about your head and face size and your age as yes unfortunately wrinkles can let water seep into the sides of your mask.
• Keep all hair clear from your face as this too will allow the water to seep into your mask.
• Once you have all the correct sizes it is time to de-fog your mask with the spray that the crew can give you.
• Spray the inside of the masks lenses, give it a little rub and then rinse it off in salt water.
• Place the mask strap on the back of your head and your snorkel under the mask strap in front of your ear.
• Seal your lips tightly around the snorkel mouth piece and breathe only thru your mouth not your nose.

In the Water

• When in the water and need to clear your mask just tilt your head back out of the water and the bottom of your mask to let the water drain out.
• To clear water from your snorkel give a big exhale through the snorkel to push the water out the top. Or say "Twoooo" as you blow the water out the top.
• If you are a nervous swimmer it may be best to stop, tread water, lift your head out of the water and do the above.
• If uncomfortable at any time you may ask for the assistance of a boat crew member
• When on a snorkel trip you need to be aware of space and etiquette around you so that you do not snorkel into other guests or have your fins hit any part of their body.
• When entering the water in your snorkel gear always check around in the water below for other snorkelers before jumping and look ahead when snorkelling to ensure you do not crash into other snorkelers. 
• When snorkelling, try to ensure your flippers don't damage the coral by standing or kicking the coral.  Keep an eye on your location in relation to the boat and ensure you stay within close proximity. 

If you are a bit nervous about snorkelling we recommend you book an Island Tour so that you can practice snorkelling in the shallow water before going out on a deep water Great Barrier Reef tour. Ensure to look at the optional guided snorkel tours too!  Each reef tour is a different experience - you may decide to do multiple days - check out overnight reef tours.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland

Snorkelling in Safety

Do not consume alcohol before entering the water and eat only in moderation before snorkelling and scuba diving.

We always recommend you snorkel with a buddy and there are quite often lone travellers that you may ask to join you in an underwater experience to keep each other company.

If you experience difficulty in the water then raise one arm to signal the lifeguards on lookout and they will arrange for a boat to come and assist you.   

We recommend you hire one of the Lycra sun suits to protect you from the burning sun and also to protect you from any marine life that may sting or irritate.   Plants and corals may have stinging mechanisms so it is best not to touch the corals or anything else on the reef and just use your eyes to observe this wonderful underwater world.

Marine jellyfish sometimes are present and whilst most are not considered harmful, certain varieties may cause painful stings requiring hospitalisation so please ensure you listen to the boat crews advice at all times whilst enjoying your Great Barrier Reef tour.

Ensure to check out our Great Barrier Reef FAQ's and contact the local Tour Specialists to assist you with booking the right reef tour for you.

Photo Courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland