At Pure Snorkelling, we’re passionate about helping every guest experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.
We understand that accessibility is different for everyone — and we believe that information and flexibility are key.
While our vessel and facilities are not fully wheelchair accessible, we are proud to offer an inclusive environment that welcomes guests of all abilities.
We encourage you to explore this blog, review the vessel layout, and most importantly, contact us directly so we can help plan the best possible experience for your needs.
Easy Marina Boarding
Boarding our vessel at Cairns Marina is via a wide, gently sloping gangway with secure handrails on both sides.
At the final point of boarding, there is a small gap of approximately 50 cm between the concrete jetty and the vessel.
Crew members are always available to assist guests across this gap safely, and flexible boarding support can be arranged with advance notice.
Main Deck Layout
The main deck, where most activities occur, has fixed seating with armrests along the central aisle. Railings and handles are available seamlessly around both decks to allow guests assistants moving around even when the vessel is in motion.
While movement around the main deck is possible, walk ways are compact and may be challenging for guests using mobility aids.
Most guests remain on the main deck for the entire tour, as it provides shaded areas, reef viewing, and easy access to snorkelling activities.
Aft deck on Pure snorkeling where passengers get in and out of the water.
Supportive Snorkelling Options:
We offer flotation devices, guided snorkelling tours, and flexible water entry options for those who need extra support or prefer to stay close to a snorkel guide.
All in water guides have life rings at all time which are for guests to use as needed, whether to ask a question, get equipment assistance or even an assisted “ride” back to the boat. Our crew are here to assist and make you feel calm and confident during your tour with us.
Our floatation belts offer support while snorkelling.
Friendly, Trained Crew:
Our crew are trained to provide respectful, dignified assistance without making assumptions.
They are happy to help with boarding, snorkelling, or general mobility support where safe to do so.
Our experienced in-water guides are there to assist you.
Additional Specialised Equipment
- Prescription masks for the sight impaired.
- Large range of wetsuits/stinger suits and fins to fit all body sizes up to our custom 5XL
- Free snorkelling instruction and in water escort for nervous snorkelers
- Pharmaceutical grade seasick pills (we hold a Govt Approved dispensing license) available on the boat.
Crew custom fit masks to each guest – Complimentary Prescription masks are available for guest +3 to -8
Where Assistance May Be Required
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Stair Access:
Access to the vessel’s bathrooms and sun deck requires using a staircase with handrails.
There are no lifts or ramps between deck levels.
Our stair case as seen from the top deck looking down to towards the lower deck.
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Marine Bathroom Size:
Bathrooms onboard are standard marine size and may not accommodate all mobility devices.
We recommend using marina facilities before boarding if larger accessible restrooms are required.
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Snorkel Entry and Exit:
Water entry is typically via the rear stairs of the vessel.
Guests with limited mobility are encouraged to speak to us directly to discuss floatation assistance, buddy snorkelling, or alternative viewing options.
The ladder is a secondary option for getting in and out of the water. Fins removed to climb is best practice.
Snorkel Safe System
At Pure Snorkelling, safety and inclusivity are at the heart of every experience. We operate a Snorkel Safe System designed to ensure that all guests feel supported and confident in the water.
During check-in, guests are invited to have a confidential chat with our crew about any medical conditions or swimming concerns. Based on this, some guests may be offered a yellow snorkel, a discreet visual identifier that signals to our team that the wearer may require extra assistance or has specific first aid considerations (e.g., asthma, epilepsy, hearing impairments).
This system helps our experienced crew provide proactive support and ensures a safe, enjoyable snorkelling experience for everyone—without singling anyone out.
Snorkel Safe Multilingual Health & Safety Form
To ensure guest comfort, privacy, and safety, Pure Snorkelling offers a multilingual health and safety form at check-in. This visual form includes high-risk medical conditions and concerns that may not be compatible with safe snorkelling.
Guests can confidentially point to any relevant conditions or needs—without needing to speak or disclose details in front of others. This allows our trained crew to provide the appropriate level of assistance, guidance, or alternative activity options while maintaining each guest’s dignity and privacy.
Conditions covered include (but are not limited to):
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Asthma or respiratory issues
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Epilepsy or seizure disorders
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Heart conditions
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Recent surgeries
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Severe anxiety or panic disorders
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Hearing or visual impairments
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Non-swimmers or weak swimmers
Guests identified as needing additional support may be offered a yellow snorkel, allowing the crew to monitor them more closely during the experience.
For even more opportunities in the region that are accessible for all check out Queensland’s Accessible Travel Hub