Yes, strong swimming skills are required to join our snorkelling tours. You must be able to swim and stay afloat without assistance to safely enter the water. Beginner snorkelers are welcome on our daytime tours, but it is important that you can swim at least 50 yards without additional floatation. This requirement is in place for your safety, the safety of our crew, and the comfort of other guests onboard.

*Alternative – Our snorkelling tour may not be the best choice for beginners who can not swim. This experience is best suited for individuals who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment.

Our snorkelling tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment. All children will need to be under parental supervision at all times.

During your snorkelling adventure, you will encounter vibrant coral gardens, giant clams, and a variety of tropical fish species, with occasional sightings of sea turtles or reef sharks.

Our half-day snorkelling tour lasts approximately five hours, including travel time to and from the reef.  This schedule allows you to experience the wonders of the reef while still having the rest of your day free for other activities.

• Check in times 11:15 am to 11:45 am
• Departure at 12:00 am
• Return 5:00 pm

The vessel will travel at around 24 knots (44 kms) for maximum fuel efficiency and comfort. Weather and conditions on the day will determine top speed on the day which can reach just over 45 knots.

Return time is 5:00pm

Check-in is directly at the boat on D Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, starting at 11:15 am. We depart at 12:00 pm.

We recommend bringing only the necessities;

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sun Glasses
• Hat
• Refillable water bottle
• Credit card for onboard purchases like beer, or soft drinks.

We do have some storage space under the seats where items can be kept off the floor, but best practice is to bring only what you absolutely need for an afternoon of snorkelling on your favourite boat.

Yes, we provide all the snorkelling equipment you need for the tour, including;

• Snorkels (Can’t snorkel with out it!)
• Masks
• Prescription Masks (+1.5 to +3 and -1.5 to -8) at no additional charge
• Fins
• Stinger Suits in Summer (November – April)
• 5mm Wetsuits in Winter (May – October)
• Flotation devices to ensure you have a comfortable snorkelling experience.

Yes in the winter months (May -Oct) we provide wetsuits for warmth, during the summer months we provide Stinger Suits (Nov – April) to protect you from potential marine stingers.

Yes! You do need to be an good swimmer (can swim the length of a 50 metre pool comfortably and previous experience snorkeling) to enjoy your trip with us. We provide flotation devices, pease note that wearing a life jacket is not a substitute for swimming skills, as snorkelling in open ocean conditions can be challenging.

On our half-day snorkelling tour, we visit premium outer reef locations such as Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolu Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches, and Thetford Reef.

We believe our reef locations are some of the best! Pure Snorkelling has carefully chosen our sites to provide a diverse, awe-inspiring experience while offering a more intimate, uncrowded snorkelling experience with exclusive access to certain areas. Moore Reef, Sudbury Reef, Upolu Reef, Pretty Patches, Breaking Patches, and Thetford Reef.

Pure Snorkelling operates everyday, year round offering you ample opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef!

Yes, we still operate even if it’s raining, our crew will choose the most appropriate reef sites to ensure you have the best possible experience, adapting to a variety of weather conditions. Read more about snorkelling in the rain in our blog.

Pure Snorkelling offers a unique, personalised experience with small group sizes and exclusive access to some of the best reef sites near Cairns. Our vessel is designed for speed, allowing us to take you to outer reef locations quickly, giving you more time in the water. With experienced local guides, we ensure your adventure is both safe and unforgettable.

Half day includes all the highlights of a full-day trip—visiting vibrant reef locations and seeing stunning marine life—but is condensed into a five-hour adventure, giving you flexibility to enjoy other activities in Cairns.

Seasickness isn’t on the itinerary, but if you’re prone to it, prevention is key! The best way to stay ahead of it is by taking seasickness medication at least 30 minutes before departure—available at any pharmacy.

Forgot to prep? No worries! We’ve got some natural remedies onboard. Coconut water is packed with electrolytes to keep you hydrated, and for an extra boost, we’ve got one infused with ginger to help settle your stomach. Stay ahead of the waves and enjoy the ride!

We visit one carefully chosen snorkel site each afternoon. With access to 15 incredible locations across the Great Barrier Reef, including coral gardens, sand cays, and sheltered lagoons, our crew selects the best site on the day of your tour.

We base our choice on the conditions that matter most—wind strength and direction, tidal movement, and overall surface conditions—to give you the calmest and clearest snorkelling experience possible.

Our tours are suitable for guests aged 6 years and older (weather permitting). Unfortunately, our tours are not recommended for:

• Guests with pre-existing back, neck, or hip injuries.
• Guests who are heavily pregnant.
• Guests with limited mobility
• Guests who cannot swim

While our team is committed to supporting all guests, we acknowledge that the design of our vessel and the nature of snorkelling activities may present challenges for some individuals with limited mobility. We encourage guests to contact us directly so we can discuss your specific needs and explore the best available options to support your experience. For further details, including vessel layout and accessibility features, please visit our Accessibility Information page.  

• Snorkelling is accessed via stairs and a semi submerged platform at the stern of the vessel. Guests should ensure this method of entry and exit is suitable for their abilities.

• 

  Guests enter and exit the water via the semi submerged platform at the stern.
• Snorkelling can be physically demanding, so a brief medical questionnaire must be completed prior to boarding.
• Non-swimmers or less confident snorkelers will have access to floatation devices for added buoyancy.

• 2 Restrooms are available onboard. Additional restrooms are located at the marina.

We can accommodate most dietary needs and allergies with at least 24 hours’ notice. Please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.

For any questions about accessibility or to discuss specific requirements, please contact us at +61 0491 446 868 or info@puresnorkelling.au. Our team is happy to assist in ensuring your reef experience is enjoyable, safe, and inclusive.

Snorkelling is a physically demanding activity conducted in an open ocean environment and involves inherent risks. 

For your safety:

• Passengers must be reasonably fit, confident in the water, and able to swim.

• Some medical conditions (such as heart conditions, respiratory conditions, epilepsy, or diabetes) may increase the risks associated with snorkelling, particularly in an open ocean environment.

• These conditions do not automatically exclude participation, however they must be carefully considered and assessed.

• Passengers who have been prescribed medication for a medical condition that may require management (such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, or similar conditions) must bring this medical condition with them on the day of travel. Failure to do so my result in participation being restricted for safety reasons.

• All passengers are required by Queensland Regulations to complete a medical questionnaire prior to departure.

• You must provide accurate and complete information regarding your health, fitness, swimming ability, and any medical conditions.

• This information assists our crew in ensuring your safety, including providing additional attention, supervision, or appropriate control measures where required.

• Depending on your responses, you may be asked to provide further information.

• All medical information will be reviewed by the Skipper and/or crew to assess suitability for snorkelling.

• Participation may be permitted with conditions, modified, or declined, depending on the level of risk.

• The Skipper has the final authority to determine whether a passenger is fit to participate in any in-water activity.

• A passenger may be refused or restricted from participating at any time, including on the day of travel, if deemed unsafe due to medical conditions, fitness level, behaviour, or environmental conditions.

Snorkelling and marine activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to: 

• Ocean conditions (currents, swell, weather changes) 

• Marine life (including jelly fish) 

• Physical exertion and fatigue 

By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks. 

• All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST.

• Prices include applicable Marine Park fees, passenger levies and crew services.

• Meals, inclusions, and equipment vary depending on the specific tour and are provided as outlined in the relevant itinerary or product description at the time of booking.

• Additional purchases (e.g. drinks, snacks, souvenirs) are available at an extra cost. 

• More than 24 hours prior to departure: Full refund or amendment (subject to availability)
• Within 24 hours: 100% cancellation fee applies

If Pure Snorkelling cancels a tour due to weather, mechanical issues, or safety concerns, passengers will be offered: 

• A reschedule, or 

• A full refund 

No refunds are provided for events beyond our control (e.g. natural disasters, government restrictions), however alternative options may be offered where possible. 

Failure to arrive on time will be treated as a no-show, and no refund will be given. 

• Tours are subject to weather conditions and Skippers discretion. 

• Reef sites and itineraries may change without notice. 

• Vessels may be substituted if required. 

Conditions at sea can vary and may be rough. Passengers should assess their own comfort level before travel. 

Marine stingers (including jellyfish) may be present at certain times of the year.

• Passengers enter the water at their own risk.

• Protective snorkel suits are provided to reduce risk.

• Pure Snorkelling is not liable for injuries resulting from marine life encounters, except where required by law.

Please advise dietary requirements at the time of booking. 

While we make reasonable efforts to accommodate requests, due to the remote nature of the tour, passengers with strict dietary needs may need to bring their own food. 

• Minimum age: 6 years  

• Passengers under 18 must: 
  • Be accompanied by a paying adult, and 
  • Have a parent/guardian sign a waiver 

We may collect personal and health information for safety and operational purposes. 

This information may be shared with crew where necessary and will be handled in accordance with our privacy obligations. 

Travel Insurance 

We strongly recommend all passengers obtain comprehensive travel insurance, covering:

• Illness or injury

• Weather disruptions

• Loss or damage to personal belongings

• Inability to travel

We strongly recommend all passengers obtain comprehensive travel insurance, covering: 

• Illness or injury 

• Weather disruptions 

• Loss or damage to personal belongings 

• Inability to travel 

Photos or videos taken during the tour may be used for promotional purposes. 

If you do not wish to be included, please notify us in writing prior to travel. 

All equipment remains the property of Pure Snorkelling. 

Passengers are responsible for: 

• Using equipment safely 

• Returning it in good condition 

Damage or loss may result in additional charges.