Great Barrier Reef Tours Comparing the Best Snorkeling and Diving Options. Compare the best snorkeling and diving tours of the Great Barrier Reef. Find the perfect experience for your skill level and budget.

Choosing Your Great Barrier Reef Adventure Snorkeling vs Diving

So, you're heading to the Great Barrier Reef! Awesome choice. But now comes the big question: snorkeling or diving? Both offer incredible experiences, but they cater to different preferences and skill levels. Snorkeling is fantastic if you're new to exploring underwater, comfortable on the surface, and want a relaxed view of the reef's vibrant life. Diving, on the other hand, allows you to get up close and personal with the reef, explore deeper ecosystems, and experience the underwater world in a more immersive way. Let's break down the pros and cons to help you decide.

Snorkeling:

• Pros: Easy to learn, no certification required, less expensive, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, great for seeing the reef's shallow areas.
• Cons: Limited depth, can be affected by surface conditions (waves, currents), may not see as much variety of marine life as diving.

Diving:

• Pros: Deeper exploration, closer encounters with marine life, access to more diverse ecosystems, more challenging and rewarding experience.
• Cons: Requires certification (or a Discover Scuba Diving experience), more expensive, requires good physical fitness, potential for ear pressure issues.

Top Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tours Reviews and Recommendations

Okay, you've decided snorkeling is your jam! Here are some top-rated tours that offer amazing snorkeling experiences:

Option 1: Quicksilver Cruises Outer Reef Pontoon

What it is: A large pontoon located on the outer reef, offering snorkeling, diving, and semi-submersible coral viewing. It's a great option for families and those who want a variety of activities.

Snorkeling Highlights: Easy access to the reef, plenty of space to spread out, helpful staff, and a designated snorkeling area.

Price: Approximately $250 AUD per adult.

Gear Recommendation: They provide all the gear, but consider bringing your own mask if you're particular about fit.

Scenario: Ideal for a family with young children. The pontoon provides a safe and comfortable base, and there are activities to keep everyone entertained.

Option 2: Wavelength Reef Cruises (Port Douglas)

What it is: A smaller, more personalized tour that focuses on snorkeling and reef education. They visit three different reef sites, offering a diverse snorkeling experience.

Snorkeling Highlights: Marine biologist on board providing insights into the reef ecosystem, small group sizes, and access to pristine reef locations.

Price: Approximately $220 AUD per adult.

Gear Recommendation: They provide high-quality snorkeling gear, including wetsuits (which are highly recommended!).

Scenario: Perfect for those who want a more intimate and educational snorkeling experience. The smaller group size allows for personalized attention and a deeper understanding of the reef.

Option 3: Passions of Paradise (Cairns)

What it is: A sailing catamaran that visits two outer reef locations. Offers snorkeling and introductory diving.

Snorkeling Highlights: Relaxing sailing experience, beautiful scenery, and access to vibrant coral gardens. They also offer guided snorkeling tours.

Price: Approximately $200 AUD per adult.

Gear Recommendation: They supply gear, but a rash vest is a good idea for sun protection.

Scenario: Great for couples or individuals who enjoy sailing and want a more relaxed snorkeling experience. The catamaran provides a comfortable and scenic way to explore the reef.

Best Great Barrier Reef Diving Tours For Certified and Beginner Divers

Ready to take the plunge? Here are some top diving tour options, catering to both certified divers and beginners:

Option 1: Pro Dive Cairns (Liveaboard)

What it is: A multi-day liveaboard diving trip that allows you to explore some of the best dive sites on the outer reef. This is for certified divers only.

Diving Highlights: Multiple dives per day, access to remote and pristine dive sites, night diving opportunities, and delicious meals included.

Price: Approximately $800 - $1200 AUD for a 3-day/2-night trip.

Gear Recommendation: Bring your own dive gear if you have it, otherwise, they offer rentals. A dive computer is highly recommended.

Scenario: The ultimate experience for experienced divers who want to immerse themselves in the Great Barrier Reef. The liveaboard allows you to access remote dive sites and maximize your time underwater.

Option 2: Tusa Dive (Cairns)

What it is: A day trip that offers both certified diving and introductory dives (no certification required). They visit two different reef sites.

Diving Highlights: Professional and experienced instructors, small group sizes for introductory dives, and access to diverse dive sites with abundant marine life.

Price: Approximately $250 AUD for certified divers, $300 AUD for introductory divers.

Gear Recommendation: All gear is provided for introductory divers. Certified divers can bring their own or rent from Tusa Dive.

Scenario: Perfect for certified divers who want a convenient day trip to the reef, or for beginners who want to try diving for the first time under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Option 3: Down Under Cruise and Dive (Cairns)

What it is: A day trip that offers both snorkeling and diving, catering to all experience levels. They visit two outer reef locations.

Diving Highlights: A good option for groups with both snorkelers and divers, well-maintained equipment, and friendly staff.

Price: Approximately $240 AUD for certified divers, $290 AUD for introductory divers.

Gear Recommendation: All gear is provided. Underwater cameras are available for rent to capture your diving experience.

Scenario: A great choice for groups with mixed interests. The boat offers both snorkeling and diving, so everyone can enjoy the reef in their own way.

Comparing Snorkeling and Diving Gear Essential Equipment and Recommendations

No matter if you're snorkeling or diving, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here's a breakdown of essential equipment and some recommendations:

Snorkeling Gear Essentials

• Mask: A good-fitting mask is crucial. Make sure it creates a tight seal around your face to prevent leaks.
• Snorkel: Choose a snorkel with a comfortable mouthpiece and a purge valve to easily clear water.
• Fins: Fins help you move through the water more efficiently. Choose fins that are the right size and stiffness for your fitness level.
• Rash Vest/Wetsuit: Provides sun protection and warmth. A wetsuit is recommended, especially for longer snorkeling sessions or in cooler waters.

Diving Gear Essentials (for Certified Divers)

• BCD (Buoyancy Control Device): Allows you to control your buoyancy underwater.
• Regulator: Delivers air from your tank to your mouth.
• Dive Computer: Tracks your depth, time, and other important information to help you stay safe.
• Wetsuit/Drysuit: Provides thermal protection. The thickness of the wetsuit depends on the water temperature.
• Mask, Fins, and Snorkel: Similar to snorkeling gear, but diving masks are typically lower volume.

Product Recommendations

Snorkeling Mask: Cressi Palau Mask. This mask is known for its comfortable fit and wide field of vision. Price: Around $50 AUD.

Snorkel: IST Proline Snorkel. Features a comfortable mouthpiece and an effective purge valve. Price: Around $30 AUD.

Fins: Mares Avanti Tre Fins. These fins are lightweight and provide good propulsion. Price: Around $80 AUD.

Dive Computer: Suunto Zoop Novo. A user-friendly dive computer that provides all the essential information. Price: Around $300 AUD.

BCD: Scubapro Litehawk BCD. A lightweight and comfortable BCD that is easy to travel with. Price: Around $500 AUD.

Budgeting Your Great Barrier Reef Trip Cost Considerations for Snorkeling and Diving

Planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef involves more than just choosing a tour. Here's a breakdown of potential costs to help you budget:

• Flights: Round-trip flights from the US or Southeast Asia can range from $800 to $2000 AUD, depending on the time of year and airline.
• Accommodation: Accommodation in Cairns or Port Douglas can range from $80 AUD per night for a budget hostel to $300+ AUD per night for a luxury hotel.
• Tours: Snorkeling tours typically cost between $200 and $300 AUD per person, while diving tours can range from $250 to $1200+ AUD, depending on the length and type of tour.
• Food and Drinks: Budget around $50 to $100 AUD per day for food and drinks, depending on your dining choices.
• Other Expenses: Factor in costs for transportation, souvenirs, and activities like visiting wildlife parks or exploring the rainforest.

Example Budget (per person, 5-day trip):

• Budget Traveler: $1500 (flights) + $400 (accommodation) + $500 (tours) + $250 (food) + $100 (other) = $2750 AUD
• Mid-Range Traveler: $1500 (flights) + $750 (accommodation) + $750 (tours) + $375 (food) + $250 (other) = $3625 AUD
• Luxury Traveler: $2000 (flights) + $1500 (accommodation) + $1200 (tours) + $500 (food) + $500 (other) = $5700 AUD

Staying Safe on the Great Barrier Reef Essential Safety Tips for Snorkelers and Divers

The Great Barrier Reef is an incredible place, but it's important to be aware of potential safety hazards. Here are some tips to stay safe:

For Snorkelers:

• Swim with a buddy: Never snorkel alone.
• Be aware of currents: Check the current conditions before entering the water and avoid swimming in strong currents.
• Wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid: Especially if you're not a strong swimmer.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Wear a rash vest, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Be aware of marine stingers: During stinger season (typically November to May), wear a stinger suit.

For Divers:

• Dive within your limits: Don't attempt dives that are beyond your experience level.
• Check your equipment: Make sure your equipment is in good working order before each dive.
• Dive with a buddy: Never dive alone.
• Monitor your air supply: Keep an eye on your air gauge and ascend before you run out of air.
• Ascend slowly: This helps prevent decompression sickness.
• Be aware of marine life: Avoid touching or harassing marine animals.