Snorkelling Tours.

You should be comfortable in the water, but you don't necessarily need to be a strong swimmer. Many snorkelling tours provide flotation devices and have crew members available to assist passengers.

Cairns provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, with snorkelling tours visiting a variety of reef sites. Some tours also visit nearby islands and cays.

You may see colourful coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, giant clams, reef rays and many other marine creatures. What you see varies depending on the location, conditions and time of year.

All organised snorkelling tours provide the essential equipment, including a mask, snorkel and fins. Many also provide flotation devices and protective clothing such as wetsuits or stinger suits when required.

Yes. Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways for first-time visitors to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Tour crew generally provide instructions and assistance before entering the water.

Many reef tours welcome children, although minimum ages vary between operators. Children should be comfortable in the water and able to use the provided equipment safely.

Often, yes. Many reef operators provide flotation aids and guided snorkelling options for less-confident swimmers. Always tell the crew about your swimming ability so they can recommend the safest option.

Yes, turtles are found throughout the Great Barrier Reef and can sometimes be seen while snorkelling. However, they are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and any personal medication you require. Most operators provide the snorkelling equipment, but check your tour inclusions before departure.

Many tours are suitable for older travellers, provided they are comfortable in the water. Flotation equipment and crew assistance are often available, although it's important to consider your individual mobility and swimming ability.

Snorkelling from an Island is generally the easiest option, you snorkel directly from the beach. Snorkelling from a Pontoon does involve stepping off the pontoon into deeper water, but the reef is usually very close and there are usually "rest stations" or floating lines to make it easier. Snorkelling directly from a boat can include a bit of a swim to get to the coral, this option is generally more suited to average and above swimmers.