Byron Bay Whale Watching Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour

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A short boat ride from The Pass puts you in the water at Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks), Byron Bay's marine reserve, for an hour of guided snorkelling where sea turtles are seen all year. Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are supplied.

Days

3 hours

Age

10 years and over

Group size

Max 10

Start / finish

Byron Bay (Jonson Street) / The Pass / Julian Rocks / Byron Bay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Shuttle to The Pass, then a 5 to 10 minute boat ride

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Byron Bay Whale Watching Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour

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Included experiences

Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) — snorkel for about an hour in a marine reserve
Sea turtles — look for loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles
Reef life — rays, wobbegong sharks and over 500 fish species
Guided snorkel — guides explain the species you see

Byron Bay Whale Watching Sea Turtle Snorkel Tour

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Itinerary

Map

MEET IN TOWN AND HEAD TO THE PASS

Your outing starts at the Turtle School shop in Byron Plaza on Jonson Street, in the middle of Byron Bay. You're fitted with a 5mm wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins, then the crew drives the group down to The Pass, the sheltered beach on the north side of Cape Byron where the boat launches. The cape is the most easterly point of mainland Australia, and its lighthouse has stood on the headland since 1901. The Pass is one of Byron's best-known surf breaks, so expect to see surfers lining up on the point as you head out.

OUT TO NGUTHUNGULLI (JULIAN ROCKS)

The boat ride takes only 5 to 10 minutes. Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) is a cluster of rocky islets about 2.5 km off the beach, inside a sanctuary zone of Cape Byron Marine Park where no fishing is allowed. Warm water carried south by the East Australian Current meets cooler water from the south here, and that mix is why more than 1,000 marine species share the reef. Tropical fish more often seen on the Great Barrier Reef swim beside temperate species from further south, which makes it one of the richest dive sites on the New South Wales coast.

AN HOUR IN THE WATER WITH THE TURTLES

Then it's over the side for about 60 minutes with your guides, who point out what you're looking at and explain how the reef works. Three kinds of sea turtle live here: loggerhead, green and hawksbill. Green turtles graze on the algae on the rocks, while loggerheads, with their big heads and crushing jaws, are endangered in New South Wales and the focus of the team's own research under a state permit. Turtles turn up in every season and at any time of day, though no sighting is promised. Scan the bottom for wobbegongs, the flat, patterned carpet sharks that lie still on the rocks, and for rays gliding over the sand.

BACK TO SHORE

The boat runs you back to The Pass, and the shuttle returns you to the dive centre, where hot showers and change rooms are waiting. The whole outing takes about three hours, so there's still plenty of the day left for the beach.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Turtle School, Byron Plaza, 5/90-96 Jonson Street, Byron Bay. There are no pick-ups from accommodation.
Departure time: Several tours run each day, Thursday to Monday. Your start time is confirmed when you book. From October to early April Byron Bay is on daylight saving and an hour ahead of Queensland, so check the clock if you are staying over the border.
Duration: About 3 hours in all, with about 60 minutes in the water.
Minimum age: 10 years. Under 18s must be supervised by an adult at all times.
Fitness: Everyone must be able to swim and be comfortable in open ocean; non-swimmers cannot join. The tour is not open to pregnant guests or people with back or spinal injuries, and may not suit people with heart, lung or other serious conditions.
Please note: Water temperature is about 22 to 27°C in summer and 18 to 23°C in winter. Tours go out in rain but are rescheduled when thunderstorms or rough seas are likely, so book early in your stay. The tour is not set up for people with access needs.

What to bring

Proof of ID
Swimsuit
Sun hat
Water bottle
Reef-safe sunscreen
Change of clothes
Seasickness tablets if you need them, taken beforehand

What is included

Boat trip to Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) and about 60 minutes snorkelling
Snorkel guides
Mask, snorkel, fins and a 5mm wetsuit (your own gear is fine too)
Transport from the Jonson Street meeting point to The Pass and back
Hot showers and change rooms at the dive centre afterwards

Not included

Pick-up from your accommodation
Prescription masks (none available)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.