Explore Group Australia Full Day Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef - Hamilton Island

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Spend a full day on the outer Great Barrier Reef from Hamilton Island, with at least three and a half hours snorkelling two sites at Bait Reef. Guides join you in the water, and lunch, morning and afternoon tea are served on a two-level dive and snorkel catamaran.

Days

8 hours

Age

Recommended for 5 years and over

Group size

Small groups, well under capacity

Start / finish

Hamilton Island / Bait Reef / Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island marina, around 4pm

Return

Hamilton Island marina, around 4pm

Transport

24 metre dive and snorkel catamaran

Meals

Buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea

Route

Map of Explore Group Australia Full Day Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef - Hamilton Island

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Included experiences

Bait Reef — snorkel two outer reef sites for at least 3.5 hours
Reef edge — hard coral platform, drop-offs and resident giant trevally
Guided snorkelling — guides swim with you on safety boards
Cruise — two hours each way with commentary from the crew

Explore Group Australia Full Day Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef - Hamilton Island

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Itinerary

Map

MORNING: HAMILTON ISLAND TO THE OUTER REEF

Check in at the dock in the Hamilton Island marina and you're away at 8am on a 24 metre catamaran with two air-conditioned decks, lounge seating and a partly shaded deck. The run out takes about two hours, with morning tea and commentary from the skipper and crew. The Whitsunday Islands take their name from the passage Captain Cook sailed through in June 1770, on what he believed was Whit Sunday. Beyond the last of them the water deepens to blue, and you reach Bait Reef, one of the closest outer reef sites to the islands and a special management area of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, World Heritage-listed since 1981.

LATE MORNING: THE FIRST SNORKEL

You arrive at about 10am. The crew fit you with mask, snorkel and fins, a stinger suit or wetsuit and a flotation jacket if you want one, then give the safety briefing. Stairs on the swim platform lower just below the surface, so getting in is easy. The crew choose two moorings for the conditions, from sites such as Stepping Stones, a row of flat-topped coral pinnacles, Paradise Lagoon and the Mantaray Drop-off, where the reef edge falls away into deep water. Snorkel guides swim with you on safety boards.

MIDDAY: LUNCH AND THE SECOND SITE

Lunch is a buffet on board, then the boat moves to another part of Bait Reef. On the outer edge the reef is a hard coral platform with sudden drop-offs, and the resident giant trevally often come close for a look. Parrotfish, angelfish, batfish, damselfish and fusiliers are common, and turtles, rays and white tip reef sharks turn up on some days. You have at least three and a half hours at the reef in all. If strong wind rules out the outer reef, the crew run the day at two sheltered fringing-reef sites among the islands, with a beach stop.

AFTERNOON: CRUISING HOME

The boat leaves the reef at about 2pm. Rinse off under the hot freshwater showers, then settle in for afternoon tea on the two-hour cruise back through the islands. You're back at the Hamilton Island marina at about 4pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Tour dock, Marina Village, A9/10 arm of the Hamilton Island marina, opposite the tour office. Check in at 7:45am.
Departure time: 8am daily, all year.
Finishes: Back at the Hamilton Island marina at about 4pm. Times can shift with the tides.
Minimum age: Recommended for children 5 and over. Under 5s can come along but stay out of the water.
Fitness: You must be confident in the water and able to swim. Children who can swim may snorkel with a confident adult swimmer beside them at all times.
Dietary needs: Tell us about any dietary needs when you book.
Please note: Strong wind (above about 18 to 22 knots) means the boat goes to two sheltered fringing reef sites in the Whitsunday Islands instead, plus a beach stop, still for the full day. Any change is announced before departure.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Hat and sunscreen
Flat-soled shoes
A warm layer or light jacket for the cruise home
Credit or debit card for extra drinks
Water
Seasickness tablets if you need them, taken before you board
Camera

What is included

Return cruise from Hamilton Island to Bait Reef, about 2 hours each way
At least 3.5 hours at Bait Reef, at two snorkel sites
Snorkel gear, wetsuits or stinger suits, and flotation jackets if needed
Snorkel guides in the water with you, and help with gear and technique
Buffet lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea
Commentary from the skipper and crew
Reef and national park fees

Not included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Extra snacks and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We first met Captain Dwight at Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island the day after our Whitehaven tour, and then booked the snorkel trip to the Great Barrier Reef. When we hit a small problem at the start, Dwight sorted it straight away with calm, kind professionalism, and the whole team gave us a wonderful experience.

Mike Verified· Travelled 7th January 2026

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