Tangalooma Island Resort Wrecked & Wild: Dolphins & Snorkel with Return Bus Transfers from Brisbane

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A day trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast to Tangalooma Island Resort, with a guided snorkel tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks, one of Australia's best snorkelling spots, and the wild dolphin feeding at sunset. Return bus transfers are included.

Days

Full day

Group size

Shared resort day trip

Start / finish

Brisbane / Brisbane, or Gold Coast / Gold Coast
Your pick-up stop, after a 7pm to 8pm launch from Tangalooma

Return

Your pick-up stop, after a 7pm to 8pm launch from Tangalooma

Transport

Return bus from central Brisbane or the Gold Coast, launch across Moreton Bay

Meals

$25 lunch voucher, one drink on the boat, one sunset cocktail or mocktail

Route

Map of Tangalooma Island Resort Wrecked & Wild: Dolphins & Snorkel with Return Bus Transfers from Brisbane

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Included experiences

Tangalooma Wrecks — guided snorkel tour
Tangalooma Island Resort — pools, beach and bars
Wild dolphin feeding at sunset
Eco Centre — dolphin presentation and Eco Ranger talks
Moreton Bay — launch crossing from Brisbane

Tangalooma Island Resort Wrecked & Wild: Dolphins & Snorkel with Return Bus Transfers from Brisbane

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: BY COACH TO THE WHARF AND OVER THE BAY

Your coach collects you from your chosen stop in central Brisbane, or earlier from the Gold Coast if you booked that option, and runs to Holt Street Wharf on the Brisbane River in time for the 10am boat. The catamaran crosses Moreton Bay in about 75 minutes, with a tea, coffee or soft drink on board, and lands you at the jetty at Tangalooma on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island). Almost all of the island is national park, and Mount Tempest, behind the resort, rises to 285 metres, one of the highest coastal sand dunes in the world.

GUIDED SNORKEL: THE TANGALOOMA WRECKS

The snorkel tour starts on the beach in front of the resort with a safety briefing, then a short boat ride out to the Tangalooma Wrecks. These 15 old vessels were scuttled just north of the resort between 1963 and 1984 to make a sheltered anchorage, and they now hold more than 200 kinds of fish and 130 kinds of coral. Look for turtles, wobbegong sharks and rays around the hulls. The tour runs about 90 minutes, with 30 to 35 minutes in the water, and the wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are all provided. Your guide picks the best part of the wrecks for the day's tide and visibility.

AFTERNOON: THE RESORT IS YOURS

Spend your $25 lunch voucher at any of the resort's food outlets, from burgers and pizza to salads, then take your pick of the pools and the beach. The resort began as a whaling station, processing humpbacks here from 1952 to 1962. Today the Eco Rangers run free wildlife activities, and the 'Discover the World of Dolphins' presentation at the Eco Centre introduces the pod you'll meet tonight. As the sun drops towards the bay, swap your voucher for a cocktail at the Wheelhouse Deck or B&B's Bar, or a mocktail or soft drink for anyone under 18.

DUSK: THE WILD DOLPHINS, THEN HOME

Around sunset the wild bottlenose dolphins swim into the shallows beside the jetty by themselves. The Dolphin Care Team walks you into the water and shows you how to hold out a fish for a dolphin to take; it's a good idea to wear something you don't mind getting wet. The boat leaves Tangalooma once the feeding is over, at about 7pm in winter, 7:30pm in spring and autumn and 8pm in summer. For the Gold Coast, the coach leaves the wharf at about 8:15pm, after the last boat, and you're back at your stop late in the evening. Your coach meets it at Holt Street Wharf and takes you back to the stop where your day began.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: From Brisbane, choose a bus pick-up when you book: 8am Cineplex Southbank (bus stop 167, Grey Street); 8:10am Roma St Precinct, by the green wall between the Garden Room Café and the public toilets; 8:25am Marriott Brisbane, Adelaide Street entrance; 8:35am Royal on the Park, 152 Alice Street driveway. The bus drops you back at the same place. From the Gold Coast, choose a stop when you book: The Star Gold Coast (outside the entrance, about 6:35am), Legends Hotel (side door waiting zone on Surfers Paradise Blvd, about 6:45am), Mantra on View (bus stop on View Ave, about 6:50am) or Marriott Gold Coast (outside the entrance, about 6:55am).
Departure time: The launch leaves Brisbane at 10am.
Finishes: The launch leaves Tangalooma at about 7pm in winter, 7:30pm in spring and autumn, and 8pm in summer. For the Gold Coast, the coach leaves the wharf at about 8:15pm, after the last boat, and you're back at your stop late in the evening.
Fitness: Guests with an injury or a medical condition (such as pregnancy, epilepsy, asthma or heart conditions) need a medical certificate confirming fitness to snorkel. Guests with asthma must bring their Ventolin; pregnant guests need written approval from their doctor.
Please note: Wild dolphins can't be guaranteed to attend the feeding. If the feeding is cancelled for any reason, that inclusion is forfeited; water entry is not guaranteed and a fish may be shared within a group. The cocktail voucher is for guests 18 and over (under 18s get a mocktail, soft drink or water), valid at the Wheelhouse Deck and B&B's Bar only. Eco Ranger experiences depend on availability and animal attendance.

What to bring

Beachwear and swimwear
Daypack
Towel
Change of clothes, or wear something you don't mind getting wet for the dolphin feeding

What is included

Return bus transfers from a choice of Brisbane or Gold Coast pick-up points
Return boat transfers from Holt St Wharf, Brisbane, across Moreton Bay
Day pass to Tangalooma Island Resort, with use of pools, beachfront, change rooms, restaurants and bars
1 standard drink on the boat transfer (tea, coffee, soft drink or water)
$25 lunch voucher per adult, for any resort food outlet
1 sunset cocktail or mocktail voucher
90-minute guided snorkelling tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks
All snorkelling equipment, including mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit
Eco Ranger experiences and the 'Discover the World of Dolphins' presentation
Access to the wild dolphin hand-feeding at sunset

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.