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8 hours
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Come on board with Explore Group and experience a full-day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling adventure taking you to selected moorings around Bait Reef - the closest of the outer reef locations. We're a boutique tour operator which means we operate by taking smaller groups to ensure a more personalized and quality experience.
This full day tour is perfect for those wanting a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. This experience visits two locations within Bait Reef and a minimum of 3.5 hours is spent on location.
The reef is accessed by our premium custom designed dive / snorkel vessel, which has three levels of air conditioned luxury, lounge style seating, a partially shaded deck and full beam swim platform, which makes entering and exiting the water a comfortable and easy experience.
We provide everything you need to have a comfortable and amazing day at the Great Barrier Reef!
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
You must be confident in the water and be able to swim to participate.
Infants (0-4 years) will not be allowed in the water.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Experience a full-day Great Barrier Reef snorkeling adventure taking you to selected moorings around Bait Reef - the closest of the outer reef locations. A minimum of 3.5 Discover the reef from the comfort of our premium purpose-built vessel, hosted by our friendly and experienced team. Our dedicated snorkel guides will provide assistance with equipment use and techniques, as well as join you in the water on safety boards.
Air-conditioned vessel access
All fees and taxes
Guided snorkeling support
Commentary from guides
Snorkeling equipment
Buffet lunch onboard + Morning/Afternoon Tea
Alcoholic beverages
Personal items (sunscreen, towel, camera)
Hotel transfers
200 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Marcelline P,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
Just be mindful of the weather, as our trip needed to be altered. The 2 reefs they stopped at the water was murky and visibility was poor making it difficult to see marine life. Whilst I understand that this was out of their control, l felt disappointed as l was looking forward to this day out and seeing the Great Barrier Reef. Due to the poor weather conditions, they added an extra stopped for a short time at Whitehaven Beach which I thoroughly enjoyed. Food provided on board was mediocre and there wasn't enough for all guests. Staff were excellent and very accommodating.
Footprints712859,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We were disappointed that the weather meant that we could not go as far as we hsd hoped but we appreciated every concern for our safety, particularly given our lack of recent sea snorkelling. There was a good staff to guest ratio. Two members stood out, one for a personal but helpful gesture of tying a scrunchie , and the other for Linda, was outstanding. Not only did she help practically with the suit and ensuring I didn’t drown, her demeanour inspired confidence and joy. She was delightful., unassuming and entirely professional.. without her the dy would have been memorable for all the wrong reasons. Thank you, Linda
Elizabeth Q,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
My first time snorkeling and I was nervous but it was the most amazing experience and I can't wait to do it again! We saw so much of the reef and every variety of fish. The staff were lovely and so helpful and lovely buffet lunch and snacks
Chi H,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
The operator maintains a navigational pole and surface buoys to mark their Great Barrier Reef snorkel/scuba site. Presumably, that pole could be equipped with environmental sensors (especially given the visible top housing and apparent connectivity), which should allow them to monitor wind speed, swell height, and water conditions in advance. Yet instead of confirming safe conditions before departure, they often transport a full boat of passengers over an hour offshore—many of whom end up seasick—only to check the conditions once they arrive. At that point, a crew member measures wind, swell, water temperature, and other safety factors to determine whether snorkeling or diving can proceed. Too often, the result is predictable: conditions are deemed unsafe under government safety regulations. So after over an hour heading out—watching the horizon with no land in sight—the same seasick passengers endure another hour-plus journey back to the Whitsunday Islands. No refunds. No partial discounts. Just half a day lost on what amounts to a ferry ride to nowhere. This level of poor planning and decision-making is hard to understand. If conditions are questionable, they should assess them before loading a boat full of paying customers. If you’re considering this experience, skip the full-day tour. The half-day option to nearby islands is a better bet. You can snorkel or dive around local “bommies” (underwater rock formations with coral growth), where you’ll often see plenty of fish and sometimes turtles—without spending hours inhaling ferry exhaust en route to an often-cancelled offshore site.
719romane,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Very bad experience the tour was two hours out and two back. At lunchtime there was not enough food in fact I ran out of lunch. The nightmarish at the front and their manager leave much to be desired. The fee doesn't relate to what you get

Robert E,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Staff is incredible and highly organized. Communication was great. Food well done and plenty for all. Boat is very comfortable and plenty of space for all groups. Great experience for families, couples and solo.
Ricardodancona,Jan 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Best program ever. Gus is a fantastic dive master and excelen person. 🚀🚀🚀 We saw turtles, sharks, and a lot of fishes. Temperature was great and the viewing was fantastic
268oliviad,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
A wonderful trip, weather was a bit choppy at one stop but our guides soon moved us onto some where quieter where we had the chance to snorkel. We were all very well looked after and enjoyed a nice lunch of chicken wraps, prawns, salad.
1Amali,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The snorkeling location provided by this company was not as impressive as those offered by other snorkeling tour providers. Additionally, based on our previous experiences with different companies, we found that the level of support in the water was more comprehensive, with multiple guides present and flotation devices available for beginners. The journey to the reef area was quite lengthy, yet the reef itself did not meet our expectations. Our friends, who booked with a different company, had the opportunity to swim with turtles and explore a more vibrant reef. Staff were not friendly.
Leonardo N,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was a heavy rain day, we couldn't go to the coral reef like the other reviews pointed out, so they took us to two snorkeling spots and to Whitehaven. The crew is nice but it is really frustrating that they don't cancel when rain is strong. We could barely see anything during snorkeling and it was full of jellyfish. For the second one, we stayed on the boat and we could hear one of the crew members on the radio telling folks on the water to just "tire them out swimming and then bring them back". Again, it is not their fault that the company forces them to continue the tour regardless of weather. Whitehaven is beautiful but we stayed in here less than 10 minutes before heavy rain started and we had to go back to the boat. If you can, wait closer to the date to book so you know the weather. We had another tour booked for the next day with a different company and that company cancelled.
Operated by Explore Group