Goat Island Experience Guided Snorkelling for Beginners
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Snorkeling at Goat Island is more than just a swim — it’s stepping into a living, underwater world that’s unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. As the country’s very first marine reserve, Goat Island is teeming with life: from shimmering schools of Blue Maomao to giant Snapper, Eagle Rays, and even the occasional dolphin or orca passing by!
The Guided Snorkel Tour is tailored for beginners and non-swimmers, with expert instructors, flotation equipment, and plenty of support so anyone can feel safe and confident in the ocean. You’ll learn, laugh, and explore in shallow, clear waters before venturing further to experience the magic up close.
With all gear included — and yours to use for the rest of the day — this is the perfect way to fall in love with the ocean, discover New Zealand’s top snorkel spot, and tick off one of Auckland’s top 10 must-do adventures.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Must be able to understand safety instructions in English
Minimum age of 8 years. Children between 8 years and 14 years must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The experience starts with an introduction to using the equipment and some snorkel techniques and basic learning to swim. We share the history of Goat Island and introduce you to the marine life you are likely to meet at New Zealand's first marine reserve. Before jumping in you'll receive a full, thorough safety briefing. We'll all make our way to the water, and finalize our equipment. We will stay shallow and get used to the equipment and the strange sensation of breathing while looking underwater! Once everyone is feeling confident and comfortable we will make our way out and continue our adventure. After the tour, you will be able to use the equipment for the remainder of the day and carry on exploring!
What‘s Included
All basic snorkeling equipment is included (Wetsuit, Mask, Snorkel, Fins)
Options
Goat Island Experience Guided Snorkelling for Beginners
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Worth it!
Jacob T,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had Skye as our instructor and she was great in showing us different things in the lesson. We got to see lots of fish, a cushion sea star, and baby jellyfish. And the great thing is you can keep your gear for the rest of the day.
Absolutely Fabulous
B1268FUkirstym,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an experience. Booking was easy, arriving and getting kitted out with our gear from.the ce tee form a lovely member of staff. To.meeting our instructor Louis who was great, after the thorough safety briefing we were excited to get in the water. Although competent swimmers this was our first time snorkeling in the sea. Within 10mins of being in the water Louis had us feeling relaxed and enjoying seeing what was under the sea. The fasted hour ever and absolute bussing when we came out.
Great Snorkelling Experience
Kath C,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful experience. We got to see a lot of different fish and underwater plants. The briefing was interesting and safety was covered really well. The guides were excellent.
Amazing!!
P7647SOhollyh,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Louis was such an amazing instructor, we had a great time and it has made us want to explore the ocean more!, the tour was about an hour in the ocean, but had explanations of the fish and how to use equipment first!
Instructors are very...
Donghoon L,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Instructors are very well-informed, kind, committed to keep our safety all time when we are in the ocean. They're the best I've ever met before. Gears are not bad. Location is 3 min away from the beach. Need to avoid crowded day, the beach and parking lot are small.
Excellent
2096nikm,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guides ziggy and charlie gave us a fantastic introduction to snorkelling. I had some issues that needed to be sorted before I could get comfortable with the snorkel - ziggy was super patient and supportive, and I was able to get out and have an awesome experience.
From NZ$95.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Goat Island Dive & Snorkel