Australia is a paradise for snorkelers, with its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and lush green underwater forests. From Heron Island to Baird Bay, there are plenty of places to explore the vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Whether you're looking for a place to swim with whale sharks or explore sunken ships, Australia has something for everyone. Heron Island is one of the best spots for snorkeling in Australia.
Located off the coast of Gladstone, it's just an hour's flight from Brisbane. Here you can find bright blue starfish and giant sea cucumbers, all within walking distance from the beach. The Ningaloo Marine Park is the second largest coral reef in Australia and extends over 260 km (162 miles) of coastline. The best way to access it is from the city of Exmouth, which is just a two-hour flight north from Perth.
Sail to the reef with Ningaloo Reef Dive to see some of the 500 species of fish and a wide variety of marine life that live in these waters, including the majestic whale shark. Baird Bay is located 284 km (176 miles) from Port Lincoln in South Australia. Here you can dive with resident herds of bottlenose dolphins and curious sea lions in their natural environment. Diving with sea lions takes place in a safe and shallow area, while dolphins swim in deeper waters.
Both are suitable for swimmers of all levels. Lady Elliot Island is located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef and can only be accessed by a panoramic flight from Brisbane, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay or the Gold Coast. The island has a world-class ecological resort committed to protecting the surrounding reef environment. Stingrays are common around here, so get ready to share the waters with some aquatic friends.
Rottnest Island is a short ferry ride from Perth and offers plenty of secluded beaches and incredible diving spots. Popular spots for snorkeling include The Basin, Parakeet Bay, Parker Point, Little Salmon Bay, and Little Armstrong Bay. Michaelmas Cay is just off the coast of Cairns and is 360 m (1200 ft) long and 50 m (165 ft) wide. On a day trip with Wave Dancer Low Isles, you can visit the Key to snorkel in the surrounding reef (known for having a large number of giant clams) and learn about the 23 species of seabirds that use the island as their habitat during migration.
The Low Isles are located off the coast of Port Douglas and are surrounded by 55 acres of reefs. Further south along the Queensland coast are the Whitsundays, where 74 white-sand islands are surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters. At 260 km long, the Ningaloo Marine Park forms the second largest coral reef in Australia and is also home to the largest coral reef in the world. These credentials fuel Ningaloo's popularity as a place for snorkeling and diving, as well as its reputation as one of the best places in the world to swim alongside whale sharks, the biggest fish in the sea.
The season combines the migration of humpback whales along the coast of Western Australia from July to October, when visitors can choose to join them in their natural environment. Strict laws ensure their protection by establishing limits on how many people can be in the water at once and how close they can get to marine life. Lord Howe Island is located two hours from Sydney by plane and offers a wide variety of fish, frolicking turtles, and fascinating marine life. The crystalline lagoon is protected by a coral reef while Tangalooma shipwrecks provide an exciting diving experience.
The Abrolhos Islands are made up of 122 smaller islands off the coast of Port Lincoln in South Australia. With its tropical climate, it's home to tropical and temperate marine life, birds, and marine life - making it perfect for snorkeling! Julian Rocks is located just 2.5 kilometers from Byron Bay and is home to more than 1000 marine species, 500 species of tropical and temperate fish, gray suckling sharks (completely safe), turtles, and cuttlefish. Australia offers plenty of opportunities for snorkelers looking for an unforgettable experience - whether it's swimming with whale sharks or exploring sunken ships! With its vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs, there's something for everyone.
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