Best Places to Snorkel and Dive in The Mackay Region

Simon Mallender on September 28th, 2017

Diving in the rainforest

Try a freshwater scuba dive in the safe, clear waters

Have you ever thought of diving in the clear waters of the rainforest? In the hills behind Mackay, at Finch Hatton Gorge, you can do just that and see a whole bunch of different critters: long neck turtles, catfish, eels, worms, shrimp, and if you are lucky – even a platypus.

The unique, fully guided tours start with platypus education and a show and tell of the different critters so you know what to look out for.

Mackay islands

Keswick Island – The waters around Keswick Island are home to numerous snorkelling and dive sites. Discover shipwrecks that lie off the shores or enjoy shallow-depth shore dives that allow you to explore the reef and an array of marine life including Maori wrasse, manta rays and humpback whales (during whale season). The Great Barrier Reef coral fringes Keswick and provides magnificent snorkelling, especially at Connie Bay and Coral Gardens, where you’ll spot turtles, rays and a host of rare marine life.

Scawfell Island – This uninhabited island offers pristine coral gardens to explore as well as the historic Llewellyn shipwreck (discovered 80 years after it had sunk). Spot olive sea snakes, endangered and vulnerable loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles, moray eels, sharks and manta rays.

A range of day and extended trips for snorkelling and diving the islands are available from Mackay.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAYS AND REEFS IN THE MACKAY REGION.

Simon Mallender

Passionate eco-warrior, Simon is also a scuba diver, videographer and writer. He has produced promotional wet and dry video for a number of Australian and overseas tourism boards, as well as dive centres and cruise lines. His dive features have appeared online on Queensland Blog, Expedia’s ‘Out There Starts Here’ Blog, Wego Editor’s Desk, and in print in many inflight magazines.

Hi Mr. Mallender, in the article at this website, you reference that there are day trips for snorkelling and diving on Keswick Island and Scawfell Island off the coast of Mackay. But I've so far been unable to find info about who to contact about those day trips. Not sure how old the website info is, but if it is still relevant today, can you please direct me to that info. Thank you so much for any help you can give me. This is the website: https://www.barrierreefaustralia.com/blog/best-places-to-snorkel-and-dive-in-the-mackay-region.13/

Martin Smith 2 years ago

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Lisa Madden 2 years ago

Hi I wanted to ask you about how much does it cost for me and my 8yr old daughter to Snorkel? And is there a boat that leaves from Mackay?

Donnella Smith-Ashton a day ago

We would like to take a school group on a snorkeling expedition. In the past we have gone to Lady Musgrave Island. This year we are heading north and wish to snorkel off the coast of Mackay. Can you please recommend any charter for a day experience, there will be 80 students and 6 teachers.

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