• From Hamilton Island we take a half day tour to Hook Island to partake in some of the best snorkelling around the fringing reefs on our fast multi-hull cat.
• Choose to depart Hamilton Island at 8.30am or 1.00pm for a cruise to the northern section of the Whitsunday Islands on our half day snorkel tour 
• Spend 2 hours exploring Luncheon Bay or Mantaray around Hook Island and 1 hours scenic cruising each way from Hamilton Island
• Refreshments of morning or afternoon tea are provided along with all the snorkel gear, lycra sun suits and flotation vests

Our Hamilton Island Great Barrier Reef tour is a half day snorkelling tour around the beautiful fringing reefs of Hook Island. Choose from the morning snorkelling tour at 8.00am or 12.30pm in the afternoon, both include morning or afternoon tea.

What to Expect

Jump into the warm Whitsunday waters and discover the amazing sea life below the surface on our half day Hamilton Island Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour. Experience an exhilarating half-day snorkelling adventure departing from Hamilton Island. This Whitsundays tour is designed to showcase the vibrant fringing reefs of Hook Island, with each session timed perfectly to ensure optimal underwater visibility and marine interactions. Whether you choose the morning or afternoon session, you're in for a memorable exploration of the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Features and Highlights

Scenic and Fast Cruising

• Travel in Comfort: Journey aboard a fast multi-hull catamaran, equipped with modern amenities and a custom-designed snorkelling tour boat featuring a hydraulically lowered platform for easy water access.
• Duration and Timing: Enjoy 1 hour of scenic cruising each way, with up to 2 hours on location for snorkelling and other water activities.

High-Quality Snorkelling Experience

• Equipment Provided: Utilise top-of-the-line snorkelling gear, including wetsuits or Lycra sun suits and flotation jackets if needed, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.
• Guided Exploration: Benefit from the in-water assistance and guidance provided by an experienced snorkelling crew, enhancing your underwater adventure.

Educational and Informative

• Marine Education: Gain insights into the marine ecosystem with educational commentary during the high-speed cruise to the snorkel location, learning about the diverse marine life and coral ecology.
• Professional Team: Engage with a passionate team who are experts on the Whitsunday Islands and eager to share their knowledge about the fringing coral reefs.

Customisable and Intimate Tour

• Small Group Advantage: With a limit to the number of guests per snorkelling tour, enjoy a more personalized and intimate snorkelling experience, allowing for individual attention and less crowded snorkel spots.
• Flexible Snack Options: Morning or afternoon tea is included, and guests are welcome to bring their own additional beverages and snacks in a small cooler bag or esky.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Reef Locations: The tour typically visits Bait Reef on full-day tours and Hook Island's fringing reefs on half-day tours, with alternative locations like Blue Pearl Bay or Cateran Bay as backups.
• Visibility and Marine Life: Visibility can vary but is generally between 5-8 meters in the summer and better in the winter. Expect to see vibrant soft corals and a variety of reef fish, with possible sightings of turtles, rays, and sharks.
• Water Temperatures: Consistently ideal conditions range from 22-28 degrees Celsius, supporting healthy coral ecosystems unaffected by coral bleaching.

This half-day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour from Hamilton Island offers both newcomers and seasoned snorkelers an ideal way to explore the less frequented yet equally spectacular parts of the Great Barrier Reef, with ample opportunities for relaxation, education, and adventure in the tropical waters.

See all Hamilton Island half day tours and Great Barrier Reef Tours.

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• For our half day Hamilton Island dive and snorkel tours we cruise our way to the northern section of Hook Island to explore some fringing reefs. Should the conditions here not be favourable we may relocate to Blue Pearl Bay or Cateran Bay.   

What is visibility like?

• The visibility out at the reef changes every day dependent on the prevalent weather conditions.
• During the peak summer months you can expect an average of 5-8m around the inner fringing reef.
• The winter months typically see visibility well in excess of averages due to lower tidal ranges

What can I expect to see?

• The Whitsunday Island fringing inner reef tends to be slightly more colourful due to the nature of the soft coral that grows around these areas.
• You will find numerous smaller reef-dwelling fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, batfish, damselfish and fusiliers. If you're lucky you might even get a visit from a turtle, ray or white tip reef shark whilst on one of our trips!
• Our water temperatures sit between 22-28 degrees Celsius all year round, making for ideal coral conditions.

View all of our Great Barrier Reef tours from Hamilton Island 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Hamilton Island

Departure Time

• Morning Snorkel Tour 8.00am
• Afternoon Snorkel Tour 12:30pm
• Departure times subject to tides

Departure Instructions

Make own way to Hamilton Island Marina

Destinations

• Hook Island
• Luncheon Bay
• Manta Ray on Hook Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Closed Christmas Day

Duration

4 hours with 2 hours on location

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

Additional Information

Please note: guests must be able to swim to participate in snorkeling. There will be a guide in the water for assistance, and floatation devices available for those that require them.

Towel, hat, sunscreen, sunsuit

• This tour is recommended for children 5 years and over. Children under 5 years are welcome, however there are limitations with regards to their participation please contact our reservations team for details when booking.
• Please note guests must be able to swim to participate in snorkeling.