Snorkeling Cape Tribulation: 2 Reef Sites with Sea Turtles
Four and a half hours in the water at two working reefs, sea turtles included.
Snorkeling at Cape Tribulation means boarding a rigid inflatable boat from the beach and heading straight to Mackay and Undine Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef, where you spend roughly two hours in the water alongside sea turtles, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish over colorful coral. The boat holds a maximum of 25 people, an experienced skipper and eco host guide the trip, and courtesy pickup from Cape Tribulation accommodation is included. The experience lasts 4.5 hours total and is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular or spinal concerns.
Options for this experience
2 optionsWhat’s included
- Snorkeling equipment and wetsuit or sunsuit.
- courtesy pickup and drop-off from Cape Tribulation accommodation.
- a seasonal fruit platter.
- reef interpretation talks and eco appreciation presentations from the guide.
- all fees and taxes.
- roughly two hours in the water across two reef sites.
Times
- Every day 08:30 12:30
Before you book
Operated by Ocean Safari
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The boat leaves Cape Tribulation beach and heads into open water aboard the Ocean Safari, a rigid inflatable powered by 700hp engines and modeled on rescue craft design. The skipper and eco host navigate to two separate reef sites (Mackay and Undine), where the water holds sea turtles in abundance, along with eagle rays, giant clams, starfish and reefs dense with tropical fish and coral. You spend roughly two hours in the water across both stops, snorkeling with the equipment provided and a wetsuit or sunsuit to match the season. The Daintree rainforest runs along the mainland beach as you swim, so you are looking at two world heritage areas at once.
Courtesy pickup from your Cape Tribulation accommodation is included, and the boat returns you to the same point. The Ocean Safari holds a maximum of 25 travelers, so the group stays manageable. A seasonal fruit platter is served on board, and the eco host delivers reef interpretation talks and presentations about the Great Barrier Reef during the trip. The boat accepts card or cash for drinks and water if you want to purchase them. Bring swimmers, a towel, a hat and a jacket for warmth after you get out of the water, especially during the cooler months when wind picks up.
Morning and afternoon departures are available, so you can choose the slot that fits your schedule. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants sit on an adult's lap. The experience is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries. A public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult and $10 per child applies on certain dates and is payable at check-in.
Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure if you want to snorkel early and have the rest of the day free, or the afternoon slot if you prefer a later start. The rigid inflatable boat and small group size mean you reach the reefs quickly and stay nimble between the two sites, so the 4.5 hours holds both the boat ride and a genuine stretch of time underwater.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): free.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What are Mackay and Undine Reefs like when I get there?
Both reefs are working sections of the Great Barrier Reef full of colorful coral, tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish. Sea turtles are found in abundance at both sites, and you spend roughly two hours snorkeling across the two stops.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No. Snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit or sunsuit are provided as part of the experience, so you only need to bring swimmers, a towel, a hat and a jacket for warmth after you exit the water.
Is pickup from my accommodation included?
Yes. Courtesy pickup and drop-off from Cape Tribulation accommodation are included in the experience, and the boat departs from Cape Tribulation beach.
How long is the whole experience?
The experience lasts 4.5 hours total, with roughly two hours spent snorkeling across the two reef sites.
What happens if I visit on a public holiday?
A public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult and $10 per child applies on certain dates. The surcharge is payable at check-in on the day of your experience.
Snorkeling Cape Tribulation: 2 Reef Sites with Sea Turtles
4h 30m · EN
from AU$ 217 per person
≈ US$ 155 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.