Lady Musgrave Island: Reef Snorkeling & Glass Bottom Boat Day Trip

Summary

Snorkel Lady Musgrave reef, island walks and glass bottom boat in one easy day from Bundaberg

You’ll cruise from Bundaberg to Lady Musgrave Island for snorkeling on colorful reefs, a guided island walk with stories from your local guide, and time aboard a glass bottom boat—all with lunch served right on the water. Expect salt spray, laughter, and those little moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mug of tea before I’ve even found my sea legs—turns out the crew at Bundaberg Port Marina are morning people. The sun’s barely up and already there’s this low hum of excitement as we pull away, everyone shuffling for a good spot on the deck. Our marine biologist, Sam, starts talking about turtles and coral while I’m still trying to wake up. Didn’t expect to learn so much before breakfast.

The ride out is two hours but goes faster than I thought. Salt spray on my face, that weird mix of sunscreen and seaweed in the air. When Lady Musgrave Island finally shows up, it’s like someone dropped a chunk of bright green into all that blue. We get our snorkeling gear—mask fits better than any rental I’ve ever tried—and Sam points out where the reef drops off. First breath underwater is always strange; here it’s just fish everywhere, like they’re used to people gawking at them. My fins keep kicking up sand but nobody seems to mind.

Lunch is this buffet with cold prawns and fruit from somewhere local (forgot to ask where). There’s a glass bottom boat tour after—kids press their noses right up to the glass, laughing every time a parrotfish flashes by. Walking on the island itself feels almost too quiet after all that water noise. Birds everywhere, some kind of salty wind in the trees, and our guide tells us stories about shipwrecks and nesting turtles. I try to remember half of it but mostly just watch the light flicker through pandanus leaves.

I’m still thinking about that last look back at the lagoon—how blue everything was, how tired my arms felt from swimming but in a good way. The ride home is quieter; people nap or stare out at nothing in particular while someone passes around afternoon tea. It’s not perfect—the sunburn on my nose proves that—but if you want a real day trip to Lady Musgrave from Bundaberg with actual locals who know their stuff, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lady Musgrave Island snorkeling trip

• Depart Bundaberg Port Marina
• Enjoy morning tea and reef presentation
• Snorkel at Lady Musgrave Reef lagoon
• Take glass bottom boat tour
• Join guided island walk
• Eat buffet lunch on board
• Use warm showers after snorkeling
• Enjoy afternoon tea on return trip
• Arrive back at Bundaberg Marina

Top questions

How long does the Lady Musgrave day trip take?

The tour lasts a full day including around 2 hours each way by boat between Bundaberg Port Marina and Lady Musgrave Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included in the Lady Musgrave Island trip?

Yes, premium quality snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) is included for all guests.

Are meals provided during the Lady Musgrave tour?

Morning tea, buffet lunch using fresh local produce, and afternoon tea are all included onboard.

Is there a guided walk on Lady Musgrave Island?

Yes, there is a guided island walk led by knowledgeable staff as part of your visit.

Can I book scuba diving on this day trip?

Introductory and certified scuba diving are available for an extra fee; certification proof required for certified dives.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

The tour welcomes children; infants can use prams or strollers onboard and service animals are allowed.

Are showers available after snorkeling?

Yes, warm showers are available on the duck board after your swim or dive session.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart from Bundaberg Port Marina at Burnett Heads.

What’s included

Your day includes morning tea as you set sail from Bundaberg Port Marina, all snorkeling equipment provided (mask, snorkel and fins), a glass bottom boat ride over Lady Musgrave Reef lagoon, guided island walk with local stories, gourmet buffet lunch served onboard during your stay at the reef plus afternoon tea for your return journey—all led by friendly guides who know these waters well.