Moreton Island: Eco Marine Safari Cruise & Guided Snorkel

Summary

Snorkel shipwrecks spot dolphins relax on Moreton Island beaches

You’ll swim through Tangalooma Wrecks on a guided snorkel tour, watch dolphins and turtles from a comfy boat with local guides sharing stories, then relax with fresh lunch and free time on Moreton Island’s soft sand. Expect laughter, salt air, and moments you’ll want to tuck away for later.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the ferry at Newport Marina because I’d forgotten my sunscreen in the car—classic me. The crew just laughed and waited while I jogged back, already feeling the Queensland sun on my neck. By the time we pushed off toward Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island), everyone was swapping stories about what they hoped to see. Our guide, Sarah, handed out tea and pointed out a pod of dolphins before we even hit open water. She knew every ripple in the bay, I swear.

The first thing that hit me when we anchored near the Tangalooma Wrecks was how clear the water was—like glass, but salty and cold when you finally slid in. My mask fogged up right away (amateur move), so Sarah showed me how to spit in it—gross but effective. We followed her through these hulking old ships, fish darting everywhere. At one point a turtle cruised by so close I could’ve reached out (didn’t). It’s wild how quiet it gets underwater except for your own breathing and the odd clink from someone’s flippers hitting metal.

Afterwards, I just lay on the sand with a chicken roll from lunch—bread still soft, salad crunchy—and watched some kids try to climb the sand hills. The sun felt heavier than usual; maybe that’s just what happens after swimming hard. There was this weird peace to it all, even with people laughing nearby and gulls squabbling over crumbs. Later, during the marine safari part of our day trip to Moreton Island from Brisbane, Sarah slowed the boat whenever someone spotted something—a dugong surfaced once and everyone went dead silent except for one guy who whispered “no way.”

I still think about that view back toward Brisbane as we cruised home—sky turning peachy behind us, salt drying on my arms. Not everything went perfectly (I lost one of my flip-flops somewhere between boat and beach), but honestly? That made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moreton Island snorkel and eco tour

• Arrive at Moreton Island
• Receive snorkel briefing and gear
• Guided snorkel at Tangalooma Wrecks
• Free time to swim and sunbathe
• Enjoy lunch with fresh bread and chicken
• Relax with drinks on beach or boat
• Eco tour spotting dolphins and turtles
• Learn about island history and wildlife

Top questions

Is snorkeling at Tangalooma Wrecks included?

Yes, a guided snorkel tour at Tangalooma Wrecks is included if you can swim and are over 6 years old.

Are meals provided during the day trip?

Morning tea, lunch (fresh bread rolls with salad and roast chicken), and afternoon tea are provided.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, all snorkelling equipment is provided as part of your tour.

What wildlife might I see on this Moreton Island cruise?

You may spot dolphins, turtles, dugongs, stingrays, and various marine life during the eco safari cruise.

Is there beach time included in this tour?

Yes, you’ll have free time to swim or relax on Moreton Island’s beaches after snorkeling.

Where does this tour depart from?

The tour departs from Newport Marina near Brisbane.

Can children join the snorkeling activity?

Children must be at least 6 years old and able to swim to join the guided snorkel tour.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you need to get yourself to Newport Marina.

What’s included

Your day includes ferry transport from Newport Marina to Gheebulum Kunungai (Moreton Island), all snorkelling equipment for exploring Tangalooma Wrecks with a local guide, morning tea when you board, a fresh lunch of bread rolls with salad and roast chicken sourced locally, afternoon tea before heading back, plus plenty of time for swimming or relaxing on white sand beaches—and an educational marine safari cruise looking for dolphins and turtles before returning in the evening.