Moreton Island: Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkel & Dolphin Cruise with Lunch

Summary

Snorkeling Tangalooma wrecks wild dolphins and beach time from Brisbane

You’ll start your day with fresh coffee and pastries as you leave Brisbane behind for Moreton Island’s white beaches. Snorkel among the Tangalooma Wrecks with a local guide, then refuel with a tropical buffet lunch—think king prawns and roast chicken—before relaxing or paddle boarding in crystal-clear water. End your trip spotting dolphins and turtles from the boat, with salt still on your skin.

What’s the experience like?

Li handed me a mug of coffee as we stepped onto the Spirit of Mulgumpin, and I nearly dropped it when she laughed at my attempt to pronounce “Gheebulum Kunungai.” The sun wasn’t harsh yet but you could already smell salt on the wind. People were chatting quietly, picking at croissants and fruit — I snagged a muffin, way too early for prawns but still thinking about them. Our guide, Tom, waved us over and started pointing out little things along the riverbank as we left Brisbane behind. I liked how he didn’t rush through anything, just let us settle in.

I’d never snorkeled around shipwrecks before — honestly, I was nervous. The water near the Tangalooma Wrecks looked impossibly clear, almost fake-blue. When I slid in, the cold bit at my arms but then you’re floating over schools of fish darting in and out of rusted metal. Someone next to me squealed when a turtle showed up (I missed it, distracted by a flash of silver that turned out to be just sunlight). The mask kept fogging up; Tom joked about my “steamy outlook” and showed me how to fix it. It’s weird what sticks with you — the sound of your own breathing underwater is louder than you expect.

Lunch was this big tropical spread — king prawns piled high, roast chicken, ham off the bone. Everyone ate like they’d just swum across the bay (maybe we felt like we had). There was sand everywhere — on plates, in shoes — nobody cared. After that we wandered off: some people tried paddle boarding (I watched), others kicked around a soccer ball or just stretched out on the sand. I lay back and listened to kids laughing somewhere down the beach while gulls argued overhead. It felt good not to have anywhere else to be.

The last part was this slow cruise around Moreton Bay Marine Park looking for dolphins and dugongs. We saw both — well, fins and splashes anyway — and Tom told stories about local sea turtles getting names from rangers. The light got softer as we headed back toward Brisbane; I caught myself watching the water more than talking. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you needed a day away until you’re already on your way home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moreton Island snorkel cruise and lunch

• Meet for transfer at Brisbane Skytower
• Transfer to Rivergate Marina
• Check-in and enjoy morning tea
• Depart on See Moreton cruise
• Snorkel at Tangalooma Wrecks
• Enjoy tropical buffet lunch
• Free time on Moreton Island beach
• Join Marine Discovery Cruise
• Return to Rivergate Marina
• Transfer back to Brisbane City

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Moreton Island tour?

If you book transfers, pickup is available from Brisbane Skytower at 222 Margaret Street.

What time does the cruise depart from Brisbane?

The cruise departs Rivergate Marina at 9:30am; check-in starts at 9am.

Is snorkeling equipment provided for Tangalooma Wrecks?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is included for the guided tour at Tangalooma Wrecks.

Are meals included during the day trip?

A complimentary morning tea and a tropical buffet lunch are both included onboard.

What wildlife can be seen during the Marine Discovery Cruise?

You may spot dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles, and various fish species during the cruise.

How long does it take to get from Brisbane to Moreton Island?

The boat journey from Rivergate Marina to Moreton Island takes about 75 minutes each way.

Is there free time on Moreton Island during this tour?

Yes, you'll have free time to swim, relax on the beach or try stand up paddleboarding.

Are vegetarian options available at lunch?

Yes, plenty of vegetarian dishes are offered as part of the tropical buffet lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes optional city pickup from central Brisbane, all ferry transfers aboard Spirit of Mulgumpin, complimentary morning tea with pastries and fruit upon boarding, guided snorkeling at Tangalooma Wrecks with all gear provided, a tropical buffet lunch featuring fresh king prawns plus vegetarian choices, stand up paddle boarding equipment if you want it, free island time for swimming or relaxing on Moreton Island’s beaches, followed by a Marine Discovery Cruise with expert commentary before returning to Brisbane in the evening.