Snorkeling at Julian Rocks with Marine Biologist Guide

Spot 500+ fish species and rays in one morning off the Australian coast

Snorkel Julian Rocks, a marine reserve off Brunswick Heads near Byron Bay, with a marine biologist guide aboard the vessel Into The Blue. The 2.5-hour activity includes all snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen and free parking. Tours depart from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour and are subject to ocean conditions. Children from age 7 are welcome if they can swim 200 metres unassisted.

The experience

Julian Rocks sits where warm tropical and cooler temperate waters meet, creating a convergence point for marine life. The site holds over 500 species of tropical fish, and you'll commonly see manta rays, leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks, sea turtles and dolphins. The waters are protected and shallow enough for snorkeling, and the rocky outcrop is rated as one of Australia's best dive sites. Your guide is a marine biologist who navigates the site and explains what you're seeing as you move through the reserve.

The boat Into The Blue departs from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour and often encounters dolphins and other marine life on the crossing to Julian Rocks. You're in the water for the core of the 2.5-hour outing, equipped with a high-quality mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit. The site itself, Nguthungulli in the local language, has been protected for decades, which is why the marine ecosystem remains intact. Arrive 30 minutes early for a safety briefing before departure.

Tours run subject to ocean and weather conditions, so the operator may contact you with changes. Enter a valid phone number including country code when you book. Free parking is included at the harbour. Public transport options are available nearby if you're staying in Byron Bay without a rental car.

What’s included

• Marine biologist guide.
• all snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit).
• reef-safe sunscreen.
• free parking at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 11:30 and 14:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 95 years) · Child (7 to 12 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 19

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Out Of The Blue Adventures

Is this one for you?Departing from Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour with no car rental needed, this snorkel works for a free afternoon or a first morning in Byron Bay. The guide handles navigation and marine knowledge while you focus on what's in the water.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

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 kind of marine life will I actually see at Julian Rocks?

Julian Rocks is home to over 500 tropical fish species, and you'll commonly encounter manta rays, leopard sharks, grey nurse sharks, sea turtles and dolphins. The site is a convergence point where warm tropical and cooler temperate waters meet, which draws a wide range of species year-round.

Do I need to be an experienced snorkeler to go?

You need to be a competent swimmer and able to swim 200 metres unassisted, since the water is too deep to stand in. Children from age 7 are welcome if they meet the same swimming requirement. The guide will brief you on safety before departure.

What's included in the snorkeling trip?

The activity includes a marine biologist guide, all snorkel equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit), reef-safe sunscreen and free parking at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour. You do not need to arrange your own transport to the harbour.

How long does the whole experience take?

The activity runs for 2.5 hours total. Arrive 30 minutes early for the safety briefing, so plan for three hours from arrival to departure.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

Tours are subject to ocean and weather conditions. The operator will contact you with any changes, so make sure you enter a valid phone number including country code when you book.