Snorkeling Keppel Islands from Yeppoon: Coral reefs and turtles

Snorkel the Keppel Islands' coral gardens and hunt for turtles without leaving the boat twice

Snorkel the Keppel Islands' coral reefs on a 6-hour boat adventure departing daily from Yeppoon, with stops at secluded beaches, white sand coves and uninhabited bays. The Kraken, a fast and spacious vessel, carries you to the islands in 30 minutes, then anchors at multiple snorkeling sites where you can also stand-up paddleboard, swim and relax on a floating pontoon. Snorkeling gear, a tropical fruit platter, and a picnic lunch at a secluded beach are included. Pickup and drop-off are available from mainland Yeppoon or Great Keppel Island. The boat has onboard restrooms and wide open decks, so you can move between the water and the shade without crowding.

The experience

What makes this snorkeling different is the boat itself. The Kraken is built for the Keppel Islands' shallow, protected waters: it's fast enough to reach the reefs in 30 minutes from Yeppoon, but spacious enough that you're not packed in with dozens of other snorkelers. You get the reefs without the reef-tour crowds, and the boat's wide decks mean you can dry off, eat, and rest between water sessions without jostling for space.

The day runs six hours and hits multiple stops. After snorkeling coral gardens in the morning (where turtles, rays, and reef fish are common), you paddle out on stand-up boards or float on the inflatable pontoon with a tropical fruit platter. Then the boat moves to a secluded beach cove for a picnic lunch. The afternoon brings more snorkeling, more swimming, and time to explore the volcanic rock formations and sea caves the boat passes on the way. You choose how much or how little to do at each stop: the guide is there, the gear is ready, but the pace is yours.

Pickup happens at Keppel Bay Marina in Yeppoon, or you can board at Great Keppel Island if you're staying there. The boat has a restroom onboard, life jackets for everyone, and a guide who speaks English. Snorkeling equipment, lunch, and all water-sports gear are included. Bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. The boat runs daily, so you can fit it into whatever day works for your schedule.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• stand-up paddleboards and an inflatable floating pontoon.
• a tropical fruit platter in the morning.
• a picnic lunch at a secluded beach cove.
• onboard restroom facilities.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 26

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

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Funtastic Cruises

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Yeppoon without a car: daily departures from the marina mean you can reach multiple reef sites in one morning rather than committing to a full-day island excursion.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 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.

Can I snorkel if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide provides all snorkeling equipment and is there to help you in the water. The reefs are in shallow, calm areas, and the boat stays anchored while you're in the water, so you can return to the vessel anytime. Many first-time snorkelers start on this trip.

What's the water like at the Keppel Islands?

The coral reefs sit in clear, shallow water where you can see the bottom easily. Turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish are common. The water temperature varies by season, but the boat provides life jackets and the guide can advise on conditions the day you go.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and stand-up paddleboards are all included. You'll need to bring a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. The boat provides fresh water to rinse off.

Is there food included, and can you cater to dietary needs?

Yes. A tropical fruit platter comes in the morning and a picnic lunch at a secluded beach is included. The menu caters to vegetarian diets and most dietary requirements, though gluten-free and vegan options are not available. Let the operator know your needs when you book.

How do I get to Yeppoon if I don't have a car?

Yeppoon has public transportation options nearby. Pickup and drop-off are available from mainland Yeppoon or Great Keppel Island, so you can arrange transport to the marina or board directly from the island if you're staying there.