Snorkeling Moreton Island from Brisbane: Kayak & Sandboard
You can reach speeds of 30 mph sandboarding down inland dunes on the same day you snorkel shipwrecks.
Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island: a full day from Brisbane or the Gold Coast with snorkeling, kayaking and sandboarding, plus 4WD transport across the island and a guided experience. Start with a 75-minute ferry crossing to the island, then move between three activities: snorkel among 15 purposely sunken vessels now home to tropical fish and coral; paddle transparent kayaks above the reef; and sandboard down massive dunes before returning to the mainland in the evening.
Options for this experience
3 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Full day Moreton Island adventure
- Pickup from Brisbane or Gold Coast
- Travel to ferry terminal
- Ferry ride to Moreton Island
- 4WD drive to Tangalooma Wrecks
- Snorkel tour of shipwrecks
- Picnic lunch on the beach
- Transparent kayak tour of wrecks
- 4WD tour if snorkeling unavailable
- Sandboarding on inland dunes
- Swim at Tangalooma Beach
- Ferry back to mainland
- Return to Brisbane or Gold Coast
What’s included
- Life vests for non-swimmers and wetsuits at no extra cost.
- all snorkeling equipment, kayaks and sandboards.
- fully guided snorkel tour and kayak tour with your guide.
- 4WD transport across Moreton Island.
- shuttle bus transfers from Brisbane Coach Terminal or Gold Coast.
- a picnic lunch of DIY sandwiches and wraps.
- jetski assist for non-swimmers if needed.
Times
- Every day 05:45 07:00 07:30
Before you book
Operated by Australian Sunset Safaris
Prices and times updated today
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with a 4WD coach pickup from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, then a 75-minute ferry ride across Moreton Bay to Moreton Island. On the crossing, watch from the deck or cabin for dolphins and other marine life. Once on the island, your guide drives a 4WD vehicle along the sand to the Tangalooma Wrecks, where 15 vessels were purposely sunk to create a breakwall and reef system. The resulting underwater landscape holds colorful corals, tropical fish, trevally, yellowtail, wobbegong and kingfish.
At the wrecks, you choose how to explore. Follow your guide on a snorkel tour to see the reef up close, or use a transparent bodyboard to paddle in search of turtles and reef fish while staying dry. If snorkeling doesn't appeal, simply relax on the white-sand beach. After this, your guide serves a picnic lunch before leading a tour on transparent kayaks, where you stay dry while viewing the fish and coral directly below. If conditions are unfavorable, a 4WD tour around the island replaces the water activities.
Next comes the sandboarding. Your driver takes the 4WD on rough inland tracks to tall sand dunes where you can reach speeds of up to 30 mph as you sandboard down: a high-adrenaline activity comparable to tobogganing. After sandboarding, you return to the coast for a swim at Tangalooma Beach if time allows, then catch the ferry back to the mainland, arriving in Brisbane or the Gold Coast in the evening. The full day runs 9 to 13 hours depending on your departure point.
Is this one for you?Book from Brisbane if you live in or are staying in that city. The Gold Coast option suits travelers based south. Children from age 4 are welcome, and the activity suits all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for those with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, walking disabilities or pregnancy.
Compare the 3 alternatives
Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years). Children under 4 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 are the Tangalooma Wrecks and what will I see snorkeling there?
The Tangalooma Wrecks are 15 vessels that were purposely sunk to create a breakwall and artificial reef system. Snorkeling there puts you face-to-face with colorful corals, tropical fish, trevally, yellowtail, wobbegong and kingfish living on and around the sunken ships.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my snorkeling?
If conditions are unfavorable for snorkeling and kayaking, your guide replaces those activities with a 4WD tour around the island so you still experience Moreton Island's landscape and wildlife.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear and swimwear?
Snorkeling equipment, kayaks and sandboards are all provided. Wetsuits are free. You need to bring your own swimwear, towel, sunscreen and hat. The operator does not supply these.
How long is the ferry ride to Moreton Island?
The ferry crossing takes 75 minutes each way. During the ride, you can stay on deck to watch for dolphins and marine life, or relax in the cabin.
What is sandboarding like, and how fast do people actually go?
Sandboarding on Moreton Island's inland dunes is a high-adrenaline activity comparable to tobogganing. You can reach speeds of up to 30 mph as you descend the dunes, making it the most intense part of the day.
Are there additional costs beyond the tour price?
National park and ferry fees of AU$85 per adult or AU$65 per child (13 years and under) are paid to the driver on the day of departure. Additional food and drinks are available to purchase but not included.
Snorkeling Moreton Island from Brisbane: Kayak & Sandboard
9h–13h · EN
from AU$ 179.55 per person
≈ US$ 128 in your currency
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