Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip from Cape Tribulation
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September 2026
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Highlighted reviews
lovely environment but lacklustre guides
i had a beautful time exploring mackay reef/cay, which is a stunning natural place. but there were a few negatives: - our guides seemed less keen on 'guiding' us around the coral and more absorbed with filming/taking photos of wildlife (to then sell to the group later at $8 a photo). - it was a large group of about 25 people with only one snorkel guide - very little info was provided on the history/significance of the place - very little info was given about the wildlife/coral/fish/clams etc - the name is a misnomer, 'turtle tripper adventure', as it's obviously not a guarantee to see or swim with turtles so far out on the reef. the website says "snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance." we didn't see any turtles on our morning trip, and neither did the afternoon group. if you're super keen to snorkl or swim with turtles, head to green island or fitzroy island near cairns, where they like to eat sea grass.
Amazing team work delivered an unforgettable experience
It was an awesome afternoon snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef, organised in a professional and yet super friendly way. Everyone who got involved in delivering this trip, I feel like they love their jobs and provided a service personally tailored to our different needs. I highly recommend this trip for those who are keen to do snorkelling in FNQ.
What you can expect
This half day eco tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. After a fast 25 minute ride, guests are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations at Mackay and Undine Reefs. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish.
The tour begins at Cape Tribulation beach where guests board the vessel bound for the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. This vessel caters for small group tours allowing guests to experience tropical paradise and the pleasure of a small group. The vessel is based on the original design of a rescue craft and is a rigid inflatable boat driven by 700hp engines. The experienced Skipper and Eco Host ensure the trip is filled with fun and appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef and the coastal rainforest of the Daintree, two world heritage areas side by side. Magical memories like these sometimes only happen once in a lifetime.
Location
What you need to know
- Half day Great Barrier Reef adventure
- Visit two reef sites at Mackay Reef
- 2 hours exploring the underwater world and swimming with turtles
- All snorkelling equipment
- Personalised snorkel instruction
- Sunsuit/Wetsuit
- Fresh Seasonal Fruit Platter
- Reef interpretation talks and eco appreciation presentations
- Marine Park fees
- Courtesy transfers from Cape Tribulation accommodation
- Transfers from Port Douglas, Cairns or Northern Beaches hotels
- Lunch
- Cold drinks and chocolates available to purchase on board
- Fresh wholesome meals and great coffee available onsite at Turtle Rock Cafe
- Prescription mask hire is available for $25 per person on the day
- A Queensland public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child, and $50 per family (2 adults and 2 children) Payable on check in
- Quickest tour to the Great Barrier Reef
- Visit to two stunning reef locations
- Snorkelling pristine coral reefs
- Swimming with turtles
- Small groups
- Free use of snorkel equipment
- Free personalised snorkel instruction
- Free reef interpretation talks
- AM tour departs at 8.30am and returns 12.30pm. Check in is at 7.30am
- PM tour departs at 12.30pm and returns 4.30pm. Check in at 11.30am
- Check-in at the Turtle Rock Cafe
- Pick ups for courtesy transfers from Cape Tribulation accommodation
- A small bag with a towel, hat, sunscreen
- A light jacket in the winter months
- Camera in a waterproof case
- Water, drinks and snacks
- Sense of adventure
- A Queensland public holiday surcharge of $20 per adult, $10 per child, and $50 per family (2 adults and 2 children) Payable on check in
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
Recent reviews
Photo gallery
lovely environment but lacklustre guides
i had a beautful time exploring mackay reef/cay, which is a stunning natural place. but there were a few negatives: - our guides seemed less keen on 'guiding' us around the coral and more absorbed with filming/taking photos of wildlife (to then sell to the group later at $8 a photo). - it was a large group of about 25 people with only one snorkel guide - very little info was provided on the history/significance of the place - very little info was given about the wildlife/coral/fish/clams etc - the name is a misnomer, 'turtle tripper adventure', as it's obviously not a guarantee to see or swim with turtles so far out on the reef. the website says "snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance." we didn't see any turtles on our morning trip, and neither did the afternoon group. if you're super keen to snorkl or swim with turtles, head to green island or fitzroy island near cairns, where they like to eat sea grass.
Reply from Campermate AU Customer Support
Amazing team work delivered an unforgettable experience
It was an awesome afternoon snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef, organised in a professional and yet super friendly way. Everyone who got involved in delivering this trip, I feel like they love their jobs and provided a service personally tailored to our different needs. I highly recommend this trip for those who are keen to do snorkelling in FNQ.
Awesome fast boat out to Mackay Reef and sand cay
Had the best afternoon with Isaac and Callum from Ocean Safari. From the moment we entered the boat fr the iconic Cape Tribulation beach we were entertained. Despite the overcast conditions, we loved the fast exciting boat trip. Then when we arrived at the reef we were just amazed at the turtles, rays, fish and coral we saw. With the best guides we had amazing afternoon. Would do it again in a heartbeat!
