Best Places to Snorkel in Gold Coast: Your Ultimate Guide
When we watched Finding Nemo for the first time, we were mesmerised by the underwater world.
Sure, there aren’t any talking clownfish or blue tangs in the real world, but just the idea of swimming with turtles, exploring vibrant coral reefs and experiencing silence is enough to make us want to jump in immediately.
Australia’s Gold Coast has long been famous for its waves but there's a whole other world waiting below that sparkling blue surface!
It's a hidden paradise down there, filled with life and excitement, just as cool as what you experience above it.
For all those water babies, we give you a list of the best places to snorkel on the Gold Coast, complete with exploring shipwrecks and having the time of your life with some laid-back sea turtles.
Cook Islands' Turtles
Start your diving adventure by swimming with the turtles on the Gold Coast.
At Cook Island Dive, you'll have the chance to meet and greet some of the coolest sea turtles around – green, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles - they're all here!
Cook Island's dive sites average 10-metres in depth. With year-round protection from swells and winds, enjoy calm and peaceful surface intervals.
How to get there: Only accessible by boat. A 15-20 minute boat ride from the Tweed River or about 55 minutes from the Gold Coast Seaway. (map)
Palm Beach Reef
Palm Beach Reef is a treasure trove for Gold Coast scuba divers and snorkelers. When you take a dip here, keep an eye out for the parrotfish and beautiful bluehead wrasse.
And if you are really lucky, you might just swim by bronze whalers, eopard sharks, and stingrays.
With depths ranging from five to 24 meters, there's an abundance of marine wonders awaiting your discovery!
How to get there: Only accessible by boat via the Gold Coast Seaway or the Tweed River. The boat ride from the Gold Coast Seaway can be as short as 25 minutes depending on wave height. (map)
Southport Seaway
One of the best places to snorkel on the Gold Coast is the beloved Southport Seaway.
Connecting the Broadwater to the ocean, it's a bustling hub of diverse sea life year-round.
Dive at high tide for the clearest waters and explore South Wall, home to seahorses, lionfish, and more.
For pelagic fish activity, head to the North Wall, where bull rays, eagle rays, and even whaler sharks might make an appearance during calm sea conditions.
Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, the Gold Coast Seaway promises an enchanting underwater adventure like no other.
How to get there: Located at the mouth of Ne Nerang River, accessible from The Spit beach (map)
Narrowneck Reef
Looking for a hidden gem of a snorkelling spot on the Gold Coast? Look no further than Narrowneck Reef!
Tucked away between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach on the Gold Coast, this artificial reef is just a short swim from the shore.
Don’t get startled when you see thousands of fish, Wobbegong sharks, playful octopuses, graceful green turtles, and maybe even dolphins.
Originally constructed to protect the beach from erosion, this lesser-known gem is now a thriving ecosystem.
How to get there: A short swim out from Narrowneck Beach. (map)
Kirra Reef
Make sure not to miss Kirra Reef, an absolute must-do for snorkelling on the Gold Coast.
Unlike Palm Beach Reef, here you can snorkel from rock to rock, adding an extra touch of excitement.
Encounter an array of marine life, from curious octopuses and cuttlefish to impressive stingrays and wobbegongs.
With protection on three sides, Kirra Reef is a fantastic spot for diving throughout most of the year.
How to get there: A short swim from Kirra Beach, near Coolangatta. Alternatively, you can take a boat. (map)
Tanglooma Wreck
Dive into the wonders of Tangalooma Wreck, a fantastic spot for divers of all levels.
The waters are home to over 200 fish species, 130 coral species, and 15 semi-submerged vessels.
Explore the fascinating nooks and crannies and keep your eyes peeled for colourful nudibranchs, urchins, sponges, and coral calling the wrecks home.
Swimming in this Gold Coast snorkelling spot is like swimming in a massive aquarium!
How to get there: A 75-minute ferry ride from the west coast of Moreton Island. (map)
Wave Break Island
A hidden treasure just off the northern Gold Coast, Wave Break Island boasts crystal-clear waters, ideal for diving and snorkelling.
The island's artificial reef is a magnet for all sorts of fascinating marine life – from vibrant fish to graceful rays and even charming turtles!
Whether you're with your family or hanging out with friends, Wave Break Island guarantees an unforgettable and delightful time along the stunning Gold Coast coastline.
How to get there: Access to the island is only available over water, with private vessels the most common option. Kayaking or SUPing (stand-up paddling) across from the Labrador foreshore is also an option. (map)
Wreck of the Scottish Prince
History lovers will love to swim around the coveted wreck of the Scottish Prince that lies off the shores of Moreton Island.
This three-masted iron-hulled cargo ship met its unfortunate demise in 1887; the wreck has now transformed into an artificial reef, providing a habitat for a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant corals, fish, and other aquatic creatures.
In this one-of-a-kind dive, you witness the captivating fusion of nature and history beneath the ocean's surface.
How to get there: A 15-minute boat ride from Runway Bay Marina. (map)
Nine Mile Reef
If you're a shark enthusiast, Nine Mile Reef is just for you! Located close to Tweed Heads, and its twin town of Coolangatta, this Gold Coast spot is more of a diving spot rather than snorkelling.
With depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters, in the shallower parts, you'll encounter scattered reef fish, turtles, stingrays, and eagle rays.
Throughout the year, a strong population of Wobbegongs sharks calls this reef home, accompanied by leopard sharks in the summer and grey nurse sharks in the winter. Snorkelling in Coolangatta, at the Nine Mile Reef, is an exhilarating and unique underwater adventure.
How to get there: A boat from Tweed Heads. (map)
Wonder Reef
Wonder Reef is a diver's dream come true! Whether you're a seasoned scuba enthusiast or just starting your underwater journey, this buoyant reef is one of the best places to snorkel on the Gold Coast.
As you plunge into the deep blue, prepare to be mesmerized by nine magnificent flute-shaped sculptures, hanging like a breathtaking underwater garden, 22 meters above the ocean floor.
How to get there: Only accessible by boat. A 10-minute ride from the Gold Coast Seaway (map)
Your Packing Essentials
When heading out for your water adventure, make sure to check with your diving company about essentials such as the snorkel mask, snorkel tube and floatation device if you need it. From your end, make sure to pack in the following:
Extra swimwear
Waterproof sunscreen
Underwater camera
Towel
Water and snacks
Basic first aid kit
With all of these in hand, you will be prepared to have the best time.
Gold Coast Adventures Beyond Snorkelling:
Your vacation to the Gold Coast can’t be just about swimming with the sea turtles and admiring the reefs, can it? Here’s a list of some other fun experiences to add to your itinerary.
Embark on an Unforgettable Kayaking Adventure
Spend your morning by the calm waters of Surfers Paradise. Enjoy the skyline of the city and if you are really lucky, you may even spot a dolphin.
Experience the Thrill of Jet Skiing
Get your adrenaline pumping as you embark on an exciting jet ski adventure along the sub-tropical shores of South Stradbroke Island! Cruise northward, passing stunning beaches, sandbars, islands, and mangroves before returning to base.
Bonus tip: South Stradbroke Island also offers exceptional snorkelling opportunities, especially around Wave Break Islands
Witness Whale Watching
A truly magical experience awaits you on the Gold Coast as you embark on an unforgettable whale-watching adventure right from the heart of Surfers Paradise!
Step into a purpose-built vessel for an exclusive small group tour and cruise along the picturesque Nerang River. Keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent humpback whales!
Learn To Stand-Up Paddle Board
Here’s your chance to do something different: stand-up paddle boarding!
Start at Surfers Paradise and glide along with playful dolphins, and pass by the luxurious mansions of Paradise Waters before arriving at the peaceful mangroves of Macintosh Island Park.
Unlock Endless Gold Coast Adventures
Discover the Gold Coast like never before with the convenient and versatile Gold Coast Attractions Pass. From jetboating to snorkelling and kayaking tours, get a whole bunch to choose from and fully immerse yourself in the best the city has to offer.
Experience the Best Places to Snorkel in Gold Coast
Diving and vacationing on the Gold Coast promises an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, beauty, and relaxation.
Whether it's snorkelling in Coolangatta or a Gold Coast kayaking and snorkelling tour, your days will be packed with swimming with adorable turtles and colourful fish or even diving alongside shipwrecks!
So, pack your bags with some extra swimsuits and sunscreen and indulge in the beauty and charm of the Gold Coast.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I go snorkelling on the Gold Coast if I'm a beginner?
Absolutely! The Gold Coast offers various snorkelling spots suitable for beginners.
When is the best time of year for snorkelling on the Gold Coast?
Snorkelling is possible year-round on the Gold Coast. However, the best time for snorkelling is during the warmer months (September to February).
What equipment do I need for snorkelling?
The essential snorkelling gear includes a snorkel mask, snorkel tube, and fins. It's important to ensure that your equipment fits properly and is comfortable to use. Additionally, some people may prefer to wear a rash guard or wet suit for sun protection or thermal insulation.
What marine life can I expect to see while snorkelling in Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast's waters are home to a diverse range of marine life. Snorkelers can expect to encounter colourful fish, turtles, rays, wobbegong sharks, and various species of corals and marine plants.
What should I do if I encounter marine life while snorkelling?
Observe marine life from a distance and avoid touching or chasing after animals. Keep in mind that you are a guest in their habitat and must act responsibly to protect both the wildlife and the environment.