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Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day Tour

From $299.00 per adult
Eco certified
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • MOUA
  • Snorkelling

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Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day Tour

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Explore the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA)


MANBARRA SEA COUNTRY


Learn about the local marine ecosystems and their cultural significance for traditional owners and custodians of the sea country as you explore John Brewer Reef, a naturally formed coral cove and home to the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and the Ocean Sentinel Snorkel Trail, all of which are located on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

John Brewer showcases some of the Great Barrier Reef's most pristine and healthy coral reefs, as well as marine life such as green turtles, giant clams, and clown fish. Not only that, here you can also discover the Museum of Underwater Art's Coral Greenhouse, the first-ever underwater building designed by Artist Jason DeCaires Taylor and filled with 20 reef guardian sculptures that propagate coral and spread the message of reef conservation.

In addition to MOUA’s Coral Greenhouse this site features eight Ocean Sentinel sculptures, these sculptures form a snorkel trail positioned in the sandy ocean bottom, fringed by the beautiful corals of the reef and are located at a shallow depth making them perfect for snorkellers. The human hybrid form figures are modelled from notable local and international marine scientists, conservationists, and traditional owners, who have contributed and dedicated their life to the Great Barrier Reef to reflect them as being protectors of the Reef.

This unique tour is a brilliant blend of art, science, culture and conservation providing you with a one of a kind experience on the Great Barrier Reef.


SeaLink's popular Orpheus Island Day Tour, Whale Watching, Charter Tours, and Outer Reef Experiences which incorporates the world-first Museum of Underwater Art, are Ecotourism Certified by Ecotourism Australia.

Inclusions

  • Up to 4 hours on the Great Barrier Reef and MOUA (weather permitting)
  • Fast, modern and spacious air-conditioned catamaran
  • Maximum guest number capped to less than half capacity, to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience
  • Light snacks for morning and afternoon tea
  • Delicious buffet style lunch
  • Marine life, snorkelling tuition & briefings
  • Snorkel gear hire (lycra suit, mask, snorkel and fins)
  • Flotation devices (pool noodles, buoyancy vests)
  • MOUA entry fees + EMC ($22 per person)

Tour details

  • Passenger typePrice
    Adult$299
    Child (5-14 years old)$199
    Family (2A+2CH or more) receive 10% discount
    Infant (0-4 years) are free of charge and must be included at time of booking


    *Please note: only one discount can be applied to any booking. All prices are "from" and subject to change without notice.

  • Saturday 20th January
    Saturday 17th February
    Saturday 16th of March
    Saturday 27th April
    Saturday 25th May
    Saturday 29th June
    Saturday 27th July
    Saturday 10th August
    Saturday 24th August
    Saturday 14th September
    Saturday 12th October
    Saturday 26th October
    Saturday 23rd November
    Saturday 7th December
  • NameJohn Brewer Reef & MOUA (Museum of Underwater Art)
    LocationApproximately 70km North-East of Townsville
    (Central section of the Great Barrier Reef)
    Water TemperatureSummer (November-May) 26°-29° / Winter (June-October) 22°-26°
    DepthReef 1m-20m / Ocean Sentinels 5m
    VisibilityVary between 10m-25m
    Marine life

    Sea-turtles, reef fishes (sweetlips, groupers, trevallies, wrasse, trigger fish, angel fish, parrot fish, clown fish...) giant clams, small reef sharks, humpback whales (July-August)

    For more information on the Ocean Sentinels scan the QR code
  • 6:45amCheck-in opens (closes 10 minutes before departure)
    7:15amBoarding commences
    7:30amVessel departs from Townsville
    7:50amPick up guests from Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island. On the way out you will receive safety briefing, along with light morning tea
    9:30amArrive at John Brewer Reef and MOUA. Snorkelling tuition and briefings. First snorkel session
    11:45amLunch and presentation about marine life and reef eco-system. Second snorkel session
    2:00pmDepart site to return to Townsville. Light afternoon tea will be served on the way back
    3:40pmDrop off guests to Nelly Bay Terminal, Magnetic Island
    4.00pmArrive back at SeaLink Breakwater Terminal, Townsville


    Please note:     this is a sample itinerary, with estimate arrival/departure times, subject to change without notice.

  • Departure time: 7.30am
    Return time: 4.00pm (approx.)
    Check-in: opens at 6.45am and closes 10 minutes prior departure
    Location: SeaLink Breakwater Terminal, Townsville.
    View in Google Maps
  • Departure time: 7.50am
    Return time: 3.40pm (approx.)
    Location: SeaLink Nelly Bay Terminal
    Check-in: Please arrive to the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal 20 minutes prior to departure, a SeaLink staff member will be there to assist
    View in Google Maps

  • Dietary requirements
    Our Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day tour is prepared by Michels Catering who provide delicious and nutritious food and can cater for the following dietary requirements:

    • Gluten-free
    • Dairy-free
    • Vegetarian
    • Vegan

    Please advise in the comments section at check out or call our sales team on 074726 0800, no later than 48 hour prior departure and where possible we will endeavor to meet your request.

    For any further dietary preferences or food allergies, you’re welcome to bring your own food, in addition to what we can supply.

    Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef

    Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. You must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water to participate on this tour and see the Reef. Once arrived onsite there are no facilities that caters for non-swimmers such as semi-submersible, pontoon or glass bottom boat.

    Travelling with children and infants

    Infants (0-4 years old) travel free of charge and must be included in the booking. Please note children must be supervised by one of their parents at all times.

    Travel and motion sickness

    This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. Travel time is approximately 2 hours each way, therefore we recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise. Travel sickness tablets are generally most effective if taken prior to departure.
    Please dress according to the weather – it will often feel colder at sea.

    Parking

    Onsite car parking is $9.00. Please note that car-parking is limited and availability cannot be guaranteed. During peak season and weekends we highly recommend you find alternative options.

    If you are unsure or you need further assistance please contact our sales team on 07 4726 0800.

    • Refillable water bottle
    • Camera
    • Appropriate clothing (hat, polarized sunglasses, swimmers, towel, light jacket/jumper during winter months)
    • Reef safe sunscreen
    • A small amount of cash for purchases at the bar

    Please note: reading glasses cannot be worn under your mask, therefore we recommend you bring your own contact lenses.

  • Chemicals in sunscreen, like oxybenzone, can be absorbed by corals if you go for a swim after applying it. Nanoparticles in these chemicals have been shown to disrupt coral reproduction and growth cycles, which in turn can lead to bleaching. Here are some pointers on reef-safe sunscreens.

    For more information on what to avoid, what to look for, and how to lessen your impact, check out this useful article from Reef Check:

    1. Check out the contents first:
      1. Stay away from oxybenzone, nanoparticles, parabens, and cinnamates.
      2. Look for "Non-Nano" and water-resistant sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
      3. The recommended waiting time between applying sunscreen and entering the water is 15 minutes.
    2. Don't use a spray - when we use an aerosol, much of the sunscreen misses and ends up in the water.

  • Will I get seasick on this tour?

    This is an open water cruise and you will experience sea motion. Travel time is approximately 2 hours each way, therefore we strongly recommend you eat lightly before and during the cruise and take travel sickness tablets, generally most effective if taken prior to departure as they are preventative, rather than a cure. Please dress according to the weather – it will often feel colder at sea.

    Is snorkelling enough to see the Reef?

    Yes, it certainly is!! The top of the Reef is very shallow and sometimes can be out of the water at low tide. The best vantage point to view the corals is close to the surface as the sunlight brings out the beautiful colors.

    Are there any jelly-fish or marine stingers?

    Stinger season is usually November-May in Townsville and most jellyfish are found along the coast. For more information please visit SLSC. We encourage to wear a lycra-suit which also protects from sunburn and is included in trip cost.

    Is this tour suitable if i can't swim?

    You don't need to be a professional swimmer/athlete to participate and enjoy this tour, just basic water skills are required and be comfortable in the water. Please note there are no facilities such as glass-bottom boat, semi-submersible and you need to enter the water to be able to see the Reef.

    Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

    All SeaLink vessels are wheelchair accessible, however due to its nature this particular tour unfortunately is not suitable.

    Can I BYO alcohol?

    All SeaLink vessels are fully licensed venues, all liquor must be purchased and consumed onboard (BYO liquor is not permitted). Carriage of Liquor from our vessels to the shore is not permitted whilst disembarking. Our on-board bar is open for the duration of the tour for the purchase of light snacks and refreshments. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased when lunch is served.

    What is MOUA?

    The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is a series of inspiring art pieces created by Artist Jason DeCaires Taylor highlighting reef conservation and the cultural stories of land and sea. On this day tour, visit John Brewer Reef the home of MOUA’s ‘Coral Greenhouse’, the largest MOUA installation featuring 20 reef guardian statues who are propagating coral and spreading the message of reef conversation. Read about this installation and more at www.moua.com.au

  • 1. Cancellation by the Traveller

    If you cancel your booking the following fees apply:

    • Between 14 days and 48 hours before departure: 20% of total cost
    • Between 24 hours and 48 hours before departure: 50% of total cost
    • Within 24 hours of departure: 100% of total cost

    A ‘no show’ will incur 100% penalty. No refunds are given on unused tickets.

    2. Cancellation by SeaLink North Queensland

    All tours cancelled by SeaLink North Queensland due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances are eligible for:

    • Full refund
    • Transfer or reschedule to another SeaLink North Queensland Tour
    • 100% Credit to use for a future SeaLink North Queensland Tour

    3. Booking changes

    SeaLink North Queensland will accept travel date changes or changes to another SeaLink North Queensland Tour (subject to availability) up to 48 hours before departure for a $20 p/person administration fee – any difference in tour price is payable by the passenger. Please note cancellation fees apply for any changes within 48 hours – please refer to the above Cancellation Policy.


    4. Change of Itinerary

    Tours and itinerary are subject to prevailing weather and sea conditions including tides, wind, swell and rain. The vessel master will determine the most appropriate course on the day of travel.

    5. Travel Insurance

    Holiday plans can be disrupted and cancellation fees can be costly. We highly recommend that you have your own travel insurance. Please note that Travel Insurance may not cover disruptions caused by mechanical breakdowns or adverse weather conditions.

    Click here for a full list of SeaLink North Queensland Terms and Conditions.

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