Snorkeling in Queensland? Tangalooma Shipwrecks is one of Australias best snorkeling locations.
This incredible dive site features coral and tropical fish around a group of sunken boats called the Tangalooma Wrecks.
Booking The Tour
We booked a snorkeling tour using the popular booking platform, Viator. This ensured we could rebook the tour with up to 24 hours notice for free, or get a refund if we could no longer make it.
Getting Out To The Island
We booked a tour with See Moreton, who provides a buffet lunch, activities and a 1-hour snorkeling session. The trip out to the Tangalooma Wrecks took around 45 minutes.
On the way to the island, we saw a lot of interesting boats anchored in the industrial part of Brisbane’s Port. There were a few Dolphins spotted closer to arriving at the wrecks.
The Wrecks
The Shipwrecks are a beautiful sight. They have eroded over the years, but the site has started to become a natural reef for the fish and marine life in the area.
The Tangalooma wrecks came about in 1963 as a result of lobbying by recreational boat owners for a safe anchorage. The wrecks consist of a line of old Harbours and Marine Department steam-driven dredges and barges on the edge of a sandbank that were deliberately sunk with the Maryborough being the first vessel. – Visit Moreton Island
The Snorkel Tour
Snorkeling at Tangalooma Wrecks exceeded our expectations. If you are lucky, you may spot a dolphin, sea turtle or even a dugong during your session.
The Wrecks are home to hundreds of species of fish life, octopus, wobbegongs and more.
The staff split the guests into two groups, all equipment supplied. There were adequate safety procedures and supervision.
We felt very safe and I highly doubt our experience would be the same if we attempted to snorkel the wrecks on our own.
The current can get very strong, and the snorkel instructor gave great advice on how to get the best out of the hour in the water.
The History
The staff on the See Moreton were obviously passionate about Sea Life and the local Moreton area.
The captain had a vast knowledge of the area. He paid tribute to the Quandamooka people and shared aboriginal history throughout the cruise along with information about other historic events.
I felt this really pulled the tour together nicely, and guests left with an appreciation of the Tangalooma experience.
Sightseeing Getting Home
Once the Snorkel trip is over, the Captain will take everyone for a sightseeing trip around the bend. This includes spotting Dolphins and checking out the WW2 concrete fortifications left on the island.
The trip home is very quiet, most of the passengers fall asleep. Snorkeling uses up an incredible about of energy, so there is a very sleep, content vibe on the boat.
Notes:
- Book Your Trip with Viator Free rebooking & refund service with only 24 hours notice.
- The boat is a 4 million dollar vessel, its clean and carries around 100 people for the tour.
- Pack a jumper, it does get chilly on the air-conditioned boat.
- The boat has a bar, Happy Hour was after the Snorkel Tour
- You will have the opportunity to go to the shore and swim, we passed on this as the weather came over cloudy.
