Moreton Island Tangalooma Wrecks Snorkelling Cruise Brisbane
Overview
Our Tangalooma Wrecks snorkelling cruise is an all-inclusive full day on Moreton Island from Brisbane. You sail across Moreton Bay with a marine naturalist guide, snorkel among the sunken ships, feed fish, join beach games or paddleboarding and enjoy a tropical buffet lunch. National and marine park fees are included. Depending on the option you choose, you make your own way to the marina or we arrange pickup from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, which suits couples, families and groups.
Highlights
- Guided snorkel at the Tangalooma Wrecks, a group of sunken ships turned into a reef
- Onboard commentary from a marine naturalist guide who explains the bay and its wildlife
- Tropical buffet lunch with ocean king prawns, plus morning tea and coffee on boarding
- Fish feeding, beach time, sporting equipment and stand-up paddleboarding included
- National and marine park fees already covered
- Choose the option with no pickup, Brisbane pickup or Gold Coast pickup
- A relaxed day for families, with child and infant places
Full Description
Moreton Island and Tangalooma
Moreton Island lies in Moreton Bay a short cruise from Brisbane, and it is one of the largest sand islands in the world. Nearly all of it is national park, and the marine waters around it are protected, which is why the snorkelling here is so easy to enjoy. Tangalooma, on the western side, was a whaling station in the 1950s and is now a quiet beach settlement where day cruises land.
If you are asking whether a Moreton Island day cruise is worth it, the appeal is the mix: warm shallow water, white sand and a relaxed pace, all included in one ticket. The best time to visit Moreton Island is from spring to autumn, when the water is warmest, though winter days are often clear and calm.
Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks
The Tangalooma Wrecks are about fifteen old vessels that were deliberately sunk from the 1960s to form a breakwater, and they now shelter a busy reef community. On this Tangalooma Wrecks snorkelling tour a marine naturalist guide leads you over the hulls, so you learn what you are looking at as well as seeing it. Snorkelling equipment is included.
Expect schools of fish, coral growth on the metal and, with luck, rays or a turtle, though wildlife is never guaranteed. Dolphins are sometimes seen from the boat in the bay. The water is shallow and calm around the wrecks, which makes it comfortable for first-time snorkellers.
Buffet lunch, beach time and activities
Between swims you have lunch from a tropical buffet, including ocean king prawns, on the cruise or ashore. Morning tea and coffee are served as you board, so the day starts easily. Additional drinks are not included, so carry a little money if you want more.
Beach time is part of the ticket, with sporting equipment for games on the sand, fish feeding, and stand-up paddleboarding for those who want to try. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a hat, and put on a rash shirt if you burn easily.
Meeting point, pickup and the cruise from Brisbane
The cruise departs from Rivergate Marina on the Brisbane River. The no-pickup option checks in at about 9:30 AM, and there is free street parking nearby, while parking at the marina itself is not included. Because you cross Moreton Bay by sea, weather can change the timing, and your guide will explain the plan on board.
If you would rather not drive, choose the option with Brisbane pickup, which starts at about 8:40 AM, or the Gold Coast pickup, which starts at about 7:30 AM. Exact pickup points are confirmed after booking.
Itinerary
- Meeting or pickupCheck in at Rivergate Marina at about 9:30 AM, or be collected at about 8:40 AM in Brisbane or 7:30 AM on the Gold Coast.
- Morning tea and coffee on boardingSettle in on the cruise and hear the guide's introduction to Moreton Bay.
- Cruise across Moreton BaySail to Tangalooma with commentary on the bay, its wildlife and its history.
- Snorkel at the Tangalooma WrecksA guided snorkel over the sunken ships with equipment provided.
- Tropical buffet lunchA relaxed lunch including ocean king prawns.
- Beach time and activitiesFish feeding, sporting equipment and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Return cruiseSail back to the marina and, if you chose pickup, return to your area.
What's included
- Full-day Moreton Island cruise
- Morning tea and coffee on boarding
- Tropical buffet lunch with ocean king prawns
- Snorkelling equipment and a guided snorkel
- Onboard commentary by a marine naturalist guide
- National and marine park fees
- Fish feeding, beach time, sporting equipment and stand-up paddleboarding
Not included
- Additional drinks
- Parking at the marina for guests who drive themselves
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot manage boarding a boat or walking on sand
- Anyone who would prefer a shorter half-day trip
Meeting point
With the no-pickup option you meet at Rivergate Marina in Brisbane at about 9:30 AM, and there is free street parking nearby. With the Brisbane pickup option you are collected at about 8:40 AM from one of two pickup locations, and with the Gold Coast option at about 7:30 AM from one of two locations. We confirm your exact pickup point after booking.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses; a rash shirt helps in strong sun.
- Bring a small amount of cash for extra drinks and tips, which are not included.
- Parking at the marina is not included for guests who drive themselves; free street parking is nearby.
- Wear non-slip shoes on the boat and carry a light waterproof bag for your phone.
- Sea conditions can change the schedule; your guide may adjust the order of activities.
- Your exact pickup point is confirmed after booking on the pickup options.
- Infants aged 0 to 2, children aged 3 to 13 and adults aged 14 and over have their own places and rates.
- Tell us in advance about dietary needs so we can pass them on.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Tangalooma Wrecks snorkelling cruise cost?
The price depends on the option you choose, that is no pickup, Brisbane pickup or Gold Coast pickup. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, for adults and for children.
Is hotel pickup included?
It depends on the option. The no-pickup option meets at Rivergate Marina, while the Brisbane pickup and Gold Coast pickup options include transport, with exact points confirmed after booking.
How long is the Moreton Island cruise?
It is a full-day trip. Check-in is at about 9:30 AM, 8:40 AM or 7:30 AM depending on your option, and you return to the marina in the late afternoon.
What is the difference between the options?
The cruise and inclusions are the same in all three. The options differ only in how you reach the marina: your own transport, Brisbane pickup or Gold Coast pickup.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a tropical buffet lunch with ocean king prawns is included, along with morning tea and coffee on boarding. Additional drinks are not included.
Is the snorkelling suitable for beginners?
Yes. The water around the wrecks is shallow and calm, equipment is provided and a marine naturalist guide leads the snorkel.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes. There are places for infants aged 0 to 2 and children aged 3 to 13, and the beach time and fish feeding are popular with families.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear under light clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. A rash shirt and a waterproof phone pouch are useful.
Are park fees included?
Yes. National and marine park fees are included in the ticket.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Choose your date in the booking panel to see what is available. Because the pickup options depart early, we recommend booking as early as possible.
