Townsville

In North Queensland, marine stinger risk is highest in warmer months, roughly Nov to May. This includes box jellyfish and Irukandji. If you snorkel or freedive in this period, wear a full-coverage stinger suit (not just a rashguard) and follow local beach signage about nets and closures. Dive operators may require full coverage on reef trips as well. Outside stinger season you can often snorkel in normal swimwear, but a thin suit still helps with sun and abrasion. Always check local warnings before entering the water.

Magnetic Island is reached by ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay, with a crossing of about 20 minutes. You can travel as a foot passenger or bring a vehicle on the car ferry. Many visitors do not need a car: the island has buses, short taxi rides, and walkable bays, and the best snorkel trails are close to settled areas. A car is useful if you want to hop between multiple beaches in one day, carry lots of gear, or stay in a quieter part of the island. Pre-book vehicle spaces in peak periods.

Usually, yes, but most travelers never see it as a separate payment. The EMC is collected by permitted tour operators for activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is commonly included in your ticket price. Current rates are often listed as a full-day or part-day charge (for example AUD $8.00 / AUD $4.00), with a scheduled increase to AUD $8.50 / AUD $4.25 from 1 Apr 2026. Ask your operator how it appears on the receipt, especially if you are doing multiple trips in a short window.

Start with the signed shore trails: the Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail and Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail. Both have easy beach access and marked points so you can self-guide. For calmer water, Alma Bay is a protected cove that works well for beginners. Go early in the morning before the sea breeze adds surface chop. In Nov to May, wear a stinger suit and follow any net or closure signage.

John Brewer Reef is offshore, so comfort depends on wind and swell rather than distance alone. Even in dry season, trade winds around 20 km/h to 30 km/h can make the ride bumpy and may lead to cancellations. If you are prone to motion sickness, take medication early (before boarding), stay hydrated, eat a light snack, and keep your eyes on the horizon. Choose a seat mid-ship where motion is reduced. If conditions look marginal, consider switching to a Magnetic Island shore snorkel day instead.

Townsville is a key medical center for North Queensland and has hyperbaric medicine capability at Townsville University Hospital. In a suspected decompression illness case, treat it as a medical emergency: call 000 if needed, provide oxygen if trained, and follow medical directions. Do not self-diagnose or delay because symptoms seem mild. If you are a DAN member or have dive accident insurance, contact the emergency hotline after the patient is stabilized to help coordinate care. Save key numbers in your phone before your trip.

Start with buoyancy and fin control: do not touch coral, do not stand on the reef, and keep gear streamlined so it does not drag. Respect wildlife by watching from a distance and never feeding animals. Use moorings where provided and avoid anchoring in restricted areas. On the SS Yongala, follow underwater cultural heritage rules: no penetration and no disturbing artefacts. If you are unsure about a rule, ask the crew before you enter the water. Responsible behavior keeps the sites open and healthy.

Yes. Many reef day boats welcome snorkelers and 'ride along' passengers, and the MOUA sites at John Brewer Reef can be a highlight for surface swimmers because some sculptures are in about 3 m to 6 m. Ask what flotation, guided snorkels, and stinger protection are provided, especially in warmer months. If you want a no-boat option, Magnetic Island snorkel trails let non-divers and divers share the same beach day. On land, plan shared meals on The Strand or a Castle Hill sunset to regroup after different activities.