Small-group reef snorkelling from 1770

About this experience

This is the small-group alternative to the big Lady Musgrave boat. The listing caps it at ten snorkellers, with Master Reef Guides on board and a guide with you in the water to find animals and answer questions. You snorkel two different reef sites in the Capricorn Bunker Group: drop-offs, ledges, caves, coral walls and old coral bommies. The most common sightings, per the listing, are turtles, reef sharks, octopus and reef fish, and it is upfront that sightings cannot be guaranteed. Guests also report mantas and dolphins.

Be clear on one point: this trip does not land on Lady Musgrave Island. There is no island walk, no beach and no glass-bottom boat. If setting foot on the island matters, book the Lady Musgrave day cruise instead. What you get here is more attention: guests keep coming back to the size of the group and the guides.

It is a trip for people who are at home in the water. The listing rules out children under 10, non-swimmers, people prone to seasickness, people with back problems and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. A full-length wetsuit is included, which helps in the cooler winter water and in the November to May stinger season. Certified divers can do the same kind of day on the reef scuba trip.

• No more than ten snorkellers per trip
• A guide in the water at two reef sites
• Master Reef Guides on board talking marine conservation
• Full-length wetsuit and all snorkel gear included
• Lunch and snacks on board
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

How the day runs

1. MorningMeet at the marina

   The meeting point is 535 Captain Cook Drive, Seventeen Seventy. Getting there is up to you: transport to the departure point is not included.

2. On boardGear and a briefing

   You get your full-length wetsuit and snorkel gear, and the guides talk about the reef and its conservation.

3. Open waterOut to the reef

   The boat crosses open water to the southern reefs. One guest praised the captain for a smooth ride in tall swells.

4. First siteGuided snorkel

   Your guide swims with the group, pointing out turtles, reef sharks, octopus and fish along ledges and coral walls.

5. Second siteA different reef

   The second site offers something else: drop-offs, caves or big coral bommies. Lunch and snacks are served on board.

6. About 9 hoursBack to 1770

   The boat heads back to the marina at the end of a full day.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Book early. With ten places a trip, the listing warns that it is likely to sell out.
• Pack warm clothing, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water and a camera, as the listing suggests. Bring a few snacks of your own as well.
• Leave the alcohol at home, and look but don't touch: both are rules on board.
• The weather decides reef days. One guest moved her date a few days out when the forecast turned, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before gives you the same room.
• Read up on the water first: our snorkelling, stingers and sharks guide covers the stinger season and reef sharks.

Read next:

• Snorkelling, stingers & sharks
• Lady Musgrave day trip

Frequently asked questions

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