Where can you snorkel on the Capricorn Coast?

The best snorkelling is off Great Keppel Island and the neighbouring Keppel islands, where fringing coral lies just off the beaches. Monkey Beach on Great Keppel is a well-known spot, reachable by a short walk or swim.

Do you need a boat to snorkel the reef here?

Not necessarily — much of the coral is reachable from shore on Great Keppel. A snorkelling cruise or glass-bottom-boat trip reaches the best spots around the islands if you'd rather be taken there. See our snorkelling cruise.

What will I see snorkelling?

Coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles and rays are common; the water is clearest on calm, incoming tides. In winter, humpback whales pass through the bay offshore.

Is it safe to snorkel — what about stingers?

Marine stingers are present in the warmer months (roughly November–May) — wear a stinger suit, take local advice and snorkel with a buddy. The cooler dry season is the most comfortable.

Can beginners snorkel here?

Yes — the shore-based coral off Great Keppel suits beginners and families, and gear hire is available. Choose calm conditions and stay within your depth and ability.

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Capricorn Coast · Snorkelling

Snorkelling & the Reef

Fringing coral you can reach from the sand — turtles, tropical fish and coral gardens off Great Keppel and the Keppel islands, the Southern Reef the easy way.

Shore snorkellingMonkey Beach the classicTurtles & coralCruises to the islands

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The Southern Reef, Sorted in One Call

Great Keppel Island, the Keppel Bay islands, Byfield’s beaches and the coast’s best days out — planned from Brisbane by the family that’s toured Queensland since 1974.

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