Blue Seafaris, 2.5-Hour Snorkel

Blue Seafaris Julian Rocks Snorkelling Tour

★ 4.5 448 reviews

from A$94 per person

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Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Run by: Blue Seafaris

Overview

This 2.5-hour trip from Blue Seafaris puts you in the water at Julian Rocks, the marine sanctuary the local Arakwal people call Nguthungulli, off the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. You check in at Brunswick Heads Boat Harbour, about 15 minutes north of Byron Bay, then ride a speedboat out to the rocks. Where tropical and temperate currents meet, the fish life is dense, and the shallow, protected water suits both snorkelling and freediving.

A marine biologist guides the swim and points out what most people would swim straight past. One reviewer said they would not have noticed half the sea creatures without the guide pointing them out, and reviewers frequently report wobbegongs, octopuses, spotted rays and turtles. Depending on season, leopard sharks and mantas appear from November to May, and humpback whales are a daily sight from June to November. Dolphins may also be encountered on the way out to the rocks.

Gear is part of the package: mask, fins and wetsuit are all provided, along with pool noodles if you want a rest. The tour suits confident open-water swimmers, since flotation jackets for non-swimmers are not offered. The listing highlights a small intimate group for the boat ride, on the vessel Wardjum, named for a mythical sea creature in Bundjalung tradition, and the pace leaves time to swim several spots around the rocks before the run back to harbour.

FromA$94 per person

Duration2 hours 30 minutes

Rating4.5 from 448 reviews

What's Included

Included

Marine biologist guide
Mask, fins and wetsuit

Run byBlue Seafaris

Itinerary

Meet at Brunswick HeadsCheck in at 43 Harbour Wy, Brunswick Heads, the departure point about 15 minutes north of Byron Bay.
Speedboat to Julian RocksThe boat ride out to the sanctuary takes 15 minutes, with dolphins and other marine life sometimes seen on the way.
Snorkel the sanctuarySpend 1.5 hours on swimming, snorkelling and marine life viewing around Julian Rocks, guided by an onboard marine biologist. Whale and dolphin watching happen en route as opportunities arise.
Return to harbourThe boat arrives back at 43 Harbour Wy, Brunswick Heads.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this trip before you book.

A$94from, per person

2.5 hoursduration

4.5across 448 guest reviews

Swimming ability. You need to be comfortable swimming in open water. Pool noodles are available but flotation jackets for non-swimmers are not provided, so this is not the tour for a nervous or non-swimmer.
Gear supplied. Mask, fins and a wetsuit are included, so there is no need to bring your own kit. Several reviewers noted the guide stays in the water with the group and actively searches for animals.
Bring the basics. The listing recommends a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen and a reusable water bottle. No food or drink is mentioned as included, so bring your own water.
Sea conditions. Tours only run in favourable ocean conditions, and choppy water can happen even on days that go ahead. One reviewer described rough conditions at the start that the crew handled well, and another hit poor visibility while still enjoying the trip.
Seasonal wildlife. Leopard sharks and mantas are most likely from November to May, while humpback whales are a daily sight from June to November. Many reviewers report turtles and rays.
Morning pace. One reviewer called the early session a brilliant way to start the day. The trip is short enough to leave the rest of the day free.

FromA$94 per person

Rating4.5 from 448 reviews

Check DatesCheck Price & Availability →

Common issues. The biggest variable is the ocean itself: trips run subject to favourable conditions, and if things change the operator reschedules by email and SMS, with a full refund offered as an alternative. Visibility can be poor on any given day, as one reviewer experienced, and choppy surface conditions happen too. Check your messages before departure and make sure your mobile number is on the booking form. Non-swimmers cannot be accommodated, and no food or drink is listed as included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

A marine biologist guide, plus mask, fins and a wetsuit are all included. The 2.5-hour boat trip from Brunswick Heads on the vessel Wardjum is part of the tour. No food or drink is listed as included, so bring your own water.

Where Does The Tour Depart From?

The meeting point is 43 Harbour Wy, Brunswick Heads, about 15 minutes north of Byron Bay. Hotel pickup is not part of this tour, so you make your own way to the harbour. Tour times run on the NSW time zone.

Can Beginners Or Non-Swimmers Join?

Beginners who are comfortable swimming in open water can join, and pool noodles are available for rest stops. However, flotation jackets for non-swimmers are not provided, so the tour is not suitable for anyone unable to swim.

What Marine Life Will I See?

Turtles, rays, wobbegongs and large schools of fish are commonly reported by reviewers, with leopard sharks and mantas most likely from November to May. Humpback whales are a daily sight from June to November, and dolphins may appear on the boat ride. Sightings vary with conditions and season.

What Should I Bring?

Bring a sun hat, biodegradable sunscreen and a reusable water bottle, as the listing recommends. A wetsuit, mask and fins are provided. Leave contact details on the booking form so the operator can reach you about any changes.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If ocean conditions force a change, the operator contacts you by email and SMS to reschedule, or you can opt for a full refund instead.