What To Pack for Your Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Adventure

Don’t forget the essentials on your unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure!

When planning for any trip, a list of items to pack comes to mind. However, even when you think you’re prepared, it’s easy to forget something. That’s why we created a packing list so that you don’t leave behind any of the essentials on your Great Barrier Reef snorkelling adventure!

The essentials

When embarking on a snorkelling trip on the Great Barrier Reef, there will always be gear available for free or for hire. There is no need to bring snorkel gear or wetsuits, as your tour operator will provide these. However, there are still some things you’ll have to bring for a comfortable day out at sea.

• Reef-safe sunscreen

Not only is it important to bring sunscreen, but it’s essential to wear sunscreen that is safe for the reef. The sun in Australia is extra harsh, so be sure to apply sunscreen regularly to any part of your body that is exposed to the sun. It’s also important to remember to reapply after a few hours for maximum protection!

• Hat or sunglasses

Even if you’re wearing sunscreen, you’ll appreciate the extra protection provided by a hat. The sun can also seem extra bright when you’re out at sea as it reflects off of the ocean water, so sunglasses can be very helpful.

• Towel

Don’t forget to bring a towel! You’ll need this to dry off when you’re not snorkelling. It is also helpful to sit on if your seat gets too hot from the sun.

• Swimwear

Most snorkelling tours will provide a wetsuit. However, you will still need something to wear underneath the wetsuit. Wetsuits provide extra protection against the sun and stingers, but they don’t keep you dry.

• Dry clothing

Once you’re done swimming and exploring, you’ll probably want to change into dry clothes. If you forget to bring dry clothes, it’s not the end of the world. When laying out in the sun, your swimsuit will dry off pretty quickly.

• Reusable water bottle

This is another very important item to remember. Many tours provide water, but it’s a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle just in case. It’s easy to get dehydrated when spending the day on the water with limited options for shade from the sun.

The extras

Now that we’ve gotten the essential packing items out of the way, let’s dive into the extra things to bring.

• Waterproof camera or GoPro

The scenery at the Great Barrier Reef is quite incredible and you’ll probably want to capture some photos or footage. Before embarking on your snorkelling trip, you may want to get a waterproof camera or GoPro. There are heaps of waterproof options, just choose which one best suits your needs!

• Cash

There may be a bar or other optional extras to purchase while on your snorkelling trip. It’s a good idea to carry some cash with you on your trip just in case you want to purchase something.

• Motion sickness tablets

If you’re prone to getting motion sick, it may be a good idea to pack motion sickness tablets. Some snorkelling tours will have motion sickness tablets available, but it’s better to be prepared in case there aren’t any available.

Now you’re prepared and ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure around the Great Barrier Reef!

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.