In 2019, prior to the pandemic, 9.4 million international tourists visited Australia. Not only does this country have a rich culture to explore, but also amazing nature, both above the ground and underwater.
In fact, Australia’s well-known for its crystal-clear waters that house fascinating marine life, as well as corals and barrier reefs. So it’s no surprise that visitors don their wetsuits and dive into these beautiful waters.
If you’d like to go snorkeling in Australia, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll give you 8 tips so you enjoy the best snorkeling in Australia!
1. Join a Guided Tour
We can’t stress the importance of joining a guided tour enough! Not only will these take you to the best snorkeling places in Australia, but they’ll also provide all the gear you need, such as the wetsuit, mask, and fins.
That way, you won’t have to worry about bringing or purchasing your own gear. This makes it perfect for beginners to get into, especially if you’re not sure you want to invest in snorkeling gear and go diving more later on.
The tours are also great because the guides know about the currents and tides, and can help you get the best experience possible.
If you’re spending some time in Brisbane, then check out scubaworld.com.au for guaranteed dives (weather permitting).
2. Bring a Fish ID Guide
Whether you’re a novice or experienced snorkeler, there’s a very good chance that you won’t be familiar with the marine life found in Australia. You don’t want to be stuck, mesmerized by a fish but not having the faintest clue what it is!
Thankfully, there are numerous fish ID guides out there, and they’re quite affordable. They’re waterproof, which means you can bring them in with you and read everything clearly!
Just head to any scuba diving center and they should have these cards for you. You might want to attach a string to it so you can secure the ID guide to your wrist while swimming around.
3. Get the Right Equipment
Would you rather go snorkeling solo? Then take the time and spend the money to get the right equipment.
Purchase a wetsuit that fits just right; you shouldn’t feel like a sausage in casing or like you’re wearing bagging clothes. If you’re visiting Australia in the summer months, then you’ll want to get a stinger suit instead, as this is more lightweight but will still protect you from the small jellyfish in the water.
For your snorkeling mask, make sure it fits by testing it first, out of the water. It should stick on your face without the straps on when you breathe in through your nose, and there should be no leaks.
If you opt for fins, they should fit snugly as well.
4. Start Out From the Beach
This is also advice for snorkeling solo in Australia, and it’s something you should do if you’re new to this activity. It’s advised you do this 1 hour before high tide for the best visibility possible.
Starting out from the beach allows you to head back in if you get tired or uncomfortable. And the water will be shallow enough that you can stand upright when needed.
Slowly make your way out, based on your comfort level. You’ll eventually reach the reefs, where lots of colorful and vibrant life are!
5. Go With a Buddy
If you’re not snorkeling with a guided tour, you should at least go with a buddy. Not only will you have someone to share the experience with, but you’ll also have someone to go for help should anything happen.
Together, you can keep one another on track so you don’t drift too far out. When you’re fascinated with everything underwater, it’s easy to end up further out than intended.
6. Wear Plenty of Safe Sunscreen
The Australian sun can be harsh, and if you burn easily, you definitely will when snorkeling in this country. So you need to wear plenty of sunscreen and reapply often as well. For your first coat, put it on at least 15 minutes before you go diving.
When picking out sunscreen, make sure to get one that’s reef-safe. Many are made with oxybenzone, which is harmful to reefs. Avoid sunscreens with this chemical.
7. Don’t Touch Anything
Admittedly, much of what’s underwater is jawdropping, and sometimes, you feel an irresistible urge to reach out and touch everything. But one of the most important things you need to do is to refrain from doing so!
When you touch corals, you’ll damage them. And worse yet is, some of them will cause damage to you too!
So the best thing is to look with your eyes, not your hands. Feel free to take pictures to create lasting memories.
Needless to say, you shouldn’t be bringing anything back with you either!
8. Avoid Drinking and Snorkeling
We understand that you’re on vacation, so you’ll probably have some drinks. But save them for after snorkeling, not during.
Alcohol can impair your judgment, which can lead to unsafe situations and accidents. Plus, drinking can dehydrate you, which can increase the chances of you getting cramps. It can also make you feel sick!
Have Fun Snorkeling in Australia
Snorkeling in Australia can be an amazing and unforgettable experience, especially if you know what to do and see when you get there. So if you’ve got a trip out there soon, keep all of the above tips in mind. That way, you’ll have the best time possible when snorkeling in those gorgeous waters!
Want to learn more about the wonderful places you can visit? Then keep reading our blog for inspiration!
Leave a Reply