Australia’s incredible natural scenery isn’t only limited to what lies above the ground – once you glance beneath the surface of Australia’s coastal waters, you’ll be treated to tropical fish, vibrantly colored corals, massive rock formations, and historic shipwrecks. Australia has some of the most scenic and diverse underwater ecosystems in the world and many of them are shallow enough to be explored with just a snorkel and a pair of fins. If you want to take a look under the water on your trip down under, here are the most extraordinary snorkeling spots in Australia that are definitely worth the visit.

Fitzroy Island, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and a true snorkeling paradise. As Cairns has long been known as the gateway to the reef, there is no better place to experience its beauty than by snorkeling from Fitzroy Island. Just a 45-minute boat ride from Cairns Marina, the island is 97% national park, made up of tropical rainforests, which makes it the perfect backdrop for any snorkeling experience. The beaches on Fitzroy Island, such as Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach, are surrounded by colorful coral reefs just a few meters away from the shore, which makes exploring the magic of the reef safe and easily accessible, even for children and novices. Snorkeling through the warm waters of Fitzroy Island, you will find yourself side by side with an abundance of unique sea life, including clown fish, gropers, cods and sea turtles – the ultimate way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.

Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia

As Australia’s second largest coral reef, Ningaloo Marine Park is the perfect place for any snorkeling enthusiast. The reef stretches along 260 kilometers of coastline and is easiest to access from the town of Exmouth, which is just a two hour flight away from Perth. With professional tours that are available every day, you can cruise out to the reef and spot some of the 500 species of fish and a wide variety of marine life that live in these waters. The natural wonders of this beautiful place are best experienced with a high quality full face snorkel mask that will not only make snorkeling easier and safer, but will also enhance your viewing area, letting you enjoy the underwater world to the fullest.

Moreton Island, Queensland

40km off the coast of Brisbane, Moreton Island is the home of the popular Tangalooma Wrecks, made up of 15 deliberately sunken ships that were originally placed in 1963 to form a breakwater for local fishermen. The wrecks have since evolved to become a highly popular snorkeling destination, both for tourists and for locals. The site can be reached by snorkeling straight from the beach and is home to over 175 species of tropical fish, including lionfish, kingfish and yellowtail. On your snorkeling adventure through the wrecks, you will also get the chance to see moray eels, turtles, dolphins and stingrays. The ease of access and the unique environment of the Tangalooma Wrecks place this destination on a must-visit list for all snorkel enthusiasts.

Lady Elliot Island, Queensland

On the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef lies Lady Elliot Island, accessible only by a scenic flight from Brisbane, Bundaberg or the Gold Coast. The Coral Cay surrounding the island is the starting point of the reef and offers amazing snorkeling sites for both beginners and more advanced snorkelers, which are accessible straight from the island’s beaches. On the western side of the island, Coral Gardens and Lighthouse have deeper waters for the more experienced snorkelers, where you can find beautiful coral and tropical fish, along with the mega fauna, such as dolphins, whales, reef sharks and manta rays. On the eastern side of the island, the calm and clear waters of The Lagoon are perfect for children and novice snorkelers, with enough colorful coral, tropical fish, clams and turtles to keep you entertained for hours.

Lord Howe Island, NSW

A small island off the coast of Port Macquarie on the NSW North Coast, Lord Howe Island measures just 11km end to end, and 3km across, and only allows up to 400 visitors at any one time. The island has long been a haven for keen snorkelers from all around the world, with more than 90 types of corals and over 500 different species of fish to explore at its numerous snorkeling spots, such as Lagoon Beach, Ned’s Beach and Erscott’s Hole, all of which are easily accessible from the island’s beaches. The diversity of the coral and fish species combined with the crystal clear waters and ideal temperatures make Lord Howe one of the world’s premier snorkeling destinations.

Snorkeling is a unique experience and it’s often the best way to explore Australia’s incredible underwater environments. With so many wonderful destinations to choose from, snorkeling gives you the freedom to really get up close and personal to the country’s breathtaking reefs and magical sea life.