NOTE: Images and comments within this article are idicative of our visit to Tangalooma in 2015. Features of the resort and locations may have changed since this date.
The stunning waters of Moreton Bay are perfect for water sports, with the abundant sea life around Tangalooma encouraging visitors to get up close and explore. The Tangalooma Wrecks just north of Tangalooma Island Resort consist of 15 old ships that were purposely placed in the area in the 1960s to provide a natural harbour for boats. The wrecks have now formed an artificial reef that provides calmer seas and a safe haven for wildlife, making it the ideal area for snorkeling; regardless of skill level or previous experience.
Snorkeling the wrecks at Tangalooma review (2015)
I have to say that our snorkeling tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks was the absolute highlight of our trip to Tangalooma! Having never snorkeled before, I was apprehensive about snorkeling in the ocean with unknown ocean life flitting around me. Fortunately, we picked a perfect sunny and calm day for our tour and once I jumped in I could not get enough!
Before leaving the resort, all four members of our family were kitted out with full wetsuits, flippers and snorkel gear. We then hopped on the flat bottom boat to travel the couple of kilometres north to the Tangalooma Wrecks. Miss 5 ยฝ wore a life jacket and Miss 9 had a pool noodle (both also provided by the resort), which made it a lot easier for them for the 40 minutes we were in the water. As we swam amongst the wrecks, we spotted and swam with hundreds of colourful fish and even spied a Wobbegong Shark hiding out on the ocean floor.
This tour was simply not long enough for meโI could have swum around the wrecks all day! That said, it was the perfect length of time for the kids, and if the ocean had been less calm we would probably have been far more tired by the end of it. The Snorkel the Wrecks Tour was a rare experience that would be absolute top of my recommended must do list for everyone visiting Tangalooma, rated well up there with the wild dolphin feeding.
Who can enjoy the Snorkel the Wrecks Tour?
The Snorkel the Wrecks Tour is recommended for children aged over 6 years. A moderate level of fitness is required, however previous snorkeling experience is not necessary as a safety briefing is provided before heading out on the tour.
How much does it cost to swim around the Wrecks at Tangalooma?
As at May 2023, the Snorkel the Wrecks Tour is priced from $69 per person for adults and $55 per child (min. age 6 years), which includes all snorkeling equipment and wetsuits (please note that these prices are subject to change). The tour consists of a full 1 ยฝ hour experience out in Moreton Bay, with around 45 minutes exploring the wrecks themselves. Alternate options for exploring the wrecks include an Illuminated Wrecks tour (boat-based) and a clear bottom kayak tour, or you can simply hire the snorkeling equipment and do your own thing (prices vary).
The Snorkel the Wrecks Tour operates at Tangalooma daily, though this is subject to tide and weather conditions.
Brisbane Kids thanks Tangalooma Island Resort for sponsoring our writer and her family on their holidays to the lovely Tangalooma Island Resort and Moreton Island. Costs were covered. All the opinions stated in this review are true, honest and genuine with the sole aim of providing enough information for families to make an informed decision about future holidays to this wonderful local leisure destination.
Exploring Tangalooma and Moreton Island isn’t just limited to the summer months! Check out our review of Tangalooma’s Whale Watching Day Trip for a winter adventure for the whole family!
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