Snorkeling on the Sunshine Coast

Snorkeling on the Sunshine Coast can be a very hit and miss activity. Let us tell you why…

Summer conditions (November – May) generally produce uncomfortable seas, ocean swells, and low visibility. Although the water is warm, snorkeling in these conditions can be challenging and is cancelled 50% of the time.

Winter conditions (June – October) generally produce calm seas, with clear water, however the water temperature is between 20 and 22 degrees.

snorkelling on the sunshine coast

The Sunshine Coast is very well known for it’s sand beaches, which means there is no coral or high populations of fish along the coastal beaches. The only shore snorkeling sunshine coast available is off rocky headlands: Kings Beach (Caloundra), Point Cartwright (Mooloolaba), Point Arkwright (Coolum), Noosa National Park (Noosa). All these locations are a no go when the swell or wind is up. Snorkeling on rocky headlands can be dangerous. If you are lucky, you may find a perfect day, and get some beautiful clear, warm water, with minimal waves. During the summer you would probably have a window of about 30/200 days. In the winter months you will have a window of 60/165 days, however remember the water will be cold, and you’ll definitely need a wetsuit.

There is an island called Mudjimba Island (Old Woman Island) that has beautiful snorkeling opportunities. The reef is only 3-5 meters below the surface, and you can find beautiful hard and soft corals, lots of tropical fish, turtles and crustaceans to name a few. 

We offer snorkeling trips to Mudjimba Island during school holiday periods and other times on demand – It is a 25 minute boat ride from our dive shop at Mooloolaba. All other reef sites on the Sunshine Coast are too deep (8 – 30 metres) for beginner snorkeling.

2025 Dates:

We run snorkelling trips during the Queensland school holidays only.

Mon 6th Jan 2pm – 430pm

Thu 9th Jan 2pm – 430pm

Mon 13th Jan 2pm – 430pm