Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks: A Local Captain's Guide (2026)
Everything you need to know about snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island — what you'll see, the best time to go, how to get there, and why a private boat beats the crowded ferry.
The Tangalooma Wrecks are the best snorkelling spot in South East Queensland — fifteen deliberately sunk ships just off the western beach of Moreton Island, now a thriving artificial reef teeming with fish, turtles, and the occasional dolphin. After years of running charters out here, this is everything I tell my guests before we go.
What are the Tangalooma Wrecks?
Between 1963 and 1984, fifteen vessels were sunk close to shore to create a safe harbour for small boats. Over the decades they've become a living reef. The ships sit in shallow, sheltered water — most of the marine life is in just 2 to 10 metres — which makes this one of the few world-class snorkelling sites you can enjoy without being a strong swimmer or a diver.
What you'll see
On a good day you'll swim over wobbegong sharks resting on the sand, schools of trevally and kingfish, parrotfish, batfish, and bright tropical species you'd normally expect much further north. Green sea turtles are common, and dugongs and dolphins pass through the bay. The wrecks themselves are covered in soft coral and sponges — it feels like snorkelling through an underwater garden.
The best time of year to go
You can snorkel the Wrecks year-round, but the water is clearest and warmest from September through May. Summer (December–February) brings the best visibility and the warmest water. Winter is still very doable — the marine life is just as active — but you'll want a wetsuit, which we provide. Morning trips generally have the calmest water and the best light for seeing fish.
Getting there: ferry vs private charter
Most people reach the Wrecks on the Tangalooma day ferry, sharing the water with a few hundred other snorkellers at fixed times. It works — but you're on their schedule, in their crowd.
A private charter changes the whole day. We leave from Brisbane on your timing, take a small group (just your people, up to 7 guests), and anchor right at the Wrecks when the light and tide are best — often before the ferry crowds arrive. No queues, no strangers, no rush. Snorkel gear, drinks, and everything you need are already on board.
What to bring
We provide the snorkel gear, wetsuits, fresh water and the boat — you just bring sunscreen (reef-safe, please), a hat, a towel, and a sense of adventure. If you get seasick, take something before we leave the marina.
Ready to see the Wrecks for yourself?
A private day on Moreton Bay is the best way to experience the Tangalooma Wrecks — your group, your schedule, everything included. Explore our experiences or get in touch to plan your day on the water.