Top Australia Freediving in 2026

Explore one of Australia’s top snorkeling sites with a marine biologist. Take a boat from Byron Bay to Julian Rocks/Nguthungulli, an underwater nature reserve teeming with marine wildlife. You’ll get to snorkel with professional guidance in order to see maximum fish, sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, more. Plus, you’ll enjoy epic views of the Byron Bay coastline.

Explore one of the largest accessible dive wrecks in the southern hemisphere with this dive at the HMAS Swan wreck. Take a fast charter boat out to the dive site and enjoy exploring this decommissioned naval destroyer. Sitting 32 meters deep at its deepest point and just 5 meters deep at its highest point, this site suits divers of all experience levels. Gear rental is not included and must be booked separately.

The Great Barrier Reef is now one of Australia’s most popular attractions, but for tens of thousands of years before it was under the protection of the Traditional Custodians. This snorkeling and sightseeing tour led by Indigenous Sea Rangers gives travelers a chance to see the reef through their eyes and hear the Creation Story, as well as gaining an up close and personal perspective of this natural wonder.

Leave the crowds on land and immerse yourself in the underwater world off the Gold Coast in search of turtles and other marine life on this small-group boat tour from Chinderah, south of Fingal Head. Cruise to the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, the foraging grounds of a large number of turtles. Then jump off board to snorkel and look out turtles, rays, and temperate species of fish.

Ready to try scuba diving? Scuba diving is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. It's like being a kid again—you get to explore, discover new things, and just be in the moment. And now, with Discover Scuba Dive, you can try it without committing to three days of classes! With our 1-day class, you'll get all the attention you need to make sure you feel comfortable and confident while under water. We know that sometimes it's hard to find time to commit to something new, so we've made it easy for you: no prior experience is needed! Book this diving class, and we'll take care of the rest. We'll provide all equipment and training materials, so there's no need for extra purchases or hassle. Our classes are small groups (maximum 2 people per class), so you'll get more attention. You will experience what scuba diving is like without the commitment of a 3-day course. Short on time? Try Discover Scuba Diving.

Explore the UNESCO-listed SS Yongala shipwreck and dive the waters of the Great Barrier Reef—renowned for its abundant marine life—all in one day. With all logistics taken care of, this full-day scuba adventure includes two open-water dives, all necessary equipment, lunch on board, and return transport from Townsville, making it an easy and unforgettable experience for certified divers.

Swim with whales on the Gold Coast with this guided half day excursion. Get eye to eye with these amazing, gentle creatures in either the Gold Coast, Coolangatta, or Tweed heads area. Your guide will do everything they can to find humpback whales for you to swim with. Coffee/ tea and fresh fruit will be provided after the swim, and snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, and spray jackets included.

Head out into Port Phillip Bay for the chance to swim with seals and dolphins with this boat tour. You'll visit the manmade Chinaman's Hat, known for its population of Australian Fur Seals, where you'll get to snorkel with the friendly creatures. You'll then head out to look for dolphins; if you're lucky, you'll get the chance to swim with them.

The team at Dive Centre Bondi is passionate about delivering exceptional dive training. With small groups and attention to detail, we pride ourselves in ensuring you complete your chosen dive course feeling confident and comfortable underwater. Whatever your diving goals, our dedicated team of professionals will mentor you along your journey (whilst having A LOT of FUN along the way!)

"Sydney Underwater Scooter Tours is a unique underwater adventure for everyone. We have years of experience, and we are the only tour that caters to non-swimmers. We invented this tour to allow you to experience the ocean in a safe and fun way while being surrounded by marine life, providing an underwater adventure like no other. It's fully guided and an incredibly enjoyable experience. We take you to shallow and deep areas in the ocean, offering lots of fun. We can provide video packages for an extra cost; please inquire about them. We have close marine life encounters in their natural habitat, close to Sydney Center at Clovelly. We look forward to seeing you in the water!"

Every course here is taught entirely on the Great Barrier Reef — never in a pool, never in a classroom, never overnight. Most dive schools make you choose: train in a heated pool in town for two days before you ever see the reef, or head out on a liveaboard for several nights. Sunlover's Moore Reef pontoon does neither. The purpose-built training area sits right on the reef — 1 to 3 metres, calm and sheltered, shallow enough to stand up in, but genuinely part of the ocean. Every skill is learned in salt water, from day one. And every night, you're back in your own hotel bed in Cairns. No liveaboard, no nights away. Why it matters? Real reef dives from day one, not a pool warm-up Home in Cairns every night — keep your holiday Fewest days of any comparable Cairns operator SSI certification, recognised worldwide

Experience endless opportunities for marine wildlife encounters, including whales, turtles, dolphins, and manta rays, all while enjoying the personalised attention that comes with small group sizes and low diver-to-guide ratios. Explore the remote, untouched, and uncrowded reef sites of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, known for their excellent health and vibrant ecosystems. Guests also have the unique option to participate in collecting scientific data through the ‘Eye on the Reef’ monitoring program. With multiple dive sites to choose from, each day is tailored to match guest experience, encounter preferences, and activity type, ensuring a truly customised adventure.

Discover the beauty of Green Island, a tropical coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef, with full day tour and included Introductory or Certified diving. Engage in snorkeling, explore the island’s unique rainforests, and relax on pristine beaches. Enjoy optional buffet lunch or semi submersible tour to complete your day in paradise. - Full day tours allow up to 5.5 hours on Green Island. - Choose between snorkeling gear or a glass bottom boat tour. - Family-friendly activities available for all ages. - Introductory dives for beginners, no experience necessary (min age 12yrs) - Certified diving (padi required, min age 12yrs)

Make the most of your time at the Great Barrier Reef by joining a two-day snorkeling tour. You’ll spend your days snorkeling among tropical fish, coral, and maybe even turtles. At night you’ll sleep on a boat in a shared cabin, some without windows, and can enjoy the peace of the reef after other tourists have left. Participate in the included “Fish After Dark” experience if you like.