Lady Musgrave Snorkelling Cruise

Town of 1770: Lady Musgrave Island Snorkelling Day Cruise

★ 4.3 257 reviews

from $222 per person

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Duration: 9 hours
Meeting point: 1770 Marina, Captain Cook Drive
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Run by: 1770 Reef Eco Tours

Overview

The boat leaves from the Town of 1770, a short drive north of Agnes Water, and spends roughly 90 minutes each way powering out to Lady Musgrave Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef. The island is uninhabited, a coral cay sitting inside a naturally formed reef lagoon.

Once you arrive, the day runs through three main activities. There is snorkelling with provided equipment, a glass-bottom boat tour for anyone who prefers to stay dry, and a guided walk on the island with the local crew.

The full day runs about 9 hours. Lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea are provided, along with tea, coffee and chilled water, and reviewers often comment that there is plenty of food. Hotel transfers and wetsuits are not included, so you make your own way to the departure point at 535 Captain Cook Drive and bring your own wetsuit.

Clear turquoise water over pale coral heads and sand patches in the Lady Musgrave Island lagoon, a boat hull edge above.

What's Included

Included

Transfers to Lady Musgrave Island onboard power catamaran (approximately 90 minutes each way)
Glass-bottom boat tour
Guided island walk
Snorkeling equipment
Lunch, morning, and afternoon tea
Tea, coffee, and chilled water

Not Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Wetsuits

Itinerary

Meet at Captain Cook DriveCheck in at 535 Captain Cook Dr, Seventeen Seventy, the departure point for the day. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.
Catamaran transfer to the reefTravel to Lady Musgrave Island aboard a power catamaran, approximately 90 minutes each way.
Snorkel the lagoonSnorkel in the lagoon with provided equipment.
Glass-bottom boat tourView coral and reef life through the glass bottom without getting wet.
Guided island walkWalk the coral cay with the local crew, who explain the island's natural features.
Return to the Town of 1770Sail back on the catamaran, arriving roughly 9 hours after departure.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day goes, from the early start to the water temperature.

Where this tour sits among 4 tours in Reef Cruises And Dive Trips From 1770 listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Southern Reef Snorkelling Trip$216
Lady Musgrave Snorkelling Cruise (this tour)$222
Scuba Diving, Southern Reef$298
Outer Reef Scuba Diving$315.37

Start and check-in. One reviewer reported checking in well before boarding and standing around in the cold. Bring warm layers for the wait and the boat ride out.
What to wear. Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, water shoes and a reusable bottle. Sunscreen is on the list as well.
Seasickness. Seasickness medication is strongly recommended. Reviewers confirm the crossing can be choppy and that several passengers have been ill on the way out, though the crew helped those affected.
Food and drink. Lunch, morning tea, afternoon tea, tea, coffee and chilled water are all included. Multiple reviewers mention the food was plentiful and served throughout the day.
Crowds on the boat. One quiet departure carried about 29 passengers with plenty of room. Even on a fuller boat, reviewers said the snorkelling, glass-bottom boat and island walk did not feel cramped.
Cold water. Wetsuits are not included. One reviewer found the lagoon water cold even in their own thick suit, so bear that in mind if you feel the cold easily.

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Common issues. The crossing can be rough and seasickness is common enough that medication is recommended. One reviewer found the lagoon water cold even in a thick wetsuit, and suits are not supplied, so that is an extra to arrange. Another flagged a long, cold wait between the early check-in and boarding. Some travellers also mentioned wanting clearer information on travel times beforehand. No hotel transfers are included.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Return catamaran transfers to Lady Musgrave Island, snorkelling gear, the glass-bottom boat tour, a guided island walk, and lunch with morning and afternoon tea are all included. Tea, coffee and chilled water are provided on board. Wetsuits and hotel transfers are not.

Where Does The Tour Leave From?

It departs from 535 Captain Cook Dr, Seventeen Seventy, Queensland. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to make your own way there. Full meeting details are with the operator.

Is The Snorkelling Suitable For Beginners?

Yes. Conditions vary on the day. One first-time snorkeller said the crew's attention and reassurance made them feel very safe.

What Wildlife Might We See?

Marine life sightings are not guaranteed.

What Should I Bring?

Swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water shoes and a reusable bottle. Warm clothing for the early check-in and the ride out is wise, and seasickness medication is strongly recommended. Bring a wetsuit if you feel the cold, as they are not provided.

Can I Cancel If Plans Change?

Yes, the listing allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The operator carries the full terms.