I Tried Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef (Terrified, Nauseous, and Still Glad I Did It)
- Dr. K.
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Let me just say this upfront: I didn’t swim with the stingrays. I didn’t effortlessly 'dive' into the deep blue. But I did put on a wetsuit, learn to breathe through a snorkel, and step into the Great Barrier Reef — which is still kind of a big deal when you’re scared of ocean life and mildly allergic to boats.
We went to Fitzroy Island, a beginner-friendly reef spot just 45 minutes by ferry from Cairns.
If you want, you can stay there overnight at the Fitzroy Island Resort. Technically, this resort is located in a 'national park' and on the 'beach' - that's what makes it cool.
The island itself is open to all - we just went for the day. On the island, you will find a dive center, and a bunch of activities for people who aren’t exactly born swimmers but still want to say: “I’ve been to the Great Barrier Reef.”
The Night Before: Shark Scenarios & Sleep Deprivation
I barely slept. I stayed up spiraling, convinced a turtle might slap my face, a stingray would nibble on my foot, or a shark would show up uninvited. In case you’re wondering — none of these creatures hang out in the shallow reef zone. But try telling that to my 3 a.m. imagination.
The Ferry Ride, My Ginger Candy, and Me
We booked a round-trip day package through Fitzroy Island Resort — 8:00 a.m. out, 5:00 p.m. back. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes. Scenic? Yes. Calm? Not really.
Motion sickness is real, and I came armed with anti-nausea meds and lemon-ginger candy like a reef warrior. And honestly, it helped. A little.
Also worth knowing: there are plenty of other reef tours from Cairns that take you to different islands (there are over 900 in the reef system!). Fitzroy is just one — so don’t feel like this is the only option. Especially if you’re not staying overnight.
Welcome to Fitzroy!
If you booked through the official website, all activities are run through the Fitzroy Dive Centre.
✅ We pre-booked our Intro to Snorkeling lesson (smart move)
✅ We booked the glass-bottom boat tour later while on the island (lucky it wasn’t full)
Then came the rented wetsuit. You ever try to peel a banana… in reverse… with your body inside it? That’s what it’s like putting on a wetsuit when your core strength is questionable. I was sweating before I saw the water. Getting out of it later? Oh, sweet humiliation.
As I hobbled down to meet my instructor, stones got lodged inside my fins. Every step was like walking on tiny knives. I was trying to be chill, but I was limping like a pirate with a peg leg. Glamorous, I know.
The Snorkeling Saga: Saltwater, Struggle, and Small Wins
Snorkeling sounds simple, right? Just breathe through a tube and float. Now add saltwater in your mouth, waves slapping your face, and the sudden realization that your life jacket isn’t calming your anxiety.
Still, I did it. I got in. I saw cabbage coral, spaghetti coral, and flashes of yellow, black, and white fish swimming just beneath me. I stayed close to shore (because no thank you, deep sea) and soaked in the magic from the shallow end.
Getting out, though? I was dizzy, wobbling, and trying to find my footing. As I reached down to put on my shoe, a wave stole it. I started yelling. My instructor, calm as ever, chased it down and handed it back like this was just another Thursday. 🤷♀️
Glass-Bottom Boat = Dry, Calm, Surprisingly Awesome
Later in the afternoon, we took the 3:00 p.m. glass-bottom boat tour, which honestly was pretty cool.
We saw:
• Cabbage coral (yep, it looks like underwater lettuce)
• Spaghetti coral (no sauce required)
• Schools of tropical fish — yellow, black, and white
• One sea turtle swimming gracefully like he was on vacation
If you’re not ready to snorkel, this is the next best thing. Highly recommended for non-swimmers, kids, or seasick humans. You still see the reef. You still get the experience. And you stay dry.
That said… nothing beats being in the water. If you can manage it — even just the intro snorkel class — do it. Up close, the reef reveals details and movement no photo, video or glass panel can truly convey.
Important Notes for Visitors (aka: Don’t Be Me)
🔘 Come wearing your swimsuit (the changing rooms are fine, but basic)
🔘 Bring slides or any beach-friendly shoes — the shore is rocky, not soft
🔘 If you want to hike (and Fitzroy has some great trails), bring running shoes — hikes range from 45 minutes to 3 hours
🔘 You can get coffee in the morning — kiosk closes early
🔘 Lockers are available, but not free
🔘 Fitzroy's glass-bottom boat tours run only twice a day — book early.
🔘 The food wait was 45 minutes, but my mango avocado salad was absolute perfection — fresh, flavorful, and totally worth it
A Note for Mixed-Interest Groups
If you’re visiting with a group and some people want to snorkel while others only want to take the glass-bottom boat, here’s my honest advice: Split into two different tours. If you’re only interested in the glass-bottom boat, you don’t need to come to Fitzroy. Many reef operators offer tours straight from Cairns and back.
If you’re not planning to get in the water or hike, and you’re not staying at the Fitzroy resort, there’s honestly not much else to do on the island. It’s beautiful — but quiet. You may end up sitting around for hours waiting on the others.
So… Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. Even with the nausea. Even with the wetsuit stress. Even with my shoe floating away like it had somewhere to be.
I didn’t become a pro snorkeler or swim through tunnels of reef fish. But I tried. I laughed. I flailed. I floated. I saw a tiny piece of the world’s largest reef.
And - that was more than enough for me—an experience I’ll always be grateful for. It reminded me that wellness lives in new experiences too, not just habits or products. Sometimes, stepping into something unfamiliar is the most nourishing thing we can do.
Already Been to Fitzroy and Want to Explore More?
If you’ve hit Fitzroy and are ready to mix it up without leaving Cairns, here are some top-rated, day-trip reef adventures—brought to you via Viator because affiliate links don’t look awkward when they’re useful :)
