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Escape the city and discover one of Queensland's most extraordinary natural playgrounds on the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise with Transfer. Cruise in luxury aboard the modern catamaran Spirit of Migaloo II to the pristine shores of Moreton Island — just 40 kilometres off the Queensland coast — for a full day of snorkelling 15 iconic shipwrecks, spotting wild dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles, relaxing on untouched beaches, and feasting on a gourmet tropical buffet lunch, all in the stunning Moreton Bay Marine Park.

Key Highlights

  • Snorkel the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks — 15 deliberately sunk shipwrecks teeming with 200 species of fish and 130 species of coral
  • Spot the famous big three of Moreton Bay — wild dolphins, dugongs, and sea turtles in their natural habitat
  • Cruise in luxury aboard the modern, air-conditioned, three-level catamaran Spirit of Migaloo II
  • Enjoy a gourmet tropical buffet lunch featuring ocean king prawns and a selection of local favourites
  • Relax on pristine white sand beaches, kayak crystal-clear waters, or climb the world's tallest coastal sand dune

About Tangalooma Wrecks & Dolphin Cruise with Transfer

Just 40 kilometres off the Queensland coast, Moreton Island is a UNESCO-listed national park and one of the world's largest sand islands — an unspoiled wilderness of white sand beaches, towering sand dunes, and the pristine turquoise waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. The Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise is the most popular and complete way to experience everything this remarkable destination has to offer in a single all-inclusive day, with convenient coach transfers from the Gold Coast or Brisbane making it effortlessly accessible.

Your journey begins with a comfortable coach pickup from your Gold Coast or Brisbane accommodation, transferring you to the Brisbane departure wharf to board the Spirit of Migaloo II — a modern, three-level, fully air-conditioned catamaran with a licensed bar, sun decks, and all amenities on board. Once on Moreton Island, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Snorkel the legendary Tangalooma Wrecks — 15 vessels deliberately sunk in the 1960s to create an artificial reef, now home to over 200 species of fish, 130 species of coral, three species of marine sea turtle, dolphins, Wobbegong sharks, and stingrays. All snorkel equipment including wetsuits, fins, masks, and life jackets is provided, and no prior snorkelling experience is required. Expert marine naturalist guides lead the snorkel tour and conduct a fish-feeding session at the wrecks that is particularly loved by families.

Between snorkel sessions, guests can kayak the crystal-clear shallows, stroll pristine white beaches, challenge friends to beach cricket or soccer, or summit the breathtaking world's tallest coastal sand dune for panoramic ocean views in every direction. The afternoon brings a gourmet tropical buffet lunch featuring fresh ocean king prawns, salads, and seasonal dishes, enjoyed on the island with a refreshing drink from the licensed bar.

A portion of every ticket sold goes directly to whale and dolphin conservation and research, making this cruise an experience you can feel genuinely good about booking. Book your Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise with Transfer now on Thrillark and save up to 16%.

Inclusions

  • Return coach transfer from Gold Coast or Brisbane to Brisbane Wharf
  • Full-day cruise aboard the Spirit of Migaloo II (air-conditioned, licensed bar)
  • Guided snorkel tour of the Tangalooma Wrecks with a marine naturalist
  • All snorkel equipment - wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, and life jacket
  • Gourmet tropical buffet lunch featuring ocean king prawns
  • Free island time — kayaking, beach sports, and dune climbing
  • One complimentary tea, coffee, or soft drink per guest on board

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses and tips

Insiders' Tips

Bring a rash vest or reef-safe sunscreen for the snorkel session as the Queensland sun on the water is intense even on overcast days. Pack a spare dry bag for your phone and valuables — the snorkel transfer boat can be wet. Arrive at your designated coach pickup point at least 10 minutes early as the transfer departs on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

Additional Information

Operating Hours
  • 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Child policy
  • Children under 3 years old are free of charge.
  • Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Children aged 3–13 years old require a child ticket
Additional info
  • A medical questionnaire must be completed and signed by all passengers before participating in water activities.
  • The recommended minimum age for the snorkelling activity is 6 years old.
  • The order and timing of activities, including the snorkelling location, may vary due to conditions and operational requirements.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation at least 24 hrs before the travel date for a full refund

Tangalooma Wrecks & Dolphin Cruise with Transfer Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Tangalooma Wrecks and why are they famous?
The Tangalooma Wrecks are a series of 15 vessels deliberately sunk in the 1960s just off the western coast of Moreton Island to create an artificial reef and provide a breakwater for small boats. Over decades, these wrecks have become encrusted with over 130 species of coral and are now home to more than 200 species of fish, three species of marine sea turtle, dolphins, Wobbegong sharks, and stingrays — creating one of Queensland's most spectacular and accessible snorkelling sites. The wrecks are located in the calm, protected waters of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, making them ideal for beginner and experienced snorkellers alike.
Is snorkelling experience required for the Tangalooma Wrecks tour?
No prior snorkelling experience is required for the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise — the guided snorkel session is specifically designed to be accessible for first-timers and beginners as well as experienced snorkellers. All snorkel equipment is provided including wetsuits, fins, mask, snorkel, life jacket, and pool noodles for flotation, and the marine naturalist guides provide a full safety briefing and in-water assistance throughout the session. Non-swimmers and guests who prefer not to snorkel can still enjoy the fish-feeding session from the snorkel boat and observe the marine life around the wrecks from above the water.
What is included in the gourmet tropical buffet lunch on the Tangalooma cruise?
The gourmet tropical buffet lunch included in the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise features fresh Gold Coast ocean king prawns as its signature centrepiece, alongside a selection of salads, seasonal dishes, and accompaniments served on the island during the midday break. A fruit platter and bread rolls are also provided, with vegetarian options available for guests who advise dietary requirements at the time of booking. Additional food and beverages beyond the included buffet — including alcoholic drinks from the licensed bar on board the Spirit of Migaloo II — are available for purchase throughout the day.
What free activities are available on Moreton Island during the cruise?
During the island free time on the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise, guests can kayak the crystal-clear shallows, paddleboard, play beach cricket or soccer on the pristine white sand, or take on the challenge of climbing the world's tallest coastal sand dune for breathtaking panoramic views across Moreton Bay and the island. Relaxing on the unspoiled beaches, exploring the island's natural vegetation, and simply soaking up the remarkable natural beauty of a UNESCO-listed national park are equally popular ways to spend the afternoon. All of these activities are included at no additional charge — the day is completely flexible and guests are free to enjoy it entirely at their own pace.
What is the Spirit of Migaloo II and what facilities does it have?
The Spirit of Migaloo II is a modern, three-level, fully air-conditioned luxury catamaran purpose-built for the Moreton Bay day cruise route, offering a significantly more comfortable and spacious experience than older vessels on the same route. The vessel features indoor air-conditioned seating, open-air sun decks, a fully licensed bar serving wine, craft beer, cocktails and soft drinks, onboard amenities, and marine naturalist guides who provide live commentary and wildlife interpretation throughout the cruise. A VIP Captain's Lounge upgrade is also available for guests who want exclusive premium seating with the best views and complimentary drinks included throughout the day.
Are coach transfers included in the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise?
Yes — the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise with Transfer includes return coach transfers from nominated pickup locations across the Gold Coast and Brisbane, transporting guests directly to the Brisbane departure wharf and returning them to their pickup point at the end of the day. Coach transfers depart in the morning from multiple pickup points — exact pickup times and locations are confirmed at the time of booking. Guests are advised to arrive at their designated pickup point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as the coach departs on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.
How far is Moreton Island from Brisbane and the Gold Coast?
Moreton Island is located approximately 40 kilometres off the Brisbane shoreline — reachable in approximately 75 minutes by catamaran from the Brisbane departure wharf at Holt Street Wharf in Pinkenba. From the Gold Coast, the coach transfer to the Brisbane wharf takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and pickup locations, making the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise a full-day commitment of approximately 7.5 hours in total including all travel and island time. Despite the travel involved, the majority of guests rate the journey as entirely worthwhile given the extraordinary natural environment and range of all-inclusive activities available on arrival at Moreton Island.
Can children participate in the Tangalooma Wrecks snorkel tour?
Yes — the Tangalooma Wrecks snorkel tour is suitable for children and is a particularly popular and memorable experience for younger guests, with the fish-feeding session at the wrecks consistently cited as a favourite activity among families. Children receive a lunch voucher valued at AUD $20 (compared to AUD $25 for adults) to redeem at any food outlet at the resort, and life jackets and pool noodles are available to ensure non-swimmer children can participate safely in the water activities. Parents should assess the individual readiness of their children for open-water snorkelling and advise any specific requirements at the time of booking the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise.
Do I need to book the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise in advance?
Yes — advance booking is essential for the Tangalooma Wrecks and Dolphin Cruise with Transfer, as coach transfer seats and catamaran capacity are both limited and popular dates sell out well in advance, particularly during Queensland school holidays, long weekends, and the peak summer and whale watching seasons. Booking through Thrillark saves up to 16% on the standard ticket price with instant confirmation and your transfer and cruise seat secured before the day. Guests are also required to confirm their booking 24 hours prior to travel as launch schedules can be adjusted at short notice due to weather and sea conditions.

Ratings & Reviews

Tangalooma Wrecks & Dolphin Cruise with Transfer

USD 170.5

Insiders’ Tips

Bring a rash vest or reef-safe sunscreen for the snorkel session as the Queensland sun on the water is intense even on overcast days. Pack a spare dry bag for your phone and valuables — the snorkel transfer boat can be wet. Arrive at your designated coach pickup point at least 10 minutes early as the transfer departs on schedule and cannot wait for late arrivals.

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