Hop a 30-minute ferry from Rosslyn Bay to Great Keppel Island then peer into reef life from a guided glass-bottom boat. Combine a one-hour marine-biologist-led tour with several hours ashore for snorkeling, short hikes, and beach time.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A salt-wind hits as the catamaran thumps away from Rosslyn Bay; in twenty minutes the coastline recedes and the island grows, low and green against a wide Coral Sea. Step ashore at Fisherman’s Beach and the island’s beaches and fringing reefs lay out like chapters—shallow, bright, and immediate. Above water, pandanus and eucalypt shade short trails; below, a glass pane offers a theatre of parrotfish, corals and darting schools.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; be prepared for short beach hikes and walking on uneven reef flats if exploring ashore.
Wildlife
History
Great Keppel Island lies within Darumbal sea country and was charted by European explorers in the 1800s; the island’s use has evolved from traditional Indigenous stewardship to small-scale tourism.
Conservation
Operators emphasize reef-safe practices—use reef-friendly sunscreen, avoid stepping on coral, and follow guides’ instructions to minimize visitor impact on sensitive reef habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Great Keppel Island Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Ferry Transfer today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive early for check-in
Show up 30 minutes before departure at Pier One (Rosslyn Bay) to secure preferred seating and handle parking; pick the second roundabout exit toward the Ampol station.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Use biodegradable sunscreen and a sun shirt to protect both your skin and the marine environment during beach time and on-deck viewing.
Wear reef shoes for shore access
Fisherman’s Beach and nearby snorkel spots have patchy coral and rock—reef shoes protect feet and improve traction.
Plan around morning seas
Calmer seas before midday usually mean clearer glass-bottom viewing and better snorkel conditions; schedule early departures when possible.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and marine life while spending time on deck and beaches.
summer
Reef shoes
Protects feet on coral, rock and when entering shallow snorkel areas.
Light waterproof jacket
Useful for breeze and spray on the return trip, and for cooler winter mornings.
winter
Compact snorkel set or rental voucher
If you plan to snorkel around fringing reefs, a fit snorkel mask improves the experience (rentals available on-island).