Dive into a piece of Great Barrier Reef history

For just a few nights each year, something remarkable can happen beneath the surface around Magnetic Island. Corals across the reef release their reproductive cells into the ocean in a synchronised event known as mass coral spawning.

And Magnetic Island has a very special connection to the story.

In the early 1980s, scientists including Peter Harrison, Russell Babcock, Gordon Bull, James Oliver, Carden Wallace and Bette Willis studied coral reproduction on the Great Barrier Reef. Observations at Magnetic Island contributed to the discovery and documentation of the extraordinary phenomenon we now know as mass coral spawning.

Their research changed our understanding of how coral reefs reproduce.

So, what actually happens when coral spawns?

Many reef-building corals are broadcast spawners. At spawning time, colonies release millions of tiny egg and sperm bundles into the surrounding water.

When numerous colonies and different coral species do this around the same time, the effect can be spectacular. Tiny pink, red and cream bundles rise through the water column, sometimes creating the appearance of an underwater snowstorm.

At the surface, eggs can be fertilised and develop into microscopic coral larvae called planulae. These larvae may be carried by currents before eventually settling onto suitable reef habitat. If conditions are right, they begin developing into new coral colonies.

In other words, coral spawning isn't simply an amazing spectacle – it's sex on the reef, and the beginning of the next generation of coral.

Experience it after dark

Join Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive for a special Coral Spawning Night Dive at Magnetic Island, giving qualified divers the opportunity to be underwater during this fascinating annual event.

Once the sun disappears, Magnetic Island's reefs take on a completely different character. Nocturnal creatures emerge, familiar corals look dramatically different under torchlight and anticipation builds as we watch for the first signs of spawning.

Our experienced dive crew will select the dive site according to conditions, brief you on what to look for and guide you through the night-time reef.

Will we definitely see coral spawning?

Here's the important bit: nature is in charge.

Scientists can estimate likely spawning periods using factors including lunar cycles, seasonal water temperatures and previous observations, but the exact timing of spawning cannot be guaranteed.

That's part of what makes witnessing it so extraordinary.

If the corals decide tonight's the night, you could find yourself watching one of the Great Barrier Reef's most important reproductive events – in the very part of the Reef that helped scientists uncover its secrets.

And if they keep us waiting? You're still in for a memorable night dive around Magnetic Island, exploring a side of the reef most visitors never experience.

Limited places are available for this special seasonal dive. Book your Coral Spawning Night Dive and join us after dark.

Experience the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef for yourself on board our 14-metre custom built vessel, MV Adrenalin, with fully shaded areas, sun deck, stabilisers, toilet, shower, along with easy access in & out of the water. The Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef is a little further off the Queensland Coast than other sections and as a result has some of the best sites of the whole Great Barrier Reef.

Our preferred reefs for day trips are John Brewer, Keeper and Lodestone Reef, chosen for their diversity of sites, great coral cover, fish life and reasonable protection. We have a number of sites around this reef and will choose the best site on the day. You could visit the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef dozens of times and be surprised every time. Some sites feature large coral bommies with white coral sand sea floors, others have large gutters running through the coral occupied by hundreds of reef fish, and colorful coral walls occupied by innumerable marine animals in crystal clear water.

Depths at our reefs range from 1 metre to 20 metres making it ideal for snorkellers, beginner and experienced divers. Big schools of trevally and bait fish are common as well as a myriad of colourful reef fish including Parrot fish, Maori wrasse, Clown fish, Angel fish, Turtles, Stingrays, White tip and Black tip reef sharks often sighted.

A visit to Lodestone Reef with Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive is a perfect way to enjoy snorkeling, introductory scuba dives or certified dives. Both snorkelers and divers will be exhilarated witnessing the spectacular marine life that Lodestone has to offer whilst being immersed in tropical crystal clear water.

The opportunity to site whales on their annual journey to warmer waters on our Great Barrier Reef tour during whale season. The humpback whales enjoy putting on a show for customers with tail slapping, pectoral fin waves and sometimes - full breaching!! WOW!

You can board the vessel from either Townsville or Magnetic Island, it’s your choice!

Snorkel and Dive on the Great Barrier Reef and discover the beautiful colours and amazing life of this underwater world!  

Your journey can begin from Townsville or Magnetic Island, North Queensland and takes you out to the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef on our custom-built day vessels. The Central Section is a little further off the Queensland Coast than other sections and as a result has some of the best sites of the whole Great Barrier Reef.

John Brewer Reef is an amazing coral reef bursting with a plethora of marine life ideal for snorkelers from beginners to experienced. Schools of bait fish are a common site as well as an abundance of colourful reef fish including Parrot fish, Maori wrasse, Clown fish, Angel fish. Turtles, Stingrays, White tip, and Black tip reef sharks are often sighted.

Snorkellers can discover the world below the surface with a Discover Scuba Dive.  This activity does not require any experience, as our Team guide you through the essential skills of scuba diving and take you beneath the waves to explore this beautiful Natural Wonder.

Be inspired by the wonder of the Museum of Underwater Art.

The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is surrounded by the reef with the bright and beautiful colours a perfect backdrop and the location providing balance to man-made and nature's art.  As the first of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, MOUA will act to highlight reef conservation, restoration, and education on a global scale. The site located on the northern end of John Brewer Reef is rich in history, with a strong connection to our Indigenous culture.

The Coral Greenhouse, first submerged building design by world-class artist Jason de Caires Taylor, is a bucket list item no one should miss! The greenhouse, which many people think of as glass walls filled with fruit or flowers, instead boasts a mix of art and science both inside and outside.  Based at 16 metres in depth and reaching to 6 metres below the surface, the exhibit includes life-like figures and sculptures of trees and coral gardens make this staggering 72m exhibit a wonderland for divers.

Learn  how the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is managed and what is being done to protect it. Our friendly crew will take you through ways you can help protect the reef and its creatures for future generations.  So come and spend a day snorkelling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Dive the world-class Museum of Underwater Art.  Discover this remarkable world that offers a guaranteed WOW factor and take away lifetime memories.

Boarding is 7am Townsville and 750am Magnetic Island, returning at 5pm.

Explore one of the Central Great Barrier Reef's least-visited reefs on this limited special excursion. Travel further offshore to experience pristine coral gardens, fewer visitors and exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Helix Reef is one of the hidden gems of the Central Great Barrier Reef, known for its healthy coral formations, exceptional water clarity and diverse marine life. Because it is visited less frequently than many other reefs, conditions are often ideal for exploring vibrant coral bommies, colourful reef fish, giant clams, turtles and, depending on the season, larger pelagic species.

Travel aboard MV Adrenalin or MV Endorphin, our purpose-built 14/ 20-metre snorkel and dive vessels featuring:

Large, shaded seating areas

Spacious sun deck

Marine toilet

Easy water entry and exit

Stabiliser system for a more comfortable ride

Whether you're snorkelling for the first time, completing an introductory scuba dive or already a certified diver, Helix Reef offers an unforgettable day exploring one

of Australia's greatest natural wonders.

 Throughout the day our experienced crew will provide reef ecology presentations, snorkelling guidance and professional dive supervision to help you make the
most of your experience.

As always, our exact mooring location is selected on the day based on weather, visibility and sea conditions to ensure the safest and best possible reef
experience.

Trip Includes

Full day Great Barrier Reef excursion

Visit to Helix Reef (weather permitting)

Two in-water session to snorkel or scuba dive

Morning tea

Buffet-style lunch

Afternoon tea

Tea, coffee, and chilled water

Premium snorkelling equipment

Full-length stinger/ wetsuit

Snorkel tuition and safety briefing

Floatation devices

Reef ecology presentations

Professional, experienced crew

Environmental Management Charge (EMC)

Certified Diver Includes

Two boat dives

Weights and weight belt

Full equipment Hire (if selected)

Optional Extras

Introductory Dive (1 or 2 dives)

Guided Dive

30min Guided Snorkel Tour

Refresher Dive

PADI Adventure Dive

Nitrox fills (certified divers only)

Underwater camera hire

Highlights

Special excursion to Helix Reef

Small passenger numbers

Healthy coral gardens

Excellent snorkelling opportunities

Ideal for certified and first-time divers

Turtle, reef fish and giant clam encounters

World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef

Family friendly

Departures from Townsville and Magnetic Island

Itinerary

6:30am – Check-in Townsville

6:45am – Depart Townsville

7:10am – Board at Magnetic Island

9:00am – Morning tea

9:45am – Reef briefing

10:20am – Arrive Helix Reef (conditions permitting)

10:40am – First snorkel/dive session

12:00pm – Buffet lunch

1:00pm – Second snorkel/dive session

2:30pm – Depart reef

3:00pm – Afternoon tea

5:20pm – Magnetic Island arrival

5:45pm – Townsville arrival

What to Bring

Swimmers

Towel

Hat

Sunglasses

Reef-safe sunscreen

Change of clothes

Camera

Reusable water bottle

Certification card (certified divers)

Important Information

Helix Reef is the intended destination for this special excursion.

 If weather, sea conditions or operational requirements make Helix Reef unsuitable, Keeper Reef will be the alternative reef will be visited.

 Trip confirmation is subject to minimum passenger numbers.

 Introductory divers must complete a medical questionnaire before diving.

 Minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years.

 All trips operate subject to weather conditions.

Departure

Townsville Fuel Wharf Mariners Drive Breakwater Marina

Magnetic Island Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

images credits to AIMS Long Term Monitoring Program

Wheeler Reef is the next destination in Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive's Great Barrier Reef Special Expedition Series.

Located approximately 90 km offshore from Townsville, Wheeler Reef is one of the region's best-known Great Barrier Reef dive sites
and offers something for snorkellers and divers of different experience levels.

Its picturesque lagoon and reef structure feature coral gardens, gullies, canyons, caves and swim-throughs, with depths ranging from
approximately 2 metres to 18 metres across its recreational areas. Schools of tropical and reef fish are common, while larger marine life can include turtles, rays, pelagic fish and reef sharks.

For experienced divers, Wheeler has another side. Depending on conditions and the selected site, the reef can offer exciting drift diving
and opportunities to encounter humphead parrotfish, Spanish mackerel, wobbegongs and grey reef sharks.

Wheeler Reef has also been identified as an importantaggregation area for grey reef sharks, with research demonstrating strong
residency and site fidelity at the reef.

Travel aboard MV Adrenalin or MV Endorphin, our purpose-built 14/ 20-metre snorkel and dive vessels featuring:

Large, shaded seating areas

• Large, shaded seating areas
• Spacious sun deck
• Marine toilet
• Easy water entry and exit
• Stabiliser system for a more comfortable ride

Whether you are joining us to snorkel, experience your first introductory scuba dive or explore Wheeler as a certified diver, this special
expedition provides an opportunity to experience another side of the Great Barrier Reef beyond our regular destinations.

Throughout the day, our experienced crew will provide reef ecology presentations, snorkelling guidance and professional dive supervision.

Our exact site and mooring location at Wheeler Reef will be selected according to weather, current, visibility and sea conditions to
provide the safest and best possible experience on the day.

Trip Includes

• Full-day Great Barrier Reef expedition
• Visit to Wheeler Reef, weather permitting
• Two in-water sessions to snorkel or scuba dive
• Morning tea
• Buffet-style lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Tea, coffee and chilled water
• Premium snorkelling equipment
• Full-length protective suit
• Snorkel tuition and safety briefing
• Flotation devices
• Reef ecology presentations
• Professional, experienced crew
• Environmental Management Charge (EMC)

Certified Diver Includes

• Two scuba dives
• Weights and weight belt
• Full equipment hire if selected

Optional Extras

• Introductory Dive – one or two dives
• Guided Dive
• 30-minute Guided Snorkel Tour
• Refresher Dive
• PADI Adventure Dive
• Nitrox fills – certified divers only
• Underwater camera hire

Highlights

Visit one of Townsville's best-known offshore reefs, approximately 90 km from the mainland.

Look out for schools of tropical fish, humphead parrotfish, turtles, rays, wobbegongs, pelagic species and reef sharks.

Wheeler Reef is recognised as an important aggregation area for resident grey reef sharks.

Shallow reef areas make Wheeler attractive for snorkellers, while deeper reef structures provide plenty for certified divers to explore.

Explore a reef landscape known for gullies, caves, canyons and swim-throughs.

A limited opportunity to discover a different Great Barrier Reef destination with Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

 Itinerary

6:30 am – Check-in Townsville
6:45 am – Depart Townsville
7:10 am – Magnetic Island pickup
9:00 am – Morning tea during transit
9:45 am – Reef and activity briefing
10:20 am – Arrive Wheeler Reef
10:40 am – First snorkel/ dive session
12:00 pm – Buffet lunch
1:00 pm – Second snorkel/ dive session
2:30 pm – Depart Wheeler Reef
3:00 pm – Afternoon tea
Approx. 5:20 pm – Magnetic Island arrival
Approx. 5:45 pm – Townsville arrival

What to Bring

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Change of clothes
• Camera
• Reusable water bottle
• Certification card for certified divers

Important Information

Helix Reef is the intended destination for this special excursion.

 If weather, sea conditions or operational requirements make Helix Reef unsuitable, the alternative reef destination will Keeper Reef. 

 Trip confirmation is subject to minimum passenger numbers.

 Introductory divers must complete a medical questionnaire before diving.

 Minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years.

 All trips operate subject to weather conditions.

Departure

Townsville Fuel Wharf Mariners Drive Breakwater Marina

Magnetic Island Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal

Keeper Reef is the third destination in Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive's Great Barrier Reef Special Expedition Series.

Located offshore from Townsville, Keeper Reef offers snorkellers and divers the opportunity to explore another part of the Great Barrier Reef beyond our regular scheduled destinations.

The reef features extensive coral gardens, reef structures and a variety of habitats for tropical reef fish and other marine life. Depending on the site and conditions, guests may encounter colourful schools of fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and other species that call the Great Barrier Reef home.

With both shallower reef areas and deeper sections to explore, Keeper Reef provides opportunities for snorkellers, introductory divers and certified divers to experience the reef from different perspectives.

Travel aboard MV Adrenalin or MV Endorphin, our purpose-built 14/20-metre snorkel and dive vessels featuring:

• Large, shaded seating areas

• Spacious sun deck

• Marine toilet

• Easy water entry and exit

• Stabiliser system for a more comfortable ride

Whether you are joining us to snorkel, experience your first introductory scuba dive or explore Keeper Reef as a certified diver, this special expedition provides an opportunity to experience another side of the Great Barrier Reef beyond our regular destinations.

Throughout the day, our experienced crew will provide reef ecology presentations, snorkelling guidance and professional dive supervision.

Our exact site and mooring location at Keeper Reef will be selected according to weather, current, visibility and sea conditions to provide the safest and best possible experience on the day.

Trip Includes

• Full-day Great Barrier Reef expedition

• Visit to Keeper Reef, weather permitting

• Two in-water sessions to snorkel or scuba dive

• Morning tea

• Buffet-style lunch

• Afternoon tea

• Tea, coffee and chilled water

• Snorkel equipment

• Full-length protective suit

• Snorkel tuition and safety briefing

• Flotation devices

• Reef ecology presentations

• Professional, experienced crew

• Environmental Management Charge (EMC)

Certified Diver Includes

• Two scuba dives

• Weights and weight belt

• Full equipment hire if selected

Optional Extras

• Introductory Dive – one or two dives

• Guided Dive

• 30-minute Guided Snorkel Tour

• Refresher Dive

• PADI Adventure Dive

• Nitrox fills – certified divers only

• Underwater camera hire

Highlights

Explore Keeper Reef as Part 3 of Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive's Great Barrier Reef Special Expedition Series.

Discover coral gardens, reef structures and diverse marine habitats beyond our regular scheduled reef destinations.

Look out for colourful tropical and reef fish, turtles, rays, reef sharks and other Great Barrier Reef marine life.

Explore shallow reef areas from the surface while snorkelling or discover Keeper Reef beneath the water as an introductory or certified diver.

Enjoy two in-water sessions with opportunities to experience different areas of the reef, depending on conditions.

A limited opportunity to discover a different Great Barrier Reef destination with Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive.

Itinerary

6:30 am – Check-in Townsville
6:45 am – Depart Townsville
7:10 am – Magnetic Island pickup
9:00 am – Morning tea during transit
9:45 am – Reef and activity briefing
10:20 am – Arrive Keeper Reef
10:40 am – First snorkel/dive session
12:00 pm – Buffet lunch
1:00 pm – Second snorkel/dive session
2:30 pm – Depart Keeper Reef
3:00 pm – Afternoon tea
Approx. 5:20 pm – Magnetic Island arrival
Approx. 5:45 pm – Townsville arrival

What to Bring

• Swimmers

• Towel

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Change of clothes

• Camera

• Reusable water bottle

• Certification card for certified divers

Important Information

Keeper Reef is the intended destination for this special excursion.

If weather, sea conditions or operational requirements make Keeper Reef unsuitable, an alternative Great Barrier Reef destination may be selected by the skipper to provide the safest and best possible experience on the day.

Trip confirmation is subject to minimum passenger numbers.

Introductory divers must complete a medical questionnaire before diving.

Minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years.

All trips operate subject to weather conditions.

Departure

Townsville: Fuel Wharf, Mariners Drive, Breakwater Marina at 6:30AM

Magnetic Island: Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal at 7:10AM