YOUR FIRST OCEAN ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
BEGINNER GUIDED SNORKEL TOUR
Try snorkelling for the first time in one of New Zealand’s most iconic marine reserves. Our Beginner Guided Snorkel Tour is designed for first-time snorkellers, families, nervous swimmers and anyone who wants extra confidence in the water.
With friendly guides, quality snorkel gear, flotation support and calm, step-by-step instruction, you’ll explore the underwater world of Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island Marine Reserve at a relaxed pace — just one hour from Auckland.
ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
THE EASIEST WAY TO TRY SNORKELLING
New to snorkelling? This is the tour for you. We’ll help you get comfortable with your mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit before heading into the water with your guide.
You’ll stay in shallow, sheltered areas while you build confidence and discover the marine life that makes Goat Island famous. Look out for snapper, reef fish, kelp forests and maybe even an eagle ray gliding by.
This is a gentle, fun and supportive introduction to snorkelling — perfect if you want the adventure without feeling rushed.
Perfect for beginners, families and first-timers
This tour is ideal for:
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First-time snorkellers
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Families with children
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Nervous swimmers
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Visitors new to ocean swimming
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Anyone wanting a guided, supported experience
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People who want to explore Goat Island safely and confidently
If you are already confident in the ocean and have snorkelled before, the Advanced Guided Snorkel Tour may be a better fit.
Everything you need for your snorkel adventure
Your Beginner Guided Snorkel Tour includes:
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Mask and snorkel
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Fins
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Wetsuit
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Buoyancy support, such as boogie boards or flotation devices
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Safety briefing
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Snorkelling tips and basic techniques
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Friendly local guide
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Time exploring Goat Island Marine Reserve
You can also keep your snorkel gear for the rest of the day after your tour, so the adventure does not have to end when the guided session finishes.
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What to expect on your guided snorkel tour
Your adventure begins at Goat Island Dive & Snorkel, where our team will get you fitted with your snorkel gear. From there, you’ll head to Goat Island Marine Reserve, just 3 km down the road.
At the reserve, your guide will introduce the equipment, teach simple snorkelling techniques and take you through a full safety briefing. You’ll start in shallow water, get used to breathing through the snorkel, and then explore at a pace that suits the group.
Please allow around 2.5 hours for the full experience, including gear fitting, briefings and time in the water.
Guided, supported and beginner-friendly
Your safety and comfort come first. Goat Island Dive & Snorkel is a fully safety-audited adventure activity operator with AdventureMark certification, and our guides are there to support you throughout the experience.
We use flotation support to help you feel relaxed in the water, and the tour is designed to build confidence step by step.
Who can join?
Minimum age: 8 years
Children aged 8–14 must be accompanied by an adult
Maximum of 2 children per adult
Independent snorkellers must be over 14 years
Best suited to beginners, families and those wanting a supported experience
Book your beginner snorkelling adventure
Spaces can fill quickly, especially on weekends, school holidays and sunny summer days. We recommend booking ahead so you do not miss out.
Join us at Goat Island Marine Reserve and discover why snorkelling here is one of Auckland’s best ocean adventures.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour suitable for first-time snorkellers?
Yes. This tour is designed especially for beginners, first-time snorkellers and people who want extra support in the water.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No. You do not need to be a strong swimmer. We provide flotation support and stay in beginner-friendly areas, with a guide supporting you throughout the tour.
Is snorkel gear included?
Yes. Your mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and buoyancy support are included.
Can children join the Beginner Guided Snorkel Tour?
Yes. Children from 8 years old can join. Children aged 8–14 must be accompanied by an adult.
How long does the tour take?
Please allow around 2.5 hours for the full experience, including gear fitting, briefings and time in the water.
Where does the tour take place?
The tour takes place at Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island Marine Reserve, near Leigh, about one hour north of Auckland.