The short answer
- Both tours need you to swim 200 metres unaided in open water. If that is not you, do not book. See the swim test →
- For a start in Byron and a turtle focus, go with Turtle School from The Pass. See The Pass tour →
- For two guides in the water and a cruise down the coast, go from Brunswick Heads. See Brunswick Heads →
- Summer brings leopard sharks and manta rays; winter brings grey nurse sharks. See what you see when →
What Julian Rocks is
The marine park’s managers describe Nguthungulli Julian Rocks as two small islands 2.5 km off the coast, the park’s most popular snorkel and dive spot, with 19 dive sites. Warm tropical currents mix with cooler water here, so you can see tropical and temperate species in the same place. Snorkellers usually stay in the most sheltered areas, such as the Nursery.
It is a sanctuary zone, so fishing and collecting are banned while snorkelling and diving are allowed. It is also declared critical habitat for the grey nurse shark, an endangered species, and special rules apply when you snorkel and dive there. Ask your crew about them on the day.
The swim test
Both listings are blunt. Turtle School requires every participant to swim at least 200 metres unassisted in the open ocean and warns that conditions can be rough, with waves, surge and current. Out Of The Blue says the reserve is too deep to stand, can have currents, and that you must be able to swim 200 metres before booking. If its crew judge during the trip that you cannot, you stay on the boat, with no refund.
A wetsuit and gear are supplied on both, but there is no mention of flotation aids in either listing. Be honest about your swimming.
From The Pass: Turtle School
Turtle School, run by the Byron Bay Dive Centre, checks you in at Byron Plaza (5/90-96 Jonson Street, under the porches), then takes you to the launch site at The Pass. The boat leaves from the beach: you, or someone in your group, must be able to jump into it from water up to your waist. The tour is three hours in all.
Fins, mask, snorkel and wetsuit, the boat, a snorkel guide, water and lockers are included; hotel pickup, food and parking are not. The operator runs an optional Turtle School workshop for photo-identifying sea turtles, part of research it carries out under an NSW government permit.
The listing excludes children under 10, pregnancy, back problems, wheelchair users, non-swimmers, guests over 70 and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Check in 30 minutes late and you forfeit the ticket. Bad weather brings the choice of another date, a voucher or a refund.
Julian Rocks snorkelling from The Pass
Confirm you can swim 200 m in the ocean, the minimum age (10), and that you will wade out to board.
See itinerary and dates on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)From Brunswick Heads: Out Of The Blue
Out Of The Blue Adventures leaves Brunswick Heads boat harbour, north of Byron, and cruises down the coast to Julian Rocks; dolphins are sometimes seen on the way. Marine biologist guides take you to several snorkel spots, with two guides in the water. The listing gives two and a half hours and asks you to arrive 30 minutes early for the briefing and wetsuit; the boat cannot wait for latecomers.
Snorkel gear, wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included; food, drinks and hotel pickup are not. It excludes children under 7, pregnancy, back problems, non-swimmers, low fitness and guests over 70. Bad weather means a reschedule or a full refund.
Julian Rocks snorkelling from Brunswick Heads
Confirm the 200 m swim, the minimum age (7), and arrange transport to Brunswick Heads.
See itinerary and dates on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)The two tours side by side
| Consider | Turtle School | Out Of The Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves from | Byron Plaza, then The Pass | Brunswick Heads harbour |
| Length | 3 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Boarding | From the beach, waist-deep | Crew meet you on the jetty |
| Guides | Snorkel guide | Marine biologists, two in the water |
| Age limits | 10 to 70 | 7 to 70 |
| Swim test | 200 m in open ocean | 200 m before booking |
What you see, and when
Turtle School’s listing describes the seasons: leopard sharks and manta rays in summer; grey nurse sharks and humpback whales in winter; rays, sea turtles (loggerhead, green and hawksbill) and hundreds of fish species all year. Out Of The Blue’s list adds wobbegongs, eagle rays and dolphins. Grey nurse sharks are protected and the rules around them are strict. Nothing is guaranteed on any day.
Snorkelling without a tour
Julian Rocks needs a boat, but the marine park’s managers list shore options too. You can snorkel out from Belongil Beach to the wreck of the Wollongbar, which now breaks the surface, and the Moat (also called the Bream Hole), off the south end of Seven Mile Beach north of Lennox Head, is described as excellent for snorkelling. Neither is supervised. Read our beach safety guide first; Belongil is unpatrolled.
If you would rather stay on the surface, the sea kayak tour on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab) covers the marine park from above; see the dolphin kayak guide.
Questions people ask
Is Julian Rocks good for beginner snorkellers?
Beginner snorkellers, yes, if they are strong swimmers. The tours use sheltered spots such as the Nursery, but the water is deep and can move. Non-swimmers are excluded on both.
Can children snorkel Julian Rocks?
From 7 with Out Of The Blue and from 10 with Turtle School, with an adult. Byron with kids has other options by age.
Will I see a shark?
You might. The listings mention leopard sharks in summer, grey nurse sharks in winter and wobbegongs. Julian Rocks is declared critical habitat for the grey nurse shark.
Before you book: the Julian Rocks checklist
- Can everyone swim 200 metres in the open ocean, unaided?
- Does everyone meet the age limits and health exclusions?
- Which start suits you: The Pass, or Brunswick Heads?
- Are you happy to board from waist-deep water (The Pass)?
- Have you allowed for parking, which is not included?
- What happens if the sea is too rough on your date?
Your shortlist
Open a listing in a new tab and check its itinerary, suitability and inclusions against the checklist above.
- From Byron, ages 10 to 70: Turtle School from The Pass on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- From Brunswick Heads, ages 7 to 70: Out Of The Blue from Brunswick Heads on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)