My name is Kate Shelby. I love travelling, food & Netflix. You can catch me at https://kateshelby.com or @thekateshelby
Published March 4th 2020
Taking a teenager to snorkel Tangalooma Wrecks
We've wanted to visit the Tangalooma Wrecks for years.
I really wanted to take my oldest child. He's a strong swimmer, but like any parent... I worry. He also has Autism. My concern was if he did become stressed out, he may pull me under the water in panic. I didn't want him to miss out because of my fears. But I knew I couldn't just wing a trip to the wrecks.
I booked a tour through Viator, who do free rebookings and cancellations up to 24 hours before the tour date. Looking back on the amazing day we had, I'm so thrilled we did a tour. It was a completely hassle-free day.
We turned up at Rivergate Marina to board the Migaloo II, the 4 million dollar vessel managed by See Moreton. Myself, my teenage son and around 80 other guests were on board. People from all walks of life and the world. The atmosphere was fantastic and the staff were so accommodating.
Heading To Tangalooma
The Migaloo II makes its way slowly through the Rivergate Marina port, past industrial boats and international cruise ships like the Arcadia. We haven't even made it out to the ocean yet, and the tour is really interesting.
Once we get out onto the ocean, the boat speeds up. You can sit inside in a very comfortable setting, or outside with the sea breeze blasting your face. During the 45 minute trip, we were lucky enough to spot some dolphins.
The Migaloo II anchors and staff organise the passengers into two groups. We hop onto a smaller vessel, designed to get closer to the wrecks. There are excellent safety walkthroughs and valuable advice regarding the strong current around the wrecks and how to get the most out of the hour we spend in the water.
One instructor swims with us the whole time, two more stay close to us in the small boat. We start from one end of the wrecks and follow the current to the end.
During this time, we snorkel around the "Fish Tank" where there are hundreds of fish. We spot an octopus, crabs and a wobbegong. If you are lucky, you may see dolphins, dugongs or sea turtles during the snorkelling tour.
Lunch & Sightseeing
Once the snorkelling is over, we hop back on Migaloo II and have lunch. The menu is a buffet of cold meats, potato salad, fresh prawns, bread rolls and more. We were starving after burning so much energy in the water and lunch was amazing. Happy Hour at the bar begins, with 2 for 1 Coronas on offer.
Passengers have a choice of going to the shore for a swim or relaxing on the boat before a sightseeing tour. Were then taken around the bend to spot dolphins, sea turtles and view the historic WWII fortifications on the shore.
The captain is very knowledgeable and narrates the whole trip with marine facts and the rich aboriginal history of the island. During the sightseeing, he pays tribute to the Quandamooka people, the traditional custodians, who have been in the area for more than 21,000 years.
Heading Home
The atmosphere on the boat shifts from buzzing with excitement to sleepy and content. The majority of the guests onboard are draped across their tables asleep.
I had no idea snorkelling was this physically draining, I'm completely spent - and it was worth it. My teenage son thanked me for taking him out for the day and confided in me that he was a little scared leading up to the trip. He had a sense of confidence about him and felt accomplished for getting through it with no hassles.
I would recommend this trip for both adults and teenagers.
