Best Kirra Reef Snorkeling

On the south end of the Gold Coast, the snorkelling at Kirra Reef is known for its plentiful marine life. It’s not so much of a reef as its a 100m wide rocky outcropping that provides habitat for kelp fronds, soft corals and anemones. During Kirra Reef snorkeling, you may encounter porcupine fish, moray eels and Wobbegong sharks. The main rocky section is about 200m offshore.

While most people recommend April and May, the surf can still be quite high for beach-accessed Gold Coast snorkeling spots. The best time of year for snorkeling at Kirra Reef is really from August to October when the surf is low and the visibility is higher. However, the water temperature is cooler, so you may want to wear a thick dive top for warmth.

Overall, Kirra Reef is the 41st most popular snorkel dive spot of all 43 snorkeling dives in Queensland. Several of the better snorkeling spots are nearby Kirra Reef including Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, Gold Coast Seaway, Wave Break Island, Spiral Beach, Palm Beach Reef and Narrowneck Artificial Reef.