What to know before your visit
Bring drinking water, sun-protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a towel and a small bag for your rubbish. Add a dry bag for valuables and spare clothing. For snorkelling, bring or confirm access to a comfortable mask, snorkel and any suitable flotation equipment you need. For a glass-bottom boat visit, prioritise a compact bag and a securely stored phone rather than a full swimming kit.
Match your bag to your planned activity
Pack around what you intend to do, rather than carrying every piece of beach equipment you own. A beach visit, snorkelling outing and glass-bottom boat trip share a basic kit, but the extras differ. Use this table as packing advice, not as a statement about equipment or facilities available locally.
| Item | Beach time | Snorkelling | Glass-bottom boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking water | Bring a reusable bottle | Keep a bottle for before and after | Carry a compact bottle |
| Sun clothing and hat | Include a light covering layer | Choose clothing suitable for swimming | Keep sun protection accessible |
| Towel and dry clothes | Useful if swimming | Pack both | Optional if staying out of the water |
| Mask and snorkel | Only if entering the water | Bring yours or confirm arrangements | Unnecessary for viewing through the boat |
| Dry storage | Protect valuables from wet belongings | Separate valuables from wet equipment | Keep your bag compact and closed |
| Rubbish pouch | Bring one | Bring one | Bring one |
Choose sun protection you can wear
Put a UV-protective top, a hat and a light covering layer near the top of your packing list. Choose the swimming version of your clothing before leaving, rather than assuming your everyday shirt will feel comfortable in the water. For time ashore, consider a simple shade option if you can manage it without overloading your bag.
NOAA guidance identifies shade and UV-protective clothing as ways to reduce exposed skin and sunscreen entering the water. Include sunscreen for uncovered skin and follow its label directions. There is no need to interpret coral protection as a blanket instruction to avoid sunscreen. Equally, a product labelled reef-safe should not be treated as guaranteed harmless to coral.
Check your mask and snorkel before the outing
Try your mask on before packing it. Move hair away from the sealing edge, adjust the strap for comfort and check whether the mask presses awkwardly around your nose or face. Aim for a comfortable fit rather than simply tightening the strap. If you are arranging equipment rather than bringing your own, allow time to try it before committing to the water.
Check the snorkel attachment and mouthpiece, and practise putting the equipment on and taking it off without rushing. Treat persistent discomfort or leaking as a reason to reassess the equipment.
If you need in-water familiarisation, choose an authorised swimming area, stay within your ability and have a buddy. Do not make your first attempt something you rush through to keep up with others. A snorkel does not make a non-swimmer safe.
Choose flotation for the person using it
If someone needs a life jacket, include a suitable, correctly fitted one in the equipment plan. Either bring an appropriate jacket or confirm arrangements before the outing; do not assume that booking an activity means every item is included. Allow time to check fit rather than treating flotation as a last-minute accessory.
Red Cross guidance stresses that flotation does not replace swimming skill or supervision. For children, plan close, attentive adult supervision regardless of the equipment packed. For everyone entering the water, plan a buddy and respect ability and conditions.
Keep this decision separate from your camera, fins or snorkel choices. If suitable equipment or supervision is missing, choose the beach or boat-viewing version of the visit instead of trying to solve the gap with extra accessories.
Use a dry bag to organise essentials
Choose a dry bag large enough for the belongings you actually need, not your entire day bag. A practical arrangement is a towel and dry clothing in the main compartment, with a phone, small wallet and essential documents in a separate sealed inner pouch. Keep damp swimwear separate for the journey afterwards.
Check the bag’s closure instructions and test it without electronics before relying on it. Do not treat any dry bag as an unconditional guarantee against water damage.
Save any booking details and useful contact information offline before leaving. Pack drinking water where you can reach it without unpacking valuables. For footwear, favour a pair you can manage easily while carrying your bag.
Keep photography simple and your hands available
If taking photographs matters to you, choose one camera or phone setup rather than several loose accessories. Use a suitable protective case and a compact, secure attachment. Practise storing the camera quickly before the visit, and put it away while boarding or whenever you need your hands for balance.
For underwater photographs, make remaining clear of coral part of your equipment plan. Do not stand on coral, hold it for stability or rest a camera on it. If getting a photograph would require contact with the reef, skip the shot. The marine protected area regulations restrict damage to natural features; carrying a camera does not change that responsibility.
Reduce packaging before you leave
Decant snacks into a reusable container and remove unnecessary outer wrappers at home. Bring a small closable pouch for your own rubbish, including tissues and packaging that becomes wet. Plan to carry it away rather than making your packing dependent on finding a bin.
Leave space in your bag for your belongings, not collected natural objects. The published 2001 marine protected area regulations restrict taking marine fauna or flora, damaging natural features and leaving rubbish.
Those regulations provide the legal framework, not a live access map. Follow current signs and park instructions when deciding where to enter the water. Having a mask, fins or flotation equipment does not make every part of the park suitable or permitted for swimming.
Check these essentials before leaving
Use this final check once your activity is decided. Keep shared items together, but check personal equipment individually, especially masks and life jackets. Remove anything that has no clear purpose for your visit.
- Fill a reusable drinking-water bottle.
- Pack sun clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
- Add a towel and dry clothes if swimming.
- Check mask comfort and the snorkel attachment.
- Confirm which equipment, if any, is included in your booking.
- Check any required life jacket for suitability and fit.
- Agree on buddies and attentive adult supervision where needed.
- Close the dry bag according to its instructions.
- Save booking details offline and secure your camera.
- Pack a reusable snack container and rubbish pouch.
Plan your visit
Questions before you go
Should I bring my own snorkelling equipment?
Bring your own if you already have equipment that fits comfortably. Otherwise, confirm availability, sizing and what is included before the outing. Do not assume rental equipment comes with every booking.
Do I need a towel for a glass-bottom boat visit?
A towel is optional if you intend to stay out of the water. Pack one, along with swimwear and dry clothing, if swimming is also part of your plan.
Is sunscreen labelled reef-safe enough on its own?
The label is not a guarantee that a product is harmless to coral. Pack UV-protective clothing and a hat too, and use shade where available. Follow sunscreen label directions for uncovered skin.
Can I bring food to feed the fish?
Do not pack fish food. Feeding marine fauna is restricted under the published marine protected area regulations. Keep snacks for your own use and take wrappers and leftovers away.
Should fins be on my packing list?
Treat fins as an optional equipment decision, not an essential for every visitor. Bring them only if they suit your planned activity and you are comfortable using them without contacting coral.