The waterfront activities in Rosslyn center around the magnificent Great Keppel Island, with several practical tour options. The glass-bottom boat excursion stands out for its family-friendly approach to viewing marine life, while remaining dry and comfortable. I’m particularly fond of the full-day boat journey – the included lunch at GKI Hideaway offers excellent value and local flavor. For those seeking action, the fast boat tour combines snorkeling with wildlife spotting, and it’s my favorite way to experience both above and below the water. The tours maintain high safety standards and environmental consciousness, with gear rental and convenient beach access included. Let’s explore the best boat tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The Great Keppel Island Glass Bottom Boat Tour offers a 1-hour boat excursion with commentary from a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide.
- The Great Keppel Island Boat Day Trip With Lunch from Rosslyn provides a 7-hour excursion with ferry service and a lunch at GKI Hideaway.
- The Keppel Islands Fast Boat Snorkeling & Lunch Day Adventure offers a 6-hour trip with snorkeling, dolphin and turtle spotting, and a fresh cold lunch buffet.
- Snorkeling gear, stand-up paddle boards, and inflatable pontoons are available for rent on Great Keppel Island, although the island is not wheelchair accessible.
- Visitors are encouraged to use biodegradable sunscreen, bring reusable water bottles, and follow island rules to protect the eco-friendly environment.
Rosslyn: Great Keppel Island Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Ferry
Situated just off the Capricorn Coast, Great Keppel Island invites visitors to embark on a captivating Glass Bottom Boat Tour. Priced at €57.92 per person, this one-day excursion includes round-trip ferry transportation and a 1-hour glass bottom boat experience. The daily ferry departs from Yeppoon, a 30-minute voyage across the 18-kilometer stretch of water.
Upon arrival, guests can explore the island’s 1454 hectares, home to 17 pristine beaches and hiking trails. The boat tour, led by a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide, offers a unique perspective of the underwater world without getting wet. Visitors can marvel at the vibrant reef wonders while enjoying the expert commentary.
For those seeking a more independent adventure, the island offers snorkeling and swimming opportunities, with gear rentals available. Guests with limited mobility are welcome, though the island itself isn’t wheelchair accessible.
With the option to book a beach drop-off, visitors can easily access the reefs. After a day of exploration, the return ferry schedule ensures a seamless journey back.
Read our full review: Rosslyn: Great Keppel Island Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Ferry Review
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From Rosslyn: Great Keppel Island Boat Day Trip With Lunch
For those seeking a more comprehensive Great Keppel Island experience, the From Rosslyn: Great Keppel Island Boat Day Trip with Lunch offers a fantastic option.
This 7-hour excursion, priced at €49.30 per person, departs from Keppel Bay Marina and includes a ferry service to the island. Guests can enjoy the island’s natural beauty at their own pace, with snorkeling gear available for hire.
The trip also includes a delicious lunch at GKI Hideaway, with a choice of burger or Caesar salad, as well as beverage options. Reviewers have praised the high quality of the lunch, as well as the relaxing atmosphere on the beach.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.4/5, with particular praise for the transportation and value for money. Guests are advised to bring appropriate attire, including biodegradable sunscreen and reusable water bottles, and to follow the island’s rules, such as not littering or touching marine life.
Read our full review: From Rosslyn: Great Keppel Island Boat Day Trip With Lunch Review
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Keppel Islands: Fast Boat Snorkeling & Lunch Day Adventure
The Keppel Islands: Fast Boat Snorkeling & Lunch Day Adventure offers an exhilarating way to explore the stunning Keppel Islands, located less than an hour from Rockhampton and just minutes from Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast of Central Queensland.
This 6-hour excursion aboard the fast boat, The Kraken, promises a day filled with snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, spotting dolphins, turtles, whales, and stingrays.
The tour includes a guided exploration of the islands, as well as access to snorkel gear, stand-up paddle boards, and an inflatable chill-out pontoon. Visitors can relax on the white sandy beaches, hike for panoramic views, and indulge in a fresh cold lunch buffet with prawns.
Supervised snorkeling and onboard toilet facilities add to the convenience.
Priced from $113.96 per person, the Keppel Islands adventure offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 9 reviews, this tour is a must-consider for couples, groups, solo travelers, and families seeking an unforgettable day in the stunning Keppel Islands.
Read our full review: Keppel Islands: Fast Boat Snorkeling & Lunch Day Adventure Review
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The Sum Up
Rosslyn offers a variety of boat tours and cruises to the nearby Keppel Islands. Visitors can choose from glass-bottom boat tours, full-day trips with lunch, or fast-boat snorkeling adventures. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Keppel Islands and their marine life. Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, snorkeling, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Rosslyn has options to suit your interests.