Fast boat days are my favourite kind of escape. This one pairs The Kraken speed with reef snorkelling and a picnic on remote Keppel Island coves.

I also like how the day stays flexible: you can snorkel, paddle, swim, or just hang on the inflatable pontoon when you feel like slowing down. One thing to plan for is the active nature of the trip—there’s constant boat movement, beach transfers, and snorkelling may be difficult or unavailable for some medical conditions.

Key highlights if you like your days simple and fun

• The Kraken fast-boat comfort: wide decks, onboard toilet, and quick transfers (about 30 minutes to the islands).
• Smart mix of land and sea: Great Keppel Island time plus Southern Great Barrier Reef snorkelling.
• In-water options besides snorkelling: stand up paddle boards, pool noodles, and a floating chill-out pontoon.
• Remote-feeling beaches: volcanic rock scenery and secret sea caves seen from the water.
• Picnic lunch on a secluded cove: tropical fruit early, then lunch at a beach spot.
• Small-group feel: maximum 26 travellers, with in-person guides on hand all day.

Kraken Keppel Island: speed, comfort, and a small-group feel

This is a 6-hour day trip built around getting you to the good stuff fast. You start at 9:00am at 1 Waterline Way, Rosslyn QLD 4703, and you’ll be back at the same meeting point when it ends.

The main reason I’d pick this over a slower cruise is the pacing. The boat ride to the islands takes about 30 minutes, and the day is designed so you spend more time in the water and on the sand than sitting around. Onboard, you’re not stuck in a cramped cabin either—there are wide open decks, comfortable seating, and an onboard restroom.

You also get that small-group advantage. The tour caps at 26 travellers, which usually means you’re not fighting the crowd to get near the water or to ask questions when conditions change. And in real life, conditions do change—this is an active, moving environment—so having staff who can shift the plan matters.

Great Keppel Island: beaches, SUP time, and a pontoon break

Stop one is Great Keppel Island, and this is where the day warms up. Expect white sandy beaches and time to explore bays at a relaxed pace. This is also one of the spots where you get multiple “in your own tempo” activities.

I like that the tour doesn’t force one thing. You can do the snorkelling first, then move into stand up paddle boarding, or just chill on the floating pontoon while others go for another swim. Pool noodles are provided, and life jackets are part of the kit—nice for peace of mind if you’re not a confident swimmer.

This is also the kind of island that feels like it’s not meant for easy day trippers. The day trip focuses on areas that are mostly uninhabited and hard to access on your own, so you’re not just visiting a place with souvenir shops and a bus stop vibe. From the water, you’ll also cruise past volcanic rock formations and secret sea caves, which gives you that sense of discovery even before you’re in the shallows.

A practical note: if you’re not comfortable with boat movement or beach transfers, this part of the day may take more effort. The day involves smaller spaces and some transferring to/from shore, so a little balance and mobility help.

Southern Great Barrier Reef snorkelling: coral gardens and sea life odds

After the island time, you shift to the Southern Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling. The tour is explicit that you’re aiming for coral gardens, plus a chance to spot marine life like turtles, dolphins, dugong, rays, and coral reef fish. And if conditions and timing line up, you may even see whales.

What I appreciate here is that snorkelling isn’t treated like a one-size-fits-all checkbox. On a windy day, the guides still look for suitable spots, and that’s what makes the difference between a frustrating swim and a genuinely good reef session. In particular, I’ve seen strong praise for guides Steve and Mia for handling changing weather and still getting people into the right areas.

Even the overall hosting style matters. One review highlighted hosts Terry and Karl as pros who stayed focused on making the day safe and fun, not letting small issues get in the way. That kind of calm, competent energy is exactly what you want when you’re in active water and your day depends on conditions.

If you have any medical concerns that could affect snorkelling, this tour asks you to share that up front. Snorkelling may be difficult or unavailable for some conditions, so it’s best to confirm early rather than hope it works out on the day.

Lunch on a secluded beach cove: simple food, good setting

You’ll get a tropical fruit platter early in the morning, then later there’s a picnic lunch at a secluded beach cove. This is one of the best “value for your money” parts of the experience, because it turns the day from transportation + activities into a proper outing.

The lunch setup is straightforward. Lunch and fresh fruit are included, but there are no menu changes. The menu is said to cater for most dietary requirements, including vegetarian options. The catch is that they cannot accommodate gluten free or vegan diets.

I’d plan around that. If you eat gluten free or vegan, you’ll need to make other arrangements, because the tour explicitly won’t adjust meals. For everyone else, the included food is a win since you’re out for about six hours and you won’t be searching for places to eat mid-trip.

A few more practical bits: towels are not provided, and soda/pop isn’t included. Water is on board via coolers with ice and water, which is great because you won’t be stuck rationing drinks while you’re moving around.

Price and value: what you get for $125.52

At $125.52 per person for a 6-hour fast-boat day trip, I look for three things: time on the water, gear, and food.

This one hits all three.

• You get snorkelling equipment plus life jackets, and you also have access to stand up paddle boards and the inflatable pontoon.
• You get a lunch + fresh fruit meal component, and you’ve got coolers, ice, and water on board.
• You get guided support from in-person staff, which matters more than people think when you’re in changing weather and open water.

What’s not included is also clear. You’re on your own for towels, and alcohol is BYO. Light refreshments are welcome, but soda/pop isn’t. That’s a normal setup for tours like this, and the pricing still feels fair because the tour covers the gear and the core day structure.

If your priority is snorkelling with a guide, plus a remote beach picnic and optional paddle time, this is strong value. If you only want one simple swim and you don’t care about the rest, you might feel like you’re paying for a fuller day.

Tips for a smoother day on the water

Here’s how I’d set yourself up to enjoy this kind of trip from start to finish:

• Bring your own towel, since they don’t include one.
• If you’re packing snacks or drinks, remember alcohol is BYO and soda/pop isn’t included.
• Expect boat movement. The tour takes place in an active environment with constant movement, plus beach transfers. If you know you get motion sick, you’ll want a plan.
• If snorkelling isn’t your strong suit, use the time in layers: snorkel in the calmer windows, then switch to SUP or the pontoon.
• If you’re going for the sea life, go in with realistic expectations. The tour highlights turtles and other animals as possibilities, but sightings depend on conditions.
• If you have mobility concerns, share them before you book. The tour asks you to disclose issues so they can advise.

One more small win: you get a mobile ticket, and you can often arrange mainland and island pick-ups and drop-offs, depending on where you’re staying.

Who this tour fits (and who might want a different option)

This is a good match if you want a fast, structured day without rushing through every moment. You get the bigger-picture Keppels cruise experience plus time to actually play in the water.

It’s especially suitable for:

• People who want snorkelling plus other water time (SUP, pontoon, swimming).
• Groups who like a guided day but still want flexibility once you’re out there.
• Anyone who prefers a small-group vibe rather than a huge crowd.

You might reconsider if:

• You struggle with movement on boats or transferring on and off shore.
• You have medical conditions where snorkelling could be difficult or unavailable.
• You’re gluten free or vegan, because meal changes aren’t available for those dietary needs.

Should you book Funtastic’s Kraken Keppel Island Adventure?

I’d book this when you want a day that feels like you went exploring, not just sightseeing. The combination of The Kraken’s fast travel, serious time at Great Keppel Island, and snorkelling at the Southern Great Barrier Reef makes it easy to justify the price. Add in the picnic lunch on a secluded cove and the fact that snorkelling gear plus SUP and pontoon time come included, and you’re paying for a full day of real activities.

Skip it only if your priorities are narrow or your needs don’t match the structure—especially if gluten free or vegan meal needs are a must, or if you know you’ll struggle with the active boat-and-transfer setup.

FAQ

How long is the Funtastic Kraken Keppel Island day trip?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where is the meeting point?

The tour starts at 9:00am. The meeting point is 1 Waterline Way, Rosslyn QLD 4703, and the day ends back at the same place.

Are pick-ups and drop-offs available?

Yes. Mainland and island pick-ups and drop-offs are available, depending on options for your location.

What’s included in the price?

Inclusions include lunch (fresh fruit & lunch), snorkelling equipment, stand up paddle boards, an inflatable chill-out pontoon, pool noodles, life jackets, an onboard restroom, coolers/ice/water, and in-person guides.

Can you cater for gluten free or vegan diets?

The lunch menu is said to cater for most dietary requirements, including vegetarian options, but they cannot cater for gluten free or vegan diets.

Are snorkelling gear and life jackets provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included.

Are towels or alcohol included?

Towels are not included. Alcohol is BYO, and light refreshments are welcome, but soda/pop is not included.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 26 travellers.

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