Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef: Norman Fingers

If you’re visiting the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, one of the most enjoyable snorkel stops is Norman Fingers on Norman Reef. Our liveaboard took us to three sites here — Fingers, Playgrounds/Shark Mountain, and Wildside Central — with Fingers being a clear highlight.

Norman Fingers – Snorkelling on Norman Reef

What It’s Like

Norman Fingers is a more sheltered part of Norman Reef, making it a rewarding spot for snorkellers. The boat moors in about 15 metres of water, with coral bommies and reef flats rising up to just one or two metres deep. To one side is a giant clam among coral outcrops, while to the other stretch the long “fingers” of reef. A wall drops off for divers, but there’s more than enough to explore in the shallows.

The Snorkelling Experience

Visibility was mostly good, though patchy in places. From the surface we drifted over bommies packed with corals, colourful clams, and plenty of reef fish. Compared to Wildside Central, which has been badly hit by cyclones and climate change, Fingers felt alive and full of variety.

A wonderful array of what we saw at Fingers on Norman Reef

Marine Life We Saw

The highlight was a turtle we spotted about 80 metres from the boat in two-metre shallows. It swam calmly alongside us, unbothered by our presence, until we reluctantly turned back (tour operators keep a close watch with whistles if you go too far).

Here’s the footage:

Snorkelling with a turtle on Norman Reef

Why Snorkel Here

Norman Fingers offers everything you’d hope for on a Great Barrier Reef snorkel — coral gardens, vibrant clams, bommies full of life, and the chance to encounter turtles. It’s also more protected than some other sites, so conditions are often calmer and visibility better.

Getting There – via liveaboard from Cairns

We reached Norman Fingers as part of a liveaboard trip from Cairns. After a two-hour transfer to the outer reef, the boat moored directly amongst the corals. From there, it’s simply a matter of stepping off the back deck and swimming straight into the reef.

Would We Return to Norman Fingers?

Yes — Norman Fingers was one of our favourite snorkel spots on Norman Reef. The mix of shallow bommies, colourful coral, and marine encounters made it memorable. If you’re short on time, Fingers is a great choice compared to some of the more damaged sections of Norman Reef.

Our Verdict – Norman Fingers Snorkelling

• Snorkel rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5 out of 5)
• Healthy coral gardens and fish life, with a bonus turtle encounter.
• Just missed a 5/5 because we thought Playgrounds/Shark Mountain was even better.

FAQs – Snorkelling Norman Reef

Is Norman Fingers good for snorkelling?
Yes, it’s a great snorkel spot on Norman Reef, with shallow bommies, colourful clams and plenty of reef fish.

What marine life can you see at Norman Fingers?
Expect reef fish, vibrant corals, giant clams, and turtles in the shallows.

How does Norman Fingers compare to other Norman Reef sites?
Fingers is healthier and more vibrant than Wildside Central, but Playgrounds/Shark Mountain was our top pick.

Other places we visited on Norman Reef: Playgrounds/Shark Mountain and Wildside Central.