Explore the Great Barrier Reef from above and below

As temptations go, it’s hard to go past Tropical North Queensland’s unique offerings: the world’s most extraordinary reef – dotted with tropical islands where the only sound is the waves lapping the shore and pristine ocean bordered by kilometre after kilometre of white-sand perfection.

Start your adventure on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.

You could spend weeks exploring this amazing underwater universe, with its colourful coral gardens and bommies and its abundant marine life, from tropical fish to turtles, rays and even whales.

There are plenty of snorkelling and scuba-diving excursions to choose from, but that’s just the start.

Non-swimmers will love the glass-bottomed boats that give you a window onto the reef, while thrill seekers might want to try helmet diving.

Prefer staying above water?

Set sail for a day or take a kayaking tour between Mission Beach and Dunk Island.

Take to the skies in a heli or fixed wing aircraft for an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of all this unmatched beauty.

To make the most of your stay, book into one of the area’s tranquil oceanside retreats.

From family-friendly apartments in Trinity Beach, north of Cairns, to a back-to-nature experience sleeping under canvas or one of Port Douglas’s fabled five-star resorts, an unforgettable experience awaits.

What you can do on the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkel

Spend the day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef with Reef Magic, whose state-of-the-art pontoon offers a sheltered coral lagoon, guided Snorkel Safaris with marine biologists, scuba diving and even helmet diving.

For a more intimate reef experience, set sail to Upolu Reef with Reef Daytripper aboard a small catamaran. Or cruise aboard Down Under Cruise & Dive’s Evolution, a luxury super-yacht that offers snorkelling, diving and the option to upgrade to the Gold Class VIP Lounge for a premium reef experience.

If you're pressed for time, join a half-day tour with Tusa, Pure Snorkelling or Reef Adventures, leaving plenty of time to discover the rest of Cairns.

SCUBA dive

Plunge into an underwater wonderland with Passions of Paradise, Ocean Freedom or Quicksilver.

Whether you're a newbie or a pro, their skilled crews will lead you on an unforgettable adventure.

Get acquainted with a giant Maori wrasse or tag along with a friendly sea turtle amid the stunning coral gardens of the Outer Barrier Reef.

Liveaboard

Extend your reef experience with liveaboard trips. Join Reef Encounter for diverse courses and pristine reef tours, swim with dwarf minke whales with Pro Dive Cairns, witness coral spawning in November and December, or try a night shark dive with Divers Den on OceanQuest.

Scenic flight

Prepare to be awestruck by the Great Barrier Reef from above. Take a scenic flight with Nautilus Aviation, Zoom Helicopters or Daintree Air Services to truly appreciate this incredible ecosystem.

Glass-bottom boat

Experience the Great Barrier Reef while staying dry and comfortable on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible with Sunlover Reef Cruises. The pontoon features an underwater observatory, marine biologist presentations and touch tanks.

Island visits

Join Reef Unlimited or Sunlover as they whisk you away to Fitzroy Island. Just 24km away, it offers beachfront snorkelling and rewarding scenic walks with cocktails at Foxy's.

Great Adventures has has an amazing Green Island tour, with snorkelling, rainforest strolls, and marine adventures. Join Frankland Islands Reef Cruises for a taste of uninhabited island life.

Sail away

Step aboard a multi-day small ship voyage with Coral Expeditions, combining the Great Barrier Reef with remote islands, reef systems and cultural experiences.

With expert guides, onboard comforts and extended time on the water, these journeys offer a deeper way to connect with the reef and its surrounds.

Overnight stays

Make the adventure last a little by staying overnight. Fitzroy Island Resort offers a range of accommodation from beachfront cabins to contemporary suites, with easy access to walking trails, snorkelling spots and the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

Over on Green Island, Green Island Resort blends reef and rainforest with luxury suites just steps from the beach.

A highlight of any stay is sipping sunset drinks while the twinkling lights of Cairns city appear on the horizon.

Be a marine biologist for a day

Fancy joining a team of conservationists to physically contribute to reef conservation? Look no further than Passions of Paradise’s Marine Biologist for a day program, a Citizen Science project that will see you directly contributing to reef conservation projects.

Confident snorkellers can assist conservationists in completing a Rapid Monitoring Survey for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to assess the health of the reef.

Reef education is also on the cards, as the Master Reef Guide will help them to identify the types of fish and coral that they see.

Certified divers can get a piece of the reef restoration action by watching coral planting on a coral nursery or directly onto the reef itself.

Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef offers unforgettable encounters with sea turtles and vibrant coral ecosystems.

Great Barrier Reef FAQs: Know before you go

What is the best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef?

The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef depends on your preferences. Popular options include snorkelling, scuba diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and scenic flights. Many visitors choose full-day reef tours from Cairns or Port Douglas for a complete experience.

Do you need to know how to swim to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

No, you don’t need to be able to swim. Non-swimmers can enjoy the reef through glass-bottom boats, semi-submersible tours, and underwater observatories, or by wearing flotation devices while snorkelling.

When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

The reef can be visited year-round, but the dry season (May to October) offers the best conditions with clear water, sunny weather, and ideal visibility for snorkelling and diving.

Is the Great Barrier Reef suitable for beginners?

Yes, the reef is perfect for beginners. Many operators offer introductory SCUBA dives, guided snorkelling tours, and expert instruction, making it easy for first-time visitors to explore safely.

Can you see marine life on the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes, the reef is home to incredible marine biodiversity. Visitors can see tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, coral formations, and seasonal species like whales and minke whales.