The Great Barrier Reef offers visitors a plethora of things to do and things to see. The stunning natural allure of the Great Barrier Reef has elevated it to one of the most coveted tourist destinations on the globe.
The Great Barrier Reef offers visitors a plethora of things to do and things to see. The stunning natural allure of the Great Barrier Reef has elevated it to one of the most coveted tourist destinations on the globe.
Best departure points to see the Great Barrier Reef from Tropical North Queensland:
Things to do on the Great Barrier Reef:
Things to see on the Great Barrier Reef
There is a plethora of ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef and it is home to some of the most unique things to see and things to do in Cairns Tropical North Queensland. Guests can enjoy snorkelling on the reef, scuba diving, and tours like the very popular Scuba Doo which seems like your riding a motor bike under water all without getting your hair wet, or walking on the ocean floor or on a submerged platform with a Helmet on your head where you can be right among all the marine life and activity.
The Great Barrier Reef is the only location in the world where you can swim with dwarf minke whales, this is an experience so exclusive that it’s only available for two months of the year. Dive the with the giant grouper at the Cod Hole and if your game you can swim with hammerhead sharks in open water.
You will find so many things to see and things to do the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns Tropical North Queensland that will have you coming back year after year to explore little pieces at a time, it really is the GREAT Barrier Reef and Cairns is the gateway.
Great Barrier Reef Tours
For travellers seeking a taste of the Great Barrier Reef's wonders within a limited timeframe, full-day tours and half-day tours offer the perfect opportunity for a memorable adventure. Cairns and Port Douglas offer the fastest access points to the reef, so all reef tours depart from these locations. The selection of Great Barrier Reef tours ranges from boat transfers to floating interactive pontoons on the reef, island tours, helicopter rides to the reef or snorkelling and diving tours in open water.
Great Barrier Reef Pontoons:
Floating atop the crystal-clear waters of the reef, Great Barrier Reef pontoons emerge as dynamic hubs for those eager to uncover the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. Positioned at key reef sites off Carins and Port Douglas, these platforms offer a stable and convenient base, blending action and adventure. Sturdy platforms provide easy access to the reef's edge, allowing snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef effortless. Meanwhile, divers embark on guided journeys to deeper sites. Enjoy meals provided with stunning views and unwind in designated relaxation areas. Pontoons are designed to be a family-friendly option on the Great Barrier Reef, ensuring that every member, can partake in the adventure. Family-friendly snorkelling areas, educational programs tailored for young explorers, and water slides add an element of excitement for children.
The underwater observatories provide a safe and captivating space for the entire family to witness the wonders of the reef together. Many pontoons are equipped with ramps, wide walkways, and accessible facilities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of mobility challenges, can comfortably enjoy the experience. Don’t want to get your hair wet? Most Great Barrier Reef Pontoons have extra experiences like Scuba Doo and Sea Walker and you can even take a helicopter ride out to the pontoon or from the pontoon.
Amenities on the pontoons typically include spacious sun decks, lots of in-water toys and a catering service providing lunch and snacks on board. With flexibility in departure times, options for different reef sites, and accessibility for all skill levels, all Great Barrier Reef tours promise a captivating and convenient exploration of this natural wonder.
Great Barrier Reef Islands:
Great Barrier Reef Island tours are accessible through day trips or extended stays, providing a plethora of opportunities for exploration and tranquillity. For those on a tighter schedule, Great Barrier Reef Island tours provide a glimpse into the region's natural wonders. Departing from coastal hubs like Cairns and Port Douglas, these excursions offer a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can engage in snorkelling, scuba diving, or explore the islands' lush interiors before returning to the mainland.
Each island contributes its unique charm to the collective allure of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether it's the exclusive luxury of Lizard Island, the accessible beauty of Green Island, or the rugged wilderness of Fitzroy Island, there's an island experience tailored for every taste. Visitors can take a ferry boat ride across to an island, arrive like a rockstar on a helicopter ride or take an airplane flight to exotic places such as Lizard Island for the day to swim in the Blue Lagoon.
Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights:
For those seeking an awe-inspiring bird's-eye view, Great Barrer Reef scenic flights and helicopter rides provide a breathtaking perspective of the reef's intricate patterns and vibrant colours. Whether for a special occasion or a spontaneous adventure, these scenic flights over the Great Barrier Reef offer an unparalleled opportunity to grasp the vast beauty of the destination.
Great Barrier Reef helicopter and reef combo tours are another option to capture it all, they are the epitome of adventure, offering an exhilarating blend of air and sea offering experiences for guests to see the Great Barrier Reef from every angle.
Non-Swimmer Reef Tours:
For those who prefer to stay dry, Great Barrier Reef scenic flights and helicopter rides provide an unparalleled opportunity to marvel at the expansive coral formations from above. For a closer encounter with marine life being a non-swimmer, glass-bottom boat tours are an excellent choice. These specially designed boats feature transparent sections, allowing passengers to observe the vibrant underwater world while staying comfortably seated. Just like the glass-bottom boat tours, the semi-submersible submarine tours provide a window into the wonders of the reef without the need for snorkelling or diving.
Great Barrier Reef tour options abound for non-swimmers as well, with many vessels equipped with underwater observatories. Whether soaring above the reef on a helicopter ride, observing from a glass-bottom boat, or exploring the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, non-swimmers can still partake in the marvels of the reef, making it an inclusive destination for a diverse range of visitors.
Charter Boats & Luxury Yacht Charters Great Barrier Reef:
Some guests have their own travel styles and prefer a private charter boat option or even a luxury superyacht charter tour.
Charter boats come in all types and sizes and superyachts are floating palaces that are 24m or longer and have a full-time crew onboard to look after the guests. Each one of these private charter boat options provide for exclusive journeys.
Offering bespoke itineraries, navigating through the Great Barrier Reef's hidden gems with personalised precision. Indulge in onboard extravagance, from spacious decks to gourmet dining, all effortlessly organised by your expert crew.
Overnight Tours on the Great Barrier Reef:
For the ultimate adventure, consider a sleepover on the reef itself. Liveaboard dive tours and floating pontoons provide unique accommodation options, allowing you to spend the night surrounded by the gentle lull of the ocean. As the day transitions into night, witness the magical transformation of the underwater world, with bioluminescent displays adding a touch of enchantment to the experience. Overnight tours on the Great Barrier Reef offer comfortable accommodation, starlit dinners, and the chance to snorkel or dive in serene, uncrowded conditions, creating unforgettable memories.
Dive the Cod Hole and swim with these huge fish, or swim with hammerhead sharks if you dare… there are so many things to do and things to see on the Great Barrier Reef.
These Great Barrier Reef tours are just an introduction to all the things to do and things to see in Cairns and Port Douglas.
Read our blogs to learn more about all the Great Barrier Reef on The Tour Specialists reef guide
If your a first time visitor to Cairns you may want to read up on the Tips & Hints guides when looking at the things to do and things to see on the Great Barrier Reef.
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