Visiting the Great Barrier Reef? This article covers 10 very different Great Barrier Reef experiences so you can enjoy this majestic natural wonder again and again!
The Queensland Travel Guide acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which the Great Barrier Reef is situated. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continued spiritual and cultural connections to Country. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
The Great Barrier Reef, a majestic natural wonder stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, offers a variety of unique and breathtaking experiences. Whether you’re looking to get up close and personal with tropical fish or you’d rather stay dry while enjoying the marine life, there are things to do in the Great Barrier Reef for everyone.
The most common Great Barrier Reef activities are snorkelling or diving, where you can spy on colourful fish, swim with majestic turtles and see an array of coral. For those wanting to see the Great Barrier Reef while remaining dry, the ultimate adventure might be a scenic flight or perhaps a tour in a glass bottom boat.
Cairns and Port Douglas are popular launching spots for exploring the Great Barrier Reef; however, many tourists don’t realise you can explore the reef from many other locations along the Queensland coast!
Having visited the Great Barrier Reef many times and from various locations, I’ve been lucky enough to experience it in multiple ways. In this article, I will share 10 awesome and different ways to see the Great Barrier Reef, including the destinations you can explore it from.
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10 AWESOME & DIFFERENT GREAT BARRIER REEF EXPERIENCES
Below, I cover 10 awesome and different ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
1. Snorkeling
Snorkelling is one of the most popular activities on the Great Barrier Reef. It’s like jumping into a giant, live aquarium, except way cooler because it’s all real.
Cairns is a top pick for many first-timers snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef, but if you’re further south, Airlie Beach acts as your gateway to the Whitsundays. Operators here offer everything from half-day to full-day excursions, ensuring ample time to splash around and see the marine life.
You can also snorkel the reef from Bundaberg on a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island – which is considered to be the very south of the reef. You can even snorkel directly from Queensland islands like Great Keppel, Heron or Wilson.
Whether on a day trip or an island holiday, most operators provide you with all the snorkelling gear you need. This includes a mask, snorkel, and fins. Some even throw in a wetsuit if the water’s a bit nippy. They’ll also show you how to use everything, so even if you’re a snorkelling newbie, you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
Whether staying in Cairns, visiting the Whitsundays, or exploring from another coastal hub, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef is an easy and unforgettable way to connect with nature.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour?
Click here for trips from Cairns, here for trips from Port Douglas, here for trips from Airlie Beach, here for trips from Mackay, here for trips from Rockhampton or here for trips from Bundaberg.
2. Scuba Diving
If you’ve snorkelled before and feel super comfortable in the water, when you visit the Great Barrier Reef, I suggest you go scuba diving, considered to be the best way to see the Great Barrier Reef!
Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef is like stepping into another universe, where the locals include manta rays, sharks, and countless species of colourful fish. For something a bit different, you can even dive in Townsville and visit the Museum of Underwater Art.
Cairns is often the go-to launch pad for diving in the Great Barrier Reef. It’s got a wide range of dive shops and operators who offer everything from introductory dives for beginners to multi-day liveaboard trips for hardcore dive enthusiasts.
Another hot spot is Port Douglas, a bit more upscale but with easy access to the outer reefs where the big fish play.
However, like snorkelling, you can pretty much go diving anywhere on the Great Barrier Reef, and many islands offer diving opportunities too.
If you’re new to diving, don’t worry, as many operators offer discovery dives, where you can try scuba diving under the direct supervision of a certified instructor—no experience necessary. For those already certified, you can explore dramatic drop-offs, glide over enormous coral gardens, or visit underwater canyons teeming with marine life.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef scuba diving tour?
Click here for trips from Cairns, here for trips from Port Douglas, here for trips from Townsville or here for trips from Bundaberg.
3. Swimming
If you’re keen to get a taste of the underwater paradise without all the gear that comes with diving or snorkelling, swimming around the reefs is an option. While you won’t have as good a view of the marine life and coral as with snorkelling or diving, thanks to the calm, clear waters on the reef, you’ll still have a fairly decent view.
Swimming the reef is often best in shallow waters off the islands, such as Green Island or Fitzroy Island near Cairns. If you’re staying in the Whitsundays, you’ve got many islands to choose from. Of course, you’re also welcome to swim the reef on any day tours that take you out by boat from Cairns, Airlie Beach or Bundaberg.
Swimming in the Great Barrier Reef can be as leisurely or as adventurous as you make it. Whether you’re looking to casually float in the shallows or swim along guided reef trails, it’s one of the Great Barrier Reef activities that truly makes you feel part of the vibrant life below.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef tour where you can swim?
Click here for trips from Cairns, here for trips from Port Douglas, here for trips from Airlie Beach, here for trips from Mackay, here for trips from Rockhampton or here for trips from Bundaberg.
4. Scenic Flights
If you’re up for the splurge, do yourself a favour and take a scene flight over the Great Barrier Reef! A scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef is not just any tour; it’s a bucket-list experience that lets you appreciate the sheer scale and beauty of the reef in a way that’s simply impossible from the water’s surface.
I’ve been lucky enough to get an aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef a couple of times now, and let me tell you—I’ll never tire of that stunning view!
Scenic flights over the reef depart from several key locations, including Cairns and the Whitsundays. Some islands also offer quick joy rides over the reef, or you can even fly to and from some islands – now that’s travelling in style!
Each location offers a slightly different perspective on the reef. From Cairns, you might fly over the northern parts of the reef, catching glimpses of the Daintree Rainforest as a bonus. The Whitsundays, on the other hand, not only showcase the stunning reef but also the iconic white sands of Whitehaven Beach.
Flights vary in length, from quick 30-minute flights to more leisurely, hour-long excursions that give you ample time to gawk and snap pictures.
Depending on the route, you can get a bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef as you fly into one of the cities near the reef, such as Cairns or Bundaberg. I’ve had fabulous views of the reef flying into Cairns before.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef scenic flight?
Click here for trips from Cairns or here for trips from Airlie Beach.
5. Glass Bottom Boat Tours
If you want to get super close to the reef without getting wet, taking a glass-bottom boat tour is your best bet! The clear viewing panels on the bottom of the glass-bottom boats provide a porthole to the vibrant coral and bustling fish below, making it fantastic for visitors wanting to see the reef’s biodiversity without the hassle of snorkelling gear.
You can hop on a glass-bottom boat from various points along the reef. Most of the larger Great Barrier Reef cruises from Cairns offer glass-bottom boat tours as part of their larger day cruises out on the reef, while many islands offer glass-bottom boat tours directly from the shore.
Glass-bottom boat tours often last one to two hours, making them convenient for those with limited time or small children. Plus, they usually include commentary from knowledgeable guides who can point out different fish species, explain coral formations, and discuss the reef’s ecological challenges.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef glass button boat tour?
Click here for trips from Cairns, here for trips from Port Douglas, here for trips from Airlie Beach, here for trips from Rockhampton or here for trips from Bundaberg.
6. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
For those staying on one of the islands in the Great Barrier Reef, kayaking or stand up paddleboarding is another fun way to explore it. These activities allow you to paddle over clear blue waters, peering down through your watery window to the reef below, where schools of colourful fish dart through intricate coral formations.
Most of the larger Great Barrier Reef cruises from Cairns or Bundaberg offer kayaking or sometimes even SUPing as part of their larger day cruises out on the reef. There are also launching options from various spots, such as the idyllic beaches of the Whitsundays or the calm shores around Mission Beach and Cape Tribulation.
Alternatively, you can join a guided tour that offers insights into the reef’s ecosystem, pointing out marine life and explaining coral health. These tours can range from a few hours to a full day and often include stops for snorkelling so that you can see the reef from above and below the water.
Safety is a key consideration when kayaking or paddleboarding on the reef. Always wear a life jacket, and check weather conditions before heading out, as winds can change quickly and affect water conditions.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef trip which includes kayaking or SUPing?
Click here for trips from Cairns, here for trips from Port Douglas, here for trips from Mackay or here for trips from Bundaberg.
7. Sleeping on the Reef
Whether aboard a liveaboard dive boat or at one of the innovative reef pontoons equipped for overnight stays, sleeping surrounded by one of the world’s natural wonders is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the marine majesty of the reef.
Liveaboard boats are a popular option for those who really want to maximise their time on the water. These boats provide accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef, ranging from basic and budget-friendly to luxurious.
Most liveaboards offer multi-day trips that include diving and snorkelling opportunities. Cairns and Port Douglas are the main hubs for embarking on these aquatic adventures, offering itineraries catering to divers, snorkelers, and ocean enthusiasts.
Stay at one of the island resorts on the Great Barrier Reef for comfort and luxury. Islands like Hamilton, Hayman, and Lizard Island offer resort accommodations ranging from eco-friendly bungalows to five-star hotels. Here, you can fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up to sunrise views over the reef, with easy access to the water at your doorstep.
A uniquely immersive option is to spend the night on a reef pontoon, which is high on my travel bucket list!
Operators such as Lady Musgrave HQ (Bundaberg), Sunlover by Starlight (Cairns) or Reefsleep (Whitsundays) offer large, stable structures that are moored at specific points on the reef and accommodate guests overnight in swags (a sort of Aussie sleeping bag-tent hybrid) under the stars. It’s like camping but on the ocean.
You’ll drift off to sleep under the stars and maybe even catch the ethereal glow of bioluminescent plankton at night. Then you’ll wake up on the reef, allowing you to be among the first to dive or snorkel before day-trippers arrive.
Want to book sleep on the Great Barrier Reef?
Click here for trips from Cairns or here for trips from Airlie Beach.
8. Skydiving Over the Reef
Skydiving here offers not just the thrill of the jump but also a rare aerial perspective of the Great Barrier Reef, one that few get to see. Imagine free-falling while soaking up the aerial views of one of the planet’s most stunning natural wonders.
Skydiving over the Great Barrier Reef is an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of this natural wonder. It’s about as close as you can get to flying, and the view is something that no airplane window seat can match.
Cairns and Airlie Beach are the most popular launch points for skydiving over the reef. Both offer the opportunity to experience skydiving with the backdrop of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral formations and the surrounding tropical islands.
The experience is fully guided and conducted by professional, certified instructors. Beginners will generally do a tandem jump, so you’ll be securely attached to an instructor who takes care of the parachute deployment and landing. Before the jump, you’ll be briefed on what to expect and how to position your body during the free fall and parachute glide.
Want to book a skydive over the Great Barrier Reef?
Click here for trips from Cairns or here for trips from Airlie Beach.
9. Boat Cruises
One of the most popular ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef is by taking one of the many boat cruises, which allow guests to participate in many of the activities discussed above.
Boat cruises to the Great Barrier Reef depart from several key locations, including Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach and Bundaberg. These cruises range from half-day excursions to full day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and even extended overnight adventures for those who just can’t get enough of the ocean.
Most boat cruises cater to all tastes and comfort levels. Whether you’re on a sleek, fast catamaran or a more leisurely, spacious pontoon, you’ll find amenities to make your journey comfortable, like sun decks, shaded areas, and sometimes even a bar or two for that cheeky midday cocktail.
Once you reach the reef, you can snorkel, dive, or simply gaze through the boat’s glass bottom to witness the colourful coral landscapes and their bustling communities of fish. Guides and crew are typically on hand to point out marine creatures, explain the complex ecosystem interactions, and sometimes even provide guided snorkelling tours to highlight special features of the reef.
For those less inclined to dip into the water, many larger vessels offer semi-submersible or submarine tours that allow you to explore the reef from the comfort of a submerged viewing area.
Safety and conservation are big on these tours, with briefings on how to interact responsibly with the ecosystem. Operators usually provide all the gear you might need, along with some basic instructions on how to use it, making the reef accessible whether you’re a seasoned ocean explorer or a first-timer.
Want to book a Great Barrier Reef trip boat cruise?
Click here for trips from Cairns, here for trips from Port Douglas, here for trips from Mackay, here for trips from Airlie Beach, here for trips from Rockhampton or here for trips from Bundaberg.
10. Private Charters
If neither time nor money is a factor, then do yourself a favour and opt for a private boat charter. I mean, surely this has to be the very best way to see the Great Barrier Reef. A private boat charter is a full experience tailored to your preferences, where you can steer away from the crowds and customise your own adventure.
Private charters are available from various points, such as Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays, each offering a gateway to different sections of the reef. These charters range from sleek motor yachts to simple catamarans, providing various experiences from the extravagantly elegant to the blissfully simple.
When you charter a boat privately, you design your own itinerary. This flexibility is ideal for families who need a kid-friendly schedule, couples seeking romance on the high seas, or groups of friends looking for that perfect underwater selfie spot without anyone photobombing in the background.
Most charters come equipped with snorkelling and diving gear; some may even offer stand-up paddleboards or kayaks. Dive guides can usually be arranged if you want to include scuba diving in your trip, making these charters a good choice for both beginners and certified divers.
You can even get your own crew onboard or go solo. If you opt for crew onboard, this often includes a skipper who knows where the best and least crowded reef spots are and perhaps even a chef to keep you fed and hydrated with anything from shrimp cocktails to chilled beverages.
TIPS FOR EXPERIENCING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
Whether you’re swimming or snorkelling, if you’re in the water during stinger season, you really must wear a stinger suit. These are super lightweight and protect from not only stingers but also the sun.
The stinger season is from November to May, and most tour operators and islands offer them, usually free of charge or for a small fee.
Also, while exploring the reef, keep a safe distance from the coral to avoid any damage and cuts to yourself. This means no touching or standing on it, so always ensure plenty of room between yourself and the ocean floor.
ENJOY THE GREAT BARRIER REEF!
Hopefully, this guide has given you plenty of tips on how to explore the Great Barrier Reef.
If you’re planning a trip to see the Great Barrier Reef, I highly recommend you check out our various guides on the regions where you can visit the reef, including North Queensland, Whitsundays, and Bundaberg. These guides provide links to everything you need to know to plan your trip.
I’d also recommend you join our free Queensland Travel Guide Facebook community, where you can ask all your questions and find even more great trip suggestions.