Best Great Barrier Reef Experiences

Spanning over 1,600 miles in the Pacific Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world.  Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is home to over 400 types of coral and innumerable species of sea life.  The reef and the hundreds of islands in the surrounding waters offer a variety of activities and endless opportunities to explore. The best time of year to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from June to October due to mild temperatures and minimal rainfall, which make for better visibility underwater.

While snorkeling is a convenient and easy way to see the reef, there are many exciting ways to experience this natural wonder.  Here are some of the best Great Barrier Reef experiences:

SCUBA Diving
Similar to snorkeling, SCUBA diving gives you the freedom to explore the reefs and marine life up-close and personal. SCUBA diving requires certification, and there are multiple dive operators that offer courses and certification, as well as tours of some of the best dive sites in the Great Barrier Reef.

Seawalker
Seawalker is a specially designed helmet that allows you to fully submerge in the water and take in the Great Barrier Reef, all while connected to an air hose above the surface. Seawalker excursions are great for non-swimmers, people with glasses, or anyone who wants a unique Great Barrier Reef experience. Seawalker excursions are available at Green Island, located a short catamaran trip off the coast of Cairns.

Glass-Bottom Boat/Sailboat/Liveaboard
There are also several options to tour the Great Barrier Reef aboard a boat.  Glass-bottom boat tours are great for viewing the underwater life right from the comfort of your seat on the boat.  You can also charter a sailboat for a unique experience of sailing around the Great Barrier Reef and exploring the reef.  “Liveaboard” boats are vessels that have been converted to house guests for several days as you dive and explore remote parts of the Outer Great Barrier Reef.  Cairns is the best location for access to the Great Barrier Reef and you will find multiple boat tour operators in the area.

Submarine
For a truly unique Great Barrier Reef experience, Fitzroy Island just offshore from Cairns offers the only submarine excursion on the reef.  View the majestic coral and countless schools of fish through the fisheye windows of a submarine.

Helicopter/Seaplane Ride
A great way to appreciate the vastness of the Great Barrier Reef is from the air.  Many operators combine your scenic helicopter or seaplane ride with a dive, so you get to experience the best of both worlds.

Hot Air Balloonin­g
Cairns is yet again the place to find all the best Great Barrier Reef experiences.  A hot air balloon ride provides breathtaking views of the expansive reef as well as the spectacular surroundings of the Australian bushland, rainforest, and sandy beaches.

Activity Platform
Another great way to experience the outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef is by taking a catamaran cruise to an activity platform.  Located near Agincourt Reef, the activity platform is full of ways to explore the reef such as snorkelling and diving, fish feeding, and semi-submersible reef viewing.

Skydiving
Probably the most extreme way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is via a tandem skydive overlooking the reef and surrounding lush rainforest.  The views from 15,000 feet above sea level provide amazing perspective of the reef for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Australia Travel Information

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