Ways to Enjoy The Great Barrier Reef Australia

Unforgettable Great Barrier Reef Sightseeing in Australia

     The Great Barrier Reef makes up approximately 10% of the world's coral reef ecosystems. The Great Barrier Reef is the most well-known and most complex natural system on our planet. (gbrmpa.gov.au)

Bursting with biodiversity and natural wonders, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's most spectacular getaways.

By making a real effort to minimize your environmental footprint during your visit, you can help protect this wonderful marine ecosystem for future generations to enjoy. Follow this checklist on your next vacation to the Great Barrier Reef, for a great vacation.

The Great Barrier Reef has a lot to offer other than diving, you can picnic on a secret tropical island that only appears at low tide, walk along the seabed wearing a modern diving helmet, or spend the night on a pontoon under a sea of stars.

The Great Barrier Reef Submarines

The Great Barrier Reef Submarines allow visitors to explore the beauty of the coral reefs in a three-person mini-submarine, which is just 45 minutes by speed catamaran from Cairns. Aboard a mini-submarine is not complicated, unlike preparing for a snorkel or dive. One mini-submarine only accommodates two passengers and one guide which departs directly from the shore. In just a few minutes, you'll be among the coral, tropical fish and sea turtles of the Great Barrier Reef.

Swim With Minke Whales

Witness the unique phenomenon of pygmy Minke whale migration which takes place annually between June and August. These friendly mammals make their way north to the Queensland coast each winter to breed, give birth and swim in tropical waters. Encounters with this magnificent wildlife can be enjoyed with a limited number of tour operators:

Scuba doo

Another way to explore the coral reefs is in a unique vehicle called the Scuba doo, which is a tiny yellow motorized scooter with a wide viewing dome that functions like a diving helmet, complete with air hoses that point to the surface. Simply hop on a scooter in a pontoon boat that docks just off the coast in Cairns, dip your head in the dome, and you're good to go. The scooters are very easy to steer and a dive guide will accompany you throughout the journey.

Sea Walker

Green Island, a sandy island about half an hour from Cairns, offers Sea walker tours, where visitors can walk along the ocean floor wearing a diving helmet. The helmet is designed like an old style metal diving helmet that completely covers your head in a tube and is connected to the surface via an air hose. However, unlike the old metal helmets, the surface of the Sea walker helmet is almost completely clear, so you can freely observe the amazing marine life in between the coral reefs. It's a great way to experience the underwater wonders for those who can't swim, and also for eyeglass wearers because they don't have to take them off.

Sailing aboard a Cruise Ship

There's nothing quite as comfortable as chartering a private yacht, especially when it comes with its own crew. The Low Isles is a spectacular island inhabited by a wide variety of birds and marine life off the coast of Port Douglas. You can bring lots of friends and cruise aboard the Aquarius, a large, luxurious sailing ship that serves a seafood buffet on the spacious upper deck. You simply hop off the side of the boat and some of the best reef snorkeling experiences await you.