What to Know Before Visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

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Anyone planning a trip to Australia shouldn’t miss a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. The reef stretches along a large portion of Australia’s east coast, and there are many different ways to catch a glimpse of this natural wonder. Snorkeling and diving are, of course, the most famous ways to experience this place, but to truly grasp its size, it’s best to head to higher elevations. Below, we share our tips for visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

What Makes the Great Barrier Reef Special?

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles). In total, it covers 344,400 square kilometers (133,000 square miles) — to put that into perspective, it’s larger than the entire country of Italy! The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, forming a complex ecosystem. The reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 133 species of sharks and rays, and more than 30 species of mammals, including dolphins and dugongs, a type of sea cow. Since 1981, the Great Barrier Reef has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where Can You Visit the Great Barrier Reef?

There are several places in Australia where you can visit the Great Barrier Reef. Located in the northeast, Cairns is considered the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Numerous boat trips, snorkeling, and diving excursions depart from Cairns. Airlie Beach is another popular base and is also the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, a paradisiacal archipelago within the Great Barrier Reef.

The Best Tours to the Great Barrier Reef

With so many tours available, it can be overwhelming. There are various tours, and not all of them are equally good. We’ve put together a list of the best ones for you.

The Best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns

For snorkeling and diving tours, Cairns is the best base. Here are some of the best options.

  • Half-Day Speedboat Tour – If you’re short on time but still want to see the Great Barrier Reef, this half-day speedboat trip is perfect. You’ll travel at high speeds on a comfortable speedboat to a great snorkeling spot. Once there, you’ll have two hours to leisurely snorkel and admire the underwater world. Diving is not available on this tour.
  • Catamaran Day Trip – For a more relaxed day on the water, the catamaran day trip is highly recommended. This luxury catamaran is spacious and features many comfortable spots to sit, like a large hammock net. You’ll visit two beautiful spots where you can both snorkel and dive. A delicious lunch is included.
  • Two-Day Sailing Trip – To explore more of the Great Barrier Reef, join this two-day sailing trip. Over the course of two days, you’ll travel farther from Cairns and visit spots that day trips can’t reach. This means there are often no other boats at the beautiful dive and snorkel sites you visit. The sailboat accommodates up to 12 people. This tour is great for both divers and snorkelers who want to explore the reef in peace. The meals are delicious, with fresh, healthy dishes, and all drinks are included. Don’t expect luxury cabins; it’s a sailboat, and space is limited.

The Best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Airlie Beach

From Airlie Beach, you can take a different range of tours.

  • Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight – In addition to snorkeling and diving, you can also view the Great Barrier Reef from the air. This is a must-do in Australia, as it’s the only way to truly appreciate the intricate shapes of the coral reef.
  • Whitsundays Multi-Day Sailing Tour – The Whitsunday archipelago is part of the Great Barrier Reef but is a destination in itself. Whitsunday tours focus less on the underwater world and more on the white beaches and fun multi-day sailing trips. However, this tour still offers multiple opportunities for snorkeling at beautiful spots in the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Tips for Visiting the Great Barrier Reef

Below are some practical tips for snorkeling or diving at the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Use Only Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Regular sunscreen is harmful to the coral and marine life. If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef, be sure to buy Reef Safe Sunscreen. This sunscreen is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, microplastics, and other harmful substances that affect coral and marine life. There is also Reef Friendly sunscreen, but this is not entirely safe for marine life, just slightly less harmful than regular sunscreen.
  • Don’t Touch Anything Underwater: This may seem like an obvious tip, but people still touch coral or turtles underwater. Coral that’s touched can die from the bacteria on your hands, and sea creatures can get sick. For your own safety, it’s better to avoid touching anything underwater as well, since the Great Barrier Reef is home to many poisonous creatures, such as the Portuguese Man O’ War (a jellyfish) and certain shellfish. Never pick up a shell.
  • The Best Time to Visit: From June to October is the most ideal time to visit the Great Barrier Reef. The weather is dry, and the water is clear, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. Plus, this is the jellyfish-free season! Outside of these months, you’ll always be given a stinger suit by the organization you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef with. This will protect you from jellyfish stings.
  • Clothing: Wear UV-protective clothing while snorkeling. You’ll burn much faster in the water without even noticing. Plus, you’ll use less sunscreen, which is better for the ocean.