Did you know that the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on planet Earth and is visible from outer space? Indescribably beautiful, the Great Barrier Reef is comprised of 2,900 individual coral reefs and is visited by more than 2 million people every year.
Bursting with an array of breathtaking marine flora and fauna, including 600 different types of coral as well as 1625 types of fish, the Great Barrier Reef is a feast for the eyes and senses, whichever way you choose to explore it. Let’s take a look at five of the most popular and amazing ways to see and experience the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.
Snorkelling (On The Open Reef Or Off The Shore Of A Tropical Island)
With an array of boat carriers travelling to the outer reef all year round, a very popular option when it comes to immersing yourself in the beauty of the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef is to travel to one (or more) of an array of spectacular snorkelling spots located on the outer Barrier Reef. With outer reef tours departing from both Cairns and Port Douglas, the options are endless. In most cases, all necessary snorkelling gear is included as part of your ticket.
One of the most magical and memorable ways to explore the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is to pop your snorkel, mask and fins on at the water’s edge and explore the reef straight off the shores of a tropical island.
Fitzroy Island is an idyllic tropical island paradise located just a short 45-minute Fast Cat Ride from the Cairns marina, and is well-loved by locals, interstate and international travellers alike. With 97% of the island covered in lush National Park rainforest, Fitzroy Island is the perfect tropical island backdrop for snorkelling straight off the island shore and out onto the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef. You may spot majestic sea turtles and an array of beautiful fish, including the infamous Nemo (clown fish). Bring your own snorkelling gear or hire a snorkel, mask and fins from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
A pretty unique and incredibly fun way you can explore all the Great Barrier Reef has to offer is by stand up paddle boarding. You can actually SUP board in basically any body of water, but our pick would be to do it from the shores of Fitzroy Island. The waters surrounding the island are very calm and with the reef right there mere metres in front of you when you’re on Fitzroy Island, it makes it super easy.
Stand up paddle boarding takes a little bit of effort, but once you are standing upon that board, you will be able to reach areas that you can’t get to by boat or by foot, and you don’t even need to get wet.
Marvel at the coral gardens and marine life in the reef below your feet and you float above. You can always bring your own board if you’ve got one, or you can hire one from the Fitzroy Island Activities Centre on the island. You can even take part in a Stand Up Paddle Board guided tour!
From The Air (Via Helicopter)
For a truly outstanding experience you are likely to never forget, why not explore the exquisite colours, textures and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the air? Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air is a fabulous way to see this awe-inspiring structure from a completely different perspective and doing so can help you to appreciate its sheer size and magnitude! Be sure to take your camera on board as you won’t want to miss some of the most magical photo opportunities you’ll ever come across.
Image Credit: pinterest.com
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
If you are not a keen or confident swimmer or unable to experience the reef in the water, a glass bottom boat tour is a fantastic option for you to still enjoy and experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. If you choose to join an outer reef boat tour, you will find a number of operators have a glass bottom boat ride as part of their tour offering – just be sure to clarify when you make your booking.
With lots of options available, a glass bottom boat tour is perfect for the whole family!
Sea Kayaking
Not only is sea kayaking a whole lot of fun and a great incidental form of exercise, it is another great option for people wanting to view the reef from above rather than immersing themselves in the water via the likes of snorkelling or scuba diving. If you opt for a glass bottom kayak, such as those offered on Fitzroy Island, you can get up close and personal to the reef from the comfort of your craft.
On Fitzroy Island, we offer 3-hour guided sea kayaking tours, whereby you will be lead by an experienced sea kayaking guide and have the opportunity to witness a number of stunning viewpoints around the island (including a visit to Little Fitzroy Island) that are otherwise inaccessible by foot or by boat. Included in your tour is a hot or cold (your choice) picnic lunch and snorkelling at a nearby bay where you will have the opportunity to get amongst wondrous sea life such as marine turtles and cast your eyes upon stunning coral reef. Or, if you wish to explore the reef at your own pace, you have the option to hire a sea kayak and relevant gear from the island’s Dive and Adventure Centre.
Bonus: Scuba Diving
If you are wanting to get up close and personal with the breathtaking mix of coral and sea animal life of the Great Barrier Reef, then scuba diving on the reef is for you. Whether you choose to explore a location or two on the outer barrier reef (e.g. Agincourt Reef) or from the shores of one of Tropical Far North Queensland’s most beautiful islands, such as Fitzroy Island, immersing yourself amongst the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef via scuba diving is an experience like no other.
Whether you are a newbie or a certified diver, Fitzroy Island has scuba diving options for all. Take an introductory diving course if you are new to the activity, or choose to become a certified diver by taking a course and learning from our qualified, friendly and highly experienced PADI dive team. All relevant equipment can be hired from the island’s PADI-accredited Sports Hub.
As you can see, there are a number of fabulous ways you can choose to explore the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, from snorkelling and stand up paddle baording, to viewing the reef from above/on the water via helicopter, glass bottom boat or sea kayak. Whatever you choose, you are bound to enjoy your experience exploring the world famous Great Barrier Reef.
