04 Sep
Three Incredible Stand Up Paddle Boarding Locations on The Great Barrier Reef
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Three Incredible Stand Up Paddle Boarding Locations on The Great Barrier Reef

Stand up paddle (SUP) boarding was initially created on the shores of Hawaii, as a suitable alternative to the popular sport of surfing. SUP has boomed in popularity all over Australia over the past decade. It is no wonder why really, when you can mix a killer workout (think strong core and upper body), exploring amazing locations and having tons of thrills all at once!

Stand up paddle boarding is the perfect water sport regardless of your age, provided you are a confident swimmer and have a reasonable level of fitness. Not too difficult to learn, stand up paddle boarding is not only a complete blast but can create tons of laughs and squeals as you master the ropes!

Don’t own a SUP board? No worries – numerous stunning locations all around the country have boards and accompanying paddles for hire (and for sale, if you’re keen!), allowing you to give this largely enjoyable sport a shot. If you’re lucky enough, you might just get your hands on a SUP board with a built-in glass viewing panel (like at Fitzroy Island, off the coast of Cairns for example), for the ultimate exploration of the stunning natural beauty that lies beneath you!

Wanting to explore the unbelievable magic that is the Great Barrier Reef? Consider doing so via stand up paddle board. Stand up paddle boarding not only allows you to experience the exquisite beauty of the reef below (including a mammoth variety of stunning coral, fish and larger fauna, such as sea turtles), it can also allow you to access areas that can’t be reached by boat nor by foot.

Are you trying to locate some of the most outstanding locations on the Great Barrier Reef to stand up paddle board? Then read on!

Three Incredible Stand Up Paddle Boarding Locations on The Great Barrier Reef Intro

Fitzroy Island, near Cairns

Home to Australia’s Number One Beach according to the Top 101 Beaches awards for 2018 (Nudey Beach), Fitzroy Island is situated just off the coast of Cairns – 25km to be exact. A short 45-minute ride via Fast Cat from the Cairns Marina (which is located a mere 10-minute drive from Cairns International and Domestic Airport) will see you arriving at what is the idyllic tropical island paradise of Fitzroy Island.

Covered 97% by National Park, Fitzroy Island is lush with tropical vegetation and bordered by the wonders of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef. Fitzroy Island is home to its own exclusive resort, Fitzroy Island Resort, and on offer is a wide range of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. You also have the option to visit Fitzroy Island for the day, which is a great alternative if you are local or are short on time in this beautiful part of the world.

With the Great Barrier Reef literally a stone’s throw from the shore, Fitzroy Island is the perfect base for your next SUP’ing adventure. Who knows what you might spot beneath you – including the opportunity to spot clown fish, giant gropers, a wide array of corals and majestic sea turtles. All SUP’ing gear is available for hire from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub at the resort.

When you’ve had enough of SUP’ing for the day, you can also take advantage of one or more of the many other adventure-packed activities available on the island, including hiking, snorkelling, bouncing around on the Giant Ocean Trampoline, sea kayaking and/or taking a Glass Bottom Boat Tour.

Fitzroy Island

Magnetic Island, near Townsville

Situated just a 25-minute passenger ferry ride away from neighbouring Townsville, beautiful Magnetic Island is approximately 70% covered by National Park.

Home to a population of ~2,500 people and numerous beaches to explore across the island (with a whopping 40km of coastline in total), Magnetic Island is a great spot for exploring the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Dependent on the weather for the day, you might like to check out some of the island’s most picturesque beaches, including Nelly Bay and Horseshoe Bay. You might just spot a turtle or two, in addition to other larger sea fauna and numerous species of sea birds.

Three Incredible Stand Up Paddle Boarding Locations on The Great Barrier Reef Magnetic Island

Image Credit: unallersansretour.com

Low Isles, near Port Douglas

Located just 15km north-east of nearby Port Douglas lays the Low Isles (two small islands that share a reef). Visible on a clear day from Port Douglas’ famous beach, Four Mile, the Low Isles are just a brief boat ride away, launching from the Port Douglas marina.

A large number of different hard and soft corals (150+ species!) and fish call this coral cay home, and you may have the chance to spot turtles and reef sharks swimming about.

Windswell, a local tour company based in Port Douglas, offer stand-up paddle boarding tours to the Low Isles on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

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