With its astounding array of coral, fish and other majestic sea creatures, exquisite colours and often outstanding clarity, it is no wonder that the Great Barrier Reef is high on the must-see list of travellers from all over the globe.
Travellers flock to the Great Barrier Reef from internationally as well as from every corner of Australia, to witness its breathtaking beauty and get up close and personal to some of the most spectacular coral reefs and sea creatures the world has to offer.
Despite the majority of tour vessels in Tropical Far North Queensland heading out to locations on the open (or outer) reef itself, if you are looking to snorkel straight off some of Australia’s most beautiful islands straight into the magic of the Great Barrier Reef, we’ve got you covered! In this article we take a look at three of the most amazing beach snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef.
Fitzroy Island, near Cairns
First up on the list is Fitzroy Island. Covered with 97% National Park, home to number #2 on the list of Australia’s Best Beaches Awards for 2017 (Nudey Beach), and surrounded by the beauty that is the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, Fitzroy Island is a true tropical island paradise.
With the reef literally just metres from the shore, you can snorkel and explore the clear waters surrounding Fitzroy Island from two beach locations: Welcome Bay and Nudey Beach, renowned for the opportunity to see clown fish (Nemo), majestic sea turtles and giant gropers. If you don’t own your own snorkel, mask and fins, you have the option to hire a set from the Fitzroy Island Sports Hub.
Suitable for day trippers (by taking the Fast Cat, a 45-minute ride from Cairns marina) and longer stays alike, Fitzroy Island should definitely be on your list of considerations when it comes to snorkelling straight off the beach onto the Great Barrier Reef.
Lady Elliot Island, near Bundaberg
Located just 80km northeast of Bundaberg and accessible only by flights leaving the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Bundaberg, Lady Elliot Island sits at the beginning of the Great Barrier Reef and snorkelling straight off the shore from one of the island’s beaches is ideal for both beginner (The Lagoon, on the eastern side of the island) and advanced (see below) snorkellers alike.
If you have a lot of snorkelling experience up your sleeve, be sure to check out Coral Gardens and Lighthouse, located on the western side of the island. Here, the water is deeper and not only will you be surrounded by picturesque coral and tropical fish, but you will also have the opportunity to feast your eyes of some of the megafauna found on the Great Barrier Reef, such as dolphins, reef sharks and manta rays.
Image Credit: ladyelliot.com.au
Low Isles, near Port Douglas
Low Isles, visible from Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas on a clear day, is a short boat ride away from the Port Douglas marina, and is very well suited for children, swimmers who may feel nervous in the water and beginner snorkellers.
Though not as clear as other locations on the reef at times, on the reef surrounding the Low Isles you may encounter a number of sea anemones, clown fish (Nemo) and if luck is on your side, sea turtles too!
Image Credit: everythingcairns.com
