The best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef

The Whitsundays is a sailing mecca and is home to a huge number of fantastic overnight sailing trips, some of which head to the outer Great Barrier Reef! Below are some of the best options for getting you there!

Head to the Great Barrier Reef pontoon

Jump on board the Cruise Whitsunday vessel Seaflight for a day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef pontoon, located on Hardy Reef! While at the pontoon, enjoy all of the underwater activities including snorkelling, scuba diving as well as the semi-submersible and underwater viewing chamber! There are many other extras to do as well including scenic flights. To find out more, Click Here. 

Overnight Sailing Trip

The Whitsundays is a sailing mecca and is home to a huge number of fantastic overnight sailing trips, some of which head to the outer Great Barrier Reef! Both Anaconda 3 and Kiana are popular vessels which take passengers to this special place in the world, with the option for plenty of scuba diving and snorkelling. To find out more, Click Here. 

Glass Bottom Boat

A great option for those who don't necessarily want to snorkel or dive but still want to experience the magic of the reef, there is the glass bottom boat option. This popular activity is available on the Heart Pontoon with Cruise Whitsundays. There is also an underwater viewing chamber on the pontoon, which is a great alternative. To find out more, Click Here. 

Scuba Diving Day Trip

There are a small number of day trips which offer onboard scuba diving around the Whitsunday islands, including Illusions, a sailing catamaran, and Mantaray which is a fast powerboat. Both of these trips offer the opportunity to conduct an introductory or certified dive the best fringing reefs around the islands on an enjoyable day trip. To learn more, Click Here. 

Daydream Island Living Reef

Daydream has actually brought the Great Barrier Reef to the island with its amazing 'Living Reef' coral lagoon. Featuring some 140 species including stingrays, sharks, starfish and barramundi as well as hundreds of different types of fish and corals, the Living Reef is a must see. This island feature also has free educational sessions and daily feedings, as well as guided experiences. Click here to find out more.   

Reefsleep & Reef Suites

The most incredible way to truly experience the magic of the reef is by spending a night at the Reefworld pontoon. Reefsleep is a new and unique overnight tour where you sleep on the Great Barrier Reef. Just 30 guests will stay at the pontoon together and will get to experience the fantastic activities on offer including snorkelling and scuba diving. Or really treat yourself and stay in their underwater ReefSuites - A first on the Great Barrier Reef! To learn more, Click Here. 

Scenic Flight

Why not get a bird's eye view of the Great Barrier Reef with a scenic flight? There are a number of different flight options which take passengers over the reef including the world famous Heart Reef, Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsunday Islands. This is a very popular choice of a tour with so much to see from above.  To view all scenic flights, Click Here. 

With so many options available to experience the Great Barrier Reef, it can be difficult to choose just one! Chat live to our friendly travel experts to find out how you can package your reef tours to save money!