There are many places to snorkel in the Whitsundays, with more and more reefs being discovered daily by tour operators and individuals who want to find new places to explore the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park!  

Red tide is an aquatic phenomenon that is sometimes witnessed in the Whitsundays. Contrary to popular belief, it does not signify the presence is poisonous algae and the water is still safe for swimming, fishing and snorkelling!

Airlie Beach and the surrounding areas are all important communities in regards to marine tourism. Many of them are directly or indirectly involved in the industry, helping to support it each in their own way.

The Whitsunday Islands, or 'Whitsundays' for short, are known for many great things that draw thousands of people here each year. But what are they? And why are they so great? The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands that can be found off the eastern coast of Australia and are one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The main access point to the Whitsunday Islands is Airlie Beach, a small coastal town found in Queensland that is a popular holiday destination for international travellers and Australians alike. But what makes them so special and why do people keep coming back?

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from every possible perspective with this combination Cruise/Fly package to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. This tour features a 35 min scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitsunday islands, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and the Outer Reef. The tour also includes approximately 2.5 hours at Reefworld, a tropical buffet lunch, snorkeling and coral viewing from the underwater viewing chamber, before returning home by luxury catamaran.

Marvel at the earth's largest living organism and one of the southern hemisphere's largest island resorts all in one day with this fly and cruise combination to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island.

Indulge in the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience with return helicopter flights to Cruise Whitsundays Reefworld. This tour features a 60-minute scenic flight encompassing views of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the outer reef and world famous "Heart Reef". The tour also includes 2 hours at Reefworld, complimentary refreshments and a light snack, snorkeling and coral viewing from the underwater viewing chamber.

Life in the Whitsundays is all about balance, conservation and the protection of wildlife and natural habitats. Part of that balance means sacrifice and conservation in the form of 'planned burns' which sometimes take place on some of the Whitsunday islands. A planned burn is the use of fire under very controlled and strategic conditions to decrease forest fuels such as dead trees or natural debris. This means that fires are lit very intentionally and with great care and thought to remove potential hazards and to burn forest waste.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is going into its sixth year and going strong as it prepares for the 2018 festival. This year's lineup is shaping up to be another amazing event with artists from all over the world coming to perform. The festival will span over 3 days and include acts by 74 bands, taking place November 9 - 11, 2018 in Airlie Beach, Queensland, the main access point to the Whitsunday Islands. The much anticipated festival is quickly becoming one of the most popular boutique music festivals in Australia and is the musical highlight of the year in the Whitsundays, drawing crowds from near and far.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is the most important the integral authority in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a huge area that spans 344,400 km2.