Great Barrier Reef
    
Scuba diving and snorkeling the Great Barrier
Reef in Australia topped the list when early 2004 a survey was
held in the U.K. asking people about the 50 things to do before
you die.
The Great Barrier Reef
is the largest living coral system in the world, stretching over
2000km. along Queensland's coast from Bundaberg through Cairns to
the top of Cape York, it contains 2900 reefs, 600 islands and 300
coral cayes. This amazing place is home to 1500 species of fish,
360 species of hard coral, 30% of the world's soft corals, 7000
species of molluscs, 17 species of sea snakes, 6 species of endangered
sea turtles, 1330 species of crustacea, 30 species of cetacea (whales
and dolphins), and 14,000 of Australia's 90,000 dugongs.
Photograph from Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
The Great Barrier Reef is the site of the biggest
orgasm in the universe. This is one of the terms the North Queensland
scuba dive industry uses to describe the annual coral spawning where
three to five nights after the full moon in November or December
when the water temperature hits 28 degrees, the entire 2300 kms
of Great Barrier Reef lets go of zillions and zillions of brightly
colored sperm and eggs that float around for several days and fertilize
eachother. Fish go into a feeding frenzy and the ocean sometimes
resembles an oiltanker disaster site but all this is done to propagate
new corals to ensure the survival of the Great Barrier Reef. If
you find yourself in North Queensland around this time you can witness
this spectacular event as many of the reef tour operators run extra
night trips.
The Great Barrier Reef was the first Australian site to be placed
on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1981, now there are 15 Australian
sites. The coral on the reef is estimated to be around 18 million
years old, and is thought to be about 500 metres thick in some places.
Coral is made by tiny little polyps, which are marine animals from
the Cindaria family. When the polyps die, their skeletons turn white
(which is how you know if coral is alive or dead) and then more
polyps grow on top of them.
It is extremely important you do not touch the coral or
stand on it, the pressure of your finger is enough to squash and
kill the tiny coral polyps!
There are a few conditions that are required for healthy growth
of coral. The water must be salty, clear and not lower in temperature
than 17.5 degrees and lower in depth than 30 metres. An amazing
sight is seeing the spawning of the coral, which happens in late
spring/early summer and is often called an 'underwater snowstorm'.
Some of the best places to see the reef from are Cairns,
Port Douglas,
Airlie Beach/Whitsundays
and especially Cape Tribulation
where the reef comes closest to the coast.
Below we have a great selection of tours and accommodation
on the Great Barrier Reef but you might also like to check out Tours
To Go, they have a good variety of tours on the reef,
ranging from snorkelling day tours to live-aboard scuba diving,
to scuba dive courses and charter boats.
Daycruises
from Cairns
MV Supercat
© Down Under Dive
The Supercat : If you are looking
for a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef on a high speed catamaran
that is EXCEPTIONAL VALUE, look no further. Offering one of the
fastest day trips, visiting two outer reef locations for an unforgettable
day of fun, discovery and adventure. The MV Supercat provides a
superior and comfortable ride in almost all weather conditions.
More info...
Green Island
© Big Cat Green Island Cruises
The Big Cat : Green Island is a beautiful
coral cay which enjoys world acclaim as a tropical paradise on Australia's
Great Barrier Reef. The island is a protected Marine National Park,
readily identified by its emerald rainforest surrounded by white
sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs. The marine life includes
endless varieties of colorful fish, turtles, giant clams, shells,
starfish, sea anemones and much more. More
info...
Wavedancer
© Quicksilver
Wavedancer : Quicksilver's 30 meter
luxury sailing catamaran, 'Wavedancer', offers the excitement of
big ship sailing combined with the ultimate in comfort. Let the
crew pamper you in the luxurious air-conditioned lounge with its
fully licensed bar, or soak up the sun and sea air under the sails
on our expansive deck. 'Wavedancer' is a memorable experience from
the moment you step aboard. They will take you to Low Isles ehich
is situated 15 kilometers north-east of Port Douglas. Low Isles
is a 4 acre coral cay surrounded by 55 acres of reef. The corals
are very close to the island, which makes snorkeling an enjoyable
experience. The two small islands are separate with one common reef.
The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited except for a
large bird population. The smaller of the Low Isles is a coral cay
with a lighthouse that has been operating since 1878. More
info....
© Ocean Spirit Cruises
Ocean Spirit Upolu Cay Reef Cruise
: Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran with Ocean Spirit Cruises for
Upolu Cay, an uninhabited coral cay lying about 18 nautical miles
from Cairns, an ideal reef destination for a range of different
age groups. The surrounding coral gardens play host to a myriad
of marine life. Dugongs are often seen raising their calves throughout
the year in the protected waters around the cay. You also have the
opportunity to visit either Arlington Reef or Oyster Reef as you
sail out to beautiful Upolu Cay, both of which are teeming with
marine life and offer some of the best coral viewing on the Great
Barrier Reef. For those interested in exploring the coral reef by
diving on their day out to the Great Barrier Reef, Ocean Spirit
also offers introductory dives for the novice and certified dives
for experienced divers. More
info....
Maori Wrasse
© Deep Sea Divers Den
SeaQuest ADV - Certified Diver Day Trip
: SeaQuest ADV caters superbly for certified divers. With 14 permanent
moorings, Deep Sea Divers Den offer superb diving sites on the Outer
Barrier Reef which will excite divers of all experience levels.
Dive guides are available for those wanting close underwater supervision
and certified divers can explore two dive locations in one day.
The dive locations on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef offer
outstanding underwater visibility, superb coral formations and abundant,
colorful marine life including 'Wally', a friendly 1.5 meter (5
feet) Maori Wrasse at Norman Reef. More
info....
Overnight/liveaboard dive trips from Cairns
Diving
© Quicksilver
Cod hole - Two days/two nights. Day
One - is making our way North along the Agincourt and Ribbon Reef
systems. Enjoy 3 day dives and a night dive. The night dive you
choose may be included as part of the optional advanced diving course.
Day Two - Thursdays include diving at the famous Cod Hole and the
Northern Ribbons, as well as another night dive. Awake to breakfast
on Friday morning moored in the calm waters of Snapper Island. It
is then a short journey back to the Marina at Port Douglas. Enjoy
a minimum of 8 dives, including 2 night dives during your Cod Hole
Diving Adventure. Snorkelers are welcome to join and have the opportunity
to enjoy a FREE Introductory dive. More
info....
Helicopter scenic flights from Cairns
Scenic flights over Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
You can combine a helicopter flight and a reef cruise
by flying out to the Great Barrier Reef, landing at Hastings reef,
and then after some snorkeling head back to Cairns on the boat.
More info...
Click
here for more information and accommodation in Cairns....
Cape
Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is where the reef comes closest to
the coast, and it will only take you an hour or less to get out
there on one of the boats that depart from here. James Cook discovered
here in 1770 how close the reef came to the coast when he hit Endeavour
Reef with his ship and nearly sank, in his not too positive mood
he then assigned the name Cape Tribulation to the last cape he had
passed before darkness fell. ( Tribulation = trouble). More
info on Great Barrier Reef trips from Cape Tribulation....
Reeftrips from
Port Douglas
Silversonic
dive and snorkel |
|
Silversonic is a luxury 29 meter catamaran with full
bar facilities, fresh water showers, change rooms
and spacious deck areas. Morning and afternoon tea
are served as well as a hot and cold tropical buffet
lunch and the spacious deck areas are ideal for sharing
a cold drink and tales of your days adventure. Certified
divers can enjoy up to three dives at two different
sites during the day. There is a multitude of marine
life at Agincourt Reef, from tiny iridescent fish
seeking shelter in their coral homes to massive giant
clams weighing up to 200 kilograms (440 pounds). Perhaps
you will see a small harmless reef shark or a boulder
coral hundreds of years old. The Silversonic crew
with 25 years of combined experience will show you
the best there is to see.
More
info.... |
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Ocean
Spirit |
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Upolu Cay
is an uninhabited coral cay lying about 18 nautical
miles off the coast. Dugongs are often seen raising
their calves throughout the year in the protected
waters around the cay.
Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran with Ocean Spirit
Cruises for Upolu Cay - a small uninhabited sand island
on the outer Great Barrier Reef just short of Michaelmas
Cay. View the brilliant coral and sea-life in the
glass bottom boat or try a snorkel or a dive. Enjoy
a hot and cold buffet lunch and relax with the friendly
crew. Enjoy champagne and entertainment on the homeward
sail back to Cairns. You also have the opportunity
to visit Oyster Reef as you sail out to beautiful
Upolu Cay. Oyster Reef is teeming with marine life
and offers some of the best coral viewing on the Great
Barrier Reef. For those interested in exploring the
coral reef by diving on their day out to the Great
Barrier Reef, Ocean Spirit also offers introductory
dives for the novice and certified dives for experienced
divers.
More
info.... |
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Quicksilver
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Join Quicksilver's
friendly crew as they take you to Agincourt Reef located
at the very edge of Australia's Continental Shelf,
to an underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope
of color and brilliance, where you can experience
first hand the magic that is the Great Barrier Reef.
Situated on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef,
Agincourt Reef provides a sheltered anchorage for
the Quicksilver vessel and the perfect spot for passengers
to experience the new Ocean Walker helmet diving,
snorkeling, scuba diving, or stay dry and explore
the stunning reef from the comfort of a Quicksilver
semi-sub, just one meter underwater and watch the
fish feeding from Quicksilver's unique underwater
viewing platform. Cruising at high speed to Agincourt
Reef, 39 nautical miles (72 kilometers) from Port
Douglas, these superb vessels give you the smoothest
possible ride in all weather conditions.
More
info.... |
|
Wave
Dancer |
Wavedancer
© Quicksilver
|
Quicksilver's 30 meter
luxury sailing catamaran, 'Wavedancer', offers the
excitement of big ship sailing combined with the ultimate
in comfort. Let the crew pamper you in the luxurious
air-conditioned lounge with its fully licensed bar,
or soak up the sun and sea air under the sails on
our expansive deck. 'Wavedancer' is a memorable experience
from the moment you step aboard. They will take you
to Low Isles which is situated 15 kilometers north-east
of Port Douglas. Low Isles is a 4 acre coral cay surrounded
by 55 acres of reef. The corals are very close to
the island, which makes snorkeling an enjoyable experience.
The two small islands are separate with one common
reef. The larger of the two, Woody Island, is uninhabited
except for a large bird population. The smaller of
the Low Isles is a coral cay with a lighthouse that
has been operating since 1878.
More
info.... |
|
Click
here for more information and accommodation in Port Douglas....
Cruises
from Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands
Half
day cruise to Whitehaven Beach |
|
From Airlie Beach, this
cruise takes you to picturesque Whitehaven Beach -
one of the Whitsundays premier natural attractions.
Here you have the afternoon to enjoy the natural beauty
of this seven kilometre stretch of pure white silica
sand. Swim in the crystal clear waters, take a leisurely
walk along the pristine beach, join in a game of beach
volleyball or just relax and soak up the sunshine.
A delicious BBQ buffet lunch is served on board before
you are transferred across to the beach to enjoy the
activities. More
info.... |
|
Cruise
several islands |
|
Departing from Airlie
Beach, this Fantasea Two Island Cruise showcases two
very different faces of the Whitsunday Islands. Apart
from a visit to the spectacular Whitehaven Beach on
Whitsunday Island, you'll also enjoy the exciting
resort attractions of Hamilton Island. The cruise
departs daily from Shute Harbour and allows you to
spend approximately two and a half hours on Hamilton
Island before departing for the afternoon at beautiful
Whitehaven Beach. Your cruise includes complimentary
tea and coffee, a buffet lunch on route to Whitehaven
Beach and beach activities.
HAMILTON ISLAND:
Hamilton Island is the largest, most cosmopolitan
island resort in the South Pacific, offering an enormous
range of activities. These include target shooting,
the wire-flyer, go-karts, buggy hire, scenic island
tours and a diverse range of bars, bistros, restaurants,
shopping boutiques and numerous other activities.
WHITEHAVEN BEACH:
Visit one of the world's most pristine beaches and
a Whitsunday icon. Enjoy a light buffet lunch on board
before reaching Whitehaven Beach and then you have
the whole afternoon to enjoy the natural beauty of
this 6 kilometre (3.7 mile) stretch of pure white
silica sand. Swim in the crystal clear water, take
a leisurely walk along the pristine beach, join in
the beach activities or simply soak up the sun.
More
info on two islands cruise....
More
info on three islands cruise, including Daydream Island.... |
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Scenic
flight over the reef |
|
The Great Barrier Reef
is one of the world's seven wonders, so why not indulge
yourself in the best it has to offer?
Your scenic flight will take you over the Whitsundays...
you will have a bird's eye view of the islands, stunning
Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef - a natural coral
formation that inspires the romance in all of us!
After your flight, you will land at Reefworld to spend
two hours snorkeling or scuba diving (additional cost),
bathing in the sun or you can simply view the stunning
coral from an underwater viewing chamber or a semi-submersible.
You will return to Hamilton Island via helicopter
for another fantastic view of this spectacular part
of the world. A trip you will always remember…
More
info.... |
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Half
day cruise from Hamilton Island |
|
This cruise takes you
to picturesque Whitehaven Beach - one of the Whitsundays
premier natural attractions. Here you have the afternoon
to enjoy the natural beauty of this seven kilometre
stretch of pure white silica sand. Swim in the crystal
clear waters, take a leisurely walk along the pristine
beach, join in a game of beach volleyball or just
relax and soak up the sunshine.
A delicious BBQ buffet lunch is served on board before
you are transferred across to the beach to enjoy the
activities. More
info.... |
|
Full
day cruise from Hamilton Island |
|
Visit Reefworld, the largest
and most sophisticated Australian owned reef platform
on the Great Barrier Reef!
You will travel to Hardy Reef, the most beautiful
and prolific of nature's coral gardens, in the air
conditioned comfort of a high-speed catamaran. Here
you can enjoy a day of adventure exploring the reef
along the snorkelling trails or scuba diving with
Fantasea's experienced dive instructors. For the less
adventurous, the large open sundeck with shaded areas
is the perfect place to enjoy the unique experience
of sun baking on the reef. More
info.... |
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Overnight
cruise |
|
Reefsleep is a truly unforgettable
reef experience, where you can stay overnight at Reefworld,
the largest Australian owned offshore facility on
the Great Barrier Reef. In fact past guests often
call it the ultimate sleep-over on the Great Barrier
Reef.
The Reefsleep package offers a chance to explore the
reef without the crowds. You have the opportunity
to enjoy all of Reefworld's facilities over two days
and experience the peace and tranquility of Reefworld
at night. Watching the sun set from the top deck is
truly breathtaking and Reefworld is the perfect place
to star gaze - you will not believe how many stars
there are or how bright they are until you have been
out on the reef at night.
With exclusive time to explore the reef once the day-trippers
have departed, come face to face with schools of colourful
reef fish and be amazed at the coral formations as
you dive or snorkel along the reef edge. From the
comfort of the underwater viewing chamber witness
the spectacular transformation as the marine life
comes alive after sunset.
You will be pampered by your own personal Deck Steward
for the night as canapes and drinks are served at
dusk and dinner alfresco style under the stars. Breakfast
is enjoyed on the reef the following morning.More
info.... |
|
Click
here for more information and accommodation in Airlie Beach / Whitsundays
Great Barrier Reef Islands
Standbyrates.com.au
is a great place to shop for some last minute discounts,
find luxury accommodation for the price of budget accommodation
!
Brampton
Island |
|
Located at the base
of the world-renowned Whitsunday Island Passage,
40 km North-East of Mackay, Brampton Island is the
ideal haven for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Sparkling azure waters, twelve golden sandy beaches,
coral gardens and an array of walking and jogging
tracks, each affording spectacular views, surround
this large and beautiful National Park Island.Accommodation
is available in several choices. Some rooms are
located right on the beach, while some are set amongst
native gardens. Tempting beach barbecues are held
regularly.
More
info and reservations.... |
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Daydream
Island |
|
Daydream Island Resort
& Spa is the closest of the Whitsunday Islands to
Shute Harbour, just 5 km from the mainland.
Mermaids is a beachside a La Carte restaurant, Waterfalls
is a buffet style restaurant and Castaways is a
tavern offering a snack menu. There are also 3 bars.
The resort also boasts 3 swimming pools and spas,
dive centre. Just one and a half kilometers long,
Daydream Island is very popular with day-trippers.
The Novotel on the island has recently been refurbished
making this a very good resort holiday location.
More
info and reservations....
|
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Hamilton
Island |
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With its absolute beachfront
location the Beach Club offers an intimate holiday
experience for its guests. The hotel offers 55 guestrooms,
which are facing directly onto Catseye Beach. Each
room has a private balcony with spectacular views
of the Coral Sea and surrounding islands. Hamilton
Island offers the perfect setting for all types
of corporate events including conferences, product
launches, exhibitions and incentives.
More
info and reservations.... |
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Hayman
Island |
|
Hayman Island Resort
is Australia's most celebrated private island destination,
beautifully situated in the magnificent Great Barrier
Reef. Hayman provides an ideal setting for exciting
sporting pursuits and relaxing leisure activities.
The resort offers 244 beautifully appointed rooms,
each featuring private terrace or balcony with magnificent
views over the famous Hayman Pool and tropical gardens.
Hayman boasts fabulous restaurants and bars plus
a lounge. Guests can also dine in special outdoor
island settings or in the Reef surrounds.
More
info and reservations.... |
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Long
Island |
|
Located amidst the turquoise
waters of the Whitsundays lies Peppers Palm Bay,
an intimate and secluded tropical retreat. The 21
non-smoking cabins and bungalows boast private balconies
that offer a lovely view of the other Isles. They
are nestled amongst swaying palms, open to a private
beach and form the perfect secluded hideaway. The
resort is suitable for small intimate weddings.
You can pack a gourmet picnic lunch and speed off
in a boat to discover the beaches of Long Island's
National Park or grab a snorkel and explore the
underwater world of the reef. If you want to experience
the charms of the Whitsundays without the crowds,
then Peppers Palm Bay is for you.
More
info and reservations.... |
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South
Molle Island |
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South Molle Island Resort
features 405 hectares of unspoilt National Park
rimmed by scenic beaches, bays and inlets. All guest
rooms at South Molle are serviced daily and feature
numerous modern amenities. The in-house restaurant
serves themed buffet style meals ranging from Mediterranean,
Italian, Australian Bush Tucker, Chinese to South
Pacific. Conference rooms are also readily available,
for hosting your business meetings.
More
info and reservations.... |
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Dunk
Island Resort |
|
Situated on Dunk Island,
one of Australia's most beautiful tropical rainforest
islands, the Dunk Island Resort offers comfortable
rooms including suites equipped with all necessary
modern amenities. Dining options include the Beachcomber
Restaurant, EJ's on the Deck as well as wining options
like the Plantation Bar and Lounge, Cascade Pool
Bar and the BB's on the beach cafe. Other facilities
include reception, laundry, safe deposit box, two
swimming pools, gym, a squash court as well as facilities
for the disabled.
More
info and reservations.... |
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Lizard
Island Resort |
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Lizard Island Resort
is located right on the Great Barrier Reef. It is
a private paradise with 24 powdery white sandy beaches
and a lagoon. It lies 240 kilometres north of Cairns
and 27 kilometres off the coast of north Queensland.
Lizard Island offers a total of 40 rooms, which
are all well furnished with modern conveniences.
The resort's relaxed bar and lounge are the ideal
place to sit and enjoy a drink. Dining is one of
Lizard's many pleasures. You can share the panoramic
coastal views while dining seated on the broad sweeping
verandah, or enjoy an intimate dinner, beachside,
in a private marquee. PLEASE NOTE: Children under
10 years are not catered for.
More
info and reservations.... |
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Bedarra
Island Resort |
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The Bedarra Island Resort
is located in the tropical North Queensland coast,
midway between Townsville and Cairns, neighbouring
the Dunk Island. During leisure, you can indulge
in various activities in the surrounding area. The
Resort boasts 16 guestrooms, all of which are comfortable,
well furnished and equipped with modern amenities.
Enjoy a drink at the bar and dine at the in-house
open terrace restaurant that serves a variety of
delicacies. Recreational facilities include a spa,
swimming pool, gymnasium as well as a tennis court.
Other services offered are internet access, currency
exchange, safe deposit box and fax.
More
info and reservations.... |
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