Where is the best place to go on your Great Barrier Reef trip?
Have you wondered where is the best place to go on a Great Barrier Reef trip? There is no doubt that it is an area of outstanding natural beauty, but there are numerous ways that you can experience its natural wonders. Whether it’s from above, below or just around, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Luckily, during two years in Australia, we managed to experience many different but wonderful ways to visit the colourful coral wonder.
‘People say to me, ‘what was the most magical thing you ever saw in your life?’ I always say, without a word of exaggeration, the first time I was lucky enough to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef’’. – Sir David Attenborough
However, unlike Attenborough, you don’t need to be a diver to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s 344,400 square kilometres of beauty, but there is no denying that the Great Barrier Reef has indeed suffered from climate change. Evidently, the coral has been bleached and this can impact the whole ecosystem catastrophically.
So, does this mean you shouldn’t visit? No. It means that if you do, go soon, go responsibly and do your part in looking after this crazy planet we all call home.
The Great Barrier Reef Trip – How to choose?
There are many tours offering trips to the Great Barrier Reef and it can be confusing.
We decided what we should do by considering 3 important factors:
- The activity
- The vehicle
- The destination
Firstly, what do you want to do, swim, snorkel, and skydive? If you don’t want to get wet, then consider a plane or a glass bottom boat? Finally, arguably the most important factor is the destination. Remember the outer reef is usually less damaged and more colourful than the reefs closer to the shores due to over tourism. Plan, research and read reviews to decide on your Great Barrier Reef trip.
The Whitsundays – Sailing Experience
Where: This tour leaves from Airlie Beach
Company: Spank Me
Cost: $450
How long: 2 nights 2 days
What is it like to go on a sailing trip in the Great Barrier Reef?
This tour is particularly good if you want to discover Whitehaven Beach. You will likely be the first boat there in the morning, which means you’ll have the extraordinary 4.3-mile stretch of pure white silica sand to yourself.
Unfortunately, the coral reefs only account for 7% in the Whitsundays and the visibility is not the best. Therefore, although the experience itself of sailing, sleeping on board and jumping off the boat is unbelievable, when you imagine the Great Barrier Reef, this is not what you imagine. Overall, sleeping on a boat is a fabulous experience, even if you feel seasick when you eventually get off.
Tip: shop around for the best deal in the many travel agents. Although, if you are visiting during the peak months make sure you book ahead. You can book online on Bookme to save money.
Cairns – A Day Boat Trip
Where: Cairns, Far North Queensland
Company: Passions of Paradise
Cost: $195 for snorkel or $240 for an introductory scuba (includes a buffet lunch)
How long: 8-hour day trip
Should you visit the Outer Reef?
Overall, the day was extremely memorable and positive. The boat is modern and comfortable and the friendly crew take you to visit two outer reef locations. What’s more is you have the option to be like Attenborough and scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef, even if you have never done it before. How amazing! Don’t worry if that’s not your thing, you can experience the Great Barrier Reef just as well with a snorkel.
Truly, this tour was excellent for seeing the reef up close and there were informative presentations throughout the day on coral fish and life by a marine naturalist. Therefore, this trip exceeded expectations.
The Whitsundays – Fly From Above
Where: Airlie Beach, Whitsundays
Company: Booked with Get Your Guide
Cost: Around $250
How long: 60 minutes
What’s it like to soar from above?
As the Great Barrier Reef is visible from space, is there really a better way to view it than from a bird’s eye view? What’s great is that this option always includes a window seat, so you won’t miss out on the breath-taking views as you go over the famous Heart Reef. Prepare to see paradisiac islands, with white sand beaches in the middle of the ocean.
Also, the impressive colour changes from light blue to the dark blue ‘drop off’ and the unique serpent shape of Whitehaven Beach. Depending on the time of year, you can spot whales with the help of the friendly pilot. This experience really has it all.
The Whitsundays – Skydive Australia
Where: Airlie Beach
Company: Skydive Australia
Cost: $254 + extra for photos and videos (price will vary- use Book Me)
How long: 2 hours
What is like to skydive over the Great Barrier Reef?
Skydiving is a life-changing experience. After opting to jump at 15,000ft, it included a 60 second free-fall, which is exhilarating for any adrenaline junkie. However, the views of the reef were disappointing, but this was not Skydive Australia’s fault. It was the weather. Therefore, if you are planning to do skydive specifically to see the Great Barrier Reef, then you’ll be taking a huge risk. However, you could be lucky and have excellent conditions and if you do, this is probably one of the best spots to skydive in the world.
Great Keppel Island – The Southern Great Barrier Reef
Where: Great Keppel Island, Central Queensland.
Company: Freedom Fast Cats
Cost: $45 return or $30 for early bird
How long: Day trip (8 hours)
Is it worth visiting the Southern Great Barrier Reef?
Of course, there are numerous islands you can visit to experience the Great Barrier Reef. However, many of them, whilst amazing, do not suit budget travellers. Keppel Island is an exception. Located just a 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon, in Central Queensland. You can discover 17 beautiful beaches, bush trails and the main attraction: the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Without a doubt, this is a fabulous option if you want to do a day trip (or overnight) to experience the reef on a tropical island. There’s the option to rent a snorkel from the Water Sports hut and walk from the beach to the reef. Also as it is not as popular, it means there are less people. Therefore, this island proves you don’t have to go to Cairns to experience the largest coral reef system in the world.
Tip: A really fun option is exploring the quirky seaside town of Yeppoon whilst you are here. The hostel Yeppoon Beach House is out of this world. Hands down, this is one of the best hostels in Australia!
Brisbane or Cairns – Catch a domestic flight
Where: Fly Brisbane to Cairns
Company: Virgin Australia
Cost: $200
How long: 2 hrs 25mins
Why is this option included on the list?
Ok… this idea is half a joke, but did you know that you could actually see the Great Barrier Reef on this journey? Certainly, you have to be lucky with your allocated seat, but there’s no denying that this is an excellent way to see the Great Barrier Reef from above.
Remember, the Great Barrier Reef covers 344,400 square kilometres. This means that if you want to see a large part of it, this is your best option. Of course, you’re not close to the reef, but its possible to see many of the 74 islands of the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach. Undeniably, you’ll be in for memorable domestic flight, but it is a bit of a lottery.
Tip: if you are going south, get a seat on the left. If you’re going North, get a seat on the right.
So where is the best place to see the Great Barrier Reef?
It’s equally a great experience from above and from below. First, snorkelling and seeing the reef and its marine life from below allows you to understand how alive it is and how much we need to protect it. However, having an extensive vision of the reef from above brings the scale of it to life. Both different, both spectacular.
It has never been more important to travel responsibly, especially on your Great Barrier Reef trip. You only have to look at the news and see the horror stories about what the reef is going through in terms of climate change and environmental hazards. When you go on a Great Barrier Reef trip, a percentage of your ticket cost will go towards preserving the reef known as a ‘reef tax’. If you do opt to go in the water, use biodegradable sun cream and never touch the coral. Appreciate what we have, whilst we have it.
Consequently, there are so many different and exciting ways to see the magnificent wonder. Have you visited the Great Barrier Reef on a trip? What did you enjoy the most? Let us know in the comments below.
Remember if you are visiting the West Coast too, you will be able to visit the spectacular Ningaloo Reef.
Read about why you should in 6 reasons to go to Western Australia here.
Photo Credit: averagelives.com and unsplash
This is definitely a bucket list trip for me! What a beautiful location to visit. Your photos are spectacular!
The Great Barrier Reef looks so beautiful! This is a great guide for visiting
Caiti | Champagne & Postcards
You really experienced the reef to the fullest! That picture from your Cairns boat trip is incredible! I love it so much!!
What a lovely experience! I loved that you added costs and details about each place. Thank you for sharing!
All of these sound amazing! I would probably go for option #2 – it would be so incredible to see the Great Barrier Reef up close!
Sounds like an awesome trip! My brother was fortunate to go to Australia when he was young. I’ve always wanted to travel more, but life kind of got in the way!
Gabrielle | TheOpinionatedOne.com