The Australian Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive coral reef system in the world. It stretches over 1,430 miles and is composed entirely of living organisms. With its sublime beauty, it is no surprise that it is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Great Barrier Reef has over 2 million visitors every year and they can all attest to its indescribable charm.
Getting to the Great Barrier Reef is fairly easy – it’s about an hour-long boat ride from Cairns. The Great Barrier Reef offers a variety of activities especially to those adventure-driven souls who want to connect with nature. In this piece, we’ll take a look at five of the great ways to experience the world class wonder of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.
1. Sea Kayaking
Kayaking is a very popular water sport that can be very relaxing and challenging at the same time. With the use of a double-bladed paddle, and by sitting facing forward with your legs stretched out in front, you can get a great view of the reef from above while having an incidental form of exercise at the same time.
If you are interested in trying a glass bottom kayak, Fitzroy Island offered one where you will be able to experience a much closer and intimate adventure from the comfort of your craft. The resort offers a 3-hour guided sea kayaking tours, suited for professionals and even those new to this water activity. Witness a number of excellent landscapes and seascapes around the island that happens to be accessible by foot or by boat, too. If you want something more exciting than the glass bottom kayak, you can also opt to rent a sea kayak and the necessary gear from Fitzroy Island’s Dive and Adventure Centre where you can explore the stunning marine life of the reef at your own pace.
2. Snorkelling
Teeming with an amazing amount of aquatic plant and animal life, the Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 600 different types of coral as well as 1,625 types of reef fish − which makes it highly attractive to snorkelers of all ages and experience levels.
One of the best ways to explore the vast amount of snorkelling opportunities on the reef is to book a great barrier reef tour, where you’ll be taken to the best snorkelling hotspots known only by the local experts.
With the Great Barrier Reef to the east, Fitzroy Island’s location is spectacular. This picturesque tropical island is just a 45-minute Fast Cat Ride from Cairns marina, which offers access to a unique ecosystem, from an abundant green jungle to a crystal clear Coral Sea.
Fitzroy is a favourite tourist destination where you can snorkel and swim amongst the vibrant marine life and be amazed by the tropical fish and see if you can spot Fitzroy Island’s famous clown fish or sea turtles. Fitzroy Island is also very attractive for those on a budget, especially families and backpackers.
3. Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For those people who are afraid to snorkel or are not a confident swimmer but still want to enjoy the colourful wildlife offered by the Great Barrier Reef, Glass Bottom Boat Tour should be the right one for you.
This boat experience will take you to the best corals and other marine life in comfort and safety. In booking your glass bottom boat tour, try to consider the one which offers tour close to the shores to be able to enjoy the magnificent tropical islands dotted along the Great Barrier Reef, such as the impeccable Fitzroy Island.
4. Scuba Diving
Australia is widely known for its white-sand beaches, pristine islands, and turquoise waters. As a result, a lot of people flock to the country to spend a well-deserved summer getaway — lounging around the beach and doing water activities.
There are a lot of water activities that come to mind when thinking of an island getaway, such as sunbathing, island-hopping, sailing, surfing, snorkelling. While these activities will surely give you an amazing adventure, many tourists still remain unacquainted with the breathtaking attractions and underworldly charm experience offered by scuba diving. If you fancy scuba diving on the reef or a novice, the experience provided by the Great Barrier Reef will be the one for you. Get an up-close view of the astonishing mix of coral and sea animal life! From shallow coral gardens for first-timers, up to more technical sprees and dives, immersing yourself amongst the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef via scuba diving is an experience like no other.
5. From The Air (Via Helicopter)
When you plan on visiting the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling and scuba diving are the first thing that comes into your mind. But there are other ways to witness this World Heritage beauty, last on our list is seeing the Great Barrier Reef from the air.
The ultimate way to see the Great Barrier Reef is to get in an air helicopter to fetch you from the ground. After taking off, your pilot points out key landmarks where upon reaching the edge of the reef, you circle reefworld. This exploration pontoon has been moored for over 25 years. Leaving the reef where you see waves lapping over the edge, you head back over the open seas towards the iconic Whitehaven beach. Once there, you fly over the miles of dazzling pristine white sands of this famous beach followed by another chance to take in the beauty of the Whitsunday islands sprawling out before you before landing again.
As you can see, there are a lot of great ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Indeed, there are a couple more activities you can try aside from the activities we have listed on this piece but no matter how you plan your adventure is going to be, make sure to choose whatever you are most comfortable with. The most important thing is that you enjoy the beauty the Great Barrier Reef offers in a safe and respectful way.
Greece
