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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Mark Chipperfield

This vast coral reef system, comprising almost 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, stretches for over 1,600 miles off Australia’s eastern coast – it’s so vast it can be seen from outer space.

It supports an astonishingly rich biodiversity, including 30 species of whale and dolphin, 1,500 species of fish, 125 species of shark and ray, and six species of sea turtle.

Shark, Holmes and Osprey reefs regularly rank among the world’s greatest dive spots. All three are accessible from Port Douglas on liveaboards – but they’re too far away for day trips.

The majority of the reef’s treasures, though, are found just a couple of metres below the surface, meaning this magical underwater world is accessible to snorkellers and glass-bottomed boats as well as divers.

Price from: £140
Minimum age: 4
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 1 day

Getting there & doing it

Multiple operators based in or near Port Douglas’s marina offer a wide range of dive and snorkel trips.

As the nearest fringes of the reef are least two hours offshore, excursions leave at first light and last all day. Overnight or multi-day trips offer a package of varied dives, such as reef, wall and night dives.

Children aged 4 and over can join snorkelling tours, and under 14s  will usually get a discount.

Seaplane flights offer an alternative – and exhilarating – way to access and appreciate the vastness of the reef. Planes touch down for snorkelling and picnics on remote coral cays.

When to do it

Trips out to the reef run daily all year round. Start times vary by tour and operator but will depart at first light and return at the end of the day. For the best underwater visibility dive between August and December.

Stinging jellyfish are a problem in these waters from October to May, but most commercial dive boats carry stinger suits to protect divers from this threat.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

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Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas

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Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

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Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

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See the Great Barrier Reef's coral and marine life on this full-day trip from Port Douglas. Whether you are a snorkeler or a scuba diver, ex...

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