Five Ways to Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Situated off the coast of northern Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is the number one reason why tourists flock to this part of Australia. Visible from space, it is the largest living structure on Earth, a World Heritage Site and considered to be one of the natural wonders of the world. The reef itself is actually made up of thousands of smaller reefs and islands, which all interlink with each other and are home to an abundance of underwater life.

During many of our Queensland tours, you will get the opportunity to visit Marine World. This exclusive activity platform is operated by Reef Magic and offers a variety of ways to discover this beautiful aquatic ecosystem.

Snorkelling

Getting in the water and exploring with the help of snorkelling equipment is possibly the best way to see what’s going on beneath the surface. The specially designed snorkelling lagoon at Marine World is great for both beginners and those with a little more confidence. There is a platform where you can don your gear (all provided as part of your TravelQuest tour), as well as strategically located floating ‘rest stops’ to avoid you having to put your feet on the bottom. There are even snorkel safaris available, which will take you further out than just the shallows.

Glass Bottom Boat

If you would rather not get wet, you can climb aboard one of the many glass-bottomed boats and take a thirty-minute tour of the reef. These small, manoeuvrable vessels are perfect for searching out large schools of fish, intricate coral reefs and giant clams.

Semi-Submersible

For something a little bit different, why not opt for one of the tours in a semi-submersible. Similar to the glass-bottomed boats, but providing views from a metre below the surface, these crafts will allow you to witness some fascinating sights. The expert commentary will tell you about all the species that swim past the window and you may even catch a glimpse of a reef shark or minke whale.

Underwater Observatory

If you don’t want to be beneath or on top of the waves, the underwater observatory gives you a view into the deep without even having to go outside. This walkthrough offers the chance to spot some of the many species that live on the reef and also witness the fish feeding frenzy that takes place outside the window at lunchtime.

Helicopter Tour

As one of the only activities at Marine World that incurs an additional cost, the Heli Magic sightseeing tours will give you the opportunity to really appreciate the enormity of the Great Barrier Reef. There are different lengths of flight available, making them accessible to any budget, and you will be able to spot animals that live further out from the coast, such as manta rays, turtles and sharks.

As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, all of which are possible on selected tours of Queensland. If you would like to know more, or you want to book your trip to Australia, call our friendly team today.