- Snorkeling and diving: Explore the vibrant coral reefs, home to over 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral.
- Glass-bottom boat tours: Get an underwater view of the reef without getting wet.
- Scenic flights: Take a seaplane or helicopter tour for breathtaking aerial views of the reef and its surrounding islands.
- Cruises: Experience the reef from the comfort of a liveaboard or day cruise, offering opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing.
- Island hopping: Visit the Whitsunday Islands, Lizard Island, or Heron Island for secluded white-sand beaches and pristine coral reefs.
2. Hardy Reef: Located approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Airlie Beach, Hardy Reef is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. It's known for its rich marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral gardens.
3. Green Island: Situated just 45 kilometers (28 miles) off the coast of Cairns, Green Island is a coral cay that offers a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, diving, glass-bottom boat tours, and guided coral viewing tours.
4. Fitzroy Island: Approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast of Cairns, Fitzroy Island is a tropical island with stunning beaches, hiking trails, and opportunities for snorkeling and diving. It also has a small resort and a restaurant.
5. The Whitsundays: A group of 74 islands located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are known for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts. Popular activities include sailing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and bushwalking.
6. Lizard Island: Situated on the northernmost edge of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is a picturesque island known for its beautiful beaches, coral gardens, and abundance of marine life. It also has a research station and a luxury resort.
7. Heron Island: Found approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles) off the coast of Gladstone, Heron Island is a coral island that offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, sea kayaking, bird watching, and fishing. It also has a research station and a resort.
8. Lady Elliot Island: Located about 85 kilometers (53 miles) northeast of Bundaberg, Lady Elliot Island is a coral island with a diverse marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and dolphins. It offers snorkeling, diving, fishing, and bird watching.
9. Michaelmas Cay: Situated approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) northeast of Cairns, Michaelmas Cay is a small coral island that's home to a large colony of seabirds, including terns, noddies, and boobies. It's a great spot for bird watching and snorkeling.
10. Orpheus Island: Found about 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Townsville, Orpheus Island is a national park that offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, fishing, bushwalking, and camping. It also has a resort and a research station.