Can you see the Great Barrier Reef without snorkelling?

The Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s most incredible natural wonderland. This gigantic stretch of underwater life is home to thousands of species of bizarre corals, fascinating fish and vibrant sea life that make the Reef one of the most sought-after natural landmarks in the world!

Whether you’re diving below the waters to get face-to-face with the likes of clownfish, stingrays, whales, whatever, or lazing about on one of the incredible islands that dot the Reef, there is always a sense of joy and amazement that accompanies a trip to the Great Barrier Reef.

Naturally, snorkelling and diving aren’t the only ways you can see the Reef. Many people detest the idea of peeling on a wetsuit, pulling on flippers and getting amongst all that strange sea life – this is understandable!

Instead, there are multiple other ways in which you can experience the Great Barrier Reef without having to get in the actual water.

Let’s take a look at a couple of them below:

Glass bottom boat tour

Probably the most popular way to see the Reef without getting in the water, a glass-bottom boat tour provides you an amazing insight into reef life without the worry of being bumped by a manta ray in the process!

Climb aboard one of the numerous glass-bottom boat tours that take place across this 2,700km stretch of marine magic, allowing your knowledgeable guide to talk you through the wonders that can be easily viewed through the glass below.

You will still get to enjoy the Reef just as much as anyone who actually gets down amongst it, but you won’t have to dry yourself off afterwards!

Helicopter tour

Okay, this is a bit more on the bougie side of Great Barrier Reef experiences, but hey, you asked if there were other ways you could see the Reef! A helicopter tour will soar you high above this astounding wonder, allowing you to see all the gorgeous hues that swirl and form from the coral below.

Walk along the shoreline

Of course, the most calming and tranquil way to experience the Great Barrier Reef’s joys is to simply walk along the shoreline. Sure, you may not see everything there is to see in the wonderful Great Barrier Reef, but you’ll be there, in the incomparable beauty of this incredible part of the world, and that’s not such a bad thing, is it?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.