The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, a giant stretch of individual reefs comprising thousands of fish, sea and coral species.
Whether you’re diving deep below the turquoise waters, wading in the shallows just off a tropical paradise, climbing aboard a magical glass bottom boat tour or hanging out on an uber fun pontoon, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for nature lovers!
Pretty much anywhere you go in the reef is going to be full of stunningly vibrant coral species, but the plethora of reefs situated just off Cairns are revered for their bright and colourful coral species known as “bommies”.
This gorgeous coral is just one of the many reasons diving and snorkelling off Cairns is one of the best experiences in the whole reef, especially given the rich and diverse ocean life that ducks and weaves amongst its bulging edges and sponges.
You can find this amazing coral – alongside some of the Reef’s most incredible sea species – in these fabulous reefs:
Hastings Reef
Hastings Reef is one of the oldest in the whole giant stretch, and it happens to cover a huge 10km of unforgettable diving site. Brimming with unique sea life, Hastings Reef is full of fascinating fish and sea creatures like rabbit fish, angelfish and the legendary clown fish, famous for its role in the classic film, Finding Nemo.
Saxon Reef
Saxon Reef is as famous for its awesome myriad of sea life, but also for the amazing way the sun shines through the corals, invigorating the reef and creating an incredible kaleidoscopic effect.
It’s for this reason – and for the amazing crays, stingrays, sharks, eels and fish – that makes Saxon Reef an all-time favourite amongst divers.
Green Island
Green Island is not only an awesome place to dive and snorkel, but it’s pretty much as good as a tropical island paradise gets, with plenty of lush tropical forest giving way to the calm, turquoise waters that are inhabited by some of the most fascinating species in the whole reef!
Fitzroy Island
Speaking of island paradises, Fitzroy Island is pretty much everything you could hope for in such a term: wonderful diving, picturesque beaches, fantastic hikes and a chill island vibe that make it a dream holiday…
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.