Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
The Great Barrier Reef is located off the Coastline of Queensland in Northeastern Australia. It is so vast it can be seen from space. It is around 1,400 miles long which means that there are many different great and exciting ways to see and explore the Great Barrier Reef.
The good news is that you don’t need to know how to dive to be able to see it. It is the world’s largest coral reef and it is home to hundreds of species of beautiful fish, dolphins, whales and turtles. Here is a bucket list of 6 great ways to see the Great Barrier Reef. You might just be able to fit one of each into your Great Barrier Reef Holiday.
1. Rafting or charter boat rides Great Barrier Reef
As you can imagine there is a vast array of charter boats and rafts that you can take out to the Great Barrier Reef. There are boats that sail from many different places in both Australia and New Zealand.
For a really good view of what’s below, why not choose a glass-bottom boat? They are a perfect way to view the beauty of the sea without getting your feet wet. The sea is so clear that a glass bottom boat is not essential. A lot of the boat tours also visit the many different islands that surround the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline you could also take a raft tour which travels a lot faster than a regular charter boat.
2. Go Sailing on a Yacht on the Great Barrier Reef
Sailing is such a beautiful, relaxing and peaceful way to tour around the Great Barrier Reef. A lot of the sailing cruises also offer the chance to go snorkelling, kayaking or paddle boarding during their tours.
A yacht tour is a great way to soak up the scenery both on land and in the water, many also offer food to their guests. The decks of the ships also give you more space than a charter boat so you can really unwind and soak up some rays. This can also mean fewer people on board which gives you more time to ask questions and receive personal attention.
3. Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
You don’t have to know how to dive to see the Great Barrier Reef from the water. Snorkelling is a great activity and one that people of most ages can enjoy. If you don’t have your own equipment a lot of the boat tours will loan out the snorkels and flippers if you need them.
There are many child-friendly reef tours if you are travelling as a family. Some of the tours are in shallow water where children have the option to stand and put their faces in the water with a mask on. Buoyancy aids and wetsuits can also be hired or provided so it isn’t essential that your child is a strong swimmer. For children aged over 12, there is also the option to don a dive helmet and go seawalking.
4. Hot Air Balloon Flights
Taking a hot air balloon flight over the Great Barrier Reef is certainly a pretty unique idea for a bucket list of things to do. Why not take off into the wide-open blue sky to enjoy the expansive blue below you? It’s a great way to view the different colours and contrasts of the reef and a great way to truly appreciate the size of it all.
A lot of the balloon flights also set off at sunrise which makes for a spectacular view and light as you travel around. It’s also an incredibly peaceful experience with just the occasional firing up of the burners. It’s certainly an experience to create lasting memories and to tell everyone about.
5. Board a Light Aircraft or Helicopter for an aerial view
To experience as much of the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef as you possibly can you should consider a light aircraft or helicopter ride. It will certainly give you a different perspective as you fly like a bird above this natural wonder. The colours from the air are like nothing else on earth. It’s not the cheapest way to see the Great Barrier Reef but it’s one of the most spectacular.
6. Visit a Living Coral Reef Aquarium
At the Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Queensland, you can experience the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium. You can experience hands-on marine encounters, pay a visit to a turtle hospital and more. There are many different exhibits showcasing rare and extraordinary features of the Great Barrier Reef. It is also the Australian Government’s national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All words and opinions are my own. Photos are courtesy of Pixabay.
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