The Great Barrier Reef

Said to be the world’s largest living structure and the only one visible from outer space, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The Whitsundays region benefits from being located as the closest point off the Queensland coast to the Great Barrier Reef , which ensures it is the ideal hub from which to explore this aquatic wonderland.

Stretching over 2000 kilometres in length, the Great Barrier Reef protects the Whitsunday Coast and Islands from huge ocean swells providing the region with some of the safest cruising grounds in the world.

If diving is your passion, then this is your paradise. Home to tens of thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, coral and other marine life including whales, dolphins and turtles enjoy the diversity of your underwater playground. Local companies are able to cater for every skill level from novice to dive master.

If snorkelling is more your style, then the warm shallow waters of the Whitsundays provide some of the most colourful fish and coral formations anywhere in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Or stay dry, and enjoy the reef views from an underwater viewing chamber, glass bottom boat and coral semi-submersible. The Whitsundays offers the only opportunity to spend a night in a hotel room right on the Great Barrier Reef ! There is definitely a reef experience on offer for everyone.

The Whitsundays also has some of the best fishing in Queensland . Charter Vessels operating out of Shute Harbour , Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island offer a variety of trips to the rich waters of the outer Great Barrier Reef chasing, tuna, mackerel and coral trout, or tagging and releasing sailfish and the legendary Black Marlin.

REEF CRUISES

Experience the reef from a variety of cruises from tallships and sailing yachts to luxury mini cruise ships on overnight or multiple night trips, allowing you to spend more time to explore the islands and Great Barrier Reef. With options from a few days to a week you can see the highlights of Whitehaven Beach and head out to navigate the amazing Reef River, the channel dividing the main reefs, and snorkel and dive at your leisure.

REEF SLEEP

With a cast of thousands of stars your night on the reef is always going to be a special experience. Fantasea's Reefworld provides comfortable accommodation for a handful of guests seeking something truly different. An al fresco tropical dinner accompanied by a galaxy of stars that you'll never see in the city make this a night to remember. And morning brings all the more time to explore the reef and make more discoveries snorkelling and diving.

DAY CRUISES

Day cruises of varying sizes provide the chance to experience Queensland's underwater treasure trove. Fantasea Adventure Cruising vessels depart from Shute Harbour, collecting guests from Lindeman and Hamilton Islands enroute to Hardy Reef where Fantasea's Reefworld pontoon is permanently moored. From the pontoon visitors can step below the water's surface into the Underwater Observatory - a 50 seat viewing chamber that provides a window into the world of the reef. Another way to see the reef without getting wet at Reefworld is aboard Fantasea's semi-submersible which navigates through the channels of the reef for a tour of the coral creations.

Cruise Whitsundays also operates day cruises to the reef. Their 37-metre wave piercer 'Seaflight' departs daily from Abel Point Marina at Airlie Beach , Daydream Island , Koala Adventure Island , Long Island and Hayman Island (by arrangement). 'Seaflight' embarks for their spacious and innovative pontoon at Knuckle Reef Lagoon, acclaimed as the region's most spectacular Great Barrier Reef site. Here visitors can dive, snorkel or view the reef from Queensland's largest and most spectacular underwater observatory. There is also a unique giant waterslide, snorkelling Reef Safari's and regular 'Subsea Adventure' and glass bottom boat excursions.

Air Whitsunday Seaplanes - Departing daily, their seaplanes showcase the magnitude of the Great Barrier Reef from above, before landing and transferring to a private semi-subs at Hardy Reef for two hours of coral viewing and snorkelling. Enjoy aerial views of Hook, Hardy and Heart Reefs from above and explore this amazing underwater world from below. Air Whitsunday seaplanes have large, unobstructed windows perfect for photography and vessels have an underwater viewing chamber, sun and shade decks as well as easy step access into the water. Groups are limited to a maximum of 22 people to ensure that you receive the very best of Air Whitsunday's friendly attention. Snorkelling assistance and tuition is provided. All ages and fitness levels are catered for.