To see and explore the Great Barrier Reef Australia is on most peoples wishlist when they travel down under, but how do you choose which is the best great barrier reef tour? If you’re looking for the best way to see the great barrier reef, this post has it covered.
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I’ve been fortunate enough to see the barrier reef from several locations and can assure you that reef sleep is the best place to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Reef sleep is as close as you’ll get to a Great Barrier hotel and the ultimate way to experience this natural wonder of the world.
You get to sleep on the reef! How amazing is that?
It’s one of the best Great Barrier Reef tours and one of the most memorable and amazing experiences I’ve encountered on my travels. You can snorkel, dive, fly, stargaze, dine and sleep on the reef.
If Reef Sleep is out of your price range the day trip offered by cruise Whitsundays is still one of the best outer reef tours.
Why is Reef Sleep the best Great Barrier Reef trip?
Reef sleep gives you two days at the outer great barrier reef and plenty of time to enjoy Great Barrier reef activities.
The food is delicious, the staff are fantastic, and there are so many activities that even if you don’t want to get in the water, you can still see the bright coral reef from the glass bottom boat tour.
2900 individual reefs form this world heritage giant ecosystem. Great Barrier reef tours, however, often involve lengthy boat rides to get there and upon arrival, there’s not much time allowed for Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, diving or viewing.
Most cruises to Great Barrier Reef depart from Cairns which is in the far north of Queensland. However, Cruise Whitsundays departs from Airlie Beach. The advantage of an Airlie Beach Great Barrier Reef tour is that you can also explore the Whitsunday islands, which I highly recommend. You can read all about the Camira Whitsunday Islands tour here.
Cruise to Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays
The tour is operated by Cruise Whitsundays, and your adventure will start with one of their Great Barrier Reef cruises to Heart Pontoon. The journey takes approximately 3 hours from Airlie Beach and just two if you depart from Hamilton Island.
If your travelling during the winter months there’s also an excellent chance that you’ll be able to see the humpback whales on their migration route.
Heart Reef Pontoon
Situated off the coast of the Whitsunday islands heart reef pontoon (sometimes referred to as Hardy Reef pontoon) sees a plethora of tourists each day. This outer reef pontoon sits above Hardy Reef, which is near the famous heart reef.
During a full-day Great Barrier Reef trip, visitors can explore the reef with endless activity options.
The real magical experience though happens at night. As the day boat departs, the reef pontoon transcends into a small and unique floating hotel.
With just a handful of guests left onboard the Great Barrier Reef pontoon, there is an air of silence and tranquillity about the reef that is both unique and magical.
Heart Reef Helicopter Tour
In addition to the free activities offered on the reef world pontoon, there’s also some fabulous experience that you can pay extra for. These are all explained on the great barrier reef cruise and include the pontoon helicopter rides which fly over the great barrier reef, scuba diving and great barrier reef snorkeling tours.
The helicopter heart reef trip was a fantastic experience and one which I’d highly recommend. Boarding the heart reef helicopter from its small great barrier reef floating platform was a thrilling experience in itself.
I was transported on a motorised platform from the pontoon to the small floating helicopter pad where the great barrier reef helicopter tour departed from.
The noise from the engine and spinning propellers as you approach the helicopter was incredible. I felt like Aneeka Rice, although I doubt her stomach used to dance with as many butterflies as mine was right then.
From the air, the great barrier reef is breathtaking and it’s not surprising that it’s one of Australia’s famous landmarks. The great barrier reef corals are so bright and visible, each defined by white breaks in the sea. The mass of ocean blue provides the perfect backdrop to the sparkling turquoise colour of the reef.
Each section is characterised by dark green patterns making it unique. The most memorable was heart reef, a beautifully shaped, outcrop of coral in the middle of the ocean.
Taking a helicopter tour enables you to get a birds-eye view of the coral systems, and it’s one of the best ways to get Great Barrier Reef photos.
Activities from the Great Barrier reef pontoons
There are things to do at the great barrier pontoon for everyone regardless of age, swimming ability or experience. There are lifeguard stations both on the pontoon and in the water, so snorkeling on the great barrier reef for kids is safe.
With such an array of activities, it pays to plan and decide which activities you want to do. snorkel
Dry activities
Underwater observatory
Venturing down the small stairway on you enter a natural aquarium. The observatory has large glass windows on either side so that you watch the fish come and go as they please. Unfortunately, you can’t see the coral, for that you have to go on the glass bottom boat.
Glass-bottomed boat
This boat provides free reef tours that last for 30-minute regularly, and each trip includes a guide. The tour is informative, and the knowledgeable staff tell you about the fish and coral that you see as you depart heart pontoon. Hardy reef was different on each trip that I took, and due to the tides, the great barrier coral was not always the same. You can take several tours, and each will be unique.
Sunbathing Deck
The Great barrier reef heart pontoon has two levels, and the upper deck provides the perfect place to relax, sunbathe and recuperate after all the water-based activities.
Lunch onboard the Great Barrier Reef Cruise Whitsundays boat
There is plenty of choice at the buffet lunch, with salads, bread, seafood, cheese and fruit so that you won’t go hungry. You can also have as many servings as you like.
Water activities
Snorkelling
The pontoon has a Hardy reef snorkeling channel which is fully patrolled by several lifeguards. Wetsuits, masks, fins and snorkel are all included, although if you take your own snorkeling gear, you’ll be able to get in the water much quicker. There is no limit on the length of time you can snorkel, and life jackets/buoyancy aids are provided if you’re not a strong swimmer.
Snorkel safari
This is a guided snorkelling tour for those who want to know more about the coral and fish on the reef.
Snorkel scooter
These looked like fantastic fun although I didn’t have time to experience a snorkel scooter coral tour myself. It’s a motorised mini underwater jet ski that pulls you along so that you can see more of the coral bed.
Introduction to Scuba Diving, Great Barrier Reef
You can take a one on one dive with a fully qualified instructor. They will hold your hand all the way and encourage you to find your confidence underwater.
Certified Dive
Experienced divers can venture further with an escorted member from the dive team. Don’t forget to take your qualification details as these are needed to go on a dive.
The best Great Barrier Reef Experience on Reef Sleep
Don’t get me wrong if your here for the day you’ll have a wonderful time.
However, the real magic happens as the day-trippers depart. Suddenly there was just 13 of us left, and an eery silence fell over the pontoon as the big boat drifted into the distance.
3 pm – The Best Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling
Around 3 pm is the best time to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. The light at its best for great barrier photos and the underwater world is spectacular. The reef is teeming with wildlife at this time, and the coral garden is magical.
The colourful parrotfish seemed to be everywhere, and I found the variety of angelfish mesmerising.
There was also clams, sea slugs and snails that glowed amongst the coral as you can see from the great barrier reef pictures that I took with my [easyazon_link identifier=”B071RSJGXZ” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]Olympus TG5 camera[/easyazon_link].
The large grouper fish felt intimidating at first, but it soon became apparent that they were gentle giants.
Swimming with a turtle brought my excitement to another level, and when someone spotted a ray, I couldn’t swim fast enough. Time seemed to pass so quickly; I enjoyed every minute and felt so privileged.
The Perfect Sunset while Dining under the stars
While our hosts were preparing dinner, we warmed up in the hot showers.
The sun was just setting, and there was a romantic vibe to the pontoon. The vivid reds, oranges and yellows made for a striking vista, which was a joy to watch.
Dinner was a feast to savour, and if you like good food, you won’t be disappointed.
The starters consisted of mixed hors-d’oeuvres, a dressed salad and cheesy potatoes.
For mains, there was a choice of spinach and mushroom ravioli, a seafood platter or steak all individually served at the table.
Dessert was equally impressive with a choice of passion, fruit cheesecake or chocolate cake.
Star Gazing on Reef Sleep
The night sky is a feast for the eyes and simply magical. Greg, one of the staff members, was kind enough to get his laser pen and point out various planets, the Southern Cross, Milky Way, Scorpio and Sagittarius and many more that I can’t remember.
Like all the staff at Cruise Whitsunday’s, he went the extra mile. Its these types of people that make a good trip into something extra special. He was also able to show us which settings our cameras needed to be on and with the help of my [easyazon_link identifier=”B0772WLSHZ” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]Manfrotto travel tripod[/easyazon_link], most of us captured some fantastic photos.
If your a serious photograph you won’t find a better Great Barrier Reef location to take pictures than Heart Reef Pontoon.
It had been a fabulous day, and the photographing of stars was the icing on the cake.
Swag ’n’ Sleep
At night the swags are laid out on the upper deck. They’re surprisingly warm and comfortable, and the noise of the waves lapping against the pontoon is incredible.
After a delicious breakfast, you get the opportunity to go snorkeling again before the big boat arrives with the day trippers.
This is another fabulous time to go snorkelling. The water level was a lot lower in the morning, so the coral was even brighter as it was nearer the surface.
Leaving Reef Sleep
Sadly at 2.30 pm, it was time to depart. Chrystal, our host, was going back to the mainland and unbeknown to me there was one more treat in store.
On the journey back to Airlie Beach, the crew gave me a birthday present. Sorry, I forgot to mention this tour was a little birthday present to myself.
Experience Reef Sleep for yourself and create your own unforgettable memories.
Departs From: Airlie Beach Australia
Cost: £££ Expensive.
What’s included: Boat tour to and from Airlie Beach, morning and afternoon tea, buffet lunch, evening meal and all snorkelling equipment including a stinger suit
Experience rating: ✭✭✭✭✭
Helicopter Flight: The 20-minute flight was an additional extra booked onboard and organised by Hamilton Island Air
Tour operator: Cruise Whitsundays
Reef Sleep was one of the highlights on my last trip to Australia, and I will do again on my next Aussie adventure.
How to get to Great Barrier Reef pontoon Airlie beach
Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier reef cruise to Heart Pontoon departs from Airlie Beach, a coastal town along the Bruce Highway in Northern Queensland. The nearest Great Barrier Reef Airport is Proserpine, and domestic flights regularly go from numerous cities around Australia.
Check out the price of domestic flights in Australia here.
The tour also collects passengers from Hamilton island in the Whitsundays, which is another excellent place to visit.
It takes around 3 hours to reach the pontoon on the outer reef from Airlie Beach, or 2 if you’re collected from Hamilton Island.
Travel advise for when you cruise the Great Barrier Reef
Although much of the journey is calm, there is a small section of the route where the sea can often be rough.
The staff offer free ginger tablets as you board, and they sell[easyazon_link identifier=”B000YA8NYQ” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]sea sickness tablets[/easyazon_link] at the kiosk.
Don’t be put off by this, this section of the sea is brief, and the destination is worth the endurance. If you feel unwell, the staff are brilliant.
Where to stay in Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach may be a small town but there’s plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Apartments at Airlie Beach
If your looking for a luxury apartment with great views and within close proximity to the shops Waterview Airlie Beach Apartments is an excellent choice. Each apartment has a private balcony where you can admire magnificent views over the coral sea.
I rented an apartment a Whitsunday Reflections; it was clean, modern and spacious. The panoramic views from the living room are spectacular, and the facilities were first class. The only downside was that this apartment is on the outskirts of town and although you can walk to town, it’s better to have your own vehicle if you stay here.
The Martinique Whitsunday Resort is another fabulous apartment with a stunning infinity pool that has glorious views. It’s only a short walk from town, but it is up a steep hill so it may not suit everyone.
Hotels at Airlie Beach
The best hotel in Airlie Beach is the Coral Sea Marina Resort.
This hotel offers an oasis of luxury, with two swimming pools, a private jetty and massage facilities. The resort is close to Abel Marina which is where all boat tours depart from so it makes a great choice when looking for accommodation in the area.
Accommodation sells out early, so make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Best Great Barrier Reef Islands
There are islands Interspersed amongst the reef, which are equally as stunning as the reef magic nearby. These islands are often surrounded by fringe reefs and provide excellent opportunities for younger children and less confident swimmers to explore the reef.
An Island has the benefit of being able to offer a greater variety of activities. Many have an array of walks and lookouts, which can make a change from water-based fun. Some islands are known for their bird inhabitants and can be an excellent choice for wildlife photographers.
Here are a couple more Barrier Reef tours to surrounding islands that I’ve experienced.
Lady Elliot Island
This is one of the best Great Barrier Reef islands, and it’s well worth a visit. Its accessible only by plane and this tiny island is the closest part of the Reef to Brisbane.
Flights go from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Brisbane and the Gold Coast daily and you can visit either on a day trip or as part of a tour package.
The visibility surrounding the island is one of the clearest on the whole reef and Manta rays are frequent visitors. If you’re there between February and May, there’s a good chance you’ll see the turtle hatchlings digging their way out of the sand.
Lady Elliot Eco-Resort is one of the best Great Barrier Reef resorts which all members of the family to enjoy. It’s one of the best places to snorkel, and it has an education centre where you can learn about conserving the reef for future generations.
There is a lagoon wherein low tide you can go reef walking, and for children, there’s a kids club and babysitting service if you’ve never snorkelled before this is an excellent place to stay.
You can build your confidence in the swimming pool by participating in the daily snorkel lessons. When you feel confident enough, the shallow water of the lagoon is a great place to begin your snorkelling adventures.
The dive centre also offers a variety of diving courses and refresher courses for those who wish to develop their skills.
Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsunday Islands offer some of the most idyllic and stunning beaches along the great barrier reef. The most famous Whitehaven Beach is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. The sand here is so soft, delicate and white you have to see it to appreciate its beauty truly.
Cruise Whitsundays offer day trips to the island from Airlie Beach and most visitors I met on Reef Sleep also booked this tour, including myself.
You can read more about my experience on the Camira Whitsundays tour by clicking here.
More information on many of the other Islands including Green Island and Fitzroy Island and can be found at this website.
What to Pack for a Great Barrier Reef tour
While most tour operators provide snorkeling gear, it’s often not the best quality. Make sure your experience is not spoiled by inadequate equipment and pack your own gear.
You can opt for a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01K3Q178O” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]full face snorkel mask[/easyazon_link] or a [easyazon_link identifier=”B075DGLP2J” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]snorkel gear set[/easyazon_link]. If you want to read more about the best snorkel gear check out my reviews for 2019 here.
An Underwater Camera is essential if you want to create unforgettable memories with fantastic Great Barrier Reef Photos. I personally use the Olympus Tough TG5 which is a brilliant camera that can be used in and out of the water, but the GoPro Camera is also a popular choice.
For more information on underwater camera’s for snorkeling, click here to read my article which reviews the market leaders.
If you’re worried about your personal belongings while snorkeling these floating waterproof dry bag are amazing. They keep your belongings completely dry even when submerged under water.
Sun protective snorkel clothing is also advisable to protect you from the suns harmful rays. It’s so easy to forget about getting sunburnt when you’re spending long periods of time in the water. Click here for [easyazon_link identifier=”B07RJGKJX1″ locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]men’s snorkel tops[/easyazon_link] and here for [easyazon_link identifier=”B07R5FZRKB” locale=”US” tag=”passportand0e-20″ cart=”n”]women’s snorkel top[/easyazon_link].
When you’re out of the water, it’s wise to wear a sun hat. Check out these on Amazon there’s a great selection to choose from.
A beach bag is always great to have with you when you travel, and this canvas tote bag is so versatile I couldn’t go without mine.
I use it as a day bag, a beach tote, and as a carrier bag. It folds away small, so it doesn’t take up much room in my suitcase and holds everything I need.
Great Barrier Reef Questions and answers
Like all destinations, things are often subject to personal interpretation. The answers here are, in my opinion, only.
What is the best Great Barrier Reef tour to go on?
It depends on where you are staying and whether you want to snorkel, dive, paddleboard or keep dry. But my recommendations would be as follows:
- Cairns/ Port Douglas in Northern Queensland: Quicksilver – Agincourt Reef pontoon
- Airlie Beach in central Queensland: Heart Pontoon or Whitsunday Islands
- Brisbane or Hervey Bay: Lady Elliott Island
When is the best time to visit the great barrier reef?
The peak season for visiting the reef is between May and October.
Daily temperatures average in the low to mid-twenties and rainfall is at its lowest.
Although Jellyfish are present in the waters all year round, they are less likely to sting at this time of year.
As a bonus, these are the months when the whales migrate from the Antarctic to have their young, so there is a good chance that you will see some on your way to and from the reef.
Great Barrier Reef -Where are the best places to go for a first time snorkeler
If you’re concerned about being in the open water, visit one of the fringe reefs that surround the many islands. The sea tends to be calmer and shallower, so its easier to rest and put your feet down.
Often resort islands have swimming pools which give free snorkelling lessons so you can build your confidence before going into the ocean.
The leading tour operators offer help and advice on snorkelling, and most of the dedicated channels at the pontoons have landing stations where you can rest along the way.
How much does it cost to visit the Great Barrier Reef
Day trips to the outer barrier reef are not cheap but for many its a once in a lifetime opportunity.
From Cairns or Airlie Beach to one of the reef pontoons you can expect to pay around 250 Australian dollars or 625 Australian dollars for a family.
There are more budget Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns than any other region, but I cannot vouch for the quality.
Staying on one of the Islands offers better value for money at approximately 1500 Australian dollars for two nights. This, of course, means you can explore the fringe reefs over a couple of days.
Is there a cheaper way of experiencing the reef
Moreton Bay near Brisbane is a destination to consider if visiting the barrier reef is just not within your budget.
You can camp on the island for as little $26.20 (Australian dollars) or stay in the hotel resort.
Tangalooma wreck is an excellent place to snorkel and if your a strong swimmer you can snorkel unsupervised, although it’s advisable to check the tide times at the dive centre. Guided tours are also available if you prefer to swim with a group.
You can expect to see much of the same coral and fish here as on the main reef.
For a touch of magic, you can pay to feed the wild dolphins at the Tangalooma Resort.
Great Barrier Reef Facts
Below you’ll find some interesting facts on Great Barrier Reef
Where is the largest Coral Reef in the World?
Queensland has the largest coral reef in the world.
How big is the Great Barrier Reef?
It covers a vast 348,000 square km (134,364 sq miles)
What is the Great Barrier Reef Length?
It stretches 2300km from the Cape York Peninsula in the North to Bundaberg in the South.
Can you see the great Barrier from Space?
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on the planet. It can even be seen from space.
What is the age of the Great Barrier Reef?
The Great Barrier Reef is approximately 500,000 years old, and the most recent reef was formed after the last ice age, 8000 years ago.
Is it a World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is the World’s largest Unesco Heritage Site. It has the greatest concentration of life on the planet.
How many Species can be found on the Great Barrier Reef?
The reef is home to over 400 species of coral, 1500 species of fish and 6 of the worlds sea turtles.
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Whichever way you visit the Great Barrier Reef, I hope you enjoy the experience. I can’t wait to visit again!
If you’ve enjoyed this post, want to leave any feedback or indeed share your experience of the reef, please do leave a comment below.
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Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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