The
Great Barrier Reef is the biggest natural construction in
the world. It is more than 2000 kilometres (1250 miles) long
and covers an area as large as Great Britain. It is a long
chain of many single reefs.
More than 2900 single reefs and 900 islands are home for
400 different kinds of soft and hard corals, more than 4000
different kinds of snails and mussels, thousands of sponges,
worms, crustaceans and many other creatures.
The diversity of these reefs is the basis for approximately
1500 different kinds of tropical fish. All
these
creatures together make the Great Barrier Reef one of the
most interesting places in the world to dive at.
The Great Barrier Reef is too far away from the coast for
diving or snorkeling offshore. It is at least 50 km (30
miles) and more away from the coast. You have to get out
there by boat. We offer the best dive & snorkel operators
for visiting the Great Barrier Reef and you can find them
right here on our website. Apart from that, we are here
to help you with advice and bookings, so you can be sure
that you pick a trip which is right for you - according
to your expectations.
Watch a 3 Minute Highlight Video:
Regions Of The Great Barrier Reef
This information is based on our personal experiences
and recommendations covering more than 2000 km of reef.
Diving is not the same everywhere on the Great Barrier
Reef. As all of us at Diversion live and dive here, we can
call the GBR our "home turf". Our regular dive trips to
the reef with various dive operators allow us to be up-to-date.
So we can give you not only detailed information, but also
the right recommendations based on experience to help you
select your trip.
We have separated different regions for diving in North
Queensland according to their different features.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced diver, the GBR
has something to offer for everyone. We have links in the
various sections to the liveaboard vessels, day trip vessels
or Island resorts that offer diving in this particular area.
However, you'll find that you can only get to many of these
areas by extended liveaboard cruises.
Far
Northern Barrier Reef: These untouched reefs are
located in the area between Lizard Island and the northern
tip of Australia, Cape York & Thursday Island. Due to
weather conditions, these reefs are only visited between
September and January each year. Even during those few
months, there are only 3 to 4 live aboard vessels operating
in the area. The Far North is so remote and pristine,
it is truly an unspoilt area which offers the very best
diving on the Barrier Reef!
Northern
Coral Sea: Beyond the Continental Shelf to the
east/north-east of Cairns in mid ocean are some isolated
reef systems. Here you find crystal clear water, steep
drop offs, and pelagic fish in the open Pacific Ocean!
Large soft corals and gorgonians are also typical for
this area. The Coral Sea is a must for divers who like
to see sharks. Reefs: Osprey, Holmes, Bougainville.
Ribbon
Reefs: Here you have a chain of 10 Reefs,
which from the air look like ribbons. They are accessed
all year round by liveaboard vessels from Cairns. The
Ribbon Reefs offer a great variety of diving. There are
beautiful coral gardens with rich tropical fish life everywhere
on the Ribbon Reefs. At the Northern tip of those reefs
you find the Cod Hole, one of the most famous dive sites
in Australia.
The
Great Barrier Reef Near Cairns and Port Douglas:
This is the area of the reef that is closest to the Queensland
coast. Because of easy access and closeness to tourist
centres you find bigger numbers of divers here than anywhere
else. There are a couple of sites to avoid but there is
still good diving particularly for beginners and people
on a small budget who haven't experienced a lot of tropical
diving. For experienced divers with little time there
are also some interesting options. Reefs visited from
Cairns: Milne, Flynn, Norman, Saxon and Hastings Reefs.
Reefs visited from Port Douglas: Opal, Agincourt, Tongue
Reef, St Crispin Reef & The Sisters.
Southern
Coral Sea: This area is very similar to the Northern
Coral Sea. However, it is even less visited than the northern
part. You have crystal clear water, steep drop offs, and
pelagic fish in the open Pacific Ocean! Large soft corals
and gorgonians are also typical for this area. The Coral
Sea is a must for divers who like to see sharks. Reefs
visited from Townsville: Flinders Reef and North & South
Boomerang Reefs, Dart & Abington Reefs, Myrmidon Reef.
Southern
Great Barrier Reef: This is the largest section
of the Great Barrier Reef. It is further away from the
mainland and good dive sites are fewer and more difficult
to access. Here Heron Island (via Gladstone) and Lady
Elliot Island (via Bundaberg) offer the best accessible
dive sites in this area. The Whitsunday Islands are a
very popular tourist destination. Diving is offered but
compared to the diving further north we'd rather recommend
the fantastic sailing cruises around the islands. Sometimes
extended cruises and special charters can be organised
in this part of the GBR. Reefs: Swain, Lady Elliot Reefs
and Heron Island Reefs.