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.

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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.