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.