| If you're planning a trip to the land down under, | | | | ·Snorkeling. These tours are very similar to the |
| the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see! The Great | | | | dive tours, except that you don't have to know |
| Barrier Reef is the world's single largest coral | | | | how to dive. They also depart from Cairns and |
| system. With the broad, shallow continental shelf | | | | Port Douglas, are usually between 6-9 hours, and |
| of tropical northeastern Australia providing an ideal | | | | have a variety of vessel types to choose from. |
| pedestal for growth, this coral complex reaches | | | | Many of the snorkel tours can be combined with |
| as far as 160 miles offshore and more than 1,250 | | | | the dive tours. |
| miles from north to south. The Great Barrier Reef | | | | ·Fishing. While one-third of the Great Barrier Reef |
| covers 135,000 square miles and is home to more | | | | park is a no-fishing zone, there are many tours |
| than 400 types of coral reef, colorful fish and sea | | | | available daily for the other two thirds. |
| life. It can be viewed by boat, plane, helicopter, or | | | | · Sightseeing. If you prefer to just relax and |
| underwater observatories. | | | | stay dry, there are plenty of sightseeing tours |
| There are hundreds of tour options available for | | | | available, including semi-submersible boats to |
| viewing and experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, | | | | platforms featuring underwater observatories. |
| something for everyone! | | | | · Helicopter Tours. Experience a bird's eye view |
| These are some of the Great Barrier Reef Tour | | | | of the reef with a flight tour! These tours are |
| options to available: | | | | usually between 30-60 minutes long, and operate |
| ·Diving. There are several different tours | | | | year round, subject to weather conditions. |
| available daily for divers, departing from Cairns | | | | · Great Barrier Reef Cruises. If you want to |
| and Port Douglas. Tours are typically between | | | | spend more than just one day on the reef, there |
| 6–9 hours, include lunch and the vessels range | | | | are cruise options ranging from 2-7 nights, on sail |
| from small high speed luxury catamarans, to large | | | | boats that only hold 10 passengers, or small cruise |
| catamarans that have their own platforms on the | | | | ships that hold up to 50 passengers. |
| outer reef. | | | | |