Masked marvels
Put on a mask, look beneath the surface and be mesmerised by the world below. Snorkelling is an easy, safe and fun way to explore the reef, moving at a slow and gentle pace so you have time to admire the intricate coral gardens or see one of thousands of marine species going about their day.
It’s an experience for all your senses. Underwater, you might hear a distinctive chomping sound – that’s parrotfish eating algae off the coral. These brightly coloured fish spend 90 per cent of their day nibbling away and are performing a vital function to preserve the health of the reef.
Snorkellers are spoiled for choice in Tropical North Queensland. The Great Barrier Reef is just offshore and trips depart to the inner and outer reef every day from Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Cairns and Mission Beach. Most reef trips will be accompanied by a marine biologist who will point out specific corals and marine life, and share their insights into the fascinating life of the reef.
Some islands, like Fitzroy, Normanby and Lizard, are blessed with fringing coral reefs, so you can strap on your mask and snorkel straight from the beach. Nothing beats the thrill of stepping into the water and finding yourself drifting past giant clams, angelfish and clownfish sheltering within the tentacles of a sea anemone. Keep your eyes peeled for slightly larger creatures – like rays, sharks and turtles – while snorkelling fringing reef systems off coastal islands and sand cays.
More adventures lie further off-shore. Take a trip to the outer reef and jump straight off the back of your boat to explore the hidden world that lives along the reef wall. Or swim over the reef from the comfort and safety of a pontoon. Out here, you’ll be able to snorkel with other colourful reef fish and turtles. And the Ribbon Reefs are the only place in the world where dwarf minke whales congregate in large numbers: you can interact with these gentle giants on tours offered by several operators during the migration period in June and July each year.

Snorkelling at Moore Reef with Sunlover Reef Cruises
Snorkelling at Moore Reef with Sunlover Reef Cruises

Snorkelling at Michaelmas Cay with Ocean Spirit
Snorkelling at Michaelmas Cay with Ocean Spirit

Swim side-by-side with tropical fish at Moore Reef
Swim side-by-side with tropical fish at Moore Reef
Discover more
Explore the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef.

Snorkel vs intro vs certified dive
Check out this handy guide to find your reef style – from donning a mask and snorkel or taking your very first dive, to unique diving experiences reserved for certified divers.

This is what a day on the reef looks like
Ready to dive in? Pack your swimmers, hat and sunscreen. Quicksilver Cruises has you covered with all the rest.

All you need to know about the coral spawning
Strap on your mask and snorkel or tank for the Great Barrier Reef’s biggest event of the year – the beautiful and mysterious mass coral spawning.

Reef Talk – A chat with marine biologist Gareth Phillips
The Great Barrier Reef is a thriving, living marine environment. It inspires all who visit, even those who see it every day, like marine biologist and owner of Marine Discoveries, Gareth Phillips.

12 Famous residents of the Great Barrier Reef
Only 12 residents? There’s probably a gazillion of them, but let’s start things slowly shall we. It’s not easy to keep track of every single one of the Great Barrier Reef’s inhabitants but here are some of the most famous ones in Tropical North Queensland.

Swim with dwarf minke whales on the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world that you can swim with dwarf minke whales: an experience so exclusive it only happens for two months of the year and only in Tropical North Queensland.

Sleep under the stars on the reef
Is the Great Barrier Reef at the top of your travel bucket list? How about seeing the uninterrupted Southern night skies? Sunlover by Starlight gives you 48 hours of wanderlust-inducing experiences tied with a bow of exclusive reef tours, scrumptious food and five-star treatment.

25 Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef
As you’d expect from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is home to some weird, wonderful and just plain loveable creatures. Here’s 25 fun Great Barrier Reef facts about a marine world larger than Italy.

Dreamy sand cays you must visit on the Great Barrier Reef
We’ve all seen those gorgeous wisps of whiteness poking out from an azure sea on Great Barrier Reef. But what are they? More importantly, where are they? And how can we get a piece of sand cay action? We’re here to reveal all.

Marine Biologist For A Day – Inspiring The Next Generation of Reef Warriors
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a marine biologist on the Great Barrier Reef? Sunlover Reef Cruises’ Marine Biologist For a Day Program allows future generations to literally dive into the role.
Snorkel the reef
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accessible
Reef Magic Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Divers Den
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cairns northern beaches
Pro Dive Cairns
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accessible
Quicksilver Cruises
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accessible
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
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accessible
Calypso Reef Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Fitzroy Island Adventures
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cairns northern beaches
Spirit Of Freedom
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accessible
Great Adventures Reef and Green Island Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Adventures
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eco certified
Wavedancer Low Isles Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Spirit Michaelmas Cay Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Down Under Cruise and Dive
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accessible
Sunlover Reef Cruises
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diving
Sailaway Port Douglas
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diving
Reef Daytripper
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camping
Mission Beach Dunk Island Water Taxi
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daintree cape tribulation
Ocean Safari
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cairns northern beaches
Coral Expeditions | Great Barrier Reef
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accessible
Frankland Island Reef Cruises
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Freedom – Personal Snorkel & Dive
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diving
Mission Beach Dive
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cairns northern beaches
Mike Ball Dive Expeditions
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cairns northern beaches
Ocean Free – Sail to Green Island & the Great Barrier Reef
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cairns northern beaches
Passions of Paradise
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accessible
Marlin Coast Diving – Accessible SCUBA Diving Instruction
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cairns northern beaches
YOTSPACE Yacht Charters – Great Barrier Reef
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boat charters
Mission Beach Charters
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cairns northern beaches
Cairns Dive Adventures
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bird watching
Back Country Bliss Adventures
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boat tours
ABC Snorkel Charters
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boat tours
Coral Sea Dreaming Dive and Sail
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accessible
Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel
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boat tours
Scuba IQ
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boat tours
Wavelength Reef Cruises – Full Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour
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