Tag Archives: Great Barrier Reef

All About Australia’s Great Barrier Reef

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The Great Barrier Reef is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world stretching from the northern tip of the continent to just north of Fraser Island. The great barrier reef stretches over 1600 miles along the east coast.

The Great Barrier Reef is a sanctuary for well over 1100 fish species, whales, dugongs. Many different types of birdlife live there.

The coral which builds the reef itself is also a living thing. When it dies it turns light grey, and creates the structure for new coral growth. The different types of coral grow at varying speeds, while some are very quick growing, some varieties take well over a 100 years to mature. The colours are not because of the coral but by the growth of algae living on it.

The great barrier reef needs a tropical climate relying on warm nutrient rich waters to thrive. Nutrient rich water and just the right amount of light is needed to maintain the health of the coral.

With hundreds of thousands of square miles of reef it is a diving and snorkelling paradise. Lots of quality day cruises are available from the mainland up and down the coastline. Even if you don’t swim you can see the wonders of the reefs wonders through glass bottom boat tours.

The reef is heritage listed and large sections are protected from fishing and the taking of coral from the reef isn’t allowed to protect it for future generations.

The tropical and friendly capital of the far north, Cairns is full of things to do. Positioned in the middle of some of the most photographically beautiful and environmentally important areas on the planet, Cairns is the obvious doorway to the natural riches of rainforest, tablelands, outback, and The Great Barrier Reef. The city itself has lots of – unbeleivable bargains, theatres, cinemas, museums, botanical gardens, a casino, and fine contemporary cuisine. Cairns is strongly placed as one of Australia’s must-see travelers destinations, being the departure point for a whole host of outdoor experiences. Cairns reef tours are undoubtedly the thing to do for most tourists, although the area is quickly becoming well-known as the adventure sport capital of Australia.

A Selection Of Cairns Reef Trips

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The Great Barrier Reef, best viewed from Cairns Australia is the planets largest living thing and home to an incredible variety of animal life. There are a large number of trip boats that leave from Cairns, depending on what you want to do.

Sunlover Cruises offers the shortest journey time, longest free time at the Great Barrier Reef. Once moored at their pontoon on Moore Reef, guests have over 4.5 hours to snorkel, take glass-bottom boat and/or semi-sub tours, enjoy a full hot and cold tropical lunch as well as afternoon tea on the journey back to Cairns. Full day tour$184/adult, $69/child or $424/family of 4.

Compass Cruises is Cairns best value budget cruise to the Great Barrier Reef price is $40.00 plus $20.00 for levies, tour includes snorkelling equipment, lunch, afternoon tea, boomnetting, 2 spectacular reef locations Local Family Owned and Operated.

Vagabond Dive ‘N Sail is a 65′ sailing yacht set up for diving, sailing and entertaining for a maximum of 11 guests sailing out of Cairns. The cruise is two days and one night which is spent aboard the boat out on the reef.

Ocean Spirit have two catamarans – one that goes to Michaelmas Cay and one that goes to Upolu Cay. If you’re looking for an inexpensive snorkelling day tour, the Upolu Cay trip is great value for money.
Michaelmas Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $175, Child (4-14yrs) – $97.50. Introductory dive: $94 (additional).
Upolu Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $115, Child (4-14yrs) – $75.50. Introductory dive: $7 (additional).

Great Adventures has a range of advanced ecotourism certified cruises departing daily from Cairns to Green Island and the Outer Barrier reef. Guests travelling to Green Island can spend up to 7 hours on the island and choose from 3 departures each day. Guests can also combine a 2 hour visit to Green Island with a half day at Great Adventures’ spacious pontoon at the Great reef. The Great Barrierreef tour include snorkelling, semi-submersible trips, underwater observatory, buffet lunch and reef interpretation. Diving, Scuba-doo scooter and helicopter tours are optional extras.
Green Island Cruises: Prices from Adult – $75, Child (4-14yrs) $39.50. Introductory dive: $135 (additional).
Great Barrier Reef Cruises: Prices from Adult – $196, Child (4-14yrs) – $95. Introductory dive: $138 (additional). Family Fares available for all cruises.

Silverswift is an ultra modern custom-designed dive and snorkel vessel. She goes to three reef sites every day at either Flynn, Milln, Thetford or Pellowe Reefs from Cairns. This trip caters for certified divers, introductory divers and snorkellers. Silverswift is the only dive vessel in Cairns that has a state-of-the-art ride control system for a smooth journey. Advanced Ecotourism Certified. (Sistership in Port Douglas is Silversonic)
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult – $182, Child (4-14yrs) – $160. With Introductory dive: $223

Ocean Quest This is a live aboard vessel that can best be decribed an a floating 4 star hotel. she is incredebly spacious. She moves around Norman, Saxon & Hastings Reefs; and visits three sites a day. There are daily transfers to and from the vessel every day so that means you can stay for as little as one night or as many as you like. A perfect boat for both divers and snorkelling alike.