Great Barrier Reef — Explore the world’s largest coral reef system

Stretching along the Queensland coast, the Great Barrier Reef is home to thousands of marine species, spectacular coral gardens and unforgettable diving and snorkelling experiences.

Book reef tours (links will be added)

Quick facts

Location: Queensland, Australia (Cairns, Port Douglas, Whitsundays)
Size: 2,300 km of coastline; largest coral reef system on Earth
Best time to visit: June — November (dry season)

Why visit the Great Barrier Reef?

The reef offers something for everyone: world-class diving and snorkelling, glass-bottom boat tours, scenic flights and island escapes. Whether you’re after colourful coral gardens, encounters with sea turtles, or a relaxed beach holiday on a tropical cay, the Reef delivers.

Top experiences

Certified scuba diving on outer-reef sites
Guided snorkel trips for families and first-timers
Whale watching (seasonal — typically June to October)
Helicopter and seaplane scenic flights over the reef
Island stays: Hamilton Island, Lizard Island, Fitzroy Island

Wildlife highlights

Look out for green and loggerhead turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, giant clams and a dazzling assortment of tropical fish. Many operators include guided marine-education presentations so you can learn about reef ecology while you visit.

Sustainable travel & conservation

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and local operators work to protect reef health through zoning, visitor education and sustainable practices. When booking, choose operators that follow reef-safe sunscreen policies, limit anchor damage and support reef research or community programs.

Featured tours & experiences

(Links will be added to these Cooee Tours pages.)

Full-day snorkel and outer-reef cruise — depart Cairns
Certified dive packages — 1-2 day liveaboard options
Whitsundays island and reef combo tours
Eco-educational reef cruises with marine biologist

Sample itinerary — 3 days

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns, coastal walk and evening reef briefing.
Day 2: Full-day outer-reef snorkel cruise with glass-bottom boat option.
Day 3: Optional scenic flight over the reef or island day trip to Fitzroy/Hamilton Island.

When to go

The dry season (June–November) gives the best visibility and lower rainfall. November to May is warmer with a risk of storms and reduced visibility; stinger season (box jellyfish) runs roughly from November to May in northern waters, so operators may provide stinger suits or advise alternate sites.

Month-by-month at a glance

June–August: Cool, dry, great visibility; ideal for diving.
September–November: Warmer, still dry; excellent snorkelling.
December–February: Hotter, occasional storms and stingers; many islands are lush and green.
March–May: Transition months; variable weather but good deals on accommodation.

Conservation & how you can help

The Reef faces pressures from climate change, coral bleaching, water quality issues and extreme weather. Visit responsibly: choose certified operators, avoid single-use plastics, use reef-safe sunscreen and support local conservation projects and research funds where possible.

Responsible visitor checklist

Wear reef-safe sunscreen and protective swimwear.
Do not touch, stand on or collect coral or marine life.
Listen to guides and follow all safety and environmental briefings.

FAQ

Is the Great Barrier Reef worth visiting?

Absolutely — it’s a unique marine ecosystem with accessible snorkelling and diving for many skill levels.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

Many tours are family-friendly and provide flotation and guided snorkel instruction. Inform the operator of any concerns when booking.

How do zoning rules affect visitors?

The Reef is zoned to protect habitats. Some areas are no-take zones — chosen tour operators plan visits to permitted sites that balance visitor experience and conservation.

Ready to book?

Choose reef tours based on your accommodation gateway (Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach). We’ll add direct booking links here — or contact our team for tailored itineraries.

Contact Cooee Tours