The Great Barrier Reef is of course a must do when visiting the Far North. There are over 300 trips to choose from that depart 365 days of the year offering snorkelling, scuba diving, glass bottom boat tours, fishing, sea kayaking, parasailing and much, much more.
 
Reef trips cater for all budgets and whether you are a beginner, scuba diver, non swimmer or snorkeller there will be something to suit everyone. Families can have a great day on one of the pontoon trips which include many activities to maximise your reef experience. For scuba divers a liveaboard cruise or extended dive expedition is not to be missed!

The water temperature is very comfortable year round ranging from 24 degrees in winter to 30 degrees in our summer months. Fishing is hugely popular when the weather is perfect so it is recommended to book well in advance.

A day spent discovering the beauty and splendour of the reef is one that will stay with you forever. Snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef is, quite simply, the adventure of a lifetime. From the stunning natural destination - the worlds largest marine park - to the superbly comfortable vessels, the genuinely friendly crew and professional organisation of the daily reef trips, your reef adventure will surely match and exceed your expectations.

Naturally, you can snorkel or scuba dive with equipment provided and a trained crew on hand to assist, but you can also view the aquascape from the comfort of a semi-submersible or underwater observatory, or even from above on a helicopter scenic flight from a reef moored pontoon! Whatever your style or budget, there is a reef cruise designed just for you and memories waiting to be captured in the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea.

There is no better way to experience the romance of the sea than a extended ocean cruise on our Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is fortunate to attract both international cruise liners and regional cruise companies who present a range of holiday options. Check with travel agents on liners scheduled to call in Calms and you'll find many of the major companies visit this increasingly popular tropical port - an option to consider is including a three to seven day regional cruise itinerary in your holiday plans. A new emerging cruising destination in the style of the Caribbean is the Great Barrier Reef and the region of the Arafura Sea, bounded by northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. If you love the idea of a cruise but want to do it on your own. there are vessels available for private charter in Cairns to suit your style and your pocket - simply contact the experts who specialise in local boats and boat charters.

What better way than to charter your own vessels and enjoy snorkelling, diving, fishing for the elusive Giant Black Marlin or just sailing for fun!

Tourism and recreation are important ways for people to experience and learn about the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and help conserve this World Heritage Area.

Approximately 1.9 million tourists and 4.9 million recreational visitors visit the Great Barrier Reef each year. More...

• Tourism and recreation management
• What TOURISM experiences are on offer
• Climate change and tourism operators
• How to choose a high standard tour
• Management arrangements at popular sites
• RECREATION - other ways to experience the Marine Park
• Onboard - The tourism operators handbook for the Great Barrier Reef
• Super-yachts in the Marine Park
• Awards and recognition
• Visitor trends
• Newsletters and other information.