The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most famous dive spots, and for good reason. Stretching along Queensland’s east coast in Australia, it’s home to an incredible array of marine life and vibrant coral. When I was in Cairns, I couldn’t wait to dive in and see it for myself. You always hear how amazing it is, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.
The reef is enormous, covering over 344,000 square kilometers—about the size of 70 million football fields! It attracts more than 2 million visitors each year and is often considered one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. It’s so large that it can actually be seen from space.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef is a vast collection of nearly 3,000 individual reefs. It’s the largest living structure on Earth. Unfortunately, in the last few decades, the reef has been severely impacted by climate change and pollution, with nearly half of its coral dying off. But don’t worry, there’s still a lot to see! During my dive, I saw clownfish, groupers, butterflyfish, and even some turtles and sharks. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Although this video is over a decade old, it still captures the breathtaking beauty of the reef. It’s one of those places you have to see for yourself—nothing can prepare you for just how massive and beautiful it is.
Tips for Diving the Great Barrier Reef
If you’re planning to dive the Great Barrier Reef, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Choose a company with lots of dive permits. This allows them to select the best dive sites based on conditions and even switch reefs if one gets too crowded.
- Consider other departure points. While Cairns is the most popular, places like Port Douglas, Townsville, and Cape York offer access to quieter, less-visited areas of the reef.
- Don’t miss out on snorkeling! If you’re not a diver or aren’t certified, many dive trips offer snorkeling as an option. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the reef, no matter your skill level.
- Rent a dive camera. If you don’t have one, most boats offer cameras for rent, usually around 50 AUD for the day.
- Consider a multi-day dive trip. If you’re an experienced diver, a live-aboard trip lets you explore different areas of the reef and dive more. Expect to pay around 1,100 AUD per person.
- Be careful with the coral. Remember, it’s a living organism. Touching it can kill it, so only touch what your instructor says is safe.
- Check your travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers diving, especially if it has specific requirements like diving with a certified instructor. It’s better to double-check before you book your trip.
- Be honest about your swimming skills. If you’re not a strong swimmer, most boats have flotation devices to help you snorkel. Don’t hesitate to ask for one.
- Prepare for sea sickness. It can take a while to get out to the reef, and the boat ride can be rough. If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication beforehand.
- Protect yourself from the sun. Australia’s sun can be intense, so pack a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to avoid getting burned before your dive.
Costs and Packages
Standard dive trips usually cost between 300-450 AUD per person, which typically includes the boat trip and meals. If you want to dive, there’s usually an additional fee. To save money, consider booking a multi-dive package—it’s cheaper the more dives you do. You can also get discounts if you bring your own equipment.
I went with Tusa for my dive trip. They’re not the cheapest option, but the experience was worth the price. Other companies to check out include Quicksilver, Pro Dive Cairns, and Silverswift. If diving isn’t your thing, you can still explore the reef with a snorkeling day trip, which usually takes you to several reef spots and includes lunch.
When to Visit the Great Barrier Reef
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is between June and October. During this period, the weather is warm, rain is rare, and the water is crystal clear—perfect for diving and snorkeling.
For me, diving the Great Barrier Reef was a major highlight of my time in Australia. I’d done plenty of diving before, but this was something else. The further out you go, the more pristine the reef gets, and it’s nice to get away from the crowds and experience it on your own.
With reports of coral bleaching and large sections of the reef dying off due to warming ocean temperatures, it’s probably a good idea to visit sooner rather than later. The reef is an incredible natural wonder and is worth every penny. Don’t miss your chance to see it while you still can!
