Great Barrier Reef

It’s easy to think of the Great Barrier Reef as a purely underwater affair, but that would be doing its 300 coral cays and 600 continental islands an injustice. Covering a vast 344,400km², the Great Barrier Reef is divided into the Outer Reef (the more remote coral gardens furthest offshore), the Inner Fringing Reef (the reefs surrounding islands such as the Whitsundays for example) and the Ribbon Reefs (in the far north, so called for their shape where they form along the continental shelf) all brought together under the umbrella of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Home to 10% of the world’s fish species – a mighty 1625 species in fact - as well as dugongs, whales, sea turtles, birds, sharks, rays, whales and dolphins, the diving, snorkelling and sailing here are out of this world. Fitting, then, that it’s the only living organism on the planet that can be seen from outer space. And its ecological importance to the wider, global marine ecosystem is nigh-on incalculable.

When it comes to cruising the Great Barrier Reef bigger is definitely not better. Small ships get you into the nooks and crannies of the reef safely – and with the greatest respect for the delicate corals you’ll be enjoying. Many also enjoy private moorings that take you away from other tourists and let you have a section of the reef to yourself. Not only that, most small ship cruises will have expert marine biologists on board, who will accompany you on glass-bottom boat and snorkelling tours, opening your eyes to the underwater world and the myriad marine life that calls it home.

Practicalities

Stay a week if you can – three to four days or more aboard a small ship will unveil a good cross section of some of the Outer and Inner reefs’ most beautiful areas, with plenty of opportunity for snorkelling and diving directly from your boat (you’ll find all the equipment you need onboard). Don’t worry if you’re not that keen to swim – you can also enjoy wildlife-filled hikes on rainforest-covered islands as well as glass-bottom boat trips. Small ship cruises on the reef are easily combined with longer tours of Queensland and other areas of Australia.

Accommodation on board is generally very comfortable, with around 40 passengers sharing a selection of spacious, air-conditioned twin and double rooms. These range from more budget-conscious cabins to luxurious upper-deck staterooms – some with extra pull-out beds for families traveling together. Despite their intimate size, these ships are still packed with luxury touches – sun decks, spa pools and fully-stocked bars offer relaxation, while fresh fish, fruit and veg is all locally sourced from the Queensland mainland.

Be prepared for cruise itineraries to change at late notice, as weather and sea conditions, as well as mechanical issues on board can all potentially alter your intended destination. But with so much coral magnificence around you you’re unlikely to miss out.

The world’s biggest living structure is in crisis, slowly suffocating under the weight of climate change, marine pollution, coastal development, illegal fishing and an unprecedented plague of coral-eating Crown of Thorns starfish. And yet, despite global aviation being the fastest-growing contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, tourism can play a vital role in demonstrating the economic value in keeping the reef alive to local communities and law-makers.

If you’re going to fly to the Great Barrier Reef, choose an economy seat, stay longer and pick an airline which uses newer, more fuel efficient, aircraft. Watch our video and read our tips for curbing your carbon emissions to keep your vacation as low-carbon as possible. Choose a responsible tour operator which clear policies in place for protecting the reef and ask questions before you book. Don’t touch the corals, and be careful when snorkelling or diving that you don’t accidentally hit the fragile corals with your fins or other equipment. Don’t buy any coral souvenirs either. Use coral-friendly sun-creams, readily available online or in pharmacies. Look out for creams that don’t include the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, UV filters which damage coral when washed into the ocean.