Things to Do on the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Tours and Activities

Welcome to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders! Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or just looking to relax in paradise, you’ll find plenty of things to do on the Great Barrier Reef to suit your travel style. Dive into our comprehensive range of Great Barrier Reef tours and activities and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime with Backpacker Deals! 

Top Tours & Activities in Great Barrier Reef

All Activities in Great Barrier Reef

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More Activities on the Great Barrier Reef

Looking for the ultimate Great Barrier Reef day trips and experiences? We’ve got you covered! Browse through our top Great Barrier Reef activities below and get ready to make some truly unforgettable memories!


Our Team’s Top Picks for the Great Barrier Reef

In need of some travel inspiration for your reef trip? Look no further! Our team of travel experts has handpicked the best Great Barrier Reef tours to ensure you have an epic adventure. Check out our favourites below and start planning your dream trip today.

Reef Tours:

Discover the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef in a number of different ways with our range of wildlife tours. Get up close and personal with the reef’s marine life on a snorkelling adventure around the corals. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay dry, you can see the reef from a totally different perspective on a glass-bottom boat tour. Whatever your preferences may be, these tours will take you to the best spots on the reef!

Adrenaline Adventures:

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, the Great Barrier Reef is the perfect place for you! Get your heart pumping and experience a range of action-packed adventures. Whether you want to go skydiving, jet skiing, parasailing, or diving, this incredible reef offers all kinds of thrilling activities for you to enjoy. 

Island Day Trips:

Head out on an exciting island hopping adventure and explore the stunning archipelagos that are scattered across this huge reef. Each island offers its own unique experiences, with options for families, couples, solo travellers, and everyone in between. From lush rainforests and serene beaches to exotic wildlife and incredible eateries, you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more on an island tour. 

Eco-Friendly Tours:

Join an eco-friendly tour and learn about the reef's incredible biodiversity from passionate experts who are dedicated to protecting this magnificent wonder of the world. This precious ecosystem is as stunning as it is fragile, and protecting its diverse ecosystem has never been more important. If you’re an avid nature lover who wants to explore the reef responsibly, these tours are perfect for you. 

Sailing and Cruising Trips:

Add a touch of luxury to your Great Barrier Reef trip and relax and unwind with a picturesque cruise or sailing tour. With stunning blue waters and a vast range of incredible marine life to discover, these tours offer a nature adventure like no other. Enjoy breathtaking views, delicious food, and the tranquil beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Top Bucket List Activities to Do on the Great Barrier Reef in 2024

1. Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life, snorkel your way through an underwater wonderland, and soak up the sun on deck with this exciting day tour.

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2. Great Barrier Reef and Museum of Underwater Art Day Trip

Snorkel through the Museum of Underwater Art and discover the beauty beneath the waves on an adventure that’s perfect for nature lovers and adventurers alike!

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3. Frankland Islands Reef, Rainforest, and River Tour

Explore the stunning Frankland Islands with a guided tour that combines reef snorkelling with a rainforest river cruise to create an adventure you won’t want to miss!

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4. 15,000 ft Tandem Skydive Over the Reef

Feel a real adrenaline rush and take in breathtaking views as you soar through the sky on a thrilling skydive over the Great Barrier Reef.

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5. Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

Experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from a whole new perspective with an unforgettable scenic flight that is guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

The best time to visit is from June to October when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and the water visibility is at its best. Visitors during this period can also make the most of the warm waters before stinger season begins, which typically starts in November and lasts until May. 
 

Absolutely! The reef is home to many safe swimming spots, especially on guided tours and within designated areas monitored by lifeguards. When exploring the reef, visitors should always listen to their tour leader’s instructions, follow local guidelines, and pay attention to any signs on or near the beaches. 
 

Most tours depart from coastal towns and cities like Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach. At Backpacker Deals, we offer a range of Great Barrier Reef tours that depart from a number of different locations and offer return transport for your convenience. 
 

It’s important to pack essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, sunglasses, and a beach towel. On top of these essentials, you won’t want to forget your underwater camera to snap some amazing shots of the reef’s thriving underwater world!