If you’re tired of your job and your boring routine, it’s time for a bit of fun and relaxation—so, let’s book a cruise! Cruising the Great Barrier Reef is truly a perfect adventure for people of all sorts of interests: those who want to relax can stay on board and be pampered, while those who need a bit of adrenaline can try diving, exploring islands or enjoying many on-board activities. Here’s everything you can do, see and experience on your Great Barrier Reef cruise.
Jump in!
One of the best, most exciting, cheapest and easiest ways to get close and personal with the Reef is to try snorkeling! Many cruisers offer you a chance to dive in the blue waters and treat yourself with a little underwater adventure. Plus, snorkeling is very easy and appropriate for basically all ages and skill levels. All you need is a mask, a snorkel, fins, and you’re ready! However, don’t forget an underwater camera! The photos you make will blow up your Instagram and make all your friends green with jealousy.
Dive a little deeper
If you’re stopping at Cairns, make sure to try something completely unique—submarine dives! Just a short catamaran ride from Cairns stands between you and a super-fun mini-submarine ride perfect for all those who want to eliminate the hassle of suiting up for a snorkel or a dive. Grab your sub companion and launch from the beach into corals, schools of fish and playful turtles of the Reef! You’ll feel like you were flying in a spaceship through an alien world!
Feel like an astronaut
If you’re intrigued by the whole ‘alien explorer’ imagery, you’ll love the next item on our list of the Great Barrier Reef experiences. Visit Green Island some half an hour from Cairns and book yourself an underwater walk! Put on a huge diving helmet with a 360-degree view and you’re ready for a relaxing walk amongst fish, sea flora and other marine wonders of the Reef. This experience is perfect for non-swimmers to experience the Reef from under the surface and for those who wear glasses to get a clear image of all the sea critters and plants.
Go south
Sure, Cairns is the center of all the action when it comes to exploring the Great Barrier Reef, but it’s not all there is to it. So, cruising is the perfect way to broaden your horizons and visit the often neglected south of the Reef. The southern Great Barrier Reef is full of untouched little islands, diving and snorkeling spots and unique marine life like manta rays and colorful coral forests. You can even learn how to surf while you’re enjoying the south and get familiar with true Aussie lifestyle!
Visit heaven
If you want to experience a tiny piece of Aussie heaven, make sure to book a cruise that makes a stop at Moreton Island. For instance, many affordable Sydney cruises make sure to drop the anchor at this amazing island near Brisbane. Moreton is free of crowds and full of amazing things to see and do. You can explore shipwrecks in search for forgotten treasures and swim amongst the colorful fish. If all you want to do is relax, you can dive into the Blue Lagoon and chill or get a relaxing bubble massage in Champagne Pools! Those who want to raise their heartbeat and experience some adventure can rent a 4WD truck and explore the island, try sandboarding down the sand hills, or just embark on a cool hike to Mt. Tempest. There’s really something for everyone at Moreton Island. And after you’ve got your taste of the hard soil, you can go back on board and continue your cruising adventure!
Hop off-board and onto Willis Island
Wait until the anchor drops and hop off-board to explore Willis Island. This little island is a treat thanks to its long beaches and thick vegetation. However, the best thing about it is its inhabitants! Willis Island is a home to many species of birds that can be seen from the cruiser or up close and personal if you choose to embark. Grab your camera and binoculars and get ready to peep on some wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns, common noddies and black noddies. If you’re lucky, you might even get a glimpse of crested terns, red-tailed tropicbirds and red-footed boobies!
Have fun on board
Sure, you want to see as much of the Reef as you can, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy what’s on board! Most cruisers are full of fun, both for couples, singles, parents, kids and teens. Have fun at the pools, enjoy cocktails at the bars and clubs, have a laugh at a comedy show or let your kids hang out with their peers at Kids’ Clubs!
During your cruise, you’ll have time to relax, have fun, meet new people and get familiar with the underwater world of the Reef. Booking a Great Barrier Reef cruise will definitely leave you not regretting your purchase!
