Visiting Cairns and skipping the Great Barrier Reef is like going to Egypt and not visiting the pyramids, it is simply a must do. The reef offers something for everyone and there are many different ways of experiencing it! From snorkelling, scuba diving, or a glass bottom boat, to helicopter flights, or even a waterslide, there are many ways for the whole family to enjoy activities on the Great Barrier Reef.
Researching the best reef tours or activities can be overwhelming, especially when you learn that the reef is divided up in to sections. Now, not only do you have to figure out what you want to do on the Great Barrier Reef, you also need to figure out which part to visit?!
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you everything you need to know before visiting the Great Barrier Reef.
So without further ado let’s get into it..
What is the Difference Between the Reefs ?
The Great Barrier Reef is divided into 3 parts; the Inner Reef, the Middle Reef, and the Outer Reef.
Inner Reef
The inner reef is the closest part of the reef to the coast, and this is where Fitzroy Island, Green Island, and Frankland Island are located.
It is ideal for a beach day and a bit of snorkelling. While being close to the mainland the weather on the islands can differ completely. I remember spending a day on Fitzroy and got back to Cairns completely sunburnt, (don’t make the same mistake, please be sun safe!) people looked at me funny as it had been raining all day on the mainland.
If you’re a sun lover looking for one of the best tanning spots in and around Cairns, go to the islands!
What Can We See around the Cairns Islands?
Most people spend a full day or a half day at the islands. You can do some snorkelling or take a trip on a glass bottom boat, spot some turtles and nice coral or you can opt to for hiking, kayaking, rainforest walks, sunbathing, or just chilling! There is plenty to keep you busy on all the islands around Cairns.
Middle Reef
The middle reef sits between the Inner and Outer reef, waters are usually clearer here and it is a fantastic place to spend a day on an actual reef site. The middle reef is also home to the Great Barrier Reef Pontoons.
What is a pontoon ?
A pontoon is a large floating platform on the reef. You are brought there by ferry from Cairns. Pontoons are a great option for a number of reasons, you get to visit the reef but don’t have to stay on a boat for the whole day, a pontoon is way bigger. Also, those pontoons can be super fun, with glass bottom boats, semi-submersibles, underwater observatories, waterslides, biology labs… you won’t be bored out there I am telling you.
A pontoon is the perfect option for a family or even a group. They’re ideal for non swimmers or those who don’t want to spend the whole day snorkelling. Take a look at Great Adventures Moore Reef Pontoon here!
Outer Reef
The outer reef is the furthest part of the reef you can go to. Boasts heading to the outer reef focus on snorkelling and scuba diving. If you want to enjoy a glass bottom boat and a relaxing day on a beach, you are on the wrong section, scroll back up!
Normally, the further out you go from land the better reef quality you are going to get. Therefore reefs are going to be healthier and the marine life more present. Bear with me here you are on a reef site, this is wildlife, so no we cannot assure you that you will see a turtle, what we can assure you is the breathtaking coral canyons, you won’t want to miss this. This trip is a full day as the outer reef is about 90 minutes from Cairns.
Which one should you choose?
Ok now that we both are experts on the reef, the main question is: Which one should you choose?
No matter what part of the Great Barrier Reef you visit you’re going to have a great day! If you are not a confident swimmer, maybe stick with pontoons or islands but if you want to challenge yourself heading to the outer reef is a good option too.
If your goal is to spot the most marine life, head to the outer reef without hesitating!
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