Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef stretches for a majestic 2300km off the coast of Queensland, from Great Keppel Island (Rockhampton) in the south to Haggerstone Island (Cape York Peninsula) at the very top of the state. Hailed as one of the most beautiful reefs on the planet and teeming with marine life, it is one of the seven natural wonders of the modern world. World heritage listed in 1981, the reef is comprised of more than 3000 reef systems and coral cays. Hundreds of exquisite tropical islands surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal clear water has ensured the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. With a plethora of experiences to be enjoyed – from whale watching and swimming with dolphins, to exploring the colourful marine life whilst snorkelling and scuba diving – the Great Barrier Reef offers a breathtaking experience like no other.

The beauty of scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef is not only experiencing the delicate and lovely underwater panoramas of more than 6000 species of flora and fauna, but the opportunity for close encounters with colourful and inquisitive marine life who call the reefs their home.

Close to coastal cities all along the reef, you are only ever mere minutes away from exploring popular scuba diving spots, or seeking out more remote locales for your diving experience. Whether you are an experienced and certified diver, or new to this wonderful pastime, the Great Barrier Reef has an endless array of diving spots to suit your expertise.

Heron Island

A nature lover’s paradise, Heron Island – named for the herons that make up the rich tapestry of bird life that reside in this World Heritage-Listed Marine Park – is 539 km north of Brisbane, 72 km north east of Gladstone. The deep sea channel between Heron Island and Wistari Reef allows you to explore the fringe of the cay in serene, warm water, perfect for beginners, with deeper outer reefs ideal for experienced scuba divers. With more than 20 dive sites available in the evergreen coral cay and surrounded by 24 hectares of coral reef, this is a wonderful destination to enjoy the abundant Green and Loggerhead turtles. Considered to be one of the world’s premier diving destinations, Heron Island offers a spectacular underwater world replete with reef sharks, schools of colourful fish and reefs of staghorn coral.

Regardless of where you stay on the beautiful Great Barrier Reef, you are always within a 20-60 minute boat ride to a magnificent diving spot, allowing you to indulge in the best scuba diving opportunities in the world.