# Best things to do on the Great Barrier Reef

From snorkelling outer reefs to Whitehaven Beach: the top Great Barrier Reef experiences according to Tourism Australia and TripAdvisor.

- 1372 votes · 13 items
- Jun 6, 2025 · Zoe King
- https://even.best/en/l/796/best-things-to-do-on-the-great-barrier-reef

## Top 10

1. **Snorkel or dive the outer reef from Cairns** (146 · ▲158 ▼12) — Day boats to Agincourt, Norman or Flynn Reef.
2. **Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays** (123 · ▲141 ▼18) — Silica-white sand and the swirling Hill Inlet lookout.
3. **Scenic flight over Heart Reef** (106 · ▲120 ▼14) — Helicopter or seaplane over the heart-shaped reef.
4. **Green Island** (88 · ▲103 ▼15) — Coral cay 45 minutes from Cairns with glass-bottom boats.
5. **Swim with dwarf minke whales** (73 · ▲91 ▼18) — Seasonal encounters (June–July) on licensed boats from Cairns and Port Douglas.
6. **Lady Elliot Island** (72 · ▲86 ▼14) — Eco-resort island famous for manta rays.
7. **Low Isles from Port Douglas** (65 · ▲86 ▼21) — Coral cay with a lighthouse and turtles.
8. **Sail the Whitsundays** (65 · ▲78 ▼13) — Overnight sailing trips from Airlie Beach.
9. **Heron Island** (58 · ▲76 ▼18) — Turtle nesting and world-class diving off the beach.
10. **Semi-submarine tour** (54 · ▲69 ▼15) — See the coral without getting wet.
11. **Cairns Aquarium** (51 · ▲76 ▼25) — Reef and rainforest aquarium, good for rainy days.
12. **Fitzroy Island** (28 · ▲56 ▼28) — Rainforest island with Nudey Beach and a turtle rehabilitation centre.
13. **Hamilton Island** (11 · ▲16 ▼5) — Whitsunday island with resorts and an airport, a common base for reef trips and Whitehaven Beach.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.