Australia's
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system
composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching
for over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 mi) over an area of approximately
344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in
the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from outer space and is the
world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. Thirty
species of cetaceans have been recorded in the Great Barrier Reef,
including the dwarf minke whale, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin, and
the humpback whale. Large populations of dugongs live there. More
than 1,500 fish species live on the reef, including the clownfish,
red bass, red-throat emperor, and several species of snapper and
coral trout. Forty-nine species mass spawn, while eighty-four other
species spawn elsewhere in their range. Seventeen species of sea
snake live on the Great Barrier Reef in warm waters up to 50 metres
(160 ft) deep and are more common in the southern than in the
northern section. None found in the Great Barrier Reef World
Heritage Area are endemic, nor are any endangered.
What to do at Australia's Great Barrier Reef
Swim with Turtles! Take a swim with a wild turtle in the inviting, pristine waters of the Lady Musgrave Lagoon. The calm, turquoise water in the sheltered lagoon provides the perfect opportunity to come face to face with a turtle while snorkelling from our luxury catamaran, Reef Empress. Lady Musgrave Experience offers guests an experience like no other swimming turtles of the Lady Musgrave lagoon in their natural habitat. Watch as a turtle swims up for a breath of air or glides past you as you float on in awe. See turtles all year round as these beautiful creatures take refuge in the sheltered lagoon. During the day turtles can be seen swimming in the lagoon, resting under ledges or getting cleaned by fish at cleaning stations, where you can witness the turtles being cleaned by smaller fish. The two types of turtles seen in the lagoon include the friendly, docile green turtle like Crush from the movie Finding Nemo. The other species seen all year around is the endangered hawksbill turtle. Throughout the breeding season the larger loggerhead turtles enter the lagoon to nest on the island then return back out to sea.
Go snorkelling! Snorkelling is a great way to explore the reef and see the marine life situated around the Great Adventures activity platform. Snorkel, mask, fins and flotation devices are included with your tour. Our crew will help fit you with the gear, give tips to first time snorkelers and our safety officers (lifeguard) patrol the snorkel area to make sure everyone is staying safe. Lycra suit hire for adults are children is available, these suits offer protection from the sun and reduce the possibility of stings and irritations from marine stingers that can frequent tropical waters seasonally (more information about marine stingers). The lycra suits have long sleeves and legs with a hood and mittens.
Go Scuba Diving! Certified diving at the edge of Australia’s continental shelf is simply spectacular. Certified divers can enjoy up to two spectacular dives lasting approximately 40 minutes – the ultimate experience at Agincourt Reef where visibility is excellent and the variety of marine life is exceptional. Our professional instructors accompany all dives at no extra charge, ensuring maximum experiences, safety and enjoyment.