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Is The Whitsundays The Great Barrier Reef?

The good news is that The Whitsundays are in fact part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  Unlike visiting the reef from Cairns where the ocean is unprotected and often quite violent, The Whitsundays has been given shelter in the form of islands.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park includes the fringing reefs that hug most of The Whitsunday Islands.  While these reefs are very different in the way they have formed, they are very similar to snorkel and dive.

Both fringing reefs and the outer reef have coral, fish and other marine life to swim around with.  

On the outer reef, you are more likely to see hard corals and larger predators like sharks.

On the fringing reefs, you are more likely to see turtles and soft corals.

Each type of reef has its own unique structure and marine life, how good the snorkelling conditions will be really depend on the weather on the day.

Fringing reefs being protected by islands will almost always be a better choice for snorkelling, especially for families and poor swimmers.  The other advantage of a fringing reef is the ability to enter the water from a beach, rather than jumping off a boat into deep water.

Currents are something to be aware of when snorkelling the outer barrier reef as they can often move very fast which can make snorkelling difficult.  Fringing reefs do not get strong currents like that.

Thundercat Whitsundays - All Inclusive Day Tour
  • Most Popular
From A$230

Thundercat offers an exhilarating ride around the Whitsunday Islands all in one day. The three-time Australian Gold Award-winning tour visits the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout and offers two snorkelling opportunities on the fringing Great Barrier Reef. Thundercat is designed for stability and speed, so it’s perfect for passengers concerned about seasickness. The all-inclusive package departing from Airlie Beach is suitable for families, couples, and groups wanting to experience once-in-a-lifetime moments.

Tongarra Day Sailing Tour From A$199

Get ready for a fun day out on the water! We’re kicking things off with an easy check-in, then cruising straight to Langford, a stunning island paradise where the sand is as white as the vibe is chill. Kick back on the spacious deck with comfy beanbags, soak up the sun, and get ready for the ultimate day of adventure!

We offer a variety of exciting activities, including banana boat rides, snorkelling among vibrant reefs, and a stroll along the beach to take in stunning views. Our fantastic crew is dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable time, and when you’re ready to refuel, we’ll provide a delicious lunch to keep you energised.

As we sail back to Airlie Beach, enjoy some cold drinks and snacks while we catch an epic sunset. Adventure, good vibes, great tunes, and a whole lot of fun—this is the Whitsundays like you’ve never seen it before!