The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, making it one of the most visited tourist destinations in Australia. Made up of over 3000 individual reefs and stretching approximately 2300 kilometres across the northeast coast of Queensland, the reef is larger than the Great Wall of China and is the only living thing on earth that is visible from space.
With over 400 different species of coral, molluscs, rays, dolphins, whales, turtles, thousands of species of fish, hundreds of birds, along with a variety of reptiles as well as giant clams, the reef is also home to some of the most diverse animal and plant life on the planet.
It’s such an enormous and magnificent attraction that you really do have to see its breathtaking beauty in person to believe it. But with over 348,000 square kilometres of reef to discover, it can be difficult to decide where to start. Luckily, WAHI has you covered. No matter how you would like to explore the reef, you can see it all with a stay at WAHI.
How to Explore the Reef, The WAHI Way:
Tour the reef in style and comfort with a cruise. Discover the beauty of this natural wonder with a tour host who will offer endless insight about the reef and its wildlife along the way. You’ll spend most of the day at a Pontoon, located on the spectacular Hardy Reef where you can enjoy a whole range of activities—both above and below the surface. This relaxing day trip will give you the opportunity to explore the most breathtaking reefs and see coral formations that don’t exist anywhere else on the planet.
Tour the Reef in a Semi-Submarine
The perfect way to explore the reef without having to get wet. Onboard the semi-submarine you will have a tour guide offering information and commentary about the reef and marine life as it passes (or swims) by. If you are looking for a family-friendly and hassle-free way to see the reef, this is the tour for you!
Image credit: @_____jussyreeves
Enjoy a half-day guided snorkel and discover the world’s most beautiful aquatic playground in a small group setting. The expert tour guides will select the best sites for snorkelling based on weather conditions that day. You’ll have the opportunity to witness marine life, unlike anything you have ever seen before!
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With all equipment provided, you can experience the reef in its greatest depths with a guided diving experience. Make your trip to the reef especially memorable and experience your first scuba dive with a fully certified instructor that will guide you every step of the way.
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Image credit: @reubennutt
During the 50-minute helicopter ride, you can take in a birds’ eye view of the heart of the reef and enjoy magnificent sights over the islands. Halfway through the trip you will land at Reefworld and have another opportunity to explore and snorkel this stunning part of The Great Barrier Reef. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, you can still experience the marine life from the Underwater Observatory, or simply enjoy the atmosphere and relax on the shaded pontoon.
If you want a day off from exploring the reef, the Whitsunday Apartments offer resort-style facilities to be enjoyed by the entire family. Amenities include:
- Lagoon-style swimming pool
- Heated Spa located poolside
- Reception open from 7 am - 7 pm daily
- Guest Lounge
- FREE Wireless Internet in guest lounge and foyer
- Tropical landscaped gardens
The Whitsunday Apartments are also located adjacent to Catseye Beach if you wanted to enjoy a snorkel or ocean swim closer to home.
Ideally situated on Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, WAHI is the perfect base to explore this ancient phenomenon. Create lifelong memories while swimming with the turtles, dive or snorkel the coral reef, take in the breathtaking birds-eye view with a helicopter ride or enjoy a variety of guided tours.
If you’re wanting to explore more of your backyard, WAHI is the perfect, close to home escape that will give you the opportunity to explore iconic destinations like The Great Barrier Reef. Ready to dive in? Book your next tropical escape to WAHI here.
