The Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea, is 344,000 square kilometres of clear, balmy waters filled with an array of amazing sea creatures, from sea slugs to migrating whales to brain coral that spawns on one night of the year in Spring. To see all the wonders of the reef, try either snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing, a semi-submersible boat or an underwater observatory. For an exhilaratingly different view, fly over in a low flying plane or helicopter. Out on the boat, the Great Barrier Reef takes in the Hinchinbrook Channel, Mission Beach, Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation and Cooktown, and the two islands near Cairns are Green and Fitzroy Islands.
Green Island is a tropical island paradise and suitable for day trips from Cairns.
Here you can find water and land activities including windsurfing, rainforest walks and snorkelling. The best reefs for snorkelling and diving are Agincourt, Oyster, Michaelmas, Upolu, Arlington and Elford Reefs. Many Cruise companies operate 3-7 day cruises around the reefs to take in this unique natural wonder.