Spanning 1,430 miles of Australia’s eastern coastline, The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site and marine park. Millions of people visit Earth’s most diverse natural ecosystem each year to enjoy marine-inspired activities.

Discover the world’s largest coral reef aboard the solar- and wind-powered pontoon Reef Magic during a half-day adventure that includes both marine and aerial experiences and a gourmet lunch. Guests can participate in guided snorkeling or diving through extraordinary coral formations alongside some of more than 1,600 species of fish; ride on a glass-bottom boat; or learn about the reef from an underwater observatory. To fully appreciate the 3,000 coral reefs, upgrade the trip and explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world from a helicopter operated by partner Nautilus Aviation. Visitors can travel from Cairns to the permanently moored pontoon by helicopter or by boat.

Join two Master Reef guides to learn about reef ecology, marine life identification and climate change by becoming a Marine Biologist for a Day aboard Sunlover Reef Cruises’ outer reef pontoon. Here guests work with a reef-monitoring program, Eye on the Reef, where they record their observations and report them to the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority to help track and improve the reef ’s health.

Snorkel and dive with Indigenous guides to learn about the reef ’s cultural importance on the Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel tour. Through immersive storytelling and dance, guests experience a traditional Welcome to Country, interacting with original clap sticks and fire poles. Then, accompanied by marine biologists, take a guided trip to the outer reef to swim with sea creatures.

Reefsleep, a memorable overnight excursion offered by Cruise Whitsundays, allows guests to sleep under the stars after swimming, snorkeling and taking a semi-submarine guided tour. Take in a spectacular reef sunset and a clear view of the Milky Way before falling asleep in traditional Australian canvas sleeping bags with integrated mattresses on the upper deck of the pontoon. The next morning wake up to the sunrise for another day of diving among the colorful marine life.