Things to do in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: The Best Dolphin & Whale Watching

Seastar Cruises premium reef cruise combines the outer Great Barrier Reef with a coral cay island. In only 1 1/4 hours the fast air-conditioned Seastar 1 can take you from Cairns to magnificent Michaelmas Cay, the largest of the local uninhabited coral cays. Cruising past Green Island, Upolu cay and Oyster reef Seastar is the first boat to arrive. After an enjoyable time here it is a short 20 minute cruise to the splendid Hastings Reef sitting on the very outer edge. This is where the corals thrive, well out from the coast away from the influence the rivers and streams, adjacent to the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. You will have 2 1/2 hours at each location. Plenty of time to go snorkeling, do a introductory dive, relax on the beach of the Island or join a tour in the Glass Bottom Boat at Hastings Reef. The day cruise on Seastar inlcudes Morning/Afternoon tea, high quality snorkel equipment, Wetsuit or Lycra suit (depending on the time of year), Glass Bottom Boat Tour, Hot & Cold Buffet Lunch, Reef Interpretation & Guided Snorkel Tours on each spot.

A bareboat sailing holiday with Whitsunday Escape! Whitsunday Escape is Australia’s biggest bareboat charter boat company specialising in skipper yourself charters. You can rent a boat and sail/drive it yourself without the assistance of a professional skipper or crew. The boats are fully self-contained. You don’t need a boat licence or sailing qualification to hire a bareboat, just some boating experience, and if you want to sail, you also need some sailing experience. With its countless anchorages, deserted beaches, pristine coral reefs, and island resorts that welcome visiting boats the Whitsunday Island group is one of the finest cruising destinations in the world. The Whitsunday Escape charter base is located at Coral Sea Marina Resort in Airlie Beach on the Queensland Coast, approximately halfway between Brisbane and Cairns at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Discover the Great Barrier Reef in style aboard Australia's most awarded charter yacht "Sydney Sundancer". Friendly owners, Lynne & John Boyce conduct expedition cruises for discerning explorers visiting remote & pristine locations where friendly fish & colourful corals abound. “Sydney Sundancer” is the only yacht offering shared charters (cabin bookings) departing from Hamilton Island OR you can charter privately for the ultimate family experience. Gourmet meals & fine wines are a highlight during live aboard cruises. Day trips also available. In 1989, Lynne & John were granted a unique "Long Range Roving Permit" enabling them to access all zones and locations of the Marine Park. In 2019, Lynne was recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Park Authority as a MASTER REEF GUIDE. She is always in the water with guests guiding them to THE VERY BEST CORALS. Drawing on their over 30 years of experience, you can be guaranteed to discover the best of Australia's most treasured natural icon.

Ocean Dynamics is a luxury tour operator based in the Whitsundays. Offering diving and beach tours from Hayman Island, Hamilton Island and Airlie Beach. A range of motorised watersports, including jet ski tours, are available from Hayman Island and Airlie Beach.

Combining swift travel to the outer reef, with all the activities of a full day cruise. In only half a day, you can snorkel / dive / glass bottom boat coral view & visit the amazing outer reef

The only marine biologist led eco-tour in Townsville. Come join us for a day trip to one of the best hotspots for humpback whales on the coast of Queensland!

STEP ABOARD WILLFISH And discover the beautiful Whitsunday Islands The ultimate fishing and touring machine. Offering the fastest and smoothest ride for maximum fishing time and enjoyment

High quality, Smartwave hire boats powered by ever reliable Yamaha outboards that require no licence to drive! Our boats are first in class for looks, comfort, ride and safety. Skipper your own boat out to tropical jungle bound Dunk and the Family Islands to sightsee, fish, snorkel, swim, bush walk or just relax! .Cruise down a local river spotting crocodiles and wildlife. Log off, line in,

Within True Blue Sailing there are two vessels that operate 2 day 2 night tours around the Whitsunday Islands for the fun, young and adventurous traveller. The tours offer sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving as well as a visit to the world famous Whitehaven beach with a young, energetic, interactive crew! True Blue is WCBIA, ECO, and Marine Safe certified.

The Keppel Explorer is the most comprehensive, scenic boat tour island hopping around The Keppel Islands. Departing daily from the mainland at Keppel Bay Marina, “explorers” will see more islands than any other tour! Cruise to pristine, secluded beaches and uninhabited islands with stunning natural scenery: coves, caves, snorkelling and 100% fun!