The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park provides a pristine and abundant marine conservation area for thousands of species of marine life.
Stretching 2300 kilometers this natural wonder is so vast that it can be seen from space.
For visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, the range of aquatic experiences offered by the reef are unrivaled.
From diving the coral shelves and lagoons of the outer reefs, to deep-sea sports fishing and snorkeling the fringing reefs of the Whitsunday islands, berthing at Coral Sea Marina provides access to this and much more.
Speak with our Guest Services team about recommended itineraries in the Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef region.
Great Barrier Reef Eco Systems
Great Barrier Reef Eco Systems
Within the vast expanse of the Great Barrier Reef are a range of ecological habitats, species and marine communities.
Whilst known primarily for the diverse range of coral reef systems, the Great Barrier Reef also provides home to a huge array of plants and animals.
Home to over 600 hard and soft corals, which in turn provides habitat for over 1500 species of fish, 100 types of jellyfish, 133 varieties of sharks and rays and over 30 species of whale and dolphin, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world.
One thing is for certain when experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, no two experiences will be the same.
Great Barrier Reef Anchorages
Great Barrier Reef Anchorages
The Whitsunday Islands themselves are surrounded by fringing reefs, providing some great snorkeling opportunities, but for those wanting a real Great Barrier Reef diving experience, the below itinerary takes in some of the best locations the reef has to offer in this region.
Spend your days diving the famous Stepping Stones, which are unique in that you will find 18 or more flat-topped coral pinnacles lined up in a row along the south-west face of the reef. Little Fairey Inlet is a great spot for snorkeling as well as diving along the wall of the inlet. After a long day underwater, sit on the back deck and enjoy the clarity in the night sky as the milky way is clearly visible most evenings without cloud.
For those diving fanatics looking for some incredible dive sites, head to Hardy Reef. Hardy Reef is home to the Whitsunday icon Heart Reef, which is aptly named after the natural shape this reef has taken. Best seen from the air, another great reason to helicopter or seaplane over this section of the reef.
At certain tides the natural 'waterfall' can be experienced at Hardy Reef when the water is emptying from the reef and this is quite a formidable sight
Master Reef Guides
Master Reef Guides
Master Reef Guides are the world's leading coral reef guides and interpreters sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area through engaging stories and memorable experiences.
These reef ambassadors can provide up-to-date information on the Reef, share stories of the magical World Heritage Area, and explain what you can do to make a difference.
We are lucky to have multiple Master Reef Guides right here in the Whitsundays who will share their knowledge of the incredible Great Barrier Reef.
Protecting the Reef
Protecting the Reef
There are many ways in which you can help to protect the reef whilst here in the Whitsundays.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority have provided a list of Responsible Reef Practices tips that you can view here.
In addition, one of the easiest ways to help manage the reef and become a citizen science is to download the free Eye on the Reef app, to record your sightings whilst on the Whitsunday waters. The Eye on the Reef monitoring and assessment program enables anyone who visits the Great Barrier Reef to contribute to its long-term protection by collecting valuable information about reef health, marine animals and incidents that is used to understand the bigger picture and inform how we manage the Reef.