Snorkel from the beach
Among the coral.
Michał Rosa — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Roadrunnerz45 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jack Bain — CC BY 4.0
A small rainforest-covered coral cay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system and UNESCO-listed, and one of the easiest ways to reach the reef from Cairns in a day. White beaches and shallow clear water surround the island, where you can snorkel straight from the shore among colourful coral, tropical fish and sea turtles. For non-swimmers there are glass-bottom boats and a semi-submarine that reveals the reef without getting wet. A short boardwalk crosses the island's rainforest, and there are a resort, restaurants and a small crocodile and turtle centre. You can also scuba dive with instructors or walk on the seabed in a helmet. Boats leave daily from the Cairns wharf, with prices usually covering transfers and some activities, plus the reef protection levy. June to October is best, outside the stinger season.
Among the coral.
For non-swimmers.
In the shallows.
About 27 km off Cairns, around 45 minutes by boat
Yes, from glass-bottom boats or the semi-submarine.