This Great Barrier Reef itinerary is flexible, to take advantage of changing weather and reef conditions. Below is a selection of the key destinations to visit.
Fitzroy Island
At Fitzroy Island enjoy a walk through the Secret Garden rainforest or for the more adventurous, a walk to the de-commissioned lighthouse rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Coral Sea, islands, and mainland mountain ranges. Snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach and there may be an opportunity to lend a hand to the volunteers at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild.
Sudbury Cay
Late in the afternoon, arrive at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay that barely rises above the Coral Sea. Far removed from the bustle of civilization, slip off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as the tropical waters of the Coral Sea lap gently against the shoreline. Enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as we relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon.
Mackay Reef & Cay
Relax on picturesque Mackay Cay and enjoy snorkeling the pristine reef that surrounds it. Mackay Reef is a mid-shelf platform reef, with vibrant hard and soft corals abound. The northern side enjoys additional protection from the cay, making it the perfect playground for turtles. A giant clam garden also resides in the area, with some clams growing as big as 1.2m, all with their unique colors and patterns.On a clear day, you can look back at the mainland to see tall mountains covered in UNESCO world heritage Daintree rainforest. You can see Cape Tribulation and Mount Sorrow as named by Captain Cook during his eventful sail through the Great Barrier Reef. The Kuku Yalangi are the traditional owners of this region and have lived in harmony with the environment for over 50,000 years. Dreamtime stories explain the unique shape of Mount Peter Bot.
Cooktown (Gungardie)
Come ashore in historic Cooktown and learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lt. James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. Wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit the James Cook Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective and where artifacts are on display. Later, cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.
Lizard Island (Dyigurra)
Spend a whole day at Lizard Island where there is time to hike to the summit of Cook’s Look and enjoy the same view Lt. James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens from the beach at Watson’s Bay, relax on the white-sand beach beneath shady she-oak trees, and learn about the tragic story surrounding Mary Watson.
Osprey Reef
One of the world’s best dive sites, Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the Coral Sea. The top of a mountain that rises from the seafloor, surrounded by a vast ocean, draws many beautiful and rare marine creatures to its plummeting walls. Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough. The vibrant corals and crystal-clear waters make it an unforgettable place to discover. Here you will spend time in the water exploring the 30m deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays, and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis.
This reef is for certified divers only.
Ribbon Reefs
The Ribbon Reefs are a narrow line of outer coral reefs on the edge of the continental shelf and are renowned for their prolific marine life and extensive coral species. Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive on the Ribbon Reefs which sit on the edge of the continental shelf. Due to their location far offshore from the Australian coast, the Ribbon Reefs offer excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities with a wide range of marine life and pinnacles cloaked in coral. Join a guided snorkel tour led by the expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary ecosystem up close. These northern reefs are renowned for spotting iconic marine species such as potato cod, wrasse, sharks, and turtles.
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