The Great Barrier Reef runs along the Queensland Coast for an extended distance, almost the full length of the coast. It’s therefore easily accessible from a number of our premier holiday resorts including Palm Cove.

You can take trips out to various parts of the reef from both Cairns and Port Douglas. Broadly speaking, these trips break down into one of three types

1. A boat trip out to the outer reef where you will be able to see the reef through a glass bottom boat, semi submersible of underwater observatory without even getting wet. You can even walk underwater!!

2. These trips also have the option to snorkel or dive. So you can  get out into the water yourself and watch whatever is going on under the water – perhaps including a little bit of gentle diving down if you have the skills.  Or get right into some fantastic scuba diving.

3. Visit a Tropical Island and snorkel from the beach, go out and snorkel the deep water and just experience the whole Island vibe. It is remarkably different to going to the outer reef and well worth the adventure.

If you have never done any of these things before, they are all worthwhile. The things you’ll see and experience are simply fantastic and so much better than can possibly be conveyed in photographs or videos.

You’ll find all options in and around our Palm Cove accommodation though you will need to go to Cairns or Port Douglas to the jumping off points. It’s only about a 20 or 25 minute drive so that’s no problem and most of the Tour operators will pick you up in Palm Cove.

Which sort of excursion you select out to the reef will be up to you. In some cases, the idea of learning a new skill, as in scuba diving, might not appeal to you and you’ll prefer the slightly more natural simplicity of snorkelling. If you don’t want to get wet at all, then just stay in the boat and experience things from the ultimate in convenience!

Whatever you choose, it really is a fantastic day out and one of the major attractions of this part of Far North Queensland. We wholeheartedly recommend it to one and all. 

Check our private apartments in the Sea Temple Palm Cove Complex offer you the ultimate in extravagance! Enjoy a penthouse with private rooftop spa, swim-out apartment & direct beach access.