Port Douglas Scuba Diving and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area

(Port Douglas, Far North Queensland - QLD, Australia)

With Port Douglas being located conveniently close to the Great Barrier Reef, this popular tourist town has become an important gateway to both the Agincourt Reefs and the Low Isles. All reef cruises include a buffet lunch, presentations by marine biologists, complimentary snorkelling equipment and also often a free introductory dive, suiting those with no actual experience.

Visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef is simply enormous and contains more than 1,500 different species of fish, as well as some 400 types of coral and in excess of 4,000 breeds of molluscs. Tour operators are readily available from Port Douglas, offering scuba diving and snorkelling lessons for less experienced tourists.

Information about the Great Barrier Reef

The wildlife of the Great Barrier Reef is exceptional, with colourful tropical fish and breathtaking reefs. There are six types of turtle living here, together with a number of reef sharks, although don't be alarmed - nobody scuba diving here has ever been attacked by a reef shark.

The largest cruise companies depart from Port Douglas and nearby Cairns head to their very own pontoons, which are multi-level platforms with underwater observation windows, sundecks and restaurant areas, where hot and cold buffets are served. From here, inexperienced scuba divers can the chance to dive in small groups, being led around the Great Barrier Reef's more sheltered corals by experienced divers. Snorkelling is always popular, especially when the friendly fish are fed at lunchtime and swim right up to the platform for their food.

From Port Douglas, daily cruises depart from the Marina Mirage at approximately 08:30 in the morning. Of note, pickups from Palm Cove and Cairns can be arranged if necessary. Specific scuba diving courses are available, lasting several days and often providing the chance to live onboard the boat itself - to maximise your dive time.

Those unable to swim may be interested to take a walk on the actual ocean floor, using one of the clear helmets connected to oxygen from above. If you prefer to stay out of the water, then consider a helicopter tour of the Great Barrier Reef, or alternatively, glass-bottom cruises are available from Port Douglas and combined air-conditioned comfort with entertaining commentary.