The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, created in 1975, covers 344,400 km2 in area with 3000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, 300 coral cays and about 150 inshore mangrove islands extends south from the northern tip of Queensland in north-eastern Australia to just north of the city of Bundaberg. It is  between 60 and 250 kilometres in width, has an average depth of 35 metres in its inshore waters, while on outer reefs, continental slopes extend down to depths of more than 2000 metres. The main section of the reef offshore from Mission Beach is relatively close to the coastline, at about 30km, with a variety of reefs with different features and sea life accessable.

There are a number of island and reef tour operators with a range of offerings. In February some, but not all operators are closed for annual maintenance. The Frankston Islands, to the North of Mission Beach, have good reefs around them also with group tours all year round. Private tours are also available from these operators. The whale watching season for Humpback's is normally from June to September so this may be included in a tour over this period. Reef tour operators provide wet suites/ stinger suites, and snorkling gear at no charge. The wet suit is for winter time if needed, the stinger suite for summer time is to protect against the very low risk of a jellyfish sting - it is not compulsary but we recommend it for sun burn protection so you can focus on your snorkling and not worry about do you have enough sunburn cream on!

For early tour departures, we can arrange early breakfast for you in these cases.

Other Tours

There are other operators who provide fishing, island, reef and whale watching tours.

If you are not sure which of these many choices you want to do, or how to get there, ask us for our suggestion considering the weather, school holidays, tides, and our local knowledge. All prices mentioned are a guide, so please check with us or the operator when booking.