The Great Barrier Reef is one of the ultimate travel experiences when visiting Australia.
Stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, this natural phenomenon is a breathtaking mosaic of colours, textures, and vibrant coral gardens. It is home to thousands of species of marine life, creating an underwater world unlike any other.
As one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef holds a special place in global conservation. Visible even from outer space, it is the largest living structure on earth. Just as importantly, it is also one of the best managed reefs worldwide. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has set the benchmark for marine protection. It provides a pristine marine conservation area and is one of the most complex and magnificent natural ecosystems in the world.
The range of aquatic experiences offered are simply unrivalled. From diving into coral gardens and calm lagoons, to deep-sea fishing and snorkelling the colourful reefs, each experience brings something new.
For those arriving by yacht, Coral Sea Marina opens the door to world-class Great Barrier Reef superyacht experiences. Its location on the Whitsunday coast places you right at the gateway to this aquatic playground. From here, captains and crew can easily plan day trips, extended voyages, or custom itineraries that showcase the reef’s most remarkable sights.
Coral Sea Marina Resort is more than just a starting point—it is the perfect home port for exploration. With direct access to the reef and its countless experiences, superyacht guests can combine adventure, relaxation, and discovery in one of the most magnificent natural environments on earth.
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Great Barrier Reef Eco Systems
As the largest living thing on earth, so vast it can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef represents approximately 10% of all the world’s coral reefs.
It is home to tens of thousands of coral life, fish, turtles, dolphins, and much more that together create an incredible display of diversity of life beneath the waves.
Home to over 600 hard and soft corals, which provides habitat for over 1500 species of fish, 100 types of jellyfish, 133 varieties of sharks and rays, and over 30 species of whale and dolphin, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most complex and richest natural systems in the world. One thing is for certain, when experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, no two experiences will be the same.
The Great Barrier Reef is such an iconic and intrinsic part of Australian culture, as well as a vital element to tourism within the state of Queensland, that it’s protection and preservation is paramount. At Coral Sea Marina Resort we are committed to reducing our impact on the environment, encouraging the long-term health of the reef and islands through education and awareness, and safeguarding the future of our spectacular region.
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Diving / Snorkelling
The Whitsunday Islands themselves are surrounded by fringing reefs, providing some great snorkeling opportunities, but for those wanting a real Great Barrier Reef diving experience, the below suggestions offer up some of the best locations the reef has to offer in this region.
Spend your days diving the famous Stepping Stones, which are unique in that you will find 18 or more flat-topped coral pinnacles lined up in a row along the south-west face of the reef.
Little Fairey Inlet is a great spot for snorkeling as well as diving along the wall of the inlet. After a long day underwater, sit on the back deck and enjoy the clarity in the night sky as the milky way is clearly visible most evenings without cloud.
For those diving fanatics looking for some incredible dive sites, head to Hardy Reef. Hardy Reef is home to the Whitsunday icon Heart Reef, which is aptly named after the natural shape this reef has taken. Best seen from the air, another great reason to helicopter or seaplane over this section of the reef.
At certain tides the natural 'waterfall' can be experienced at Hardy Reef when the water is emptying from the reef, and this is quite an impressive sight.
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Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef Anchorages
With 27 pristine anchorages throughout the Whitsundays and neighbouring Great Barrier Reef, suitable for vessels over 35 metres, the Whitsunday Islands offers a diverse range of experiences and surroundings.
From secluded coral coves and beaches, to indigenous cave paintings. From the infamous swirling sands of Hill Inlet to the lush, rugged mountain peaks, not forgetting the world beneath the surface on the Great Barrier Reef – This is the perfect location for an extended cruising itinerary.
If you would like to find out more about the Superyacht Anchorages, explore our interactive map here.
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Scenic Flights
For private helicopter flights over Heart Reef, Hardy Reef, and the spectacular Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, your Superyacht Concierge can look to organise you a private tour through our flight partner, Helireef, departing from the private helicopter pads located on the marina rock wall.
