Island hop with the best Queensland reef day trips

On the northern frontier of the Great Barrier Reef sits the gaggle of picturesque coral cays dubbed Mackay Reef. Stronger swimmers with a sense of adventure will find this coral cluster right up their alley - spending ample time in the water is a non-negotiable here, and it takes more than usual to reach the destination.

How to get there: Sailaway Port Douglas cruises to the Mackay and Undine Coral Cays for the day aboard its resident catamaran. Plan for a full day of snorkelling and sailing departing from Port Douglas. Or take off from Cape Tribulation instead with Ocean Safari, with some shore-based snorkelling off before you make way for the reef’s outer stretches.

2. Agincourt Reef, Port Douglas

65km off the coast of Port Douglas is where you’ll find Agincourt Reef. Considered one of the world’s best snorkelling and diving sites, it makes for one of the best Queensland reef day trips. Agincourt consists of special reefs dubbed ribbons, which are said to host the most pristine ecosystems underwater, supporting spectacular marine life (in other words, plenty of fish).

How to get there: Join Quicksilver on its permanent reef platform on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, nudging Agincourt. You’ll reach the sheltered anchorage via high-speed vessel, and spend the day snorkelling, diving, and exploring aboard semi-submersible vessels.

3. Opal Reef, Port Douglas

In the midst of the Coral Sea is where Opal Reef resides, a large, mostly shallow, crescent-shaped coral cluster. This unusual shape means that Opal Reef has a lot of protection from wind, making it ideal for those with a penchant for snorkelling. It also helps that this place boasts a handful of different dive sites to choose from - RayBan, Mojo and Blue Lagoon are some of the most popular.

“One spectacular location they called the Pressure Point, which consisted of a few reefs that stuck out in the current near the north end of the reef. There were so many fish here it was at times hard to see the reef,” says Johnny of his experience. “The other side to this day out was seeing the teaming working on their reef recovery program out planting coral from the coral nursery. A couple of sections of reef had been damaged by bleaching so the team at Wavelength are working to speed up the recovery time close to the moorings.”

How to get there: Wavelength proudly offers one of the best Queensland reef day trips. The first operator to start visiting this reef in 1986, and to put in moorings to protect the reef from anchor damage, this experienced company focuses on a trio of dive sites per visit.

4. Flynn Reef, Cairns

Excellent diving opportunities and a variety of hard and soft corals make Flynn Reef one of best Queensland reef day trips. This is particularly for experienced divers eager to test their abilities at famous sites, like Tracy’s Bommie, Tennis Court, Coral Gardens and Gordon’s Mooring.

How to get there: Passions of Paradise choose between a duo of private moorings (Point Break and Little Tracey) for guests each day, depending on conditions. Though divers may prefer to join Quicksilver who have joined forces with Pro Dive Cairns for a dive-focused day trip offering.

5. Moore Reef, Cairns

Resembling a horseshoe is this marine life haven that sits just 45 kilometres off Cairns. Well recognised for its diving among three separate moorings, you’ll find an abundance of fish life, and friendly turtles under the surface here.

“Of all the trips, Moore Reef probably had the highest coral cover,” says Johnny. “At some sections of the reef, it was mostly soft coral but this added colour and diversity to an amazing reefscape.”

How to get there: From Cairns join a member of the Sunlover Cruises fleet, where swimmers of all abilities are welcomed. Stay dry with their glass bottom boat tours, and underwater observatory, or throw on some flippers to snorkel. Kids present? They’ll love the 30-metre water slide spiralling into the sea.

6. Beaver Reef, Mission Beach

Within arm’s reach of Mission Beach you’ll find another of the best Queensland reef day trips. A beloved dive site, Beaver Reef is overflowing with coral gardens and walls, and bommies. All the usual tropical fish can be found here, alongside turtles, stingrays and reef sharks.

How to get there: Mission Beach Dive promises an experience big on adventure but low on crowds. Your trip to the outer reef will be via a custom built snorkel and dive vessel Reef Goddess - whether you prefer to snorkel or dive is up to you. Or, take a tailored tour with Mission Beach Charters, where you can follow up a marine biologist-led snorkel safari with island-hopping, whale-watching, or a beach picnic.

7. John Brewer Reef, Townsville

Not only is John Brewer Reef well regarded for its marine life, but it's marine art. 70 kilometres offshore from Townsville, this coral-covered district is well-regarded as one of the best Queensland reef day trips. While fish are in no short supply, more noticeable is the presence of The Museum of Underwater Art, with installations sitting pretty between the reef itself.

How to get there: Yongala Dive will take you on a Museum of Underwater Art day trip from Townsville, where you’ll spend the day exploring the latest installation ‘Coral Greenhouse’, featuring 'Reef Guardian' sculptures by acclaimed artist Jason de Caires Taylor.

8. Stanley Reef, Alva Beach

There’s a hidden gem nestling Ayr called Stanley Reef. Calm conditions are the norm at this largely untouched destination, with mild current below making this diving destination suitable for all experience levels. Keep an eye out for manta rays, turtles, and even whales while you’re underneath the surface.

“More fish here than I think I have seen anywhere on the reef,” Johnny claims. “The site is a Green Zone so has been protected from fishing for many years, and it shows.”

How to get there: Yongala Dive is again on hand for your adventure to Stanley - the only operator on this section of reef. Your day begins with a 4WD sand cruise to custom ship Ocean Magic, which you’ll launch from the beach.

9. Hardy Reef, Airlie Beach

Found yourself in the stunning Whitsundays? Embrace one of the best Queensland reef day trips while you’re there with a visit to Hardy Reef. The snorkelling comes highly recommended, with the coral cay home to the likes of coral trout, snapper, turtles, sharks, and barracuda, not to mention the Giant Queensland Groper.

How to get there: Cruise Whitsundays will show you the way with their Reefworld experience. Moored offshore, this permanent pontoon is home to Australia’s first underwater accommodation, the luxury ReefSuites. Or you can choose to spend a night under the stars with the Reefsleep above deck.

10. Lady Musgrave Reef, Bundaberg

Explore the second southernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Musgrave, a coral cay that’s not too far from Bundaberg. And while it may be 14 hectares in size, that’s nothing compared to the 1,192 hectares of surrounding reef.

How to get there: Meet with the highly trained Lady Musgrave Experience in Bundaberg where you’ll join them on a luxury 35 metre catamaran transfer to the Lady Musgrave HQ Pontoon. While the reef promises adventures galore for adults, it’s particularly child-friendly - the experience offers the chance for kids to become a marine biologist for the day.