Meet Queensland’s Master Reef Guides

Stretching over 2300kms along the Queensland coastline from Bundaberg to the tip of Cape York, the Great Barrier Reef is like nowhere else on earth. With 3000 separate reefs and over 900 continental islands and coral cays, this World Heritage-listed site has some of the world’s best dive and snorkel spots, and a myriad of marine life.  

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Barrier Reef soon, you’re likely to come across the phrase ‘Master Reef Guide’ when looking at the different tours and experiences. Who are they, what do they do, and how can they enhance your experience of the world's largest ecosystem? 

Here’s everything you need to know about Master Reef Guides.

Who are Master Reef Guides? 

Launched in 2019, the Master Reef Guide program is delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, and Tourism and Events Queensland. 
 
Master Reef Guides are recognised as the world’s leading reef guides, interpreters, and storytellers. Their role is to share the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef through engaging, entertaining, and educational experiences. 
 
If you have the opportunity to meet a Master Reef Guide on your Great Barrier Reef experience, expect to hear up-to-date information on the reef, stories of the magical World Heritage Area, and helpful tips on how you can make a difference (from anywhere in the world!). 
 
Marine biologist and Master Reef Guide Jacinta Shakleton further explains why Master Reef Guides are an asset to your Great Barrier Reef experience.
 
“When you come out to the Great Barrier Reef, look out for the Master Reef Guides. We operate from high standard tourism operators. We’ve got lots of up to date information, we’ve got a real passion for the reef, and we'll show you why this amazing ecosystem is really worth caring for."

How do you become a Master Reef Guide? 

To become a Master Reef Guide, potential candidates need to be nominated, shortlisted and interviewed. Successful nominees will then join their cohort for both online and in-field training in a range of areas, such as public speaking, enhancing the visitor experience, and the power of interpretation.  

How can visitors help the reef?

While plenty of fun is bound to be on the itinerary, exploring the Great Barrier Reef is also a wonderful way to learn more about this remarkable icon. By visiting, you're contributing to its conservation, and helping to protect it for many generations to come. While it’s important to recognise that the Great Barrier Reef is well and truly alive, it's facing a range of pressures, so all actions – no matter how big or small – make a difference to the future of this natural wonder. 
 
If you’re visiting the reef using a tourism operator, you’ll pay an environmental management charge (around $7) within your experience fee. This goes towards the management of the Great Barrier Reef, so future generations can continue to enjoy it. 
 
Marine biologist and Master Reef Guide Johnny Gaskell agrees how important the tourism industry is when it comes to helping the reef, not just showcasing it. 
 
“One of the best ways to get involved is to head out to the reef with a high standard tourism operator. These operators have an eco-focus, and many are involved in reef monitoring, reef restoration, and site stewardship programs.”

Or, if you want to help even from the comfort of home, Jacinta suggests using an app to get involved with protecting the reef. 
 
“One way to get involved is to submit any sightings from the reef to the Eye on the Reef app or iNaturalist. I think it’s also great to have a good understanding of coral bleaching, crown-of-thorns starfish, coral structure, and some of the regular species you can find there," she says. 

"To help protect the Great Barrier Reef you can also try to minimise your carbon footprint at home and make small changes like reducing plastic usage, reducing energy usage and spreading the word about this World Heritage icon.”

If you're lucky enough to book a Great Barrier Reef experience with a tourism operator who has a Master Reef Guide, then we encourage you to ask plenty of questions - they're a treasure trove of reef knowledge.

Feeling inspired? Here are 6 ways you can help keep the Great Barrier Reef great.