The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic coral reefs in the world. Stretching over 2000 kilometers of water body enveloping all of Queensland, Australia, the reef system is comprised of 2900 individual reefs spanning 900 islands. A reef system so big that it could be seen in space and garnered the name—the largest living structure on earth.
Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. While you can try a helicopter tour in Hamilton Island and other places, Kayaking allows you to see the corals in a closer proximity. You will be amazed how these organisms of beautiful colors, sizes, and shapes came to life and provided shelter and food for the millions of fishes. Kayaking in the Great Barrier Reef is truly an exceptional experience and visiting Queensland’s shores can make you don’t feel like leaving!
So here we go. If you are planning to kayak on the Great Barrier Reef, here are 5 top spots not to miss. These places are even suggested by Queensland’s official travel blog!
1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
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Oh how we love the Whitsundays! A paradise on earth, the Whitsundays is one of the most enthralling places you can find in the world with its pristine white sands looking like silk scattered in the azure sea. Kayaking in the Whitsundays’ Whitehaven Beach is definitely one of the finest as you can be one with nature while exploring its underwater magnificence.
Feast your sight with colourful corals and fishes! After you’re done with your sea exploration, you can try camping and see the rest the island has to offer. For sure, you will definitely not run out of activities to do at Whitsundays!
2. Cape Tribulation, North Queensland
Cape Tribulation, North Queensland
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Cape Tribulation is a popular tourist destination at its own right. With a picturesque sandy beach, this is a place in Queensland where two World Heritage sites meet—the Daintree Forest and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park! So take your pick on where to go first, the rainforest or the reef?
There are kayak tour operators in Cape Tribulation, and you just have to pick which of them offer packages that suit your travel needs. Be in awe and inspired with Cape Tribulation’s long stretches of mangroves, spectacular coastline, and beautiful views of the corals. Children are also welcomed to join the kayak adventure so it surely can bring loads of family fun!
3. Low Isles, North Queensland
Low Isles, North Queensland
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About 15 kilometers off Port Douglas, Low Isles in Tropical North Queensland is a worth-noting kayak destination to consider. Its underwater scenery is so diverse that you can see fringing reefs of all sizes and shapes scattered on the ocean floor.
Low Isles is an unspoilt coral cay of the Great Barrier Reef. Small it may be, but its surprises for every visitors are big. If you are to visit the place ensure that you have scheduled your tour with the operators ahead of time. To protect its ecology, visitors are limited to a few number so better secure your chances in this small island paradise.
4. Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland
Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland
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Eight kilometres offshore the city of Townsville, Queensland lies the Magnetic Island. An island that is truly magnetic, it will captivate you in ways you haven’t imagined. More to the glittering corals of the Great Barrier Reef, sunset in “Maggie Island” (as the locals call it) is so lovely that you would not want it to end.
After exploring its seas on a kayak, you can also visit Magnetic Island National Park and see Australia’s wildlife and tantalizing greeneries.
5. Lady Musgrave Island, Queensland
Lady Musgrave Island, Queensland
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Another coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef, the Lady Musgrave Island is an eye-candy in every view. Riding a kayak, you will see abundant corals and marine-life such as fishes, turtles, and matra rays. On its land, a forest filled with birds is a sight to take you in awe as silver gulls, bridled terns, black-naped terns, and other migratory birds nestle in the island.
The Great Barrier Reef is a fragile wonder of nature that is regulated. When you travel in its seas do respect the environment by following the rules and regulations of the government and tour operators. We only have one world to live in, and it’s our responsibility to take care of it.
