5 Dive spots you must visit on the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a water baby’s haven, with the reef covering more than 3,000 square km there is plenty for you to explore and see. Depending on the season you visit this world heritage listed site you can dive with whales, sharks, hang with Crush and his family on the EAC dude (AKA sea turtles), glide with one of the giants of the ocean (AKA manta rays) and pretty much see all different species of fish under the sun.

But where should you go to see all these incredible creatures of the big blue? We’ve narrowed down our favourite spots. Check our favourites:

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   Osprey Reef.

Let’s start with one of the most exciting highlights of all and probably one of the most remote sites. 110km north east of the Great Barrier Reef and is home to some of the most active sharks on the reef. You’ll be able to watch the big boys feeding on smaller fish and see some of the most beautiful soft coral!

You’ll need to allocate 4-7 days to explore the Coral Sea and Osprey Reef!

2. Heron Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

One island home to 16 different dive sites! This is one of those rare islands where the reef is literally at your feet. You can be relaxing on the beach and then swimming right off the beach admiring the colourful coral. What’s even better about this site, is after a long day of diving/snorkelling you can even sleep the night here. Could it seriously get any better?

3. Cod Hole, Lizard Island

Yep, this one’s name speaks for itself! It’s the perfect spot to come up close and personal with the giant potato cod. These guys are just enormous, they weigh around 150kg! Just let that sink in for a minute… The Cod Hole allows you to get up close with these friendly giants and as well as being able to get some magnificent photographs of the reef.

The Cod Hole is located on the Northern Part of Ribbon Reefs and is a little bit secluded, allow up to 3-7 days for expeditions out on the Northern Great Barrier Reef.

4. Norman Reef

Explore the home of Moray Eels, Maori wrasse, giant clams and if you’re lucky enough or time everything to perfection in the late water you can catch a glimpse of the famous dwarf minke whales. If you are a little more adventurous and enjoy a night time dive, you’ll be able to see sharks sleeping in the caves – they look so peaceful!

This spot is the perfect day trip and is located only 80km of the coast from Cairns!

5. Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

This is the place to get up close and personal with a manta ray, the gentle giants of the ocean. You’ll be swimming with rays that have a wing span of up to 7m *gasp* yep, you are going to feel miniscule next to these guys. Sit on the reef bed and admire these rays gliding through the ocean, almost similar to an eagle. You’ll be in awe!

The most southern island of the reef, it is where the Great Barrier Reef begins. You don’t have to go all the way north to swim with the giants. Lady Elliot is only accessible via a scenic flight from Gold Coast, Hervey Bay or Bundaberg.