One of the original Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. It stretches over 1,400 miles through the Coral Sea off the east coast of Australia. Nearly 3,000 reefs and 900 islands make the Great Barrier Reef one of the most incredible tourist attractions in the world, and well worth the trip for anyone visiting Australia.
If you’d like the see the Great Barrier Reef for yourself, it’s the perfect time to start planning your trip. Find out what you need to know about visiting, and the travel medical insurance to purchase before you go.
Travel Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting the Great Barrier Reef – FAQs
Exploring coral reefs is sure to be an exciting adventure, but the risk of illness or injury always exists. You could break a bone, get severe sunburn, heatstroke, or any number of other conditions. Make sure you’re covered by travel medical insurance on your trip.
Do I need travel medical insurance for the Great Barrier Reef?
You aren’t legally required to have travel medical insurance in order to enter Australia, but going without it could be an expensive mistake. Your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted here, leaving you responsible for paying any medical bills you incur out of your own pocket.
Why buy travel medical insurance before visiting the Great Barrier Reef?
If you’ve always had health insurance, you may not have ever thought about the cost of medical treatment without it. If you get hurt or sick while visiting Australia and need treatment, the cost could be more than you can afford, especially if you need emergency medical evacuation from the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t risk your finances or your health. Get travel medical insurance so you’re protected.
the Great Barrier Reef’s Most Popular Activities
The Great Barrier Reef is massive. The exact activities available to you will depend on which part of it you visit. However, five of the most popular things to do here include the following:
Snorkeling and Diving
Not surprisingly, the single best way to see the reef up close is by strapping on your flippers and going below the surface. Snorkeling is ideal for beginners, as it allows you to see the reef and marine life below from near the surface. More adventurous visitors can give scuba diving a try to go deeper and see this unique ecosystem from a different perspective. Numerous tours are available to suit all budgets and interests.
Visiting an Island
There are over 900 islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the most popular ones for tourists to visit include Green Island, Hamilton Island, and Hayman Island. Each can give you the opportunity to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and even shopping. You can also take daytrips to smaller islands like the Whitsundays or the Low Isles for a more secluded experience.
Helicopter Tours
There’s no quicker way to more of the reef than by air. A 30 to 60-minute helicopter tour can allow you to see some of the most remote and scenic areas with minimal effort. Just sit back and enjoy the scenery. These tours typically fly out of Cairns or Port Douglas, and can include other activities such as transport to certain islands.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
Want to see the reef up close without getting wet? A glass-bottom boat tour allows you look straight below to see the reef and marine life with no swimming required. These can be a great option for families with young children or older visitors who aren’t comfortable with the idea of swimming or diving in the ocean.
Taking a Cruise
A liveaboard cruise is the ideal way to see more of the Great Barrier Reef at a relaxed pace. These cruises usually last for several days and take you to some of the most remote and untouched parts of the reef. There’s plenty to do other than sightseeing as well. Cruises typically offer activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, and island hopping.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef
Head to Cairns
For most visitors, the best city to base their Great Barrier Reef trip out of is Cairns. Located in Far North Queensland, Cairns is the fourth-most-popular destination for international visitors to Australia due to its proximity to the reef and the various tours operating out of the city. There are plenty of hotels and recreational activities for tourists here, and you certainly won’t run out of things to do.
Respect the Environment
The Great Barrier Reef is an extremely fragile and important ecosystem, and visitors must treat it with care. Always follow the instructions of your tour guide, and never touch or remove any coral or marine life. This should go without saying, but please do not litter.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season in this region runs from May to October. This is most popular time to visit, as you’re likely to see plenty of sunshine. Just keep in mind that crowds can be large during the peak season, and tours can book up early. You can certainly visit in the offseason, but keep in mind that rain and clouds will be more likely.
Before You Visit the Great Barrier Reef – Do This
- Pack a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Sunburn is a very real concern when exploring the reef.
- If you’re visiting during the peak season, be sure to book as far in advance as possible.
- Be a prepared traveler and purchase travel medical insurance before you go.