The Great Barrier Reef in Australia boasts one of the richest marine environments in the world with more than 1500 species of fish and 360 species of hard coral. In the outer reefs, you may encounter six different species of sea turtles and several shark species, such as grey reef sharks, whale sharks, silky sharks and even hammerheads or tiger sharks. Manta rays are usually seen in the southern sections of the Reef, and dugong can occasionally be found in the shallow seagrass beds.
While diving in the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find underwater environments to suit every interest. Coral gardens, pinnacles, bommies, channels and caverns make up the majority of sites, but seagrass beds, wrecks and pelagic cleaning stations can also be found. Liveaboard divers will want to stop by Cod Hole where friendly potato cod greet divers, and Ribbon Reefs is a must-visit area due to its amazing biodiversity.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth. While you may be able to sample the inner reefs on a day trip from the mainland, the outer reefs offer greater biodiversity, healthier corals and fewer divers. These remote sections of the Reef are only accessible by liveaboard.
Dive safaris headed for the Great Barrier Reef usually depart from Cairns, Queensland in northwest Australia. The typical length of these liveaboard trips is 2 to 5 days, although some operators offer longer 8-day itineraries.
The best time to dive in the Great Barrier Reef is from June to December. During these months, several elements align to create great diving. From June to November, the water temperature drops, attracting pelagic species such as manta rays, whale sharks and minke whales. You’ll also enjoy excellent visibility, reaching 200 feet (60 meters) in the outer reefs.
It’s also important to note that the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best liveaboard destinations for beginners. Some divers even complete their Open Water course on a liveaboard in Australia. A lack of current and excellent visibility make the Great Barrier Reef ideal for learning.
Best Luxury Liveaboard: MV Coral Discoverer
In addition to being the most luxury liveaboard on our list, the MV Coral Discoverer also offers some of the most adventurous itineraries. The Solomon Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and The Kimberley are just some of the world-class destinations available. Furthermore, all shore excursions are included in trips on the MV Coral Discoverer, with a strong focus on visiting places not often accessible to tourists and designed to promote local interaction and cultural exchange
Keep in mind not specifically a scuba diving cruise, but many trips do offer the opportunity to enjoy the view under the surface. And, snorkeling gear is always available and free. This boat whisks divers and non-divers away in luxury to experience the boundless pleasures of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
This luxurious boat features 36 well-appointed cabins, ranging from a main deck staterooms to promenade deck staterooms. In addition, this is one of the only liveaboards in Australia with a private bathroom in every cabin.
In the Great Barrier Reef, the MV Coral Discoverer offers Australia’s premier liveaboard experience.
Best Mid-Range Liveaboard: Spoilsport
A perennially popular liveaboard, the Spoilsport offers great value for money.
The crew on the Spoilsport knows how to show guests the best of the Great Barrier Reef. Each itinerary is chosen specifically for its visibility and marine life quality. These trips feature an “open dive deck” policy, which allows guests to plan and dive independently with their dive buddies. Plus, the 3-night itineraries are great for those who don’t have much time.
Even while you aren’t diving, you’ll feel at home on the Spoilsport. 14 air-conditioned staterooms are complemented by ensuite bathrooms and hot water. Some of the cabins even feature large windows with magnificent ocean views.
For the price, the Spoilsport offers the best in liveaboard style and comfort, giving you the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef as you desire.
Best Budget Liveaboard: Ocean Quest
Gracing our list as the best budget liveaboard in the Great Barrier Reef, the Ocean Quest is the most spacious diving vessel in Queensland.
First, it’s important to note that the Ocean Quest lives on the Reef. Transfers are provided from Cairns via speedboat. This provides two advantages. First, divers who suffer from seasickness will enjoy the fact that the Ocean Quest doesn’t move around the Reef. Second, it means itineraries are flexible. With daily transfers, you can stay for as many days as you want.
In addition to great daily diving, the Ocean Quest also offers Fluoro diving, a new technique which uses special flashlights and masks to create fluorescent underwater landscapes.
At a price point of under $400 for an 11-dive, 2-night trip, you can’t beat the service found on the Ocean Quest.
The three liveaboards you’ve read about were hand-picked by our scuba diving experts, but there are a few more boats available. To see the full list of liveaboards in the Great Barrier Reef, click the button below.
View All Liveaboards in the Great Barrier Reef
Share This
