Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Accounting for roughly 10% of the entire world’s coral reef ecosystems, this UNESCO-listed natural wonder has pride of place on every diver’s wish list.


There are many amazing things about the world’s largest coral reef system, but perhaps the most important is that, uniquely, it extends over 14° of latitude, giving it a vast expanse of habitats ranging from shallow estuaries to deep ocean. This gives it the scope to house an astonishing range of ecological communities, habitats and species.

It’s difficult to know where to start with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s part of what makes it trip-of-a-lifetime stuff. Factor in plenty of time and as well as seeing some of the world’s most dazzling marine life you can trek through ancient rainforest, island-hop around the Whitsundays with their white silica sands (also one of the world’s most scenic spots to skydive), chill out on tropical idylls such as Hayman and Lizard, and enjoy a seaside retreat in vibrant destinations such as Cairns, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Mission Beach and Port Douglas.

One unforgettable option is to take a high-performance catamaran from Cairns to the reef sand island of Michaelmas Cay to dive and snorkel within eyeshot of turtles and colourful fish or, if you prefer, take a semi-submersible coral-viewing tour. This is also one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the Reef. Then there’s the ribbon-like Agincourt Reef with its 16 dive sites; cruises there invite you to snorkel, dive and helmet walk to see the kaleidoscopic marine life.

If you’re here as a couple, a seaplane ride over the world-famous Heart Reef is a romantic idea, while with kids in tow (or without), a ferry trip to Magnetic Island will bring you up-close and personal with koalas living peacefully in the wild. On Daydream Island, meanwhile, you can hand-feed friendly baby stingrays at the artificial Living Reef, and in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you may even witness baby turtles hatching on the beach.

Where to go for that ‘big moment’

19 January 2026

Life is full of unforgettable moments, and some of the most magical ones happen when you’re exploring the world. From nature’s breathtaking spectacles to cultural celebrations that only come around once a year, these experiences are worth planning your travels around. Whether it’s witnessing Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms, marvelling at the Southern Lights in Australia, or standing amidst millions of migrating monarch butterflies in Mexico, these are the moments that stay with you forever. Let’s explore where - and when - you can be part of these extraordinary events.

Le Boat’s New Pricing Bundles and Top Routes

08 January 2026

Exploring the beautiful waterways of Europe and Canada at your own pace is a unique way to travel. Le Boat makes this experience even more accessible and straightforward with its introduction of new pricing bundles. Designed to offer greater flexibility and value, these options simplify the planning process and let you focus on the adventure ahead. Let's explore the new bundles and see the exceptional cruising routes available.

The top 5 food markets around the world

05 January 2026

There’s nothing quite like exploring the world through your taste buds. From dawn-till-dusk markets where locals haggle over spices to late-night stalls pouring steaming bowls of noodles, food markets give travellers a delicious shortcut into the heart of a destination. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or planning that first big trip, these five global markets offer flavours and experiences that make the journey as exciting as the destination itself.