Is Snorkelling Better In Cairns Or The Whitsundays?
Snorkelling is world-class in both Cairns and the Whitsundays! But Cairns is better if you want more tour options on the Outer Reef, whereas the Whitsundays have more boat tours that incorporate sailing, beach-hopping, and island visits with snorkelling in the Inner Fringing Reefs. But there is a wide array of reef experiences and opportunities for island adventure in both tropical Australian destinations!
Which part of the Great Barrier Reef is best for snorkelling?
Many would consider the Outer Reefs around Cairns to be some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. But there are so many incredible places for snorkelling on the reef along Australia's East Coast! From famous places like Cairns and the Whitsundays, to the lesser-known islands strewn along the coastline, Australia has no shortage of places to explore the Heritage-Listed reef.
To help you understand the different locations, let's break down the difference between the Outer Reef and the Inner Fringing Reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.
The Outer Reef
The Outer Reef grows up from the ocean floor and forms the huge barrier of corals that line the coast of Australia. When you see the Great Barrier Reef from an aerial perspective, and you see that classic, long trail of reefs running almost the whole coast of Queensland, this is the Outer Reef!
Outer Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef generally consist of huge networks of hard corals. These massive structures grow up from the floor of the ocean and are an important habitat for marine life such as sharks, rays, turtles, and so many more beloved creatures. Because the Outer Reef is so vast, it blocks most swell from hitting the shore in Tropical North Queensland and it a vital part of the underwater ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean.
The Inner Fringing Reefs and Islands
The Inner Fringing Reefs grow off the edge of islands on the Great Barrier Reef. They are generally located closer to shore on the western edge of the Outer Reef. These fringing reefs are mostly made of soft corals and are often closer to the surface. Marine animals such as sea turtles and tropical fish love to hang out around the Inner Fringing Reefs.
Visiting the Inner Fringing Reefs is perfect for beach lovers because these reefs are usually attached to the edge of some gorgeous islands. The 74 Whitsundays Islands are part of the Inner Fringing Reef down off the coast of Airlie Beach. In Cairns, places like Fitzroy Island, Green Island, and the Frankland Islands have their own fringing reefs where you can snorkel and stroll on the golden sand afterward.
Which is better for snorkelling, the Outer Reef or Inner Fringing Reefs?
Many would argue that the Inner Fringing Reefs are actually better for snorkelling, and that the Outer Reef is better for scuba diving. This is because the fringing reefs branch off of islands and are generally in shallower waters, where sea turtles like to graze and the reefs are more accessible. Many snorkellers don't actually like to dive too deep, so the fringing reefs offer a closer alternative for the less-confident snorkellers. The Outer Reef has so much marine life and coral growth to see as well, but the underwater structures here are much larger and deeper which is better suited to scuba divers.
Is Snorkelling Better In Cairns Or The Whitsundays?
Cairns is much closer to the Outer Reef and is therefore better for scuba divers, but the Whitsundays have many exquisite fringing reefs that are better for snorkellers. Many also prefer the Whitsundays for sailing and beach getaways, however you can find these attractions in Cairns as well. Honestly, both Cairns and the Whitsundays offer similar attractions such as Outer Reef, Inner Fringing Reefs, tropical islands, beaches, and sailing adventures. So you can have an amazing holiday in both!
Snorkelling in the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are home to a chain of 74 tropical islands that sit between the mainland and the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The majority of boat tours here take travellers sailing through the islands and snorkelling on the Inner Fringing Reefs. If you're hoping to visit the Outer Reef, you can do so on a day trip from Airlie Beach but it's a 3-hour boat ride.
However, the Whitsundays are preferable to those seeking a tropical beach getaway, as the islands here are home to world-famous beaches such as Whitehaven Beach. You can combine your visit to this iconic beach with one or two snorkelling sessions at nearby islands. The Inner Fringing Reefs here are still amazing, with lots of unique, colourful corals and tropical fish. Most tour guides will plan their itinerary around the tides and pick the best snorkel spots on the day, to ensure you get the best snorkelling conditions.
Snorkelling in Cairns
Cairns offers more snorkelling day trips to the Outer Reef than the Whitsundays, as it's only an hour from the mainland. You have a huge array of day tours to the Outer Reef from Cairns, and all of them offer at least two snorkel sites which will be chosen on the day based on conditions.
If you're hoping to combine islands and snorkelling, you can also do that in Cairns! However Cairns has fewer island tours than the Whitsundays, as there are only a handful of popular islands. But places like Green Island, Fitzroy Island, and the Frankland Islands have some terrific snorkelling that accompanies the island activities like beach-hopping and bushwalking.
Cairns Vs. The Whitsundays
Long story short, Cairns is better for snorkelling and scuba diving on the Outer Reef, while the Whitsundays are better for sailing and island tours that include snorkelling on the Inner Fringing Reef. However, you can book tours in both locations that include the Outer Reef, the Inner Fringing Reefs, scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, and island beaches! So you really can't go wrong with either destination. Both places also offer overnight trips to the reef, island resort stays, and private charters.
See the best of the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns!
With an endless array of island, reef, and water sports tours in both Cairns and the Whitsundays, the vibe of the mainland destination may be the deciding factor when planning your holiday. Both places have a tropical climate and many tourist amenities.
But Cairns is a city while Airlie Beach is a small tourist town. Cairns has a busier vibe and more attractions on the mainland, while Airlie Beach has a tiny town center with a small-town vibe. Both places are walkable and safe, so again, you can't go wrong with either destination!
