traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
Australia/Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef Area, solo trip

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (solo trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Solo-Friendly is Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

93%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 93% Solo-Friendly: Group dive and snorkel cruises from Cairns start about AU$100, offer gear, guides and social vibe, while volunteer reef clean-ups and island beaches give flexible low-cost solo options.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 3,526 reviews)
Great Barrier Reef | Documentary
53 min
Start from:
0:00
Great Barrier Reef | Documentary
107.8K views • 1 year ago
FINALLY Visiting the GREAT BARRIER REEF!! (What to Expect on a Day Trip from Cairns) - Queensland
8 min
Start from:
0:00
FINALLY Visiting the GREAT BARRIER REEF!! (What to Expect on a Day Trip from Cairns) - Queensland
32.1K views • 1 year ago
SCUBA DIVING the GREAT BARRIER REEF | 2 day Liveaboard with Divers Den
24 min
Start from:
0:00
SCUBA DIVING the GREAT BARRIER REEF | 2 day Liveaboard with Divers Den
40.9K views • 2 years ago
Snorkeling the Outer Great Barrier Reef - Best Day Ever in Cairns
17 min
Start from:
0:00
Snorkeling the Outer Great Barrier Reef - Best Day Ever in Cairns
11.6K views • 10 months ago
Diving the Great Barrier Reef in WINTER (watch before going)
12 min
Start from:
0:00
Diving the Great Barrier Reef in WINTER (watch before going)
6.6K views • 2 years ago
Flying Over the Great Barrier Reef
16 min
Start from:
0:00
Flying Over the Great Barrier Reef
1.1K views • 10 months ago
Great Barrier Reef escapes 'in danger' recommendation by UN body | ABC News
4 min
Start from:
0:00
Great Barrier Reef escapes 'in danger' recommendation by UN body | ABC News
1.8K views • 2 years ago
ReefSleep | Overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef!
11 min
Start from:
0:00
ReefSleep | Overnight stay on the Great Barrier Reef!
1.3K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Group Tours Welcoming Solo Travelers: Most operators have no single supplement and pair you with other snorkelers.
  • Equipment Included: Gear, stinger suit and safety briefing come free with most reef cruises.

Challenges:

  • Weather Cancellations: Tours can be canceled due to wind or low visibility; check cancellation policies before booking.
  • Jellyfish Season: Stinger season (Nov–May) requires full-body suits; confirm availability with your operator.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park image 1
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park image 2
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park image 3
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park image 4
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park image 5
🏖️ Explore Great Barrier Reef Marine Park with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Great Barrier Reef Marine Park?

  • A protected marine park spanning over 344,400 square kilometers of coral reefs, islands and seagrass beds along Queensland’s northeast coast
  • A UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecosystem characterized by vast biodiversity, with more than 600 coral species, 1,500 fish species and diverse marine mammals
  • A multi-use conservation zone managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to balance ecological protection with sustainable research, fishing and shipping activities

What is so special about Great Barrier Reef Marine Park for solo trip?

  1. Join group tours to snorkel and dive with no single supplement
  2. Try a Discover Scuba session to explore corals underwater
  3. Snorkel independently at Fitzroy Island’s beach reef
  4. Volunteer in reef clean-ups for a unique conservation experience

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 days

Why 1-2 days visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A full-day tour lets you snorkel, dive and explore reef sites at a relaxed pace.

(View Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Shared Snorkel & Dive Tour:

Join a group day trip from Cairns to snorkel two reef sites and try an introductory dive.

Tip: Book early morning departures to enjoy calmer seas and smaller groups.

Introductory Scuba Dive:

Take a PADI Discover Scuba session in a shallow lagoon to get certified breathing underwater.

Tip: Wear your swimwear under the wetsuit for a quick change and more time in the water.

Independent Snorkeling at Fitzroy Island:

Rent gear on Fitzroy Island and swim off Welcome Bay’s beach into coral gardens at your own pace.

Tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a waterproof bag for your phone.

Reef Clean-up Volunteering:

Join an Eco Barge or local program to remove debris from reefs and learn about conservation.

Tip: Check schedules online and book a spot a day in advance for available tours.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

  1. Book Early: Reserve tours at least a week in advance to secure a spot and better prices.
  2. Compare Local Offers: Check hostel notice boards and dive shops for group tour deals without single supplements.
🏖️ Tour Great Barrier Reef Marine Park like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Powered by Google
Colin Slatyer

Colin Slatyer

Feb 2025

Good place to keep busy lots of sights & places to explore

Mel Bell

Mel Bell

Aug 2024

The Great Barrier Reef is an exceptional place to see. We spent several days on a live board diving the outer reef during the day and night, and saw the largest corals we had ever seen, plus turtles and lots of fish. Snorkeling is also available for non divers

John Warmington

John Warmington

Mar 2023

This review refers specifically to Fitzroy Island. It is a beautiful place, sheltered waters suitable for snorkeling and coral reef close to shore. The resort is great although not perfect. Range of accommodation from camping to beach bungalows and our choice hotel style apartments. We were on the top ( 3rd ) floor. Views are good and there is a lift. Service is good, they have a lot of young, att...

Daniel Campbell

Daniel Campbell

May 2019

We had an incredible opportunity to stay on a private island - one of the few still able to be bought and sold in the park. Unbelievably beautiful experience, very restful. We walked the shoreline, collected the flotsam and jetsam, seem in the pool, got freaked out about the huge crocodile tracks in the mud, watched the moon rise on one side of the island, and the sun set on the other. Delightful....

Cheryl Camp

Cheryl Camp

Aug 2018

Fabulous..a must do! Stay overnight or for a few days on a boat to enjoy to the full. Snorkelling amazing..soo many fish. Seeing the coral standing out of the water when the tide was low ..fascinating. Watching the sunset. Too many wonderful things & hard to describe the experience..just do it! ♥

When is the best time to visit Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia)?

June to October offers clear water and calm seas. From November to May wear a stinger suit to avoid jellyfish stings.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Great Barrier Reef Area on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Shared snorkel tour with gearAUD 130
Intro scuba dive sessionAUD 120
Fitzroy Island ferry & snorkel hireAUD 80
Total EstimatedAUD 330

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Address: Great Barrier Reef, Townsville City QLD 4810, Australia

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Great Barrier Reef Area)?

← See other Things to Do in Great Barrier Reef Area (solo trip)

About Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Opening Hours

Monday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+61 7 4750 0700

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇦🇺 Australia, solo trip

Things to Do in Sydney, solo trip
Sydney
Things to Do in Melbourne, solo trip
Melbourne
Things to Do in Gold Coast, solo trip
Gold Coast
BrisbaneCanberraSunshine CoastGreat Barrier Reef AreaPerthAdelaide

🇺🇸 United States, solo trip

Things to Do in Hawaii, solo trip
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, solo trip
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, solo trip

Things to Do in Vancouver, solo trip
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, solo trip
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, solo trip
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, solo trip

Things to Do in Dublin, solo trip
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, solo trip
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, solo trip
Galway

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip

Things to Do in London, solo trip
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, solo trip
Manchester

🇮🇹 Italy, solo trip

Things to Do in Rome, solo trip
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, solo trip
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, solo trip
Milan

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Great Barrier Reef Area, Australia

searching for