Marine Explorer Experience
Spend a full day immersed in the northern Great Barrier Reef swimming with sea turtles and discovering coral gardens with the chance to encounter migrating Minke Whales before a private candlelit dinner beneath the stars.
Area
Queensland
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Moderate
Venture into the northern Great Barrier Reef aboard a Marine Explorer experience, guided by experts through some of Australia's most pristine marine environments. Swim alongside green sea turtles, drift through iridescent giant clam gardens and absorb the ecology of a living underwater world.
In winter, rare encounters with migrating Minke Whales add an incomparable dimension to the day. For those moved by conservation, a seasonal private experience with Andy Ridley, founder of Citizens of the Reef and Earth Hour, offers intimate access to reef protection at its most meaningful.
As evening falls over Lizard Island, a candlelit table awaits on the beach. Beneath a canopy of stars, with the Coral Sea as your backdrop, a curated menu and the quiet rhythm of the ocean bring an extraordinary day to its perfect close.
Tours Featuring This Experience
Be inspired by the itineraries below which include this experience and let our travel specialists craft a bespoke luxury holiday for you.
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View TourWild Encounters: Outback, Rainforest and Reef
A journey through Far North Queensland’s most remarkable landscapes, from the red outback and ancient sandstone of Mount Mulligan to one of the world’s oldest rainforests and the remote northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. Stay in exceptional lodges, explore with expert guides, meet Traditional Owners and gain rare insight into Australia’s leading conservation projects. A seamless blend of wilderness, culture and elevated comfort.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationCrystalbrook Vincent
Nestled beneath Brisbane's iconic Story Bridge, Crystalbrook Vincent is a five-star hotel that seamlessly blends bold design with sustainable luxury. Featuring over 500 artworks by Vincent Fantauzzo, it offers guests an immersive artistic experience.
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View AccommodationReef View Hotel
Reef View Hotel is located on Hamilton Island in the world-famous Whitsundays. Spend time diving, snorkeling and exploring the Great Barrier Reef before enjoying this centrally located hotel overlooking Catseye Beach.
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View AccommodationCrystalbrook Riley
This sleek, modern addition to Cairns’ waterfront boasts elegantly pared-back design, three stylish dining options and a tranquil spa, combining modern luxury with an eco-conscious ethos.
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View AccommodationHamilton Island Beach Club
Designed with adults only in mind, this upscale boutique hotel is one of Hamilton Island's most grown up escapes. With dreamy interiors, a beach front location and easy access to restaurants, this perfectly positioned hotel is a fantastic option.
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View AccommodationLizard Island
Lizard Island is an award winning hotel offering the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity located directly on the Great Barrier Reef in northern Queensland. Sensational diving opportunities abound and 24 deserted beaches await exploration.
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View AccommodationInterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef
InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Australia’s iconic private island resort, presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, indulgence and adventure amongst the beautiful Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland Coast.
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View AccommodationSilky Oaks Lodge
Explore the oldest living rainforest on earth from the comfort of Silky Oaks Lodge. Enjoy this rare wilderness experience and the natural beauty of the Daintree while staying in a stylish stilted house overlooking the Mossman Gorge.
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View AccommodationThe Reef House
Located a short drive north from Cairns, The Reef House in Palm Cove is an enviable tropical escape. As well as featuring mesmerizing views across the Coral Sea, the boutique hotel also features an adult's only pool, Reef House Day Spa and restaurant.
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View AccommodationMt. Mulligan Lodge
Hidden away on 28,000 hectares of remote wilderness and watched over by the magnificent sandstone Mount Mulligan, this lodge is a luxurious and intimate property that offers a taste of outback living in true style.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperienceLizard Island Research Center
Gain privileged access to the Lizard Island Research Station for a privately guided tour of one of the world's leading coral reef research facilities before a leisurely afternoon exploring the island at your own pace.
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View ExperienceMeet a Tennis Legend
A helicopter lifts you out of Brisbane and sets you down in the Gold Coast hinterland, where one of Australian tennis's most beloved figures is waiting on court.
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View ExperienceNgana Julaymba Dungay Explore
This morning, your private guide and dedicated vehicle will arrive at your accommodation to escort you on a profoundly meaningful full-day journey into one of the world's most extraordinary living landscapes.
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View ExperienceMount Mulligan Junior Ranger Experience
Join a privately guided Junior Rangers experience exploring the outback with expert guides learning to read animal tracks and identify bush medicines before feeding resident barramundi at the weir and returning to base camp for creative activities.
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View ExperienceAustralia in a Day - Island tour from Brisbane
Embark on a full-day journey to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), blending cultural and wildlife encounters. Guided by local experts, explore pristine beaches, spot native wildlife and connect deeply with indigenous heritage and natural wonders.
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View ExperienceDreamtime Art Trail
Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture and art on this enriching journey. From a storytelling tour at Fingal Headland to a guided painting session and gallery visit, experience Australia’s cultural and artistic essence.
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View ExperienceUpolu Cay and Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Today you will be met at your accommodation and transferred by shared vehicle to the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina for your full day snorkeling tour of the Great Barrier Reef.
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View ExperienceScenic helicopter flight over Mount Mulligan
Take to the skies for a scenic helicopter flight over Ngarrabullgan revealing the sheer scale of this sacred sandstone mountain ten times larger than Uluru and embedded with over 37,000 years of Kuku Djungan cultural significance.
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View ExperienceNgarrabullgan Gorge Sunrise Walk
Venture through the Mount Mulligan Gorge to admire its natural beauty.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning