Glass Bottom Boat Tours
See the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet!

Map of the Great Barrier Reef

Glass bottom boat tours allow passengers to admire the underwater beauty of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef without touching a drop of water. Although some glass bottom boats have sections of real glass beneath the waterline, other boats use another form of transparent material instead.

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Most glass bottom boats are designed to accommodate as many passengers as possible while still allowing all passengers to look down and enjoy clear views of the tropical sea creatures and coral of the Great Barrier Reef.

Popular Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Some glass bottom boats also come with tour guides who provide detailed descriptions of the different types of coral and marine life in the Great Barrier Reef.

The jetty at Green Island is a popular departure point for glass bottom boats because its access ramp is so easy to use. Green Island’s glass-bottom boat prototype dates from the 1930s and is commonly used by many more boat companies today.

Cairns, the largest city in northeastern Australia, plays host to the largest number of companies offering glass bottom boat tours. However, these tours are also available from one company in Mission Beach and three more companies in Port Douglas.

Some glass bottom boat tours also include scuba diving or snorkelling excursions for those wishing to get even closer to the Great Barrier Reef’s coral and marine creatures. Night glass bottom boat tours are another popular option thanks to special ultraviolet lights that allow visitors to see the coral polyps awaken after dark.

Benefits of Taking a Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Taking a glass bottom boat tour is an amazing way to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without risking your safety or the environment. It’s also an ideal option for people who are unable or unwilling to go scuba diving or snorkelling. Those with mobility issues will find glass bottom boats provide easy access and allow them to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the underwater world and marine life, stunning tropical fish, and diverse coral reef in a safe and comfortable way.

A glass bottom boat tour is also more affordable than many other forms of reef exploration, making them an ideal option for people on a budget. And because glass bottom boats don’t disturb the delicate ecosystem of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, you can be sure you’re helping to protect one of the world’s most amazing natural wonders, and the soft coral reef.

Finally, a glass bottom boat tour provides spectacular views of the reef that can be enjoyed from a comfortable seat on the boat. Whether you want to spot sea turtles, stingrays or beautiful coral formations, there’s no better way.

Great Barrier Reef Departure Points

The most popular departure point for glass bottom boats is Green Island. This small island, located near Cairns in Queensland, is the traditional starting point for a variety of reef exploration activities, including scuba diving and snorkelling.

Cairns is another popular destination for glass bottom boat tours. There are a number of companies offering tours from Cairns, some of which also offer special excursions to the outer Great Barrier Reef.

Mission Beach is home to one company offering glass bottom boat cruises, Airlie Beach also offer a great trip on a glass bottom boat, as well as Port Douglas’ three companies make it a popular destination for reef exploration as well.

Additional Activities Available on Tour

In addition to seeing the reef up close, some glass bottom boat trips also offer additional activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling. These activities allow passengers to get even closer to the marine life while still enjoying the safety of a glass-bottomed boat.

Glass Bottom Boat Alternatives

For those looking for an alternative to the glass bottom boat tour, snorkelling trips are available in many areas along the Great Barrier Reef. These trips allow passengers to explore the soft corals in shallow waters and often come with experienced guides who can provide interesting facts about the diverse marine life.

Semi submersible cruises are also available in some areas, allowing passengers to stay dry while viewing the reef below. These tours are ideal for those who want to experience the underwater world without having to get in the water.

Nighttime Tours

Night tours are another popular option on many glass bottom boats. With the help of special ultraviolet lights, passengers can experience the Great Barrier Reef’s marine life coming to life after dark. On some tours, passengers also have the option of swimming with bioluminescent creatures such as jellyfish and sea stars.

Tips for booking the best Glass Bottom Boat Tour

When booking a glass bottom boat tour, it’s important to consider the type of experience you would like. Choose a company that offers tours specifically tailored to your needs and preferences. Make sure they offer safety briefings and provide all necessary equipment for passengers before embarking on their journey.

view from glass bottom boat

No matter which type of tour you choose, it’s important to consider your safety when going on a glass bottom boat ride. All companies offering these tours must adhere to strict safety and environmental guidelines. Be sure to check with the company you’re considering booking with to ensure your tour meets all safety requirements.

Once you have booked your glass bottom cruise, make sure to arrive early so you have time to register and get settled. It’s also important to dress appropriately – beachwear is generally appropriate.

Finally, keep your camera handy! You never know when you will spot amazing sea turtles or manta rays, or a spectacular view of nature at the bottom of the reef. With glass bottom boats, you will be sure to create lasting memories of your time exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

No matter where you choose to depart from, a glass bottom boat tour is the perfect way to explore Australia’s pristine Great Barrier Reef without getting wet. These trips are very popular as they are suitable for everyone from kids of all ages to grandparents, so don’t miss out on this unique opportunity and book a trip today!

Great Barrier Reef Experiences

There are plenty of things to experience on Great Barrier Reef.

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About 'greatbarrierreef.org'

greatbarrierreef.org is a 'Web Magazine' website that is dedicated to all things related to the Great Barrier Reef. We are passionate about Australia's great natural wonder, its vast marine life, its golden sun-kissed beaches, its warm turquiose waters and the unforgetable experiences that are waiting for all who visit. Our aim is to discuss the Great Barrier Reef, its history, its environment, its marine life and its spectacular destinations. We hope that this website will inspire all who visit, just as much as the Great Barrier reef has inspired us.

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