Great Barrier Reef: 5 Best Eco-Friendly Tours & Resorts

An Australian treasure and the world’s largest living organism: there is no doubt that visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Spanning over 344,000 square kilometres and home to a rich and precious ecosystem of coral and marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders. While it might sound counterintuitive, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is one of the key ways to help ensure its longevity for future generations, with many low-impact tourism operators donating a percentage of proceeds to its ongoing protection.

Over the years, the Reef’s health has been affected by myriad factors and its long-term preservation and renewal has never been more important. Encouragingly, there’s a number of organisations – such as the Great Barrier Reef Foundation – investing in key measures for conservation and there are also smaller (but no less impactful) things that individuals can do to support the Reef.

For those planning a visit? The best thing to do is inform yourself before planning your trip – consciously choosing low-impact resorts and tours – so that you can best contribute to the work that is being done across the Reef, and then return home to spread the word. Here are five ways to experience (and assist) the Great Barrier Reef right now.

Discover the Reef through its rich First Nations’ history

Led by marine biologists and Indigenous Cultural Guides, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel is Cairns’ only First Nations-focused cruise. Stopping at two of the outer reef’s best sites for diving and snorkelling – chosen according to best conditions for the day – you’ll embark on a five-hour exploration of the Reef’s diverse ecosystem through the eyes and stories of the Traditional Owners. While snorkelling and diving encompass much of the day’s activities, those inclined to stay dry can remain onboard for fish feeding and First Nations dance demonstrations. The cherry on top? A hearty buffet lunch of roast chicken, local prawns and scorched eggplant salad by Ochre Restaurant and Tropic Spirit Catering.

The credentials: Carrying a Climate Action Business Certification and Advanced ECO Accreditation – the highest level of accreditation awarded by Ecotourism Australia – all of Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel’s ECO-certified cruises are carried out in line with industry standards, while also supporting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and GBR Biology’s efforts to minimise wildlife disturbance and develop Reef education programs.

Play citizen scientist at a sustainable resort

Escape to one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most sustainable stays and participate in reef monitoring at the award-winning Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Located within a highly protected ‘Green Zone’ on the coral cay, you’ll fly in from Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Brisbane or the Gold Coast to get here. During your stay, you can take part in the citizen science program by recording the type and size of marine life you spy during your snorkels or dives to add to the international Reef Check marine monitoring database. All you have to do is pick up a REEFsearch underwater slate from the island’s Research Centre, then head into the water to snap photos and take notes before uploading your findings. With the island inhabited by over 1,200 species of marine life, including manta rays (there’s even a dedicated manta observation project you can partake in), you are sure to see plenty.

When you’re done for the day, unwind in your eco-friendly cabin, with views of the verdant flora or sea mere metres away. Wildlife enthusiasts should aim to book a beachfront unit between November and March for the chance to spot green and loggerhead turtles nesting at your doorstep.

The credentials: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is the first of five climate change refuges announced as part of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s commitment to protecting the Reef. It has achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification as well as being acknowledged as a Green Travel Leader and Climate Action Leader.

“Be a marine biologist” on a mindful reef tour

Ideal for experienced snorkelers and divers, the Passions of Paradise ‘Be A Marine Biologist’ Eco Reef Tour sees you actively partake in ongoing conservation projects. It’s your choice as to whether you snorkel or dive – the latter option is available to certified divers only – as you assist dedicated master reef guides to monitor reef health, plant coral and track marine life. A full-day expedition to the outer reef, the catamaran departs from Cairns and carries a maximum of 12 people to ensure a more intimate experience. Food and refreshments are served throughout the excursion to help keep your energy levels up as you channel your inner conservationist.

The credentials: Passions of Paradise joined the Coral Nurture Program in 2019, an initiative that actively works to grow new coral in the Reef. As a designated Eco Certified Advanced Ecotourism operator, the company also participates in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s “Eyes on the Reef” program, which monitors Reef health on an ongoing basis.

Stay softly on an eco-friendly island

With more than 900 islands across the region, the Reef is home to some idyllic eco-friendly resorts where a small eco-footprint is just one way in which they aid various conservation efforts. Indulge in all-inclusive decadence at the solar-powered Pumpkin Island, which is also home to rare flatback turtles; go off-grid and be immersed in nature at the luxurious Lizard Island lodge (be sure to stop by the on-island research centre); or unwind at the adults-only Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat on Long Island, which grows its own fruit and vegetables onsite and comes complete with an ayurvedic spa.

The credentials: All three resorts possess Advanced Eco Tourism certification. In addition to this, Pumpkin Island has been certified as a Climate Action Leader for over a decade; Lizard Island is a founding member of Citizens of the Reef, an organisation that runs the Great Reef Census and supports visitors with partaking in science initiatives; and Elysian Luxury Eco Island Retreat broke ground as the first 100 per cent solar-powered retreat in the Great Barrier Reef.

Take an ethical glass bottom boat trip

You don’t have to jump in the water to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. Departing daily from Cairns’ Marlin Jetty, Reef Magic offers marine biologist-guided glass-bottomed boat tours out to its exclusive pontoon as well as semi-submersible tours of the area. The pontoon is designed for scientific learning and includes a purpose-built laboratory that uses wind, solar and electricity generation to power both it and smaller vessels – both firsts for the region.

On the pontoon, you’ll dig into a freshly-prepared lunch of Sri Lankan chicken curry, creamy tomato and pumpkin pesto and more, while overlooking the surrounding reef. After eating your fill, head down to the below-deck observatory where you can watch the underwater world float by. If you’re tempted to get your feet wet after all, snorkelling equipment is available at no extra cost.

The credentials: Over the years, Reef Magic has earned Advanced Eco Accreditation, Respecting Our Culture certification and Climate Action Business Certification. It is also recognised as a Green Travel Leader by Ecotourism Australia.