Outer Reef or Whitsundays Fringe Reef?
 

Planning our trip to Austrlalia has been overwhelming- so many options, not enough time. I need some advice on the Great Barrier Reef portion of the trip. I've always been interested in seeing the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach. Neither of us are divers but we'd like to spend a day snorkeling. I am currently planning to take a day cruise from Airlie Beach to visit Whitehaven and spend a couple of hours snorkeling. Then we'll spend two nights on Long Island to relax and just explore the trials, kayak, etc.

However, when I was explaining my plans tonight to my husband and mentioned the option of taking a boat to the Outer Reef, he wanted to know the difference between snorkeling on the Outer Reef vs. snorkeling closer in on the fringe reefs within the Whitsundays.

It all looks amazing to me but wanted to ask what the difference is. Is it worth the extra time and expense to head out to the Outer Reef?
Thanks in advance!

We did a trip to Agincourt Reef (out of Port Douglas so much further north)which was really great. It was on my bucket list to do and I was not disappointed.
I am a good swimmer and respect the sea but out there I felt small and vulnerable so I was very cautious about not leaving the roped off areas. Quicksilver Tours did take safety of passengers very seriously. It's not dangerous but I did not expect to feel quite so powerless against the sea.
It was worth it because I have done it now but next time in Queensland I will do a trip closer to shore.

Hi Bongobird

Airlie Beach is a lovely spot, and well worth the cruise out to the Whitsundays. It takes about 45 mins to get to Whitehaven which is a must. However it is not worth snorkeling at as there is no fringing reef. Beautiful sand which feels like kinetic sand and is pure white.

If you want to go to the outer reef suggest you go from Port Douglas. The outer reef is the genuine product! Fringing reefs are different ecologically however offer excellent snorkeling as well.

Cheers
Grant

I have snorkeled the outer reefs out of Port Douglas twice. This past February I joined some friends on their private sailboat out of Airlie Beach for 4 days. I was very disappointed in the snorkeling in the Whitsunday Islands. Whitehaven was absolutely beautiful, but snorkeling not as good as The Outer Barrier Reefs or even parts of Fiji.

Loved the vibe in Airlie Beach. Have fun!