New Video: Where Is the Best Place to Visit the Great Barrier Reef?
One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
“Where is the best place to see the Great Barrier Reef?”
To help answer it, we’ve just released a brand-new video on our YouTube channel. In it, we compare Cairns, Port Douglas and the Whitsundays, and explain why your choice of departure point can make such a difference to your reef experience.
Watch the video below, or scroll down for a summary.
Watch the Video
Prefer to watch? In this 12-minute guide, Cairns Dive Adventures takes you from Cairns to Port Douglas and onto the Outer Great Barrier Reef. We compare the best places to see the reef, explain how to get there, share insider travel tips, and even spot whales along the way. Filmed locally with over 750 dives of experience, this video is your ultimate visual guide to planning the perfect Great Barrier Reef trip.
Why We Made This Video
With more than 750 dives logged on the Great Barrier Reef and over 15 years helping visitors choose the right reef trip, we know how confusing it can be to plan your adventure.
Should you stay in Cairns?
Drive up to Port Douglas?
Or add the Whitsundays to your holiday itinerary?
Our video walks you through the pros and cons of each option — filmed on location so you can see what it’s really like.
Video Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll discover:
- The Great Barrier Reef Drive — the stunning coastal route between Cairns and Port Douglas.
- International Access — Cairns has direct flights from Asia, New Zealand, and even connections from the US via Fiji.
- Reef Proximity — Cairns is the closest major city to the reef. The inside edge is just 26 km offshore, and the outer edge only 65 km.
- Travel Time — from Cairns it’s only ~90 minutes by boat to the outer reef, making it the fastest, most convenient option.
- Wildlife & Experiences — from snorkelling and introductory dives to certified dive trips, liveaboards, scenic flights and even minke whale encounters.
- Port Douglas vs Cairns vs Whitsundays — how they differ in style, vibe and reef access.
Our Take
If your goal is to experience the best coral and marine life in a single day, Cairns and Port Douglas are unbeatable. Both give you fast access to outer reef sites with clear water, vibrant coral, and abundant marine life.
The Whitsundays are beautiful if you’re chasing islands and beaches, but they don’t match the reef density you’ll find off Cairns and Port Douglas.
What’s Next?
- If you’re planning a trip, we recommend watching the video above for a visual overview, then reading our comprehensive guide article here:
That page goes deeper, with reef maps, recent sightings, best times to visit, and our top tour recommendations.
Final Thoughts
We made this video to give travellers a real, local perspective on the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re snorkelling with turtles, taking your first dive, or planning an overnight liveaboard, Cairns really is the best place to start your reef adventure.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more insider reef content, and let us know in the comments what you’d like us to cover next.
And if you need tailored advice, get in touch — our team of reef experts is here to help you choose the perfect trip. Email: reservations@cairnsdiveadventures.com | PH: +61 7 40 411638
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Search for Tours:
Categories:
Recent Posts
Cairns Reef Information
Click the links below to find out more.
Quick Jump
Do you need help choosing a trip?
Can't decide? We have personally been on every Cairns reef and diving trip. We can help you choose the best tour, to suit your experience and budget.
Special
FREE UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE*

Spend over $550.00 AUD on your Great Barrier Reef tour with us and receive the latest Digital Underwater Camera Hire. Take amazing High-Resolution images and 1080 HD Video. Only when you book online thru our website.
Not available for any tours to the Islands as fine white sand damages the seals on the cameras and makes them leak!
You need to come into our shop located on the Cairns Esplanade the day before departure to pick up the camera before 5:30 pm. You also need to supply your own SD Camera Card and drop the camera off back at our shop before 5:30pm.
Please Remember there is no other way to collect our cameras! All passengers must come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm.