Great Barrier Reef Rankings

70% health score

Accessibility:moderate

Crowds:moderate

Experience:intermediate

Good snorkeling conditions, diverse marine life visible

St. Crispin Reef

Port Douglas•mid reef

75% health score

Accessibility:moderate

Crowds:moderate

Experience:intermediate

Good snorkeling conditions, diverse marine life visible

Agincourt Ribbon Reef

70% health score

Ribbon reef formation

Reef in good condition, diverse coral coverage, abundant marine life

Milln Reef (Milne Reef)

Three Sisters bommies

Schools of sweetlips

Shallow coral gardens

Deep walls to 24m

Good snorkeling conditions, diverse marine life visible

Bait Reef

Whitsundays•outer reef

72% health score

Edge of Coral Sea

65km from Airlie Beach

Pristine conditions

Large pelagics

Check current conditions before visiting

Ribbon Reef 10 - Cod Hole

Far Northern•outer reef

85% health score

Pristine reef conditions, world-class marine life encounters guaranteed

Agincourt Ribbon Reef

72% health score

Good snorkeling conditions, diverse marine life, excellent for all skill levels

Heron Island

Southern Reef•inner reef

Research station access

Excellent reef conditions, world-class turtle viewing, research station adds educational value

Lizard Island

Far Northern•outer reef

82% health score

Pristine reef conditions, luxury access, excellent for serious divers and snorkelers

#10

Mackay Coral Cay

74% health score

360-degree reef snorkeling

Exclusive access

Pristine coral cay

Giant clams

+2 more

Exclusive access ensures pristine conditions, excellent for serious snorkelers

#11

South Opal Reef

65% health score

Shallow garden bommies

Reef recovering, fish abundant, some coral regeneration visible

#12

Blue Lagoon - Opal Reef

60% health score

Protected lagoon

Shallow coral gardens

Calm waters

Beginner friendly

Reef recovering, fish abundant, some coral regeneration visible

#13

Norman Reef

Crystal clear waters

Caves and swim-throughs

Coral gardens

Giant Maori wrasse

+2 more

Reef recovering, fish abundant, some coral regeneration visible

#14

Flynn Reef

Shallow coral gardens

Coral canyons

Teem with tropical fish

Turtle cleaning station

Reef recovering, fish abundant, some coral regeneration visible

#15

Saxon Reef

Vibrant coral formations

Diverse marine life

Good for diving

55km from Cairns

Check current conditions before visiting

#16

Hastings Reef

Horseshoe shape

Protected inner waters

Coral gardens

50km from Cairns

Check current conditions before visiting

#17

John Brewer Reef

Townsville•outer reef

60% health score

MOUA underwater sculptures

Check current conditions before visiting

#18

Davies Reef

Townsville•outer reef

62% health score

Check current conditions before visiting

#19

Hardy Reef - Whitsundays

Whitsundays•outer reef

65% health score

Underwater observatory

Diverse coral

Check current conditions before visiting

#20

Border Island - Whitsundays

Whitsundays•inner reef

Diverse coral gardens

Good for beginners

Day trip access

Check current conditions before visiting

#21

Low Isles

Port Douglas•inner reef

Reef recovering, fish abundant, some coral regeneration visible

#22

Moore Reef

Protected western side

Deep eastern walls

Check current conditions before visiting

#23

Green Island

Beach access snorkeling

Resort facilities

Glass bottom boats

Check current conditions before visiting

#24

Fitzroy Island

Check current conditions before visiting

#25

Lodestone Reef

Townsville•outer reef

58% health score

Check current conditions before visiting

#26

Magnetic Island Fringing Reefs

Townsville•inner reef

Rock wallabies at dusk

Check current conditions before visiting

#27

Lady Elliot Island

Southern Reef•outer reef

Severe Impact

45% health score

Check current conditions before visiting

#28

Lady Musgrave Island

Southern Reef•mid reef

Severe Impact

48% health score