The Great Barrier Reef: More than just fish and coral
Great Barrier Reef animals range from microscopic plankton to humpback whales weighing tens of tonnes. Fish and coral get most of the attention, but they’re only part of the story. The Reef is one of the richest and most complex natural systems on Earth, and the Whitsundays put you right in the middle of it.
The Great Barrier Reef by the Numbers
According to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Reef supports:
- About 1,625 species of fish, including around 1,400 coral reef species
- More than 450 species of hard coral
- More than 3,000 species of molluscs, from giant clams to nudibranchs
- About 630 species of echinoderms, such as starfish and sea urchins
- 133 species of sharks and rays
- 14 species of sea snakes
- Six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle
- About 30 species of whales and dolphins
- One of the world’s most important dugong populations
- 215 species of birds, including 22 species of seabirds and 32 species of shorebirds
And scientists are still discovering new species.
What You Might Spot in the Whitsundays
You don’t need to head to the outer reef to meet the locals. The fringing reefs and sheltered bays around the Whitsunday Islands are home to plenty of reef life, much of it visible with just a mask and snorkel.
- Green turtles are the most common turtle in the Whitsundays. You’ll often see them grazing on seagrass or popping up for air near your boat.
- Maori wrasse are big, curious and impossible to miss, with their distinctive hump-head. They’re a protected species.
- Rays glide over the sandy bottoms of many bays and beaches.
- Giant clams, some more than a metre across, sit among the coral on the fringing reefs.
- Humpback whales visit from around June to September to give birth and raise their calves in the warm, sheltered waters.
- Dugongs graze in the seagrass meadows of sheltered bays. Sightings are rare, so count yourself lucky if you see one!
Protected Species and Reef Etiquette
Many Great Barrier Reef animals are protected, including all corals, turtles, dugongs, whales and dolphins, sea snakes, giant clams and Maori wrasse. The golden rule is simple: take only pictures and leave only bubbles.
- Don’t touch, stand on or collect coral, shells or marine life.
- Give turtles, whales and dugongs plenty of space.
- Go slow in shallow bays and seagrass areas, where turtles and dugongs surface to breathe.
- Anchor in sand, away from coral, or use the public moorings.
- Take all your rubbish back to the boat.
The Best Way to Experience the Reef
The most rewarding way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is on your own boat. With a bareboat charter, you set your own pace, choose quiet snorkelling spots and spend your days exploring the reef and islands without a timetable.
You don’t need a boat licence to hire a bareboat in the Whitsundays, just some boating experience. Every charter starts with a full briefing before you leave the marina.
Our Commitment to the Reef
Whitsunday Escape is ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia, and also holds Quality Tourism Accreditation and Sustainable Tourism Accreditation. We’re committed to high-quality, nature-based experiences backed by sustainable environmental practices, because we want this incredible place to stay that way for generations to come.
Read more about our environmental commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals live on the Great Barrier Reef?
As well as about 1,625 species of fish and more than 450 species of hard coral, the Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species, about 30 species of whales and dolphins, 133 species of sharks and rays, 14 species of sea snakes, dugongs and more than 3,000 species of molluscs.
Can you see turtles in the Whitsundays?
Yes. Green turtles are the most common turtle in the Whitsundays and are often seen grazing on seagrass or surfacing near boats in sheltered bays.
What animals are protected on the Great Barrier Reef?
Protected species include all corals, marine turtles, dugongs, whales and dolphins, sea snakes, giant clams and Maori wrasse, among others. Don’t touch or collect marine life, and give larger animals plenty of space.
Is Whitsunday Escape eco-certified?
Yes. Whitsunday Escape is ECO Certified through Ecotourism Australia.
Ready to Explore the Reef?
Our Reservations Team are locals who live and breathe the Whitsundays. We can help you choose the right boat, prepare for your trip and share local tips for when you’re here.