The Great Barrier Reef Liveaboards

The Great Barrier Reef in Australia has a spectacular reef system that boasts over 600 types of coral, providing a home to 1,625 fish species and 133 species of sharks and rays. Scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef offers one of the best liveaboard diving experiences in the world. The best way to experience the reef is by using liveaboards, which allow access to unspoiled spots that day boats cannot reach.

Find the best liveaboard in the Great Barrier Reef for your next diving trip and explore the incredible reefs and marine life. 

Learn more and read all about our trip to the Great Barrier Reef in 2025.

Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Diving

Diving Season

Queenslands tropical climate makes the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea excellent for diving year-round, though conditions and species vary by season. Summer, from December to February, offers warmer water and excellent visibility. Cooler winter months, from March to November, are ideal for spotting large marine mammals like humpback and minke whales.

See more information in our in-depth guide to diving the Great Barrier Reef.

Check out our detailed guide to scuba diving in Australia for more great dive sites.

• How to Get There: Direct international flights are available from the US to Sydney (SYD) and from Europe through major Asian hubs. From there, transfer to Cairns Airport (CNS), the departure point for most liveaboards. Local flights to reef islands are also available.
• Water Temperature: Ranges from 73 to 84F (23 to 29C).
• Required Diving Skill Level: Many people learn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef. While most sites suit beginners, more remote reefs like Osprey require some experience, and the Ribbon Reefs are best for advanced divers.
• Interested in coral reefs? Check out our list of the Top Coral Reefs in the World.

The Great Barrier Reef also features on our list of the Best Shipwrecks to Scuba Dive.

Liveaboards In The Great Barrier Reef

Bluewater Travel can help you book a liveaboard in the Great Barrier Reef and over 40 other destinations worldwide at the same price or lower than booking through other methods. We know the boats, cabins, diving, and logistics better than anyone else. Email us or message us through the live chat box to start planning your dream dive vacation! For comprehensive explorations of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, the Spirit of Freedom liveaboard offers multi-day itineraries with top-notch facilities.

New to liveaboards?

Let us help you get started with our Guide to Liveaboard Diving.

You may also want to check out our list of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginner Scuba Divers.