Accounting for roughly 10% of the entire world’s coral reef ecosystems, this UNESCO-listed natural wonder has pride of place on every diver’s wish list.
There are many amazing things about the world’s largest coral reef system, but perhaps the most important is that, uniquely, it extends over 14° of latitude, giving it a vast expanse of habitats ranging from shallow estuaries to deep ocean. This gives it the scope to house an astonishing range of ecological communities, habitats and species.
It’s difficult to know where to start with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, and that’s part of what makes it trip-of-a-lifetime stuff. Factor in plenty of time and as well as seeing some of the world’s most dazzling marine life you can trek through ancient rainforest, island-hop around the Whitsundays with their white silica sands (also one of the world’s most scenic spots to skydive), chill out on tropical idylls such as Hayman and Lizard, and enjoy a seaside retreat in vibrant destinations such as Cairns, Airlie Beach, Hervey Bay, Mission Beach and Port Douglas.
One unforgettable option is to take a high-performance catamaran from Cairns to the reef sand island of Michaelmas Cay to dive and snorkel within eyeshot of turtles and colourful fish or, if you prefer, take a semi-submersible coral-viewing tour. This is also one of the most important bird sanctuaries on the Reef. Then there’s the ribbon-like Agincourt Reef with its 16 dive sites; cruises there invite you to snorkel, dive and helmet walk to see the kaleidoscopic marine life.
If you’re here as a couple, a seaplane ride over the world-famous Heart Reef is a romantic idea, while with kids in tow (or without), a ferry trip to Magnetic Island will bring you up-close and personal with koalas living peacefully in the wild. On Daydream Island, meanwhile, you can hand-feed friendly baby stingrays at the artificial Living Reef, and in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you may even witness baby turtles hatching on the beach.
Walk the final 100 km of Spain’s most iconic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. This journey takes you through the Galician countryside, visiting traditional towns, Roman sites, and historic landmarks along the way. With a local guide and a small group, enjoy a well-supported and enriching travel experience that’s as practical as it is memorable.
Bring the family together for an 11-night adventure through Morocco, a journey full of colour, culture and easy-going discovery. From the buzz of Marrakech to the quiet of the Atlas Mountains, the wide-open dunes of the Sahara and the sea air of Essaouira, this trip is packed with moments everyone will remember. With guided touring, private transfers and family-friendly accommodation, everything is arranged so you can focus on enjoying time together.
Flying with Etihad Airways, experience India in comfort and style on this 13-day small-group journey from Mumbai to Delhi. With local expertise, hand-picked accommodation and thoughtful inclusions throughout, you’ll uncover the country’s iconic landmarks and everyday life, from lakeside Udaipur and blue-walled Bundi to Jaipur’s royal palaces, Ranthambhore’s wildlife, the Taj Mahal and Old Delhi’s bustling streets.
