Advice on seeing the Great Barrier Reef without diving or snorkelling

[Icanthinkformyselfthanks]

We’re planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand and we’d like to take a look at The Great Barrier Reef. Neither of us is wanting to dive or snorkel so we’re hoping for a semi submersible type boat trip. Have any of you been to either Airlie Beech or Cairns and have any advice as to which would suite us better? We’ll be there mid February and are both in our sixties but fairly fit and (I hope) not old for our age and I’m vegan if that makes any difference. Thank you.

DD (not overly keen on water sports) did a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach and loved it. Her photos are truly stunning. Around $250 AUD each as it’s a private plane but worth it. She did some snorkelling too but didn’t like it - hard work in choppy seas, the visibility wasn’t great and much of the reef is heavily bleached

We stayed on Lizard Island and you’re given your own private motorised boats to go exploring. You can swim if you like, but if not, just go off and find a private beach for lunch etc. It’s gorgeous.

I did a helicopter ride and it was great. Left from Cairns out over the reef and back over the rainforest

We did a catamaran then semi-submersible from Cairns - don’t worry, there are loads of options to see it without getting wet

@Blueeberry , thank you so much very helpful.

@magicstar1 , thank you; sounds great. Would you mind telling me the name of your accommodation please?

@Weenurse , thank you. That’s seems to be very popular.

@jackstini , thank you. Did you go to the rainforest at all while you were in the Cairns area?

Just be aware of the need to wear stinger suits if getting in the water OP! They’re not pretty but better than getting a dangerous jellyfish sting.

It’s just Lizard Island …. The whole island is run by one company. It’s lovely!
https://www.lizardisland.com.au/

@Blueeberry , noted and thanks but we won’t be going in.

@magicstar1 , thank you I’ll take a look.

Do you have to be there in February?. I ask as this is can be one of the wettest months in Queensland.

Yes - we did Daintree and it was brilliant. Saltwater creek crocodile viewing, beach then cable car - loved it!

Another thing I recommend in Cairns is a dinner tour of the aquarium. It is closed to the public, you get a tour guide to explain and answer questions and a lovely dinner at the end. Small group of around 25 people. I enjoyed that more than the helicopter ride.
Also agree the Daintree rainforest is a must visit

That should say 15 people

We’re hoping to go in September. A boat trip to one of the pontoons with viewing areas and semi-submersibles appeal, and we’ll also probably spend a night at Fitzroy island.

We do want to try snorkelling but we both wear varifocals so it all becomes a bit complicated with contact lenses or prescription masks.

We’ll also go to the Daintree and the Atherton Table lands. Our current concern is fuel shortages though 🙁. That, and the flight prices via Singapore!

@AttilaTheMeerkat , no but we’re doing ten days in Australia and fourteen in New Zealand and I believe it’s a good time to be in New Zealand so it’s swings and roundabouts.

I found the Great Barrier Reef very over rated.
Loved the Daintree. Crocodile boat thing, also over rated.
Loved the train ride up to Kuranda, came back by the gondola thing.