In your Thrifty rental car, traverse the beautiful region that Airlie Beach (the traditional lands of the Ngaro people)2 sits on. Find out all the ways that you can explore the Great Barrier Reef by parking your car on dry land and venture out further into the marine park. If you’re ready to make a splash and awe in wonder, let’s get going!

Kayak Your Way to the Great Barrier Reef

Get your Great Barrier Reef adventures started with none other than a thrilling experience atop the water on a kayak tour. These interactive tours are an incredibly immersive way to observe the reef and the marine park that is nestled into the Whitsundays region. The Tour Specialists offer these guided kayak tours that will lead you from Shute Harbour, right near Airlie Beach, and into the ocean waters that the reef sits within. You’ll get a good dose of fun and thrilling adventure, alongside unforgettable views of the pristine marine park and the sea life that lives in it. You don’t need to be a pro kayaker to enjoy this tour, either. This adventure is suited to anyone wanting to explore the reef in a unique and exciting way, including children and families. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be visited by the adorable sea turtles that are known to make a splash, as well as the soaring eagles that circle the clear blue skies. The tour also includes snorkelling gear, so in the quiet moments in between paddles you can jump out of your kayak and into the ocean to get close up with the fish and other sea creatures that are swimming around the reef just below the surface. The tour even stops at unique local beaches and islands, so you can take your relaxation to the next level.

Jump Aboard A Boat Tour

If you’re wanting to get up close to the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet, we’ve got just the activity for you. A glass bottom boat tour is both a visceral and affordable way to explore the marine park as you let an expert of the region guide you the way. Pioneer Adventures Whitsundays has one of the cheaper glass bottom boat tours on offer, transporting you from Airlie Beach and right into the heart of the vibrant reef. The transparent bottom to the boat means that you’ll be able to spot the fish swimming right under your feet. Other than fish, make sure to keep an eye out for turtles, coral and other sea life. The shade of the boat also provides an easy and relaxing way to escape the sun while still enjoying the pristine waters of the region. The live commentary from the expert guides means that you’ll walk away from the tour with not only memories you’ll never forget, but also a newfound understanding of the reef and the sea life that makes a home within it. This is also a great tour for both big kids and little ones, so bring along the entire family.

Feel the Rush of the Ocean Air

Want to crank the thrill-side of your adventures to the Great Barrier Reef up a notch? Then this is the perfect adventure! Jump aboard a jet ski and feel the rush of the ocean as it zooms past you with this Airlie Beach Jet Boat Tour by The Tour Specialists. You’ll be guided around a collection of islands around the Great Barrier Reef’s region, all while getting a good dose of adrenaline. Hold onto your hat—this is going to be a splash of a ride! You’ll even get to have a go at 360 degree spins on your jet boat, as well as get to experience drifts and submergible nosedives. If you’ve ever wanted to discover the rush of how it feels to be gliding around the surface of the ocean atop a jet ski, consider this your wish granted. This is an action-packed ride in a spectacular environment that is brimming with marine life as you traverse the sparkling pristine waters that surround.

Whether it’s venturing further into the waters around the Great Barrier Reef from atop a boat, on a jet ski or with a snorkel, there are plenty of ways to explore this oceanic phenomenon with your Thrifty rental car.