What to Pack for the Great Barrier Reef

After you’ve planned your trip, sorting out what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef is the next step! I’ll review what you need as well as other items to consider.

This bucket list natural wonder is worth preparing for so you can really soak up the experience! I’ve been snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, enjoyed the fringe reefs in Fiji, and been snorkeling in Key Largo in the Florida Keys.

Also, my sister lives in Australia and just finished visiting the Great Barrier Reef with her family, so some of the photos in this post are from her recent trip! And I’m planning to snorkel with manatees tomorrow in Crystal River, Florida, so it’s safe to say snorkeling trips are fresh on my mind!

While you don’t need much, there are definitely some things you should consider packing or buying in Australia to make the experience as comfortable and memorable as possible! So let’s review what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef!

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What to Wear Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef

Reef Safe Sunscreen

This one should be obvious, but I think it’s worth noting that the sunscreen you choose needs to be reef safe! If you’re not sure what to choose or are only packing a carry-on and don’t have room in your liquids, you can buy some in Australia.

I really love Blue Lizard and have been using it for years in Florida. It’s an Australian brand, so it’s probably cheaper over there. However, it’s available on Amazon, and in stores like Target.

Regardless of the Reef Safe Sunscreen you choose, you will need this throughout your time in Australia, and especially at the Great Barrier Reef!

Blue Lizard Sunscreen

Sun Protection Shirt

Another option for sun protection is to buy a rashguard, which is basically a shirt that’s good for swimming that offers extra protection. Made for surfers, it can also be used by anyone just wanting something to wear while swimming.

These shirts are meant to be snug so they don’t move much while in the water. Just keep that in mind when trying to sort out the sizing. And if you don’t like a snug fit, be aware that the shirt will move around more while in the water.

When it comes to what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef, this is certainly not a requirement, but if you plan to be snorkeling a rashguard is very helpful for protecting your back or anywhere sunscreen may be missed. It’s also helpful because sunscreen has to be reapplied especially if you’re in and out of the water, but with the shirt you have that extra peace of mind so your back won’t burn as easily.

The drawback is it can keep you a bit warmer and on a hot day that isn’t ideal. However, it’s still worth it for extended times in the water.

Sun Protection Shirt – Rashguard

Swimsuit

Of course, when considering what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef, you’ve probably got swimsuit on your packing list! Consider one that isn’t fussy if you plan to snorkel or do anything more active. You don’t want to have to constantly adjust your swimsuit while snorkeling the reef.

Water Bottle

I would hope a tour would offer water, but this is not something you want to go without. A water bottle is great to have for travel in general and causes less waste overall.

The fact is you probably already have a water bottle or several around, but consider one that is leak proof and not just leak resistant. This way, you can throw it in a bag and not worry!

Stanley Quick Flip GO Water Bottle 24-36 OZ | Push Button Lid | Leakproof and Packable for Travel and Sports

Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Standard Mouth Water Bottle

STANLEY All Day Slim Bottle

Filter Water Bottle

Beach Towel

You will definitely need a towel for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef! However, you may not need to pack one. Consider if you’d rather buy when you’re there and have it as a souvenir. Or perhaps you can just use one from your hotel, depending on the accommodations you choose.

If you would rather pack one because you plan to camp or stay in hostels, then I’d recommend a Turkish Towel. It’s lightweight and won’t take up too much room in your suitcase, and it can dry more efficiently than the thicker towels.

LANE LINEN Beach Towels

Waterproof Camera or Case for Photos

When considering what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef, do not forget a camera! You are visiting the largest reef in the world, and photos are worth taking to capture the memories!

You can invest in a GoPro, which is really made for experiences like this! For snorkeling you won’t need to worry about depth, but if you plan to go Scuba diving, consider any additional casing you would need for this camera!

If you don’t want to invest in a GoPro, you still have plenty of options! Consider an underwater digital camera, this way you can continue to reuse it for years to come! Another option is a disposable underwater camera, which can be a perfect and nostalgic option!

For my solo trip to Fiji, I ended up getting a waterproof phone case and it worked perfectly! I still have it and use it! What I love is it’s easy to hold and snap photos, and the pictures turn out well! Contrast that to a waterproof phone pouch, which I also have but doesn’t take as clear of photos and is more clumsy to use the touchscreen. Just ensure it will fit your phone as a lot of the negative reviews are due to the case not fitting.

Regardless of which one you choose, be sure to test the water sealing properties BEFORE your trip. It wouldn’t be great to find out it doesn’t work at the Great Barrier Reef!

GoPro

Underwater Camera 4K 48MP Autofocus Selfie Dual Screen Waterproof Camera with Floating Strap and 32GB Card

Waterproof Phone Case for Underwater Photos

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Beach Bag

You will want a bag to carry these items in for your Great Barrier Reef tour! There are a few different approaches or options, so let’s go through them.

The first option to consider is a dry bag, which is something I bought for the Faroe Islands but use it when I paddle board now! It’s not just water resistant, but waterproof! If you are taking items with you that you don’t want to get wet, this is the kind of bag to take.

The traditional beach bag route is always an option. Most are easy to pack, or I’m sure they have some in Australia if you wanted to make it a souvenir. This ALOHA collection beach bag is cute, easy to pack and offers some water resistance.

For Fiji, I only packed a carry-on luggage, so I used a personal item bag as a beach bag while I was there. Then I used a fanny pack for days I didn’t have much to carry. The bag is not a traditional beach bag, but it worked well for me in Fiji.

Dry Bag

Mesh Beach Tote Bag

ALOHA Collection Tote Bag – Packable Splash-Proof Beach Bag with Zipper Top

BUG Lightweight Women Laptop Tote Bag for Work, Casual Handbag

Water Shoes or Flip Flops

I’m not a water shoe kind of girl, but you may not be a flip flop person. Either way, when considering what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef, some type of water and beach shoe is a must!

If you prefer water shoes, then pack them, however, I love flips flops. My favorite are Havaianas! Yes, they cost more than some cheap ones at the store, but I can’t find any that are superior in comfort (based on my preferences). The slim version only lasts a couple years, but I just keep coming back to them.

Another option I like are what I call Hiking Sandals. They are very strappy, but a good middle ground between shoes and flip flops. These stay on the feet better when it comes to getting on and off boats! I bought a pair for my Western USA road trip, and they’ve come in handy many times since!

Regardless of which type of shoe you choose, consider the ease for taking them on and off and also their waterproof quality, which are important factors for boat tours.

Water Shoes

Havaianas

Teva Hiking Sandals

A Hat and Swimsuit Cover Ups

If you’re not accustomed to wearing hats often, this can be easy to forget, but is essential for the Great Barrier Reef! A wide brim hat will be best, but any hat is better than no hat! Just consider the coverage it offers, if it’s quick dry, and if it has a drawstring so it doesn’t fly off your head.

When considering what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef, your swimsuit is probably easier to remember, but don’t forget to consider what clothes you will wear with it! If you’re a girl, a simple sundress is always perfect or some shorts and t-shirt work well. I’d recommend the shorts not be a heavy material like denim. You want material that will dry quickly if it gets wet.

Roxy wide brim bucket hat

MISSION Cooling Bucket Hat

Sunglasses

This is something you can buy there should you forget, but sunglasses will come in clutch when on the water! Also consider polarized lenses so you can see better without the glare!

Polarized Sunglasses for Women Classic Retro Style UV400 Protection

Additional Items to Consider Packing for the Great Barrier Reef

Motion Sickness Medication

I don’t usually take motion sickness medication, mainly because I never think about it. However, I have had a time or two when I needed it!

If you’re not sure how you will do on a boat tour of the reef, you will definitely want to consider taking some just in case! It would be awful to be at this natural wonder and feel sick!

You can buy some in Australia, or grab some here before you go! The conditions can vary from day to day and you can’t see the Great Barrier Reef without being on a boat or small plane! Since it’s a barrier reef, not a fringe reef, it’s required!

Dramamine | Motion Sickness Medication

Snorkel Gear

You won’t need to pack Snorkel Gear, as the Great Barrier Reef Tours should provide it. Also, there are places you could rent or even buy when you’re there. However, if you prefer to just take your own that also works!

Snorkel Gear

Cash and/or Cards

Consider having cash and cards on you and also where you will put that while on the tour. I doubt cash is always necessary in Australia, but there may be local vendors who only accept cash.

Travel Water Bottle with Storage for Cash

Wet Dry Bag

Travel Insurance

I bought travel insurance for my solo trip to Fiji and it offered me extra peace of mind! Since I was heading to the other side of the world solo, and I was planning to do a bull shark dive, I thought some insurance could be good. Truth be told, my broken bones from a few years prior had the most impact on this decision.

Travel Insurance usually also includes some type of trip protection which is a bonus if you end up having to cancel! You can search for insurance options with VisitorsCoverage Travel insurance and Insubuy.

When selecting a travel insurance, consider what activities you are planning to do and what the insurance will cover. For example, I knew I wanted to Scuba Dive in Fiji, so I made sure the policy included that activity!

VisitorsCoverage Travel insurance

Insubuy

Windbreaker or Light Jacket

When considering what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef, also consider the time of year! A windbreaker or light jacket might be needed in the cooler months of June to August.

Adidas windbreaker light jacket

Extra Clothes

Extra clothes you can change into are also a good thing to have with for after your tour if you don’t plan to immediately head back to your accommodations. It’s not a requirement, but it’s a good option to think through.

Dive License

If you plan to Scuba Dive, whether a day tour or on a liveaboard, then don’t forget your Dive License! As a new diver, this is something I would do and then be annoyed at myself. My dive license is both in card form and digital, but sorting out passwords and ways to access it may be annoying at the last minute.

If you are not certified but want to learn, you can do so at the Great Barrier Reef! You will need four days for the course and if you plan to fly somewhere after, you’ll need an extra day after your last dive! This is something you’ll learn about in the course, but it’s worth noting for planning purposes.

4-Day PADI Open Water Dive Course – Learn to Dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tours

Regardless of where you are exploring the reef from, there will be snorkel tours available. I explain four different gateway cities in how to see the Great Barrier Reef on a budget and they all offer tours to snorkel the reef!

The most common city to see the Great Barrier Reef from is Cairns! Airlie Beach is a good choice if you also want to see the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach. Townsville and Bundaberg are also good options and all four offer budget accommodations so seeing the reef can be affordable!

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Tour

Townsville and Magnetic Island: MOUA and Great Barrier Reef Trip

Airlie Beach: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Trip

From Bundaberg: Barrier Reef and Lady Musgrave Island Day Tour

Packing Checklist for the Great Barrier Reef

• Reef Safe Sunscreen (e.g., Blue Lizard)
• Sun Protection Shirt (Rashguard)
• Swimsuit
• Water Bottle (Leakproof, reusable)
• Beach Towel (Turkish towel recommended)
• Waterproof Phone Case or Phone Pouch
• Waterproof Camera (e.g., GoPro, Underwater Camera, or Disposable)
• Beach Bag (Dry bag or packable tote)
• Water Shoes or Flip Flops
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Motion Sickness Medication (e.g., Dramamine)
• Snorkel Gear (if you want to take your own)
• Cash and/or Cards
• Travel Insurance
• Windbreaker or Light Jacket (especially for the cooler months)
• Extra Clothes
• Dive License (If planning to Scuba Dive)

What to Pack for the Great Barrier Reef

I hope these tips were helpful in figuring out what to pack for the Great Barrier Reef! It’s absolutely beautiful and a bucket list experience, but it helps to be prepared!

I hope you enjoy your time at the reef and anywhere else you visit in Australia!