Of course, most of the scenery in the Great Barrier Reef is underwater, except a number of small islands. Snorkling and glass bottom boats are a way for everybody to experience it, but the best way is Scuba diving. This requires a license, though, usually the PADI Open Water Diver, but diving courses are readily available in the area and are not that expensive. Diving in the reef can be done from boats or from semi-permanent diving and tour platforms like the one above in Hardy Reef.