JuanPabloC

Planning a trip to Queensland and I want to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. I have heard some parts are more damaged than others and I want to see the healthiest coral possible. Is Cairns the best base or are there other options? I have heard the Whitsundays are beautiful but I am not sure if the reef there is as good. I am an intermediate snorkeler - comfortable in the water but not a diver. What are the best day trip operators and which sites should I ask to visit?