Adrian Meyer, from Angaston in South Australia , died after he and a group of snorkellers were swept away by a strong current over the reef last Monday.
The 71-year old was with his son, Nicholas Meyer, and daughter Angela Henson about 60km off the coast northeast of Cairns when disaster struck.
Mr Meyer had travelled to Cairns to see the World Heritage Area as part of a belated 70th birthday present.
Dangerous weather conditions had swept the snorkelers far from the boat and a strong current prevented them from swimming back.
During the struggle with the current, it's believed Mr Meyer suffered a medical episode and was boarded onto a rescue vessel which sank a short time later.
A touching photo taken on board the boat just before the tragic incident unfolded shows Mr Meyer smiling while giving a thumbs up alongside his son.
Nicholas said he initially had plans to return to Cairns to collect his father's remains but had since had a change of heart.
'My poor mum doesn't fly and we're trying to support her right now,' he told News Corp.
'She needs us. With all the traumatic events that have happened we've decided it'd be better to stay.'
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