The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world and Australia's most iconic natural treasure. Stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, it is the largest living structure on Earth. From Cairns, you have front-door access to some of the reef's most pristine and biodiverse sections. Crystal-clear tropical water, vibrant coral gardens, and unforgettable encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, clownfish, and more than 1,500 species of fish await.
Great Barrier Reef Tours - Available Tours
- Bespoke Birdworld - An Intimate Experience! - From AUD $70.00 (1-2 hours) - Bespoke Birdworld offers an exclusive 30-minute tour with our keepers at 9.30am, before public hours. Experience hand-feeding endangered cassowaries and other birds. Max 6 guests.
- Kuranda Rainforest Experience - From AUD $223.50 (Full day) - Take a rainforest discovery aboard the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway with an included visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, then soar above on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Includes a Pamagirri Abo
- Snorkelling day tour Port Douglas (Private Charter) - From AUD $3490.00 (Full day) - Experience an unforgettable day of private catamaran charter from Port Douglas as we set sail for the captivating Low Isles! Our full-day journey begins with a scenic sail to the pristine Low Isles, w
- Best of Island Package - Fitzroy Island (On Special) - From AUD $152.00 (Full day) - Experience the cultural heritage of Fitzroy Island, known by the Gunggandji people for its deep significance. Enjoy stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush rainforest while respecting the isla
- Undara, Cobbold Gorge & Outback 4 Day Tour - From AUD $3235.00 (Multi-day) - Experience the essence of Queensland's outback on this four-day journey through diverse landscapes, including rainforest highlands, volcanic formations, and expansive savannahs. Departing from Cairns,
- 3-Day Reef, Rainforest & Outback - From AUD $620.00 (3 days) - This 3-day adventure with Billy Tea Safari includes a full day on the Great Barrier Reef, a day in the Daintree Rainforest, and a day exploring the Chillagoe Caves and Outback. Enjoy guided tours, wil
- Cairns Classic Hot Air Balloon ride with Lemoncello 3 course meal voucher - From AUD $555.00 (Half day) - Discover the exhilaration of floating serenely above the breathtaking Atherton Tablelands in a Hot Air Balloon departing from Mareeba. Soak in the stunning scenery and expansive vistas, experiencing t
- Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel - Great Barrier Reef Cruise - From AUD $255.00 (5 hours) - Join Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel for a unique Great Barrier Reef cruise that combines Australia's Indigenous culture with breathtaking marine life. Enjoy five hours exploring two premium outer reef sites
- Ocean Spirit Cruise to Michaelmas Cay - From AUD $276.00 (Full day) - Book tickets for a 2 hour motorised sail on board the 32 meter sailing Catamaran, Ocean Spirit, you will arrive at Michaelmas Cay where there is so much to see and do. Enjoy snorkelling in the cay’s p
- Kuranda Wildlife Experience - From AUD $202.50 (Full day) - Combine the award-winning Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway with three of Kuranda's best wildlife attractions. Stroll through the amazing aviary at Birdworld and The Australian Bu
- Reef Magic Pontoon - From AUD $325.00 (5 hours) - Experience the outer Great Barrier Reef at Reef Magic's exclusive Marine World pontoon. Enjoy a 90-minute cruise to the pontoon, where you have 5 hours to explore pristine coral gardens, join our Mari
- Evolution Yacht Gold Class VIP Lounge - From AUD $799.00 (Full day) - Exclusive Gold Class Lounge access aboard the Evolution yacht on the Great Barrier Reef. Limited to 8 guests, the Gold Class experience includes a private concierge, dedicated snorkelling guide, fully
- Cape Tribulation, Daintree & Mossman - From AUD $293.00 (Full Day) - Join us for an unforgettable full-day adventure in the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Explore Mossman Gorge with a guided walk, cruise the Daintree River to spot unique wildlife, savor a de
- Frankland Islands Express - Half Day - From AUD $195.00 (Half day) - Join our Express Tour to the Frankland Islands for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy swimming, beach exploration, and snorkeling in the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Idea
- White Water Rafting Cairns Barron River - From AUD $185.00 (Half day) - Join us for an exhilarating half-day white water rafting adventure on the Barron River, where you'll tackle grade 3 rapids and float through serene waters, all while surrounded by breathtaking rainfor
- Mossman Gorge & Daintree Experience - From AUD $265.00 (Full day) - Experience a full-day adventure through the lush Daintree Rainforest, including a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a Daintree River cruise, and a swim in Mossman Gorge. Enjoy morning t
- Silverswift Outer Reef Adventure - From AUD $245.00 (Full day) - Departing daily from Cairns, Silverswift is ready to whisk you away for a day of fun and adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. This is an active day all about being in the water for your dive or snorke
- Behana Canyoning Adventure Tour : Suitable for All Levels - From AUD $279.00 (Allow up to 5.5 hours) - Behana Gorge offers a unique canyoning experience just a short drive from Cairns, featuring cascading waterfalls, natural rock slides, and thrilling jumps. Suitable for all skill levels, this full-day
- Green Island (Eco Adventure Package) - From AUD $112.00 (Up to 7 hours on Green Island) - *** Choice from Snorkelling Equipment Hire OR Glass Bottom Boat **** Experience the tropical paradise of Green Island with Great Adventures' fast catamaran. Depart from Cairns and spend your day snor
- Green Island (Optional Activity) : Marineland Melanesia - From AUD $32.00 (Short experience) - Experience the thrill of Marineland Melanesia, home to over 15 crocodiles and a fascinating collection of Melanesian artifacts. Enjoy twice-daily crocodile shows and the chance to hold a baby crocodil
- Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures - From AUD $125.00 (Half Day) - Experience an eco-certified adventure at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where you can explore diverse wildlife and enjoy engaging shows. Learn from expert guides and savor lunch at the Lilypad Cafe.
- Australian Armour & Artillery Museum - From AUD $104.00 (Full day) - Travel by luxury, air-conditioned coach to visit the Australian Armour & Artillery Museum and connect with history. A drawcard for both kids and adults, the museum is a place to share stories of the p
- Green Island (Optional Activity) : Parasailing - From AUD $160.00 (Approximately 10-15 minutes of flight time, with additional time for briefing and preparation.) - Experience the thrill of parasailing over Green Island, where you can enjoy stunning aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef. This unforgettable adventure is managed by independent operators, and you c
- Kuranda Explorer - From AUD $70.00 (45 minutes for the river cruise.) - Experience the Kuranda Explorer package featuring three amazing attractions: Birdworld Kuranda, where you can interact with over 350 free-flying birds; Kuranda Koala Gardens, home to native Australian
- Cairns River Tubing Tour : Summer Fun for the Family - From AUD $119.00 (Half day) - Float down picturesque rainforest rivers near Cairns, experiencing the natural beauty of the region. Navigate small white water rapids while enjoying the scenic surroundings. The tour is suitable for
- Crocodile & Wildlife Park Tour from Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal - From AUD $125.00 (Approx 4.5 hours) - Maximise your day ashore in Cairns! Secure your seamless, stress-free Crocodile & Australian Wildlife Tour including return transfers from your Cairns Cruise Ship aboard our luxury, air-conditioned co
- Kuranda, Scenic Rail, Rainforestation & Skyrail Including Lunch - From AUD $338.00 (Full day) - Join us for an unforgettable journey to Kuranda, where you'll ride the scenic railway, explore vibrant markets, and enjoy a guided rainforest tour. Experience the unique Army Duck tour and witness the
- Best of Both Worlds Tour - From AUD $489.00 (2 days) - Join us on our Best of Both Worlds Tour, combining the best of the Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribulation with an overnight stay at On the Wallaby Eco Lodge in Yungaburra. Experience stunning waterf
- Sunset Cruise Port Douglas - From AUD $95.00 (2 hours) - Set sail from Port Douglas Marina as the sun sets over the mountains. This intimate sunset sailing experience aboard the Indigo catamaran includes premium wines, craft beers, and gourmet canapés. Enjo
- Cruise / Fly - Full Day Trip - From AUD $570.00 (Full day) - Join us for an unforgettable full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef! This tour includes snorkeling, a delicious BBQ lunch, and a breathtaking 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef and
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Great Barrier Reef tour is best for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, we recommend pontoon-based tours like Great Adventures, Reef Magic, or Sunlover Cruises. These offer stable platforms, calm swimming areas, underwater observatories for non-swimmers, and all equipment included.
Do I need to know how to swim to visit the reef?
No! Many reef tours cater to non-swimmers with glass-bottom boat tours, underwater observatories, and semi-submersible vessels. You can experience the magic of the reef without entering the water.
What marine life will I see on the Great Barrier Reef?
The reef is home to six of the world's seven sea turtle species, clownfish, reef sharks, giant clams, manta rays, and over 1,500 species of tropical fish. Dolphins are frequently spotted on the boat trip out.
What is the best time of year to visit the Great Barrier Reef?
The reef is a year-round destination. June to October (dry season) brings calm seas, excellent visibility, and comfortable temperatures. November sees coral spawning. The wet season offers warmer waters ideal for diving.