Cairns & Port Douglas

15 Best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns

This list sorts the reef trips out of Cairns by how you want your day to run: snorkel boats, dive boats and pontoons that suit non-swimmers. The outer reef sits about 90 minutes offshore, so every option is a full day. From November to May you’ll snorkel in a stinger suit; crews hand them out and nobody argues.

2.From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Unforgettable adventures await! Embark on a premium catamaran cruise from Cairns and discover the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Click now for an unforgettable experience!

★ 4.9

“The staff on passions of paradise were so friendly and supportive in helping me build my confidence with snorkelling and then scuba diving for the first time. They also ensured safety was a priority by providing thorough guidance and instructions for each activity and the…”

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3.Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

Experience stunning aerial views of the Great Barrier Reef on a 40-minute scenic flight from Cairns, with expert commentary and potential whale sightings.

★ 4.9

“I was a bit nervous before the flight but was determined to do this once in a lifetime trip. The owner Greg was very reassuring when I checked in for the flight and put me at ease. All the staff were very friendly ,I was…”

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4.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise From Cairns by Luxury Catamaran

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef like never before. Join us on a luxury catamaran for an unforgettable snorkel and dive cruise from Cairns.

★ 5.0

“This full day trip is seriously amazing and so worth it, you'll totally lose track of time. The whole crew was super helpful and really wanted to make sure you were comfy. Huge thanks to Parker, Darcy, Simon, and the team for taking such good…”

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5.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Personal Luxury Snorkel & Dive Cruise, Cairns

Experience the ultimate luxury snorkel and dive cruise at the Great Barrier Reef. Unforgettable adventures await in Cairns. Dive in now!

★ 5.0

“5 stars for the crew! They made our experience so much better by handholding us with floats during snorkeling. Glass bottom boat was great.”

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6.Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

Experience the Great Barrier Reef with this full-day snorkeling and diving tour from Cairns, featuring expert guides, delicious food, and stunning marine sights.

★ 4.7

“My anxiety went through the roof when I got there decided not to go in … but one of the staff was patient and got me on a one to one and I did go in … I never got your name but thank you…”

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7.Full-Day Small-Group Guided Snorkeling Tour, Outer Reef – Port Douglas

Discover the wonders of the Outer Reef in Port Douglas on this unforgettable snorkeling tour. Join our small-group adventure in 2023 and dive into an underwater paradise like no other.

★ 5.0

“Just beyond the coast of Port Douglas, Queensland Australia is an amazing Sea Life. Zoe, Will and Captain Jason were the perfect guides for our snorkeling adventure among the corral and fish. Such a perfect trip with amazing guides filled with detailed tidbits about the…”

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8.Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise From Port Douglas

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on the Calypso Outer Reef Cruise. Dive into adventure and explore the vibrant marine life. Book your Port Douglas getaway now!

★ 5.0

“Amazing! The staff was super friendly and helpful. The three diving sites were great and we got to see a lot of cool corals and fish.”

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10.Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise From Cairns

Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with an unforgettable diving and snorkeling cruise from Cairns. Dive into an underwater paradise today!

★ 4.5

“My cheeks still hurt. Partly from holding the snorkel in my mouth, partly from smiling so much. It was such an amazing experience. Would definitely recommend. I did get a little sea sick on the way out as conditions were rough, but that did not…”

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11.Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour With Lunch

Experience the beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns. Dive into adventure with lunch included. Book now and make memories!

★ 4.7

“Great day out from start to finish, staff were very helpful and just good vibes all round. Bug shout out to Reubon too was a legend and very friendly! Would do this tour again any day of the week!”

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13.Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour From Cairns

Discover the ultimate luxury island and reef tour from Cairns with Seastar. Dive into the breathtaking wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, a paradise like no other.

★ 5.0

“My partner and I were travelling with my father. We have all always dreamed of seeing the Great Barrier Reef and we could not have chosen a better crew and boat to help fulfill that dream. The crew were super friendly, very helpful and obliging.…”

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14.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef like never before with a thrilling cruise and scenic helicopter flight in Cairns. Don't miss out, click now!

★ 4.7

“We really enjoyed this boat tour. Even though it was a little bit rocky at the beginning to get there, but the staff was caring and very helpful! We were given masks as well as fins and a suit for the protection.. Lunch was good…”

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15.Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise From Cairns – Cairns & the Tropical North

Explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on an unforgettable full-day snorkeling cruise from Cairns. Dive into an underwater paradise in 2024!

★ 4.5

“I think the snorkeling was the most impressive part of the experience. We were hesitant about snorkeling but decided to do it at the last minute. Even though we are in our seventies, it was not difficult and we are so glad we did it.”

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4.5Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience$211.59 4.7From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Experience9 hours$127 4.5Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise From Port Douglas$233.10 4.9Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise8 hours$210 5.0Ocean Free Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise, Cairns 25 Guests$200.11 5.0Great Barrier Reef Sailing and Snorkeling Cruise From Port Douglas$243.86 4.7Cairns: Silverswift 3 Great Barrier Reef Sites in 1 Day8 hours$209 5.0Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise From Port Douglas$192.04 4.8Port Douglas: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise7 - 9 hours$195 4.8From Cairns: 40-Min Scenic Reef Window Seat Airplane Flight40 min$190 4.7Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour4 hours$135 4.9Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options7.5 hours$174 5.0Outer Barrier Reef Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure From Port Douglas$243.86 4.5Silverswift Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Cruise From Cairns$212.30 4.5Full-Day Cruise Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef$179.31 5.0Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip$179.31 4.8Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour9 hours$183 5.0Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour From Port Douglas$175.72 4.0Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island From Cairns$107.59 5.0Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Experience$128.39 4.9Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling5 hours$140 5.0Afternoon Low Isles Snorkeling and Sailing Cruise From Port Douglas$243.86 4.8Port Douglas: Silversonic Great Barrier Reef Dive & Snorkel8 hours$189 4.5Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon With Activities7.5 hours$208