great barrier reef plane tours

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights

Experience the Great Barrier Reef in one of the most amazing ways possible on board a scenic flight. The aerial point of view will give you the best vantage point of the reef, getting to see it from high above for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Witness the astonishing beauty of the green hues, blue waters and white sands that make up the marine park for an experience unlike any other.

Take to the skies and see the vast coral networks, pristine islands, sand cays, marine life, and tropical landscapes of the Great Barrier Reef!

• 40-minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef
• The chance to see the reef from a new perspective and spot marine life
• Air-conditioned planes with spacious windows
• Small, established local company with friendly guides and pilots
• Learn about the area from your guides and enjoy breathtaking views

Witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on this 30 minute Inner Reef Explorer with Zoom Helicopters departing from Cairns Airport!

• Soar high over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff and Upolu Cays!
• Enjoy a more exclusive tour with only 3 passengers per flight.
• See more of the Barrier Reef delights with a guaranteed window seat!
• Take in the lush landscapes of the majestic North Queensland coastline.

Fly to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40 minute Outer Reef Odyssey with Zoom Helicopters!

• Get a birds eye view over Green Island, Arlington Reef, Vlasoff and Upolu Cays!
• Venture further out to the continental shelf and see where the reef drops off. 
• Experience a more exclusive tour with only 3 passengers per flight.
• Discover more of the reef with a guaranteed window seat!
• See the rainforest ranges of the lush North Queensland coastline.

See the reef from the world's best point of view with GSL Cairns Reef Hopper

• 40-minute scenic flight above the Great Barrier Reef
• View the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island, Cairns, Double Island and Palm Cove
• Every guest gets a window seat on board our high wing aircraft
• Great opportunity to grab photos and see the Great Barrier Reef from a new point of view!

Leave from Cairns for a scenic flight over the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas

• See the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas during a 60-minute flight down the North Queensland Coast
• A window seat for every passenger!
• You'll have the best point of view to see the amazing reef and surroundings
• See the stunning reefs, islands, cays and coastline for an unforgettable experience

Soar over the Great Barrier Reef and adventure through the Daintree Rainforest in one incredible day!

• Scenic flight over the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef
• Land in the Daintree Rainforest and join a small-group 4WD day tour
• Embark on a Daintree River Cruise and spot crocodiles and other wildlife
• Visit a scenic lookout and enjoy a guided boardwalk tour
• Swim in Emmagen Creek and visit Cape Tribulation Beach

Fly sky-high over the splendour of the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns’ ancient rainforests on Nautilus Aviation’s 45-minute and 60-minute scenic flights!

• See worlds collide with a bird’s-eye view of where the rainforest meets the reef
• Breathtaking 45-minute and 60-minute flights over Greater Cairns region
• Fly over the Great Barrier Reef, Palm Cove, Barron Gorge 
• Add on an extra 15 minutes of scenic flying over Lamb Range’s Crystal Cascades and Lake Morris

Cruise over the Great Barrier Reef and see the sights from above!

• 30-minute scenic flight
• See Green Island, Fitzroy Island and more!
• On low tide see beautiful sand cays
• Spot turtles, rays, and even whales during the winter months!
• Low passenger numbers for a personalised experience

Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride over the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the secluded sands of Vlasoff Cay, where a picnic hamper and sparkling wine awaits!

• Woo your special someone with this romantic day trip
• Exclusive scenic helicopter flight to and from Vlasoff Cay with sensational views of the Great Barrier Reef
• Spend 2 hours bathing in the sun on Vlasoff Cay’s pure white sands
• Snorkel through the crystal clear waters over Vlasoff Reef
• Gourmet picnic hamper and sparkling wine included!

Explore the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with Evolution’s ultimate adventure package, the best way to experience the reef wonder!

• Cruise at high speeds aboard Evolution, an award-winning superyacht
• Enjoy up to 5 hours on the reef, snorkelling and diving at 2 exclusive locations
• Add up to 3 spectacular introductory or certified scuba dives to your day
• Take to the sky on a luxury scenic flight over the Outer Reef
• The best value day of adventure on the reef for all ages and groups!

See the Great Barrier Reef's spectacular beauty from air and the sea!

• Half-day tour from Cairns to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
• 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef 
• Up to 1.5 hours for snorkeling amongst the diverse marine life
• Included BBQ lunch and glass of wine on the boat ride back to Cairns
• A family-friendly adventure that is perfect for travelers who are short on time

The ultimate Great Barrier Reef day tour! Snorkel, dive, fly, and admire this stunning reef from all perspectives!

• Full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
• Visit 2 magical reef locations and snorkel or dive for up to 5 hours
• Cruise the Coral Sea aboard the luxury yacht, Evolution
• Soar over the reef with a scenic helicopter flight
• One unforgettable, action-packed day with lunch included

See the reefs, sand islands, and other highlights of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef from the sky!

• 45 minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef
• See 5 different coral reef sites
• Enjoy unobstructed views from the aircraft cabin
• Ability to customize your own private flight
• Soak in the best panoramic views of this World Heritage Site

Soar over captivating locations in the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest!

• 1-hour scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
• See up to 9 different reef sites and cays
• Glide along the lush, forested coastline 
• Potentially see marine life such as turtles, rays, and sharks

Soak in the most amazing aerial views of the Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest!

• 1 hour and 20 minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest
• Aerial views of Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, and Daintree River
• See up to 10 or more reef sites and islands including Green Island and Snapper Island
• Soar over the lush coastline where the rainforest meets the reef
• Enjoy clear, unobstructed views from the comfortable aircraft cabin

OUR CAIRNS EXPERTS ARE READY TO HELP YOU

• Can answer all your Cairns questions
• We will build you exclusive packages to save you money
• Available by email or chat 24/7

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Great Barrier Reef Tours & Vacations

The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction

It's one of the world's seven natural wonders. It's home to over 1,600 types of fish, 30 species of whale and dolphin, and 215 varieties of birds. And it's  the planet's largest coral reef system . In fact, it's so big that astronauts have seen it from space. After dry land adventures along  Queensland 's  East Coast , hit the water with professional marine biologists to explore this fascinating underwater world. Look out for clownfish peeking out of anemones, inquisitive Maori wrasse gliding below or turtles munching on seagrass.

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Daintree & Cape Tribulation Adventure

Great Barrier Reef travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How to get to the Great Barrier Reef

Most of our East Coast trips begin in Sydney,  Cairns  or Brisbane. Some of the most popular launching pads for the Great Barrier Reef are  Airlie Beach , Townsville and  Port Douglas .

These destinations are all serviced by commercial airlines. It's also possible to drive to one of the towns near the Great Barrier Reef and access the wonders of the underwater world on a small group tour.

How do I get around the Great Barrier Reef?

If you plan on visiting the reef on a day trip, try to allow at least two days to visit the Great Barrier Reef. This will give you some flexibility if the weather isn’t good on the day you originally planned to visit the reef. The other option is to join a Whitsunday Islands Explorer tour and spend several days on a live-aboard yacht exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The waters of the Great Barrier Reef get warmer the further north you go.

When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

There are only two seasons along the reef – the dry season (winter) from May to October and the wet season (summer) from November to April. The temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year with average highs of 86°F and lows of 69.8°F.

May through October is considered to be the best time to experience the reef as rainfall is low and water visibility is high. You may also see whales during their annual migration from the Antarctic.

If you're visiting between October and May, it's advisable to wear a stinger suit to protect yourself from possible jellyfish stings.

What do I pack for the Great Barrier Reef?

The Great Barrier Reef tends to be a casual place so you can leave your fancy clothes at home. Even if you're staying at a high-end resort, smart casual clothes are all you will need. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must, even in winter, as the sun reflects off the water and white sand. Bring essentials such as basic medications with you won't find any shops when you're out exploring the reef. 

What is the internet access like on the Great Barrier Reef?

In short, pretty much non-existent unless you're near one of the major tourist hubs such as Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays or on the mainland at a town like Airlie Beach.

Is there cell phone coverage on the Great Barrier Reef?

Unless you're near one of the major tourist spots, it's unlikely you will be able to get a cell phone signal. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Great Barrier Reef Tours & Trips

Admire the white-washed coral beaches of Fitzroy Island, tackle a scenic hiking trail on Magnetic Island, or fly high above a UNESCO rainforest on the iconic Skyrail in Palm Cove. Whilst a magical underwater world awaits you, there's so much to discover on a Great Barrier Reef adventure.

105 Great Barrier Reef tour packages with 278 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays

I enjoyed having a smaller, intimate group for a greater opportunity to bond. The tour guide was very kind, intuitive and he took care of us. I liked the variety of accommodation, each place was a different experience. Seen a lot in a short period of time.

Best of Australia

This was a fun trip. Got to see so many amazing things. The guide Karly was amazing. She was definitely the icing on the cake of this tour.

Brisbane to Cairns Adventure (8 Days) (14 destinations)

• Coastal Walks

Sydney to Cairns Adventure (14 Days) (26 destinations)

Learn To Dive (5 Days)

Great dive instructors.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE

I just finished my 5 week tour of the east coast and it was the best decision of my life! The experience was one that I will never forget because of the people who made it so memorable. Our group became so close, we felt like a family after the first week! We couldn't have been more blessed with our amazing tour guides. Jazz and Canel were the best. They were like my moms and best friends all in one. Canel always made me feel so safe and comfortable and that's something that I am so so so grateful for. She really does light up every room she enters and she holds a special place in my heart. Jazz is hilarious and never fails to make me smile. She was always there with open arms whenever I needed it and I am so thankful to have met her. I can't put into words how amazing they are. I'm trying not to cry as i'm writing this review! If you have any doubts about doing a trip like this, I felt the same way but the only advice I can give you is to DO IT!!!!

• €35 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Snorkel to Adventure (3 Days)

This tour was excellent. The skipper and crew worked seamlessly through some rough weather to ensure we had the best opportunity to view the reef with comfortable, clean, and safe accomodations onboard. Exceeded all of my expectations, particularly the chance to discover dive with Christine and the delicious food prepared by Zoe and Joost, who also kept us entertained with his fantastic music selection between dives. Good vibes from everyone working with us really made the trip special!

Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days

I had an amazing time with Intro Travel in Australia, the 28 days were packed but that ensures you see the most and do the most worthwhile activities around the east coast! All the activities included (as well as optional) were outstanding. Travelling for the first time can be scary, but everything was well taken care of especially due to our amazing tourguide Zack. He was always able to keep the group together, set a good mood, joker around helped out / fixed issues if needed and thus provided everyone with a sense of security. Honorable mention: 10/10 at card tricks and playing ****head, dad jokes and really bad puns

• Sightseeing

Oz East Coast + Work 20 Days

Had an amazing time on the 20 day east coast tour and saw some incredible places with the best people. Eilish did a amazing job organising everything and made it such a fun and stress free experience :)

15 Day Dingo Adventure Tour: Brisbane > Cairns

What an enthousiastic and fun guide!! She took us on hikes, and did her very best to give us a wonderful time. Especially the snorkeling on great kepple island i will never forget!

Sydney to Cairns Best of Australia – 17 Day Boutique Comfort Tour

I'm in my 60s...this tour was a mix of comfortable accommodation and enjoyable light activities. It was a small group of like minded people. We loved it !!

• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Kayak & Canoe

Best of the Coast - Sydney to Cairns 16 Day Flashpacker Adventure Tour

Not long home from a fantastic trip and still can’t believe how much Via Travel manage to pack into the time…koalas, kangaroos, Aussie bbq, beaches, snorkelling, scuba-diving (so glad I braved it!), racing against the tide on K’Gari, stunning Whitsundays (even in the rain), and the most perfect sunny day on the Great Barrier Reef….to name just a few of my highlights. Our tour guides, Cara (week1) & Justin (week2), were great too - enthusiastic, friendly, informative & so helpful. Being a small group tour, they had time to get to know everyone and ensure we were all having the best time! I’d highly recommend Via Travel to anyone and definitely use them again if I ever get back to Australia.

19-Days Australia Surf Camp and Ultimate East Coast Adventure

• Coach / Bus

Highlights of Australia

It was a great tour and offered some great options for the optional tours. Love that it touched all the highlights of Australia.

【Cairns】 6 Days Escape Package

Tours were well coordinated with daily reminders. Each day's activities were led by pleasant and knowledgeable guides.

What people love about Great Barrier Reef Tours

The trip was great. However, I didn’t like the hostel in Airlie Beach. It was the worst one in this trip. Overall was great

Cool group, great guide, some long drives. Would need a driver and a guide A flight from Byron Bay to avoid 2 long drives on the bus

Absolutely amazing, best instructors!

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Cairns Scenic Flights | Great Barrier Reef 40 Minutes Scenic Flight | DAIN

Tour Code: 65

Departing: Cairns

Tour Highlights

• On your Great Barrier Reef scenic flight take in the views of Cairns northern beaches, Green Island, Vlassoff Cay, Oyster and Arlington Reef, Michaelmas Reef, Upolu Cay, Cape Grafton, False Cape, Double Island and Palm Cove.
• Learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s unique eco system and many natural landmarks with inflight commentary from your knowledgeable Cairns airplane pilot.
• With guaranteed window seats for every guest in our airplanes, you will have plenty of selfie opportunities on your scenic flight as you soar above the Great Barrier Reef.

Description & Tour Inclusions

Included in price.

•  All passengers have a window seat
• All government taxes
• National and Marine park fees
• Standard aviation public liability

The best way to truly experience a World Heritage Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns is from above. Your 40 minute scenic flight will have you soaring above the many sand cays, tropical islands and unique reef formations of the world’s largest living structure

We have allocated our most comfortable and fully air-conditioned aircraft to our Great Barrier Reef scenic flights from Cairns  and all scenic flight passengers have a window seat to enjoy and photograph the view of the reef, islands and sand cays below.

Our beautifully customed fixed wing airplane is designed with comfort first and big windows for our guests to get the best views of the Great Barrier Reef as we take them on a 40 minute scenic flight along Australia's coral reef coastline.

On our 40 minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight from Cairns you will see up to 140 kilometres of the reef, islands, lagoons and solitary sand cays.

This is the prefect scenic flight from Cairns for groups of passengers looking for a Great Barrier Reef tour to fit in with cruise ship shore excursion time frames.  

During the annual whale migration months of July to August you may just see some whales breaching from the waters below or pods of them travelling north to the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs where they calve in amongst the safe coral boundaries away from predators.

Other marine life we may encounter on our 40 minute Great Barrier Reef scenic flight are Manta Rays, large Green Sea Turtles and Sharks. 

The Great Barrier Reef encompasses over 2,900 coral reefs, 900 sand cays and is home ot 1,500 species of fish, 360 types of hard corals and around one third of the worlds soft corals.

No wonder they call it the Great Barrier Reef! Come and take a 40 minute scenic flight from Cairns with us today!         

Please note on all Cairns scenic flights minimum numbers may apply.

Perfect Selfie

Share your selfie on our Facebook page and tag your best Instagram pics with #barrierreefaustralia for your chance to be featured.

Scenic Flight Great Barrier Reef - 40 Minute Scenic Flight

Our airplane scenic flights depart daily from Cairns, offering the ultimate way to truly soak in the vast expanse and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Guests can enjoy a guaranteed window seat on the airplane with endless photo opportunities and return transfers from accommodation in Cairns.  

Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight 40 Minutes

There’s no denying it. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most stunning and unique of natural wonders.

Boasting over 2,900 coral reefs, 900 sand cays, 1,500 species of fish and 360 types of hard corals, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on the planet.

Stretching a whopping 2,300 kilometres in length, it even has its very own post box!

The best way to really soak in its unique beauty? A scenic flight of course!

As you take off from Cairns, you will immediately be greeted with views of Cairns city and its northern beaches as you continue north along the coastline and potentially over the humble beach side village of Port Douglas .

From here, your pilot will begin your journey over the Great Barrier Reef as you soak in the spectacular views of the blue azure waters, swirling reef formations and coral cays.

Soon you will find yourself arriving at Arlington Reef, a large reef system that boasts many sand and coral cays and of course, the infamous Green Island .

Have your camera in hand as you soar above the island’s lush rainforest canopies and white sandy beaches.

You will then make your way over Vlasoff Cay, a unique sand cay that sits upon the Great Barrier Reef and is home to abundance of bird life.

The lagoons and surrounding reefs are a popular spot for marine life and your pilot will help spot for Manta Rays, Green Turtles, Dugong, Reef Sharks and if you are lucky, Humpback Whales.

See Michaelmas Reef, Upolu Cay and marvel at the lace like patterns of the coral lagoons below your aircraft. 

After marveling at the reef’s unique landscape you will then circle back to the mainland.

As you begin your descent to Cairns, you will have rewarding views of the city and its surrounding palm tree lined beaches before arriving back to Cairns Airport. Upon arrival, you will enjoy return transfers back to your accommodation in Cairns. 

See more Great Barrier Reef  scenic flights.

Tour Details

Tour languages offered.

Departs From

Departure time.

Variable departure times

Destinations

Great Barrier Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Excluding Christmas Day

Fitness Level Required

Restrictions.

Due to Aviation Weight Restrictions a client’s body and luggage weight must be advised prior to the reservation being confirmed. Please note prices may vary depending on body and luggage weight.

Weight: Up to 115 Kg / 254 Lb

What to Bring

Sunglasses, camera and bottle of water

Child Policy

• Children aged 2 years old and up, must be accommodated on a seat with a standard seat belt.
• Infants aged up to 2 years old travel free of charge. Infant must sit on parents lap and be secured by a suitably approved harness, which is provided by the operator

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be in writing.

We understand things may change, so we have made cancellations very easy.

In every instance we always recommend you purchase travel insurance for life’s last-minute hiccups.

Please see our   terms and conditions  for details prior to booking.

Operators policy:

• If the client cancels within 48 hours of the flight the client forfeits the full amount. 
• If the client cancels between 48 hours to 14 days of the flight the client forfeits a 10% deposit. 
• If the client cancels outside 14 days of the flight the client will receive a full refund.
• If Daintree Air cancel for any reason the client will receive a full refund. 
• All Passengers have a window seat.

Prices are AUD, per adult and include all levies fees and taxes.

Child: au $199.00 Family: au $796.00

Choose Your Option

15 yrs & over

Ages of Children

(discounts may apply), 1300 231 118, +61 427 074 745, you may also like.

Kayaking & Snorkelling Tour Airlie Beach | SALTY

Half Day Sea Kayaking tour suitable for experienced paddlers and beginners. Daily trips from Airlie Beach Shute Harbour.

Departing: Shute Harbour

Pickup: Airlie Beach

Full Day Sail Around Magnetic Island | From Townsville or Magnetic Island | RAG

Full day sail around Magnetic Island. Visit locations only accessible by boat. Small & personalised trip with 10 guests maximum. Departs from Townsville or Magnetic Island.

Departing: Townsville city

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Charter Boat Port Douglas - 12 Guests - Snorkelling

Enjoy a private charter dive and snorkel tour from Port Douglas on a boat with crew to explore the Great Barrier Reef.

Departing: Port Douglas

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30 Minute Scenic Reef Flight

This 30 Minute Scenic Reef Flight provides the best snapshot of the Great Barrier Reef. Witness marine life in their natural environment and marvel at the absolute enormity of the Pacific Ocean and the dazzling colours of the reef. A truly fantastic introduction to the tropical north and Great Barrier Reef.

45 Minute Scenic Reef & Rainforest Flight

Experience the exhilaration of flying high above the amazing sand and sea in a helicopter and seeing 2 natural wonders of the world coming together. The lush rainforest of False Cape as it meets the ocean is a sight you will never forget! Photo opportunities are endless as you pass Green Island and hover over a secluded sand cay before returning to Cairns or Port Douglas.

60 Minute Scenic Reef & Rainforest Flight

Departing from Cairns or Port Douglas, this magnificent 60 Minute Scenic Reef & Rainforest Flight will take you over the green rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. While on this scenic helicopter flight you will fly over Arlington Reef, Upolo and Sandy Cays, with more than enough time to take those priceless photographs and the chance to spot marine wildlife. The flight will then continue past Green Island, with a breathtaking discovery of the magnificent surrounding reefs.

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Journey To The Heart

Exhilarating. Intimate. Unique. Only accessible by helicopter, land on ‘Heart Island’ moored near Heart Reef to sail and snorkel around this naturally occurring heart-shaped reef after a glorious aerial journey over the Great Barrier Reef.

Up to 2 departures daily, tide permitting…

Not suitable for non-swimmers or children 0-13 years.

$1,350 per person (Max. 6 guests)

Popular tours.

Heart Reef & Whitehaven Beach Express

$380 per person (a minimum of 4 persons is required for the tour to proceed and a minimum two persons per booking).

Heart Reef & Whitehaven Stopover

$850 per person (2 – 3 guests).

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$630 per person (3 – 13yrs, $550pp), are you ready to fly.

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Land on ‘Heart Island’ moored near Heart Reef to sail and snorkel

Great Barrier Reef tours: all you need to know + a personal review

May 31, 2023 | Posted in: Australia

We couldn't visit Queensland in Australia without touring the Great Barrier Reef. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site, but unfortunately, it's also endangered.

As I knew this might be a one-in-a-lifetime activity, I spent hours researching companies to try and guess which one would give us the best Great Barrier Reef Tour, also taking into account all the different activities such as scuba diving, swimming with marine life, and the best dive sites. Below, I'd like to share some of the Great Barrier Reef tours I researched, the tour we took, and our experience with it.

All you need to know about finding the best Barrier Reef tours

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More than 1400 miles / 2300 km of jaw-dropping, living coral. Hundreds of tropical islands with glittering turquoise shores and white crescents of sand. Over 6,600 species of flora and fauna. Dozens of species of marine life. The Australian Great Barrier Reef is a landmark so vast that it can be seen from outer space.

Is there any doubt why the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's seven natural wonders?

It sits at the top of many people’s bucket lists for good reason. UNESCO World Heritage-listed, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system on the planet. Parts of the reef could be up to half a million years old!

There are over 3000 individual reefs in total and 900 tropical Great Barrier Reef islands, including the breathtaking Lizard Island, idyllic Lady Elliot Island, and tropical Heron Island. It’s made up entirely of living organisms and supports an extraordinary diversity of marine life, from fish, mollusks, and whales to birds, turtles, and reef corals.

The Great Barrier Reef is found in the Coral Sea off the north-eastern coast of Australia. It stretches along the Queensland coast, from Bundaberg in the south up beyond the northern tip of Australia to near the south coast of Papua New Guinea.

It protects the coastline from stormy sea conditions, waves, and floods. This natural wonder has created a unique natural sanctuary for endangered marine life like the dugong and the green sea turtle.

But what is coral? Coral reefs are built by billions of tiny animals called coral polyps. They’re actually a distant relative of the jellyfish! They very gradually form a reef structure by leaving behind small limestone skeletons on which new coral polyps grow.

This then builds up over time. So coral reefs are basically layers and layers of these little skeletons, with a thin sheet of living coral polyps on the top.

These reefs are often nicknamed the ‘rainforests of the sea’ because they support at least a quarter of all marine life. This vibrant underwater jungle of activity is why the Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder and one of the most popular sites on the planet for scuba diving, snorkeling, and other marine activities.

Tragically, this incredible ecosystem has an uncertain future. Since 1985, the Great Barrier Reef has lost over half of its coral cover for multiple reasons. Recent official reports say the Great Barrier Reef outlook has become ‘very poor.’ The rise in sea temperatures due to climate change has led to something called ‘coral bleaching.’

Bleaching happens when the coral loses the life-giving colorful algae that inhabit and feed it. With our constant polluting activities, coral isn’t given a chance to recover. Without the algae to feed on, vast stretches of coral are dying out.

Other destructive factors are pollution, poor water quality, chemical runoff, oil spills, and overfishing that disrupts food chains. It’s not just man-made pollution that the coral reefs are up against. Natural factors can devastate the Great Barrier Reef, like outbreaks of coral-eating crown of thorns, starfish, and tropical cyclones.

Although many think it may be too late, large areas are now protected from overfishing and pollution. Efforts are being made to make Great Barrier Reef tourism as eco-friendly as possible, and there is still so much to see.  

How to tour the Great Barrier Reef

Should I do a day tour or an overnight Great Barrier Reef Tour? Go Great Barrier Reef snorkeling or scuba diving? Which islands should I visit? Do I stick to the water or take a helicopter ride? And will I miss out if I’m not a certified diver?

This may well be the only opportunity in your life to explore this marine temple, so it’s worth planning ahead. You don’t want to waste time picking the Great Barrier Reef tour and choosing the day! Remember that whatever you decide, you will have the experience of a lifetime.

Read on for some of the best ways to experience the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.  

An outer Great Barrier Reef tour often happens on smaller boats with fewer people. You’re dropped off and allowed to scuba dive and explore to your heart’s content.

Day trips run from most departure points (more on them later) and generally leave between 7.30 am and 8.30 am and return by 5.30 pm at the latest. Numerous outer Barrier Reef tour companies run snorkeling and diving day trips, such as Tusa, Reef Experience, Quicksilver, Pro Dive Cairns, and Silverswift.

Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving tours are often all-inclusive, and the fee is typically between 150 and 240 AUD (about 92 / 100 and 147 / 160 EUR / USD). You can generally get a discount if you have your own scuba diving equipment.

Tours usually include breakfast, lunch, snacks, trips to two or three dive sites, and more, depending on the company.

If you’ve never gone scuba diving before, don’t worry! There are introductory dives available for complete beginners – you just need to pass their health checks (a simple questionnaire), and then you’re away. Tuition happens on the boat. Then you’ll go scuba diving with an instructor and no more than three others.

Usually, you still get the chance to do a second scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef in the afternoon, where you can put your newfound skills into practice.

Snorkeling is another great option if you don’t fancy scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef (or, for some reason, can’t try it). All equipment is provided, and sessions last between 30 minutes and over an hour, depending on your experience. Most scuba diving companies also offer Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tours or incorporate snorkeling as an option on scuba diving tours.

When searching for the best Great Barrier Reed tours, choose a company with several different dive permits. This means they are certified at multiple sites, so they can choose the best places on the day depending on conditions and move to a different reef if one is particularly busy.

Make sure you book in advance, as then your name will definitely be listed on their register – this means they’ll check that you’re back on the boat before heading off to the next dive spot!

There are also health implications to scuba diving and flying on the same day, so bear that in mind when you’re traveling to the area. You won’t be able to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef if you’re going to be flying above a certain altitude within 24 hours. It’s also a good idea to check that your travel insurance covers scuba diving.

A scuba dive camera is a great thing to bring along, but if you don’t have one, you can normally rent one from the tour company. This will normally cost around 60 AUD (approximately 40 USD).

A final bit of advice – look, don’t touch! These are real, living creatures and deserve our respect. Just touching a coral can kill it, and it needs all the help it can get.  

A day at a pontoon begins with the boat journey from the shore, which could be up to an hour and a half in length. Once at the pontoon, you’ll have about five hours to pick and choose from all the activities on offer.

You can still scuba dive and snorkel from a pontoon – there are built-in scuba stations with all the equipment provided. Like the boat trips, introductory scuba diving sessions are available too, if you’re not already certified. Pontoons have snorkel platforms with steps down so you can enter the water easily, and sheltered lagoons with lifeguard supervision and rest stations if you need a breather.

The larger pontoons also offer underwater observatories with large glass windows where you can watch the marine life beneath the surface. Perfect for those who don’t want to get wet! Because the structure is permanent, many sea creatures inhabit the anchor points of the pontoon itself, so there is plenty to see. There are often marine biology talks and presentations in these viewing areas.

Pontoons are a mix of all activities – from these floating platforms, you can often take short ten-minute helicopter trips up over the reef or go out on Great Barrier Reef glass bottom tours. Some offer semi-submarine tours that make 40-minute trips out from the pontoon throughout the day. There are even guided snorkel safaris with marine experts.

In between activities, you can relax in the tropical sunshine on the upper floor sundeck, grab a drink at the onboard bar, enjoy a buffet lunch and afternoon tea, and make use of the showers and changing room facilities.

A pontoon Great Barrier Reef boat tour tends to vary in price depending on how far offshore they are sited. As a general rule, the further out the pontoon, the healthier and more pristine the reef, and the more there is to see. Prices range between 199 and 250 AUD (134 – 168 USD), and some of the most popular pontoon trips are organized by companies such as Quicksilver, Reef Magic, Sunlover, and Great Adventures.  

Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Marine World Pontoon This full-day excursion is a good choice if you want to do a pontoon reef trip. After a smooth catamaran ride, you'll arrive at the all-weather Marine World pontoon, where you can go snorkeling independently or with a marine biologist, try SNUBA, try a helmet drive, or stay dry and view the reef from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass bottom boat or underwater observatory. Snacks, refreshments, and lunch are included. View this tour  

Often considered the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience, liveaboard trips usually range from one to three nights out on the reef, where you live, eat, scuba, snorkel, and sleep at sea. It’s a more pricey option, but one that allows you to explore this natural wonder in much more depth.

You’ll often take a boat tour out, dive at one reef site, and then board the overnight ship. This means the bigger vessels can stay in the outer reefs. You can go scuba diving and snorkel from these liveaboard ships and do an introductory diving session just like on the day boat trips and the pontoons.

Having the opportunity to spend even one night out on the reef gives you multiple scuba diving sessions, which means you get much more of a chance to witness the full wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.

You can have more focused dives on different elements of the reef. One of the dive sites might be focused on fish, another on the coral itself, and another perhaps on turtles. If you’re traveling alone, you can be paired up with a buddy diver or a guide.

After all that scuba diving and swimming, you will be exhausted and very hungry! Luckily, the crew takes complete care of you during your stay on board the vessel, and all meals are provided, freshly prepared.

Cabins are usually twin or double rooms and air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms. There is a bar available too – but it’s a good idea to get as much sleep as possible to be fresh and ready for the reef in the morning.

A night scuba dive is one of the most exciting experiences you get on a liveaboard. All the thrills of a regular dive, but with the added adrenaline rush of not knowing what is about to pass by your face!

Swimming in the dark ocean at night, being gently swayed by the current, is a feeling you won’t forget in a hurry. You will likely encounter night predators like gray reef sharks, the reflective eyes of crabs and crustaceans, sleeping turtles huddled in crevices, and nocturnal creatures coming out to play.

Even though night dives are accompanied by experienced guides, this might not be your cup of tea. If you don’t fancy getting all the way into the water, there are opportunities to see sharks and other marine life from platforms that are lowered shallowly into the water. The perfect place to witness how life changes on the reef at night for those that aren’t quite as daring!

Snorkeling is an option on these liveaboard boats if you're not into scuba diving. In fact, many people go just to snorkel.

Companies that run recommended liveaboard experiences include Divers Den, Spirit of Freedom, and Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. These Great Barrier Reef tours vary in length and price but are roughly between 560 AUD (377 USD) for a one-night trip and 1100 AUD (740 USD) for a three-night stay.  

Recommended overnight tour: the Great Barrier Reef overnight snorkel and dive trip With this boat tour, you can spend one or two nights on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll get to go on three to five snorkel or dive sessions each day, watch the sunrise from the water, and enjoy the delicious included meals on board. There's plenty of time to relax as well. View this tour  

Don’t fancy getting in the water but still want to experience the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef? A glass-bottom boat tour or semi-submersible cruise could be the ideal solution for you.

Most tour operators (such as Sunlover and Great Adventures) also offer a glass-bottom boat tour, allowing travelers to explore the hive of marine life activity beneath the surface without getting their feet wet! You can board these from the mainland departure points (more on this below), pontoons, or islands in the reef.

Sometimes you can combine a glass-bottom boat tour with trips to various islands to get a full day of different ways of experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. For example, a half or full-day trip to Green Island with Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises.

There are several different options depending on how long you want to spend at sea. Some trips entail a 45-minute boat journey into the reef, but that is also possible if you want to head further to the outer reefs.

You might want to consider picking a glass-bottom boat with a tour guide, as they will be brimming with fascinating facts about the fish and other marine life carried past the glass.

It’s also often possible to tag on a scuba diving or snorkeling experience to your glass-bottom boat trips if you want to get a bit closer to the marine life beneath the ship. Another popular choice is the nighttime Great Barrier Reef tours on glass-bottom boats, which operate with ultraviolet lights, illuminating the activity of the coral polyps and nocturnal predators that emerge after dark.

The semi-submersible tour is similar to the glass-bottom boats, but rather than being above the water, you are submerged within it. Time spent below the surface in a semi-submarine vessel is typically about 30 minutes at a time, which gives a unique insight into what it must be like to exist in the reef itself. There’s nothing quite like watching a friendly reef shark swim by you while you remain dry and comfortable in a semi-submarine.  

Cruise the Great Barrier Reef Islands

There are over 900 individual islands on the Great Barrier Reef, all different sizes. Some islands are developed, some offer holiday resorts, while some are pristine, isolated, and preserved.

The benefits of an island tour are plentiful. It is often cheaper than a full day at sea or an overnight trip on a liveaboard.

The island Great Barrier Reef tours also don't go as far out into the reef as many of the other ones, so they are great if you’re running short of time. You can still observe the variety of marine life around the islands while having a stable base to rest at.

However, island tours do tend to be quite crowded and are potentially a noisier experience as many consider it a good family activity – so expect young kids for company! You do still need to take a boat trip out to the islands, although they are much shorter than the other Great Barrier Reef tours.

The main factor to bear in mind is the quality of the reefs. Although you can explore the fringing reefs that surround the islands by snorkel, the corals will not be as diverse and colorful as those on the outer reefs.

On the other hand, you do get the added bonus of observing the tropical animals and birds that inhabit the island and all the inland activities that come with solid ground.

Here is a brief run-through of some of the best Great Barrier Reef islands to visit.  

Whitsunday Island is the largest and the namesake of this collection, home to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, repeatedly ranked one of the world's top five beaches. Glorious white sand stretched for miles, with crystalline turquoise waters lapping the shore. There are even camping facilities on this legendary beach.

At the northern end of Whitehaven Beach, a ten-minute rainforest trek can take you to the stunning Hill Inlet, where you can get spectacular views across the bay.

The fast-moving, nutrient-rich currents in the seas in this area mean that the fringing reefs are well-stocked and beautiful. Keep your eye out for the unadorned rock wallabies that inhabit this island.

Although this large island is developed (unlike some wilder islands) and has accommodation options, there is no traffic. Golf carts are used to get around!  

Green Island is known as a coral cay, a low-lying sandy island that forms on top of a coral reef. From above, Green Island is easily recognized by its bushy rainforest encircled by white beaches.

Green Island is one of the most popular destinations as it lies only a 45-minute boat journey from the mainland town of Cairns. It has a bit of everything – beautiful corals, lush tropical rainforests, and sparkling white sand beaches. You can walk around Green Island in about 40 minutes.

From here, you can snorkel, take a scenic helicopter ride, explore the thick rainforest, chill on the beach, or take a semi-submersible out onto the reef. You can even stay the night at the luxury Green Island Resort. There are also some shops, bars and restaurants, diving facilities and a swimming pool.

Full-day Green Island and reef sailing cruise If you want to visit Green Island and spend some time snorkeling the reef, this nine-hour day trip is a good choice. With just 24 other people, you'll sail to an exclusive reef site where you can go snorkel before having a seafood, salad, and chicken lunch on the boat. Certified divers can do their thing, while those who want to try can get a very personalized diving initiation. After lunch, you head to Green Island, where you can relax, go for a walk, or have a cocktail at the island's resort. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available. View this tour  

Langford Island is located within the Whitsundays and is a popular choice for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Although only small, it’s a stunning destination, famous for its long sandy spit, which is a glorious spot for sunbathing and swimming.

Langford has a relatively small reef but still an intricate ecosystem to observe, with a vast amount of marine life.

This is one of the more secluded destinations – head here if you want a peaceful and less crowded experience.  

The quaintly-named Daydream Island is another of the Whitsundays. It’s only a small one, measuring about one kilometer (0.6 of a mile) in length. Miraculously this little island is one of the few that are inhabited and home to two Great Barrier Reef resorts which can be fun options if you’re seeking a bit of nightlife.

At only a few minutes by boat from the mainland Airlie Beach, this is an excellent destination for those with a shorter time limit. There are many fun activities to enjoy here, from paddle boarding to sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and an education center with marine experts.  

This island is the second largest of the Whitsunday Islands and home to the highest mountain of the island group at 459 meters high. It has two beautiful inlets called Nara and Macona in the south.

In the Nara inlet, there is a cave with some rather extraordinary aboriginal cave paintings which are well worth seeing. If you’re traveling here by ferry, ask the driver to stop and show you these historical artworks.

Maureens Cove and Manta Ray Bay off Hook Island are known for large batfish you can swim among – they might even eat from your hand.

So far as tourist facilities, Hook Island is more of a cheap and cheerful option – do not expect luxury here. There are still some wonderful activities to get involved in, and this could be a great destination for those on a budget.  

The opposite to Hook Island, Hayman Island is for the luxury-seekers. The most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands, Hayman is a small privately-owned island that is open to the public.

It’s renowned for its affluent five-star holiday resort, which is renowned as one of Australia’s top honeymoon and leisure destinations. The resort recently reopened its doors after multi-million-dollar renovations in a site nestled at the base of verdant rolling mountains. Expect beachfront suites, lavish spa treatments, and fine dining.

All the usual marine exploits run from Hayman too, as well as helicopter tours, floating massages, sea-kayaking, golf… you name it. Day-trippers aren’t allowed on this island, only overnighters.  

Take a helicopter or plane ride

Perfect for those who would rather not get wet, observing the coral reef by air is a once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity that is guaranteed not to disappoint. Fly over the famous heart island off Hayman Island, or experience a helicopter landing on the white sands of Whitehaven Beach. This is the best way to really get a sense of the scale and variety of the Great Barrier Reef.

Helicopter and plane rides come in an array of different shapes and sizes. You can do short, half-hour flights over the reef from mainland points such as the town of Cairns. You can also take a flight out to an island or pontoon and spend the day in a range of reef pursuits.

While boat trips can take up to two hours to get to the outer reefs, helicopters can whiz there in under 25 minutes. If you’re trying to decide between a helicopter and a plane, you may find that the scenic plane rides are slightly better value for money.

Costs of helicopter or plane rides vary massively, but needless to say, it’s a pricier activity to opt for. There are so many variables, depending on the time you want to spend in the air to the activities you want to incorporate.  

2. Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise including scenic heli flight If you'd rather spend a whole day out on the reef, this full-day tour is the right choice. A luxurious, high-speed catamaran takes you to two outer reef snorkeling sites where you can go snorkeling; Your ten-minute helicopter ride takes off from a special pontoon, and you can enjoy live music on the way back. Tea, refreshments, and a BBQ lunch are included. View this tour  

• something warm – especially in winter
• a beach towel
• a quick-dry towel
• a t-shirt to wear in the water if you easily burn
• UV lip balm
• an underwater camera
• motion sickness medication or ginger tablets
• a reusable water bottle

For multi-day trips, make sure to also bring quick-drying clothes, a universal adapter , and everything else you'd bring on an overnight trip.

While you can leave your daypack inside, I recommend bringing a dry bag or a waterproof backpack so you don't need to worry about where you put it.

Good to know: While it's important to wear sunscreen not to burn, it's even more important to apply it at least half an hour before you go into the water so that it doesn't dissolve in and pollute the ocean anymore.

You'll have to walk barefoot on most of the boats, but it's still easiest to wear flip-flops or slippers to go on Great Barrier Reef tours.  

On a visit to the reef, you'll mostly see different kinds of fish and corals, but it's pretty frequent that people spot small sharks and turtles too. We saw two small sharks on our snorkel trip.  

Listen to your crew members – they are experts in what they do and know the environment well. Pay attention to their safety briefings. If you’re nervous about getting in the water, let your crew know, and they’ll talk you through it, sometimes offering you flotation devices or a helping hand.

Be water smart – use your common sense. If you’re going to be swimming out into the reef, make sure you stay hydrated to avoid muscle cramping. Keep an eye on the boat (especially if scuba diving) and the time to make sure you can get back to the meeting point within the time given. Don’t go beyond your limits.

Stingers (marine animals like irukandji and box jellyfish) can be present at any time during the year but are most populous from October to May. You should wear a stinger suit during this time – the crew will provide you with one of these.

Keep your distance from all creatures. Even the friendliest fish can bite if you aggravate it, and touching is not a good idea for you or it.

Encounters with sharks seem to be a constant fear for those traveling to the Great Barrier Reef, but the reality is that the few sharks that inhabit the area are the harmless ones. The Great White Shark is not indigenous to the reef – the ones you’re likely (if at all) to spot are the gray reef sharks, white and black-tip reef sharks, leopard sharks (rarely), and a handful of others. These are not particularly dangerous unless you abuse them somehow, so don’t touch them.

At the end of the day, the crew members are trained in first aid and CPR and will be there to fish you out if you get into trouble. Not much can go wrong on a tour of the reef, so you can plan your adventures with a worry-free mind.  

If you're not a fan of pills, you don't need to take actual medication. Ginger tablets work great, as does ginger tea, candied ginger, or nibbling on raw ginger.

Conversely, consider a scopolamine patch if regular motion sickness tablets don't work for you. You need a doctor's prescription to get it, and then place it behind your ear, where it will deliver scopolamine at a steady rate for three days.

If it's your first time using a patch, it's best to put it on about 24 hours before you hit the water to test how your body reacts to it. If all goes well, you can put it on four hours before going in the next time.

Don't drink alcohol while wearing a patch, and make sure to remove it again after three days.

You're more likely to start feeling unwell inside the boat than outside on the deck. Keeping the horizon in sight and breathing fresh air can definitely help.

It's also best to avoid staring through binoculars or, for example, your camera's lens for a long time.

Stay away from strong smells. This means keeping clear of the kitchen when they're preparing lunch, not bringing any smelly cheese on board, or avoiding that person on the boat that puts on too much perfume in the morning – they shouldn't be wearing perfume when swimming in natural waters anyway.

Lastly, some people claim it helps to wear an earplug in just one ear. That's because motion sickness is caused by the conflicting signals your inner ears and eyes send to your brain. When wearing just one earplug, your brain would understand there's something wrong with the signals sent by your ears, and it would supposedly only focus on the signals sent by your eyes.

When we went on our Outer Barrier Reef day trip, I got unwell when we had to come inside to listen to the briefing. I immediately went out to stop things from getting really bad and had a Coke as my sugar levels had clearly dropped.

Good to know: You won't be motion sick in the water, so if you're feeling unwell and hesitant about jumping in, go for it. You'll actually feel better swimming than sitting on the boat.  

From December to March, the climate is hot and humid. An increase in river run-off and rains can cloud the water. It is also stinger season (generally accepted as between October and May), so you’ll need to wear a stinger suit, although stingers are very rarely spotted.

A great time of year to visit would be April and May. This is after the rainy season, so the waters should be clearer, but before the madness of tourist season, accommodation costs should be reasonably low.

During the (Australian) winter months, you may see whales migrating, and there are specific whale-watching tours you can take if this is something you’re keen to observe.  

From where to go on a Great Barrier Reef cruise?

The most popular departure point for the Great Barrier Reef is the vibrant city of Cairns in the north of Queensland. Boat journeys from Cairns can take anything between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on how far into the reef you’re heading, and they start at about 7.30 am. There are a plethora of dive shops where you can talk to tour organizers before making your decision.

Cairns itself is a rapidly expanding tourist hotspot where fun is high on the agenda. The Esplanade Lagoon and the Pier Marina are great places to hang out. As well as a buzzing nightlife, its tropical climate and proximity to the Daintree rainforest bursting with life make it an attractive option to find tours to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.

1. Luxury Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving trip This eight-hour trip takes you to two exclusive outer reef locations on a luxury vessel with three large sun decks, two air-conditioned indoor saloons, a spacious dive deck, and a sunken platform for easy access in and out of the water. Morning tea or coffee, a hot and cold tropical buffet lunch, hot freshwater showers, detailed snorkel and dive briefings, guided snorkeling tours, certified diver guides, use of dive and snorkel equipment, and wet and stinger suits are all included. View this tour  

2. Outer and Coral Cay reefs cruise This tour grants you the longest stay on the reef of all available tours – six hours. You'll visit two outer reef locations, and aside from snorkeling, you'll also be able to take a glass-bottom boat tour, feed some vibrant tropical fish, and enjoy a large buffet lunch with smoked salmon and prawns. Water, pastries, salty snacks, and fruits are provided as well. Use of all snorkeling equipment is included in your tour. View this tour  

3. Outer Great Barrier Reef full-day tour with live music On this full-day tour, you'll get to snorkel at two outer reef locations, enjoy a delicious BBQ on board, and enjoy live music as you make your way back at the end of the day. There's also the option to add on a tour in a semi-submersible. View this tour  

Port Douglas reef tours

Port Douglas is actually closer to the more untouched Outer Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas can give you a less touristy experience and can bring you to areas of the reef that are better preserved.

Great Barrier Reef aside, it is also an excellent place from which to explore the highlands of the Atherton Tablelands, home to wetlands, waterfalls, and kangaroos.  

1. Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef sailing tour On this full-day tour, a luxury catamaran takes you to the coral cay Low Isles where you can listen to a talk by a marine biologist, go on a snorkel tour, and watch the fish and coral from a glass-bottom boat. Discover marine life at the water's edge on a guided beach walk and enjoy an included lunch buffet. View this tour  

2. Silversonic Great Barrier Reef dive and snorkel adventure On this day tour, you'll enjoy five hours at three different outer reef sites. Both snorkeling and diving are possible, also for first-timers. All equipment, as well as tea, snacks, refreshments, and lunch, are provided. Bonus: Silversonic has one of the few permits to let guests swim with Minke whales in the season. View this tour  

3. Luxury Great Barrier reef snorkel and dive trip This full-day tour with Divers Den is the one we did when we were in Queensland. I'll tell you more about it below, but if you can't wait, you can check out this tour here .  

There are also Cape York and Townsville Great Barrier Reef tours, as well as a range of different places along the Queensland coast you can depart from.

1-hour Whitsunday Islands scenic flight from Airlie Beach There are fewer tours departing from Airlie Beach than from Cairns and Port Douglas, but this 1-hour scenic flight above the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef is something quite special. You're guaranteed a window seat for great views and will get live commentary by the pilot. A transfer from and to Airlie Beach is included. View this tour  

I travel 20+ times a year and have a few websites I always use to book my trips. These are the sites that I've found offer reasonable prices, are reliable, and have a good choice of whatever I'm looking for. You can find them below.

If you book anything through these links, I'll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The income I make helps me create new content here on the blog and to keep that content free.

Accommodation Booking.com is my preferred hotel booking site as it has a wide range of filtering options and its Genius program gives you special discounts after a few bookings.

Flights Skyscanner compares flight prices across a lot of airlines and also has a handy price alert feature.

Car rental Rentalcars.com compares hundreds of rental car companies to make sure you get the best deal based on your search criteria.

Airport transfers Welcome Pickups is great for booking airport transfers. Their site is super userfriendly and you can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand if needed.

Tours, tickets, and activities GetYourGuide is an easy-to-use site that offers everything from skip-the-line tickets to day trips.  

We thought one might be too few and three too much as we didn't want to spend more time going to places than actually swimming there.

When we embarked, we were all given a safety number so the crew could quickly check throughout the day if we were all still there and okay. We also had to fill out a questionnaire to inform them of our swimming, snorkeling, and – if relevant – diving skills and any medical conditions we had.

They took this very seriously as someone came up to check if I could snorkel on my own because of my asthma. I assured them I was fine as long as I took my daily medication, but I was happy to know they took their job seriously.

Good to know: if you were not a confident swimmer, you could get a life vest or floating devices to use in the water.

We had about an hour and a half to snorkel at our first spot in the morning before lunch was served. I hadn't expected much of the lunch, but it was actually delicious, with veggies, prawns, chicken, rice, bread, and even soup.

© Divers Den

We then cruised on to our next snorkeling spot of the day, where we again had ample time to roam the water.

My ex and I just snorkeled on this trip, but certified divers could go diving on their own. If you've never dived before, you could sign up for a diving initiation (this cost extra).

Both divers and snorkelers received a briefing before we reached our first stop. Us snorkelers were told how we could keep safe but also how we could keep the reef safe – by not touching it, for example.

We could snorkel independently, but we could also follow someone from the crew who went around the reef and pointed out things you could see. My former partner did this at some point, and he spotted a massive fish. I'd gone back to the boat by then and do have to say I now wish I'd followed him.

Overall, our Outer Barrier Reef cruise was super chill. We had time to relax on deck as we were moving between places, ample time to snorkel at both reef sites, and also plenty of time to enjoy the lunch.

By the way, the Divers Den excursion also includes pick-up from and drop-off at your accommodation in Port Douglas, which is quite handy. We used the pick-up in the morning but just walked back to the campsite so we could grab an ice cream along the way. After all, the center of Port Douglas isn't that big.

We booked our Great Barrier Reef trip through GetYourGuide as I'm an affiliate of theirs and have booked other activities with them several times before. If you're interested in doing the same trip, you can find all information here .  

There is no shortage of Great Barrier Reef tours to choose from, and it really comes down to how you experience this extraordinary place. You might want to take one of the many Port Douglas snorkeling tours to swim alongside the marine life or relax at one of the sites on the Whitsundays like Green Island or Hamilton Island.

No matter how you choose to spend your time at the Great Barrier Reef, make sure you’re respectful of this UNESCO heritage site and enjoy looking but not touching!

No matter how well you plan your trip, something can always happen that's beyond your control. A reservation can get canceled, you can get sick, or you can drop and break that new camera. When something like that happens, travel insurance has you covered.

I've had ongoing travel insurance ever since I started traveling to make sure I'm covered for every trip I go on, but if you travel just a few times a year, you can get insured for each trip separately as well.

Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great, and I can personally recommend them.  

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Akshay says

Hi, I was planning to visit great barrier reef but I refused my idea due to covid situation but after reading your blog about great barrier reef I found it very interesting about there, and now I am planning to visit there near future. thank you for this post!

I’m happy you liked it! You can add it to your list of things to do post-COVID :)

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Cairns City Tours

Cairns area, reef day cruises, island day cruises.

Great Value Reef Day with Scenic Helicopter Flight

Adult $369|Child $289 4-16 years Great Value !! Save $79

Departs daily 8.00am - 4.30pm Experience the ultimate adventure value package on the Great Barrier Reef with views from above and below the Reef. Includes an awesome 10-minute scenic Helicopter flight to see the colours of the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Full day with two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef on board the luxury vessel "Evolution" including snorkelling, lunch and sunbathing.

Experience the ultimate adventure package and best value day on the Great Barrier Reef with amazing views from above and below. Enjoy a full day to two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef on board the luxury vessel "Evolution" including snorkelling, lunch, sunbathing and in the afternoon; you will board a Nautilus Aviation Helicopter for an incredible 10-minute scenic flight to see the magical colours of the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Departs 8.00 am Return 4.30 pm. 7.30 am Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns

Evolution also caters to both dive beginners and certified divers. Scuba diving packages include a full dive & safety briefing, specialised top-rated dive gear, and a fully qualified dive instructor. Note some medical conditions and medication can exclude you from diving.

• Snorkel at 2 unique outer reef locations
• Snorkelling equipment & floatation devices
• Free use of lycra/sun-suit
• Hot BBQ lunch
• 10 minute Scenic helicopter flight.
• Tea & coffee provided
• A glass of wine and a light snack on return
• Prescription Masks
• Certified diving - $80
• Introductory diving - $80
• Semi Submersible Coral Viewing Adult$20 Child $10 (subject to weather & bookable on board)

PLEASE READ dive medical before booking any dives. This will be required to be completed on the day of travel.

View Dive Medical.pdf

• Reefsmart sunscreen
• Underwater camera
• Water bottle (you are able to refill on board)
• Change of clothes
• Extra cash or credit card for onboard purchases

Optional extras

What to bring.

Related Tours

Cruise • Fly Great Barrier Reef

$550.00 per Adult or Child 3yrs+ Departs daily 8am - 3.30pm 4.5 hours at the Great Barrier Reef Experience the ultimate and best value day on the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy 2 reef locations, BBQ lunch and snorkelling equipment. At Hastings Reef, you will board a Nautilus Aviation Helicopter for a 25-minute scenic flight to see the magical colours of the reef & sand cays from the air while travelling back to Cairns.

2 Day Reef and Daintree Rainforest

Adult $425| Child 4-16 yrs $295| Family 2A+2C 4-16yrs $1280 Departs daily Experience the very best of Cairns Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tours. This 2 day reef and rainforest package offers great value to visit our two amazing World Heritage National Parks - The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest during your stay in Cairns. Tours do not need to be taken consecutively .  

Great Barrier Reef Tour with Reef Magic from Cairns

From Adult $299|Child $149|Family $747 Seasonal rates apply.

Departs daily 9am - 5pm The all-weather Reef Magic Pontoon is the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef and is designed for a sustainable future. A 90-minute cruise takes you to this all-inclusive pontoon for snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter flights, and more. Stay dry with a sundeck, and view the coral from the  underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tour.

Sunlover Cruises from Cairns

Adult $285|Child 4-15 yrs $165|Family $735 Departs Daily 10.00am - 5.30pm Join Sunlover Reef Cruises to discover and explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on their comfortable, fast, air-conditioned catamaran which travels to a large pontoon located at pristine Moore Reef on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The recently refurbished pontoon caters to both swimmers and non swimmers, and now features an upper-level sun deck and the Sunlover Sunslide, a fun filled 30-metre spiral descent into the tropical waters.

Silversonic Reef Cruise – from Port Douglas

Adult $302|Child $218 Departs daily Port Douglas 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.

Cruise-Fly or Fly-Cruise the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver Cruises

$670 per person Departs daily from Port Douglas For your experience of a lifetime depart Port Douglas, Quicksilver’s friendly crew will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef.  The 35 minute scenic flight between Port Douglas and Agincourt Reef delivers stunning panoramic views extending from the tropical rainforest clad coastline

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Any PD or Cairns GBR Day Tours that do 3+ Intro scuba dives? - Great Barrier Reef Forum

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Any PD or Cairns GBR Day Tours that do 3+ Intro scuba dives?

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My question is:

* Is there any tour companies that offer and allow more than two intro dives on the one full day on the GBR?

I would like to do at least three intro scuba dives if possible and preferably out of Cairns, only because I will be already snorkelling out of PD at least once or maybe twice, but I am happy to do the intro scuba dives from PD if that's the best and only option available.

Thanks in advance for any help and information.

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