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How to Visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef: The Ultimate Guide

W ords do it no justice. The seventh natural wonder of the world. The largest coral reef on Earth: 344,400 square kilometres of fish of all colors, playful sea turtles, giant clams, swaying anemones, darting eels, sea snarks and reef sharks.

You don’t need to be a pro diver to experience the reef. I’ve visited twice. The first time in 2010, I drifted in my snorkel and fins and watched from a safe distance as a giant sea turtle feasted serenely on a transparent jellyfish. Holding the hand of an instructor, I tentatively attempted a night dive, and swam shoulder to shoulder with dozens of sleek white sharks in the eerie darkness.

Seven years later on my second visit, the reef seemed to have changed. Perhaps it was just reality failing to live up to memory, but I had read extensively about changes in sea temperature caused by climate change leading to massive death of coral. The so-called ‘coral bleaching’ wrecks the entire ecosystem, as each creature depends on the others for survival.

Still, the reef is exquisite beyond. But if you want to see it, do see responsibly, and do so soon!

How Much Does a Trip to the Great Barrier Reef Cost?

The reef proper lies a long way from the shore. To do it justice, you’ll need to go out on a boat. Costs for this vary greatly depending on the length of time, the level of comfort, and the amount of activities you plan to participate in. You can browse tour options along with reviews on GetYourGuide and Viator . Staying in a mid-range boat for a two-night “Liveaboard” trip will set you back around $400AUD per person including (basic) meals. The ‘raw budget’ experience of a one day trip out to the reef and back, with no extras and providing your own equipment, can be done for around $100AUD.

You’ll also have to factor in accomodation in Cairns or another gateway city (search HotelsCombined and  Airbnb  to cover all your options of hotels, hostels, and homes), as reef tours tend to leave at the crack of dawn. Search Skyscanner by “entire month” to find the cheapest dates to fly from your origin. Not including flights, I would say a realistic budget to enjoy the reef and the Cairns experience starts at $600AUD, though it is possible to spend a lot more!

How to Choose a Great Barrier Reef Tour

With so many tour companies competing in such a popular region, it can be hard to know which company to go with. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Destination: The outer reefs are typically more colorful and less damaged than the closer reefs, which suffer from coral bleaching due to overtourism.
• Vehicle: Catamarans, sailboats, and even helicopters are all some of the options for visiting the reef. Many boats have glass bottoms, so you can look at the sealife below without ever getting wet.
• Activities: You'll most likely want your tour to include snorkeling, but scuba diving tours are also an option.

We recommend browsing the tours on GetYourGuide and Viator , which let you compare tours, read real reviews from travellers who have booked them, and book any tour with immediate confirmation. Most offer 24 hour free cancellation and allow you to show confirmation on your mobile device, no printer required.

Look beyond the rating and read a few of the actual reviews. These can also be useful to give you an idea of the type of person on each tour – for example if you’re a young group of friends, you’re probably looking for a different atmosphere than a couple traveling on their 50th wedding anniversary! More reviews are available on TripAdvisor too.  With many tour companies seeming to offer more or less than same thing at the same rates from first glance, a little extra time in planning and research can help you make the most of your time and budget.

Here are a few of the top-rated tour options:

From Cairns: Premium Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise ($169 AUD)

Goes to 2 outer reef locations, chef-prepared lunch, luxury catamaran, and options to snorkel, swim, or dive.

Green Island Day Trip From Cairns ($97 AUD)

Goes to Green Island, catamaran tour, glass bottomed boats, upgrade options for lunch and semi-submarine tours.

Cairns: Green Island & Reef Full-Day Sailing Cruise ($195 AUD)

Goes to Green Island, travel by sail boat, max 25 ppl, onboard lunch, pastries, tea/coffee.

Beyond the Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is normally accessed from Cairns, a vibrant tourist city on the far north tip of Queensland. The reef is the biggest draw, but there’s so much else that makes this region worth visiting in its own rights. Crocodiles, rainforests, aboriginal culture, and pioneering cuisine blend together with a wild nightlife and a youthful vibe.

As we explore the highlights below, we’ll look beyond the reef itself to the neighbouring attractions and activities that will add value to your trip.

Far North Queensland Highlights

The “capital” of the far North, Cairns is a dynamic tourist town. Walk down the esplanade during sunset and listen to the bats in the thick trees above you. You’re closer to Papua New Guinea or Indonesia than you are to Sydney, and things are different here. A thumping nightlife and eclectic dining scene contrasts with the general wildness of the town – it’s worth a couple of days. Your cheapest accommodation option is likely Airbnb , but you can compare hostels and hotels on HotelsCombined too.

Often overlooked, Townsville is Cairn’s quieter cousin. If you’re averse to tour groups, it can make a cheaper and gentler waypoint to the reef, and there’s plenty of good snorkelling around. The Reef HQ aquarium and Museum of Tropical Queensland make good educational antidotes to the hedonism of nearby Cairns (by Australian standards!).

The Daintree Rainforest

Want to experience an unspoilt tropical rainforest, or prefer to relax with a cocktail on the beach? At the Daintree, you can have both. The terrifying, ancient Cassowary birds still stalk the bushes, and in the water you’re taught to be weary of crocodiles, jellyfish and venomous seashells, but the natural beauty more than compensates for the danger. Tours leave from Cairns, as well the most developed rainforest town, Port Arthur.

The Whitsundays

74 unspoilt islands lie between the mainland of Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Mostly uninhabited, you don’t go there for the bar scene or fine dining. Instead, white sand beaches lead you to never ending horizons and blood red sunsets. Leave only footprints along bush hiking trails, and feel yourself part of vast wilderness of the Reef. A variety of cruises, sails, snorkelling trips, and more can be booked on GetYourGuide and Viator for as little as $59 AUD.

Kuranda Village, Skyrail Cable Car, and Kuranda Scenic Railway

A gorgeous small town with friendly locals and comfortable hospitality, this popular day trip from Cairns has charming shops, restaurants, and markets to explore. But it is perhaps best known for the connecting Skyrail Cable Car and the Kuranda Scenic Railway . The cable car ride is 7.5 kilometers long, offering a bird’s eye view of the dense, green rainforest as you sail gently over the tops of the trees. The railway was built over 120 years ago, winding through mountains and offering spectacular views of waterfalls and the Barron Gorge. It's a must-do when visiting Cairns!

There are a number of ticket options, which can be a bit confusing, but we recommend taking  both the cable car and scenic railway . Here's how to choose your ticket type:

• If you have your own vehicle: Go for the  Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Rail Self-Drive option ($112.50 AUD). You will first park at the Skyrail Smithfield Terminal to take the cable car to Kuranda Village. Then return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and get off at Freshwater station. A free shuttle bus will take you back to the Smithfield Terminal where your car is parked (about 7km away). You can also do this itinerary in reverse, starting with the train and returning on the cable car. Check the self-drive guide for details.
• If you need transportation: Get a combination package of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway & Kuranda Scenic Railway with transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns ($126 AUD) or Port Douglas ($153 AUD). You will choose to either take the cable car to Kuranda and the train back, or vice-versa. Your transfers will handle everything else.

Booking on GetYourGuide gives you the advantage of instant confirmation and easy cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you're on a budget, you can also opt to just take a return trip on the Skyrail Cableway ($79 AUD), but it's a lot more interesting to combine with the train if you can afford it. You can also skip the cable car and railway entirely and just drive yourself to Kuranda Village. But the train and cable car are really the highlight here!

Paronella Park

Treat yourself to a taste of luxury and experience eco-tourism at its best. This highly awarded Queensland highlight offers a skywalk, waterfalls, botanical gardens and more all located around a lovingly built castle within 5 hectares of ground containing 7,500 tropical plants and trees. Prices start from $46 AUD per adult . You can book on GetYourGuide to enjoy instant confirmation, skip the line with a mobile or printed ticket, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Sample Trip Itineraries

If, like me, your main goal in hitting the Far North is to experience the Great Barrier reef, but you have time and budget to experience a bit of the region as well, here’s a sample itinerary for you:

• Day 1: Arrive Cairns, settle into your accommodation, walk on the esplanade and enjoy dinner and a local craft beer or two
• Day 2 – 4: Two day liveaboard reef tour. Starting early you’ll meet your boat on the wharf and head out a couple of hours to a nice spot on the reef. You’ll eat and sleep on the boat for two nights, and snorkel/dive depending on your experience and preference several times a day
• Day 4-5: Daintree Rainforest. Your boat will return you to Cairns in time to make your way to Port Douglas or elsewhere in the Daintree. Settle into one of the many accommodation options, and recover from the exertions of the reef in the tranquility of the forest
• If you have longer, consider basing yourself in Cairns and making day trips to the surrounding attractions, for example a day hiking on the Whitsundays, the Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway , or Paronella Park .

Great Barrier Reef Accommodation

Options are available to suit most budgets. You can kill 2 birds with 1 stone and rent a Jucy campervan , driving and camping as you go (see more under transportation section below). Camping options are plentiful around Cairns and Townsville. Airbnb is also abundant and affordable (especially for 2 or more travellers), with a private room in Cairns as cheap as $25 AUD/night. Backpacker hostels are everywhere, with dorm rooms starting from around $20 AUD a night. You can compare across most hostel and hotel sites using HotelsCombined .

Private hotel accommodation is likely to set you back at least $70/night for even the most basic, though Townsville can offer cheaper options. Luxury lodges and “Bed and Breakfast” eco retreats are available in the Daintree rainforest .

Editors note: We had an unforgettable stay at Sanctuary Retreat in Mission Beach , halfway between Cairns and Townsville. You stay in private huts in the middle of the rainforest upon a steep hill, surrounded by nature, and delicious food at the restaurant. A truly unique experience, and extremely affordable ! ~ Jen and Ted

Locals joke that Far North Queensland has two seasons: Bloody hot and dry (April to November) and bloody hot and wet (November to March). The weather is truly tropical, with high humidity, cyclones and typhoons. Mosquitoes and other lovely creepy crawlies can be killer, so stock up on high strength repellent before you go!

Eating & Drinking

Seafood was the culinary highlight of my trips to Cairns! Along the esplanade many fine restaurants compete with for the tourist dollar, and will set you back at least $30 AUD for a decent meal, easily twice this if you’re drinking as well. Some of the boats along the harbour also sell seafood, including the exotic Moreton Bay Bug, a tasty but surreal looking crustacean. Aboriginal bush tucker (fancy a kangaroo stack or crocodile carpaccio?) is also served at some restaurants.

Luxury options are common throughout, with the price tags to match. If you’re on a budget, you’ll be relieved to learn that most hostels have comprehensive cooking facilities, and supermarkets (Woolworths and Coles are the big chains, and the less common Aldi can be cheaper) are easy enough to find in the big towns. For a cheap hot meal in Cairns, Townsville, and larger towns, hit up the RSL (Returned and Services League of Australia).

Transportation

Cairns and Townsville are major transport hubs, with frequent flight connections to each other (just over 1 hour) and other Australian cities (Jetstar and Tiger Air are typically the cheapest options). If coming from overseas, you’ll most likely have to transit through Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, a whopping 1,700 kilometers away! Use Skyscanner and search by entire month to see the cheapest dates and options to fly.

The Greyhound bus makes a cheap but painfully slow way to get around. Tour companies will handle transportation for you between attractions themselves. If hiring a car, companies like Ace and Avis can offer deals as low as $20 AUD per day. You can compare many car rental sites at once using BookingBuddy .

• Crocodile Spotting. They’re green, they’re scary, and they’re spectacular to watch in their native environment. Tours are available from Cairns with companies such as Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures , starting at $39 AUD per adult ( also available with a transfer from Cairns for $80 AUD). While guided tours are safe, tourists who ignore the signs and step off the paths occasionally come to harm, so think twice before living out your Crocodile Hunter fantasy!
• Scuba Diving. Snorkelling is a default choice for seeing the reef, but for those who wish to go deeper and stay down longer, the Great Barrier Reef remains a scuba diver’s dream come true. You can learn to dive from scratch at the reef with a 4-day PADI open water dive course (from $620 AUD), making you internationally certified. More options are available from companies like  Prodive ,  though they can be a pricey and time consuming option.
• Aboriginal Culture. With claim to over 40,000 years of history, the Australia aboriginals have a rich and fascinating history that it intricately entwined with the rugged and beautiful country. Tjapukai Cultural Park offers tours during the day as well as spectacular, fiery nighttime performances.
• Hiking. From the white sands of the Whitsundays to the dense jungle of the Daintree, Far North Queensland has a host of hiking trails and coastal walks. You’ll experience broad range of botanical features, and unique scenery that will keep you fascinated despite the heat.

Responsible Travel

As mentioned at the start, the Great Barrier Reef has been put through hell recently due to climate change and environmental hazards. And yet, even the most caring conservationists will tell you that’s not a reason not to go. Better to see and experience nature up close and personal, and gain an appreciation for what we have, the better to fight hard so that we can keep it.

When you go on a tour of the reef, a certain percentage of your ticket fare will be used as a “reef tax” to help fund conservation efforts. There are other things you can to do help minimize your own impact on the environment. When staying in rural areas, be discerning about what you buy and take your rubbish away with you.

When in the water, use biodegradable sunscreen and cut down on skin products to avoid the toxic effects on the surrounding coral and sea life. And of course, never step on coral or attempt to touch sea life of any kind – for your own safety as well as theirs!

The Thrifty Gist

• Great Barrier Reef tours leave from hubs like Cairns and Townsville. You can go in one day, but for the full experience choose a “liveaboard” option. Tours can be browsed with real reviews and booked instantly on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• While the Great Barrier Reef is a highlight, Far North Queensland has many other activities and attractions that are certainly worth the extra time.
• The cheapest accommodation options are camping, youth hostel dorms, and Airbnb . Use HotelsCombined to compare hostels and hotels. Private accommodation can be expensive, but is often very comfortable, particularly in the eco-lodges and B&Bs outside of the big cities. Cairns has a dynamic food scene, but to save money shop at supermarkets like Woolworths and self-cater at the cooking facilities provided by most hostels.
• Choose your tour companies wisely by looking beyond the surface and getting a sense that the company caters for people with your goals and priorities. Practice responsible tourism and be conscious of your footprint on the delicate environment that you are enjoying.

Top Tours in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great barrier reef tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

2. Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

3. Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

4. K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour

5. 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

6. ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers

7. Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

8. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

9. Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Tour: Beaches, Lookouts and Snorkel

10. Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

11. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

12. Fitzroy Island Day Tour from Cairns

13. Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

14. The Big Island Day Tour: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach

15. Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge: Full or Half Day Tour

16. 1 hour Mimosa Morning Turtle Spotting Cruise

17. Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

18. Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

19. Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise from Airlie Beach

20. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

21. 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

22. From Port Douglas Tour including Kuranda, Skyrail & Scenic Train

23. Remote Fraser Island Experience

24. Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld

25. Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

26. Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch

27. Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

28. Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

29. Small Group Full Day Daintree Rainforest Tour from Port Douglas

30. Dingos 3 Day K'Gari (Fraser Island) ​4WD Tag-Along Tour

What travellers are saying.

• Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise
• 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight
• K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour
• Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Day Tour - 2 Beaches 2 Lookouts 1 Snorkel Location
• Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Abc Snorkel Charters
• Wavelength Reef Charters
• Aquascene Magnetic Island
• Blue Dive Port Douglas & Cairns
• Ocean Rafting
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Reef Sprinter
• Keppel Explorer
• Prosail Whitsundays
• Pilgrim Magnetic Island
• Daintree Discovery Tours
• Get Around Island Boat Tours & Hire
• Cairns Canyoning

15 Best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns

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Approximately two million people make the journey to Far North Queensland every year, teeming with excitement. With so many different tours departing from Cairns offering sailing, snorkeling, diving, and more, choosing the most appropriate option can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, we’ve done the research so that you don’t have to! If you’re looking for the best Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns, look no further!

Composed of nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 picturesque islands, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef boasts breathtaking beauty in every direction. Colorful fish, vibrant coral, and sizzling rays of year-round sunshine make this iconic Australian destination one of the world’s most revered natural attractions.

Don’t feel like reading ahead? Click below to compare ALL of the tours available and save 30% or more.

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1 – Great Barrier Reef: Premium Catamaran Cruise from Cairns

There’s no better feeling than lounging on the netted deck with the wind in your hair. That’s exactly what you’ll be experiencing en route to two glorious reef sites aboard a state-of-the-art catamaran. Depending on the day’s conditions, some snorkeling locations boast greater underwater visibility than others, with the crew always aiming to find the most serene spots.

The full-day tour lasts 9 hours, sets sail at 8am, and offers full cancellation and refunds up to 24 hours before departure. $175 AUD will include morning and afternoon tea, high-quality snorkeling equipment, complimentary snorkel tours, and the option to either snorkel, swim, or dive (optional add-on) amongst the marine life.

• See reviews and prices

2 – Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Suitable for beginner-level swimmers as well as water sports enthusiasts, this cruise takes you out to a pair of vibrant reef locations on a luxurious superyacht – work on the tan on th open-air deck or relax and take a break from the sun in the air-conditioned modern lounges.

While moorings change depending on the conditions, tours usually visit one of the Outer Great Barrier Reef spots (Saxon Reef or Norman Reef) in the morning before continuing to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon, with a freshly-cooked lunch in the middle.

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes and departs from Cairns at 7am. $165 AUD includes a glass of wine, use of all equipment, a buffet BBQ lunch, and 5 hours of reef time. Optional extras, such as a helicopter flight, are available at an extra cost.

3 – Premium Reef and Coral Cay Cruise at High Speed from Cairns

With a maximum of 36 participants on any one day, this tour is far more intimate and personal than most of its competitors. Onboard the Seastar 1, you’ll reach your first diving or snorkeling spot – Michaelmas Cay – just 1 hour and 15 minutes after departure.

Once there, explore the waters to your heart’s content or simply kick back on the untouched, postcard-worthy beach. Next stop: the equally impressive Hastings Reef, sitting on the very outer edge on the Great Barrier Reef.

The full-day tour departs from Cairns at 7:30am. $200 AUD includes morning and afternoon tea, a scrumptious buffet lunch, guided snorkel tours at both locations, and most impressively, a glass-bottom boat throughout.

4 – Cairns: Green Island & Reef Full-Day Sailing Cruise

The smallest boat so far – a classic 16-meter sailing vessel – welcomes a maximum of 25 exclusive guests, meaning that you’ll have more one-on-one time with the informative marine biologist and won’t have to fight your way through hoards of tourists to cash in on the smorgasbord lunch. In addition to the ample diving and snorkeling opportunities, visitors have plenty of time to chill on the beautiful Green Island.

The tour lasts about 9 hours and typically leaves the Cairns dock at 8am. $215 per person includes top-quality snorkeling gear, wetsuits, a glass of wine, a tropical afternoon tea,  and snorkeling tours – with the optional add-on for scuba diving.

Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund (trust us though, this unforgettable experience is not one that you want to pass up).

5 – Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns

If you’re all about high-class luxury and prefer having more room to move, then the 65-foot (20-meter) catamaran presents as an excellent option. A maximum of 75 people will set sail from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal to Upolu Cay. From there, visitors climb aboard a glass-bottom boat – have your camera at the ready, because the marine life swimming underneath is guaranteed to amaze.

Swimming zone number two is a marine hotspot known as the Wonder Wall, which descends a whopping 14 meters below the surface and is teeming with coral and wildlife.

The tour lasts 9 hours, departing from Cairns at 7:15am. Upwards of $213.50 includes a tantalizing buffet lunch with seafood, professional snorkeling equipment, ongoing crew assistance, refreshments throughout the day, and showers on board.

6 – Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns

Seeing the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef from on or below the surface is incredible. Seeing it from a birds-eye view as you whip through the skies in a helicopter provides a whole new jealousy-inducing perspective. You’ll still be blessed with the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and/or scuba – the helicopter is simply the means of transport.

Three options are available to choose from:

• Fly to the reef, snorkel and explore, and then fly back to Cairns.
• Boat to the reef, snorkel and explore, and then fly back to Cairns.
• Fly to the reef, snorkel and explore, and then boat back to Cairns.

Option 1 and option 2 commence at 12:40pm while option 3 departs at 7:30am.

Starting at $405, these packages include at least one overhead helicopter flight; a freshly-made BBQ lunch featuring fresh fish, sausages, steak, salads, and pasta; snorkeling equipment; and free refunds up until 24 hours before departure.

Note that scuba diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended and hotel pickup is not included (although Cairns is a small city with plenty of parking, so making your own way to the departure point shouldn’t be a hassle).

7 – 2-Day Best of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is renowned for being home to the largest coral reef system on Earth. But the Tropical North Queensland city has another trick up its sleeve: it’s the gateway to some of the oldest and most beautiful tropical rainforests on the planet. This tour combines the best of both worlds, tackling the rainforest-based Kuranda Village on day one and the reef on day two.

Kuranda village sits in the tropical mountains northwest of Cairns – you’ll see the village and its surroundings first-hand with rides on both the Kuranda Scenic Railway and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This portion of the two-day tour provides an insight into Aboriginal culture and gets you up close and personal with land-based Aussie wildlife (did someone say koalas?).

$614 includes hotel pickup and drop-off (from Cairns only), a 25-minute one-way helicopter tour from the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns, professional guides, lunch, and the Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

8 – Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise from Cairns

For those who want to experience all the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef but don’t want to splurge on unnecessary bells and whistles, this tour aught to do the trick.

Starting at just $99, this option entices the budget-savvy traveler while still offering ample time to snorkel through the colorful coral gardens off the coast of Green Island and surround yourself with spectacular fish.

Full-day tours offer time to laze on a sandy beach, while half-day tours suit those pressed for time. Depending on which you choose, you’ll set sail in either the modern catamaran, ‘Reef Rocket’; or a larger, air-conditioned 35-meter catamaran.

9 – Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour & Live Music

Five hours of snorkeling at two exclusive mooring locations is the perfect way to check out this globally-adored slice of Mother Nature. What sets this tour apart from the others is the live music, performed by an Aussie artist on the return leg of the journey.

The vessel departs at 8:15am and typically returns at around 4:30pm. $165 per person includes a gourmet BBQ lunch, snorkeling equipment with an optional guided lesson from one of the staff members, afternoon tea, a glass of wine, and a fruit and cheese platter.

Plenty of optional extras are available for purchase too, such as photos, helicopter tours, and diving.

10 – Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise Including Scenic Heli Flight

On ‘Evolution’, one of the fastest and largest commercial catamarans that services the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll venture across the pristine waters to two spectacular swimming destinations in the Outer Reef.

Sunbathe on the deck or relax in the air-conditioned lounges – either way, you’re in for a treat. With room for 150 passengers on the boat, this option is perfect for the socialites.

$368 grants you access to a 10-minute Scenic Helicopter Flight to and from the exclusive Heli-Pontoon on the Outer Reef, in addition to all of the features and amenities listed in the aforementioned number 9 on this list.

11 – Barrier Reef Snorkeling with Helicopter, Cruise or Both

If you’re itching to take in the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef from all possible angles, then look no further. This tour kicks off with a scenic flight from Cairns over the Reef and the sand cays. Thereafter, you’ll be given 1.5 hours to spend swimming or snorkeling in the wildlife haven that is Hastings Reef.

• Cruise to the reef, snorkel and explore, and then fly back to Cairns.
• Fly to the reef, snorkel and explore, and then cruise by boat back to Cairns.

You’ll receive all this, plus a classic Aussie BBQ lunch, snorkeling gear, and a complimentary glass of wine for $399 per person. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

12 – 2-Day Reef and Rainforest Package Combo: Green Island Cruise and Kuranda Day Trip

Want to see everything that Cairns has to offer on land and sea, and still be able to sleep in your own bed? Look no further. With hotel pickup and drop-off on both days, this hassle-free tour takes you on an adventure through the reef (with a cruise to Green Island) and through the rainforest (with a visit to the rainforest village of Kuranda).

The activity is advertised to have a maximum of 9 travelers, so you won’t feel forced to socialize. Have the camera at the ready because you’ll be gawking at the views from the Kuranda Scenic Rail, hanging out with koalas, and snapping selfies with turtles.

Trips start at $394 AUD and include a coral viewing tour in a semi-submarine at no extra charge. Note: unlike some alternatives, this option is final-sale and incurs a 100% cancellation penalty.

13 – Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Marine World Pontoon

A high-speed catamaran guarantees a smooth ride out to the Outer Reef, where the magic of the Great Barrier Reef truly shines through. Once anchored, you’ll have access to a wide range of free onboard activities including a semi-submersible tour, viewings from a glass-bottom boat, and the ‘underwater reef viewing observatory’. Or, join a marine biologist from the multilingual crew on a guided snorkel safari!

Prices start at $239 per person, tours last for approximately 8 hours, and you’ll depart from the Cairns dock at 8:30am. Refreshments are available all day, highlighted by a delicious chef-prepared buffet lunch.

14 – Cairns: Snorkel & Dive a Secluded Great Barrier Reef Island

Can’t stand crowds? Does the thought of a selfie stick make you want to hurl? Then this tour is perfect – it’s secluded, small, and far away from the hoards of potentially-obnoxious tourists.

The tour starts with a relaxing 30-minute cruise down the colorful Mulgrave River – keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles! You’ll arrive at the untouched paradise that is Frankland Islands National Park, an area less popular but also less affected by coral bleaching than most Great Barrier Reef destinations.

A maximum of 30 visitors are permitted on the island daily, so make sure to book in advance. Tours start at $99 per person and included a prepackaged lunch, snorkeling equipment, and morning and afternoon tea

15 – Reef and Rainforest Tandem Sky Dive in Cairns

Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you! Jump out of a plane from up to 15,000 feet over, arguably, the most picturesque natural vista on the planet. No previous experience required – with a professional tandem diver strapped to your back, all that you have to worry about is soaking in the unbeatable views of UNESCO rainforests and reefs from above.

Prices start at $274 AUD and come with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

We hope that you have enjoyed our selection of the best Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns. If you are looking for more activities to do in Cairns, take a look at our list of the most fun things to do in Cairns !

Don’t hesitate to comment below if you have any questions. Have fun 🙂

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

Noddy was a wonderful guide and the tour was amazing. Only thing that could be improved is the transportation from airlie beach to cairns as it was during the day and we missed out on a full day of the tour.

Best of Australia

Excellent tour! Dax, our CEO, went above and beyond. Hotels are 3 stars and clean. Will check on G Adventure for future trips. Highly recommended 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)

Absolutely amazing, best 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

Had the most amazing time ever! I can’t thank Juliet enough for everything she has done for me and everyone else! Honestly one of the most amazing experiences ever!

• £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

One of my favourite parts of the tour was snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. I hadn’t been in the sea for 13 years and every time we did a sea activity on the trip I didn’t participate. Shannon was determined to increase my confidence in the water. She helped me with a snorkel mask and showing me how to stay calm and breath. We made an agreement that I would snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. I was so scared but Shannon was so supportive and helpful, if it wasn’t for her encouragement I probably wouldn’t have done it. Now I love snorkelling, and one week after this I did it again! Thanks so much Shannon, the best tour leader and friend!

• 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

The Dingo tour was excellent organised, thank you Lindz, and super fun with a lot of beautiful places.

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 !!

• Coach / Bus

Highlights of Australia

Great tour that includes a great number of interesting and beautiful places. It was well paced and our Tour Leader was exceptionally caring and informative.

Daintree Rainforest & Port Douglas - 4 Day Boutique Comfort Tour

Australian Highlights (Base, 2024/2025, 13 Days)

19-Days Australia Surf Camp and Ultimate East Coast Adventure

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

Great Barrier Reef Tours starting in:

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Top Tours in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great barrier reef tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

2. Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

3. Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

4. K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour

5. 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

6. ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers

7. Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

8. Magnetic Island Tour Behind the Scenes

9. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

10. Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Tour: Beaches, Lookouts and Snorkel

11. Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

12. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

13. Fitzroy Island Day Tour from Cairns

14. Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

15. The Big Island Day Tour: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach

16. Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge: Full or Half Day Tour

17. Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

18. Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

19. 1 hour Mimosa Morning Turtle Spotting Cruise

20. Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise from Airlie Beach

21. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

22. 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

23. From Port Douglas Tour including Kuranda, Skyrail & Scenic Train

24. Remote Fraser Island Experience

25. Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld

26. Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

27. Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch

28. Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

29. Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

30. Small Group Full Day Daintree Rainforest Tour from Port Douglas

What travellers are saying.

• Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise
• 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight
• K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour
• Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Day Tour - 2 Beaches 2 Lookouts 1 Snorkel Location
• Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Abc Snorkel Charters
• Wavelength Reef Charters
• Aquascene Magnetic Island
• Blue Dive Port Douglas & Cairns
• Ocean Rafting
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Reef Sprinter
• Keppel Explorer
• Prosail Whitsundays
• Pilgrim Magnetic Island
• Daintree Discovery Tours
• Get Around Island Boat Tours & Hire
• Cairns Canyoning

Climate Change Comes for the Great Barrier Reef

April 23rd, 2024 at 3:55 AM EDT

Today's podcast looks at the dying Great Barrier Reef, a new exec at Airbus, and better pay at Delta.

Skift Daily Briefing Podcast

Listen to the day’s top travel stories in under four minutes every weekday.

Good morning from Skift. It’s Tuesday, April 23. Here’s what you need to know about the business of travel today.

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Episode Notes

The Great Barrier Reef is currently experiencing its worst-ever mass bleaching event , during which warmer-than-usual water causes corals to expel their algae and turn white. Tour operators have been doing their part in helping preserve the popular tourist landmark, writes Travel Experiences Reporter Jesse Chase-Lubitz. 

Chase-Lubitz cites Reef Magic as one tour operator that offers travelers the opportunity to help revive corals. At least six tour operators are a part of the Coral Nurture Initiative, a partnership between researchers and tour operators to conduct research and restore reefs. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but it puts them under stress and makes them more susceptible to dying. 

In addition, 26 tour operators have provided almost 3,500 reef health surveys to the government in 2023 and 2024.  

Next, former JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes has announced he will join Airbus to be the planemaker’s lead for North America, writes Airlines Editor Gordon Smith and Airlines Reporter Meghna Maharishi.  

Hayes, who served as JetBlue’s CEO for nine years, will lead Airbus’ commercial aircraft business in North America. He will also be responsible for coordinating Airbus’ helicopters, space and defense businesses in North America. Hayes will officially take over for Jeff Knittel at Airbus on June 3.

Hayes announced this January he would step down as JetBlue CEO. 

Finally, Delta Air Lines is planning to give staff 5% raises and increase the minimum starting wage for frontline employees to $19 an hour, writes Airlines Reporter Maharishi. 

Maharishi reports the $19 starting wages, which go into effect on June 1, will apply to flight attendants, mechanics and ground handlers, among other employees. Delta CEO Ed Bastian also said the company, which is anticipating a busy summer season, would create a 5% merit pool to be allocated to employees based on individual performance and market standing. 

However, the wage increases don’t apply to pilots. Delta’s pilots, who are already unionized, recently approved a contract that gave them 34% raises over the course of four years. 

Producer/Presenter: Jose Marmolejos

The Daily Newsletter

Our daily coverage of the global travel industry. Written by editors and analysts from across Skift’s brands.

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Tags: australia , climate change , delta , delta air lines , jetblue , jetblue airways , robin hayes , skift podcast , sustainability

Photo credit: Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia. Adobe Stock