The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders, and Cairns is its gateway. If you’ve got a few hours or a full day, that doesn’t matter because there’s a tour for everyone that gets you up close to this underwater world.
Cairns Great Barrier Reef tours offer reef snorkelling, island day trips, scuba diving, glass-bottom boats, and scenic flights. Most depart right from Cairns Marina.
Top Great Barrier Reef Tours
Sunlover Reef Cruises – Moore Reef Pontoon (Moore Reef, Outer Great Barrier Reef)
If you’re after a full-day adventure, Sunlover’s pontoon at Moore Reef is a top choice. Located out on the outer reef, this experience includes snorkelling with turtles and clownfish, a giant spiralling waterslide, glass-bottom boat tours, and even touch tank presentations. It’s fun, hands-on, and perfect for a full day out on the water.
Scuba-Doo Underwater Scooter (Green Island)
Just off the coast of Cairns, Green Island is where you’ll find the Scuba-Doo tour, an underwater scooter ride that lets you explore reef life without needing to dive or snorkel. You’ll find yourself on the ocean surface in a motorised scooter with a big viewing dome for close-up views of marine creatures.
Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales (Ribbon Reefs, Outer Great Barrier Reef)
If you’re visiting between June and August, don’t miss the chance to swim with dwarf minke whales. Tours head out to the Ribbon Reefs part of the outer reef north of Cairns, where you can snorkel or dive alongside these gentle and curious creatures. It’s a seasonal highlight.
Skydive Over the Great Barrier Reef – Skyone
For the adrenaline lovers, visit Cairns for a tandem skydive over the Great Barrier Reef. Jumping from clouds, you’ll get sweeping views of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical beaches, and lush rainforest. It’s a rush and a view you won’t get any other way.
Ocean Free – Green Island Sailing Tour (Green Island)
This sailing tour to Green Island caters to those who like a bit of relaxation and reef time. You’ll cruise out on a catamaran, snorkel at the beautiful Pinnacle Reef, there is an option to choose scuba diving if you like, and spend time exploring the island’s rainforest paths and white-sand beaches. It’s one of the more chilled ways to enjoy the reef.
Sunlover by Starlight – Overnight Reef Stay (Moore Reef)
Want the reef all to yourself after dark? Sunlover by Starlight is an overnight stay on the Moore Reef pontoon. Once the day crowd clears, you’ll enjoy evening snorkelling, stargazing, and a peaceful night on the water. It’s a truly unique way to experience the reef.
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel – Indigenous Cultural Tour (Outer Great Barrier Reef)
This outer reef tour blends snorkelling and diving with culture and storytelling. Departing from Cairns, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel is guided by Indigenous Sea Rangers who share Dreamtime stories and cultural knowledge alongside the marine adventure. It’s a meaningful way to experience the reef.
Private Island Picnic on Vlasoff Cay (Vlasoff Cay, off Cairns)
Looking for something exclusive? A helicopter will whisk you away to Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island surrounded by reef just off Cairns. Spend the day snorkelling, relaxing, and enjoying a gourmet picnic on your very own patch of paradise. It’s one of the most romantic reef experiences out there.
These tours offer diverse experiences like cultural immersion, marine life encounters, adventure sports, and relaxation, all centred around the Great Barrier Reef near Cairns.
Best Time to Visit
June to October is best. The water is clear, and the conditions are calm. You’ll avoid the stinger season. Tours operate all year, but check the weather and jellyfish conditions in the summer months.
Getting There
Cairns Airport is 10–15 minutes from the city centre. Most tours leave from the Reef Fleet Terminal. If you are staying in Palm Cove or the Northern Beaches, a lot of the tour operators will offer hotel pickup.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Dive Cruise from Mission Beach
The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Mission Beach is pristine. Discover one of the easiest ways to explore the reef. Every trip offers something memorable. Plan ahead, pick a tour that suits your time and comfort level, and just get out there. The reef is worth it!
