Best Great Barrier Reef Tours & Day Trips
The Great Barrier Reef is a breathtaking, natural attraction that is visible from space and covers an area roughly the size of Italy. It’s no wonder it has been named one of the seven natural wonders of the world! Home to over 5,000 species of marine life, this reef is a must-see for travellers visiting Australia from all over the globe.
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Whether you want to snorkel, scuba dive, or take a glass-bottom boat tour to view the stunning coral gardens from above, we can provide the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour to experience this amazing underwater world. Located near the vibrant city of Cairns, our Great Barrier Reef day trips depart daily from Marlin Marina, offering a variety of unforgettable options for exploring the inner and outer reefs.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Day Tours
For a full day on the water, exploring the colourful corals and swimming among the vibrant marine life, look no further than our Great Barrier Reef day tours from Cairns. On each tour, you will always be accompanied by a highly experienced guide who will provide you with the information you need to enjoy your day out on the reef. Are you new to snorkelling or scuba diving? No problem! Our knowledgeable crew will give a fully comprehensive demonstration of the equipment before sending you into the water. We also have floating devices on hand for travellers who may feel more comfortable with extra assistance. Regardless of how you choose to explore the reef, you’re sure to have an unforgettable day.
Our Great Barrier Reef Day Tour is a great, affordable option to jump in the water and snorkel around the reef. If you are looking for a bit more luxury, our premium Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour is for you. You’ll get to snorkel around the reef or upgrade for a dive, while also lounging on the sun deck aboard our chic catamaran. Our Pontoon Adventure Tour offers an action-packed day of thrilling experiences in and out of the water such as fish feeding, a semi-submersible and more.
The fun doesn’t end there! Joining a Great Barrier Reef diving tour is a fantastic way to experience the reef from even further below the water’s surface. Our Great Barrier Reef Deluxe Tour includes one certified or beginner scuba dive and visits two to four reef sites. Even if you have never dived before, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the reef from up to eight metres under the water. Including Cairns hotel pickup, glass-bottom boat and much more, this is the best value reef trip there is!
Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Day Trips from Cairns
While a one-day tour will show you a glimpse of the colourful world below the surface, an overnight tour living aboard the catamaran will allow you to dive further into your discovery of the reef. Our overnight tours take you to several reef sites where you can experience the fascinating underwater world from a range of perspectives. You’ll also have the option to upgrade to a beginner dive, with no experience needed, or a certified dive package to explore deep underwater. Double and twin rooms are available, and the liveaboard tours include a chef who will prepare fresh meals every day. Our 2 day and 3 day tours offer an ultimate experience on the Great Barrier Reef.
Inner Great Barrier Reef Tours
Did you know the Great Barrier Reef isn’t just made of coral? It also includes 600 islands, which you can explore on a Great Barrier Reef day trip from Cairns. Join our Fitzroy Island or Green Island day trips to spend a day snorkelling and exploring these incredible tropical islands located less than an hour from Cairns!
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Tours in Great Barrier Reef
10 tours found
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Price
Tour Duration
Tour Type
Tour Style
Accommodation Style
10 tours found
Tours in Great Barrier Reef
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Cairns Tour Package Deluxe
A great value package of our two top Cairns day tours - the Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest
Kid Friendly Premium Best Seller Hiking/Bush Walk Snorkelling/DivingDuration: 2 Days
Tour type: Small Group; Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 410
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Great Barrier Reef Deluxe Tour with Dive
Ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour including a dive, snorkelling, meals & more!
Adventure Kid Friendly Best Seller Snorkelling/Diving WildlifeDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 245
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Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure
Explore the reef from a floating platform with an undersea observatory and heaps of fun activities!
Adventure Kid Friendly Best Seller Snorkelling/Diving Beach WildlifeDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 255
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3 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard
Dive and snorkel morning, noon, and night if you wish, and see the reef like never before!
Sightseeing Best Seller Snorkelling/Diving WildlifeDuration: 3 Days
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 825
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Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour
Climb aboard the stylish sailing catamaran to snorkel amongst the corals and colourful marine life.
Adventure Kid Friendly Premium Snorkelling/Diving WildlifeDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 239
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Great Barrier Reef Small Group Tour
Be amazed as you snorkel or dive at Upolu Reef on our small group cruise limited to 20 travellers.
Adventure Best Seller Snorkelling/Diving WildlifeDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Small Group; Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 209
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1 Day Fitzroy Island Tour from Cairns
Spend a day in paradise exploring the pristine beaches and fringing reef of Fitzroy Island.
Kid Friendly Best Seller Snorkelling/Diving Budget Beach SwimmingDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 94
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1 Day Green Island Tour
Swim among the corals that border this stunning island, or relax on the beach beside the rainforest!
Kid Friendly Best Seller Snorkelling/Diving Budget Beach WildlifeDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 105
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Great Barrier Reef Tour from Port Douglas
Snorkel two incredible reef sites near Port Douglas to discover the array of colourful marine life.
Sightseeing Snorkelling/Diving Wildlife All InclusiveDuration: 1 Day
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 299
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2 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard
Stay the night on the Great Barrier Reef to spend two days snorkelling and exploring top reef sites.
Adventure Snorkelling/Diving WildlifeDuration: 2 Days
Tour type: Boat/Cruise
Available Now
From $ 585
Great Barrier Reef Tour Highlights
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride on your way to and from the reefs
- Spend hours snorkelling and exploring
- View an abundance of colourful marine life
- Learn all about the Great Barrier Reef from a local guide
- Take the opportunity to enjoy an exciting scuba dive
- Admire the reef on a glass-bottom boat tour
Great Barrier Reef Tour Inclusions
- All include snorkelling equipment hire
- All include lunch
- All include coffee and tea either morning, afternoon, or all day
- All include 4-6 hours on the reefs
- The Great Barrier Reef Pontoon adventure includes underwater observatory, fish feeding presentations, a semi-submersible tour, glass-bottom boat tour, touch tank presentation, a fully enclosed kids pool, and a theme-park style waterslide
- The Great Barrier Reef Small Group Tour includes a dive guide, guided snorkel tour, and glass of wine
- The Great Barrier Reef Deluxe Tour with Dive includes return transportation from Cairns centre, breakfast roll, wine, snorkelling tour, 1 complimentary dive, flotation devices, and a glass-bottom boat tour
- The Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour includes a morning and afternoon tea, wildlife viewing, Lycra suit, flotation devices, and an Eco talk
What Our Customers Are Saying about Great Barrier Reef Tours
Great Barrier Reef Tours Information
| Tours | 10 |
|---|---|
| Tours Prices From | AU$94 |
| Tours Reviews | 3099 |
| Tours Ratings | |
| Location | Cairns, Queeensland 4870, Australia |
Great Barrier Reef Tour Photos
Great Barrier Reef Tour Map
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Barrier Reef Tours
What are the differences between the Great Barrier Reef Tours?
The main differences between the Great Barrier Reef Tours are the boat you will travel on and the inclusions. Check the tour pages for more information about what’s included or read more here about which tour might be best for you.
What should I bring on my Great Barrier Reef Tour?
The only things you need to bring on tour are your bathers, towel and whatever else you would normally bring on a day out.
Where do you pick up from?
All our boats leave from the Marlin Marina at the Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street, Cairns), except our Great Barrier Reef Tour from Port Douglas. Accommodation transfers are available from most locations in Cairns and the Northern Beaches. If you don’t see your accommodation listed on the tour page, please contact our reservation team to find best location. Unfortunately, we are unable to pick up from private accommodation including Airbnbs. Accommodation transfers may incur an additional fee.
What is the difference between your Great Barrier Reef Tours?
All our Great Barrier Reef tours visit the outer reef and include snorkelling and lunch on board. They are all operated on different boats and there are some differences in the inclusions and activities available on board. Check the tour page for more information or get in touch with our reservations team if you need help to decide which one is best for you.
I am not a good swimmer. Can I still join the tour?
Yes. We get plenty of travellers who want to see the reef but are not confident swimmers or may have never swum at all. We offer floatation devices such as noodles to assist in the water. Lifesavers are on watch whenever we stop for snorkelling. You’ll receive instructions on how to snorkel and use the equipment before we arrive at the reef. So, relax and enjoy your day on the reef knowing you are in safe hands!
Will I get seasick?
Some people do get seasick on the boat, especially in choppy weather. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking seasickness tablets at least 30 minutes prior to boarding the boat. Try getting some fresh air and stand at the stern of the boat to minimise movement.
What is the policy for cancellations or refunds due to weather?
Great Barrier Reef tours run in all-weather unless it’s unsafe. We don’t cancel tours because of wind or rain. On the rare occasions we cancel a tour, we’ll contact you to change the date or process a full refund.
If you decide to cancel your tour, your reservation will be subject to our cancellation policy. You can read our full cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions page. It may be possible to postpone or change the date of your tour with at least two days advanced notice. Change of date is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Prepaid dive packages are not refundable, including in cases where the traveller has not been cleared to dive onboard. Please check the requirements for diving and let us know if any of the conditions concern you.
For any cancellations or changes to your reservation, please contact us on 1300 661 225.
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