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Great Barrier Reef Day Trips - Cairns
Are you looking for a Cairns snorkel tour or scuba diving trip? Many visitors to Cairns are overwhelmed with the number of operators who visit The Great Barrier Reef. We are here to assist you with selecting the most suitable tour for you and your family.
There are some boats that visit the Inner Reef or Sandy Cays. A sandy cay in all simplicity is the early stages of an island. Although they are not considered quality scuba dive sites, they do provide an easy introduction to the Reef without entering 'deep water'.
Going beyond the sandy cays you will visit Outer Great Barrier Reef sites, which provide the best quality coral viewing. These tours are great for the enthusiastic snorkeler or scuba diver. Most boats will visit 2 Outer Reef sites during the day with guests snorkelling and diving directly from the boat. The difference in prices are due to the boat style, time spent in the water, number of sites the company is licensed to visit and number of passengers on board the boat.
Reef trips that travel out to Pontoons (platforms) are a great Cairns family reef tour option, as they provide facilities and activities for all age groups and abilities; there will be options for glass bottom boats, semi-submersible boats, underwater observatories, little kids swimming enclosures and of course offer great snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Please feel free to contact us for local, friendly and honest advice in helping you to choose the most suitable Cairns Reef Tour.
*2 Day Budget Package - SQ Reef Cruise + Daintree/Cape Tribulation (DDTAC)
Rates from: $255
This great value 2 Day Budget Reef and Rainforest package includes one day visiting the Outer Barrier Reef to enjoy snorkelling at two Outer Reef sites and buffet lunch, and one day visiting our second World Heritage Listed area, the Daintree National Park, inclusive of the famous Cape Tribulation Beach and Mossman Gorge.
*2 Day Budget Package - SQ Reef Cruise + Kuranda Train and Skyrail (DD/CT)
Rates from: $246.5
This great value 2 Day Budget Reef and Rainforest Package includes one day visiting the Outer Barrier Reef to enjoy snorkelling at 2 Outer Reef sites and buffet lunch, and one day visiting Kuranda Village with Train and Skyrail and hotel pick up also included.
*2 Day Classic Package - RQ Reef Cruise Kuranda Train & Skyrail (DD/CT)
Rates from: $330
This 2 Day Classic Reef and Rainforest Package includes one day visiting the Outer Barrier Reef to enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkelling at 2 Outer Reef sites with buffet lunch included, and one day visiting Kuranda Village with Train and Skyrail, return hotel transfers also included.
*2 Day Classic Package - RQ Reef Cruise + Daintree/Cape Tribulation (DD/ATE)
Rates from: $385
This 2 Day Classic Reef and Rainforest Package includes one day visiting the Outer Barrier Reef on to enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkelling at 2 Outer Reef sites with buffet lunch included, and one day visiting The Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, including a Daintree River Cruise, lunch and Mossman Gorge with an indigenous experience.
*2 Day Deluxe Package T6 Reef Cruise Daintree/Cape Tribulation (T6/DTA)
Rates from: $434
SMALL GROUP TOURS - ECO CERTIFIED
This 2 Day Deluxe Reef and Rainforest Package includes one day visiting the Outer Barrier Reef on a small group premium tour to enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkelling at two Outer Reef sites with buffet lunch, and one day visiting the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on a small group premium tour including a Daintree River Cruise, guided rainforest board walks, Mossman Gorge and lunch.
*2 Day Deluxe Package T6 Reef Cruise Kuranda Train & Skyrail (T6/CT)
Rates from: $335
This 2 Day Deluxe Reef and Rainforest Package includes one day visiting the Outer Barrier Reef on a small group premium tour to enjoy up to 5 hours of snorkelling at two Outer Reef sites with buffet lunch, and one day visiting Kuranda Village with Train and Skyrail, return hotel transfers are also included.
3 Day Reef Pass
Rates from: $528
For those wanting to visit the Great Barrier Reef as much as possible in a variety of ways but do not want to stay out on the reef overnight during their stay in Cairns and/or Port Douglas . This company owns many boats, over 3 separate days you can visit the reef from a pontoon, sailing boat, island, or just go directly out to snorkel and dive various reef locations.
As they own vessels both in Cairns and Port Douglas it is excellent for people wanting to see the reef from 2 vantage points in Far North Queensland.
Cairns Dive Centre - Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $140
This budget day boat is the MV Sunkist. Snorkel or dive the amazing Outer Great Barrier Reef! See spectacular coral gardens teaming with a vast array of marine life. This vessel travels via Fitzroy Island on its way to and from the Outer Barrier Reef. You will visit two reef locations within the Milln, Briggs, Moore, Thetford and Elford Reef sites. Outer Barrier Reef day trip passengers are limited to 30 to maximise onboard comfort.
Divers Den - Reef Quest - 1 Day Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $200
JANUARY SPECIAL - FREE INTRODUCTORY DIVE - ONLY 20 PER DAY (not available on public holidays)
A long standing company in Cairns who offer a great day out on the outer Barrier Reef whilst giving you the opportunity to do up to 3 dives and unlimited snorkelling at two different locations. This is a new modern vessel "Reef Quest" that allows up to 4 hours at the Reef and our locations have superb coral formations and abundant colourful marine life.Takes a maximum of 80 passengers.
Divers Den - Sea Quest- Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $160
SeaQuest offers the budget conscious great value for money with the chance to experience unlimited snorkelling at two separate reef locations on the Outer Barrier Reef. Both certified and introductory diving is available. This purpose built vessel departs daily and comfortably carries up to 60 passengers in air-conditioned bliss to the Norman, Saxon, and Hastings Reef systems.
Divers Den: PADI Open Water Referral Courses
Rates from: $675
Referral Courses can be undertaken if you have completed only part of your dive training. Once you arrive in Australia, you can then finish your dive training. This is a great option if you don't want to spend two days of your holiday doing pool and classroom training! The PADI referral system enables you to complete your PADI Open Water Dive Course with us in Cairns, Australia. From day trips to liveaboard options, the choice is yours!
Down Under Dive - Evolution - 1 Day Outer Reef Tour
Rates from: $185
Evolution is one of the fastest day trips to the true outer edge of the reef. Travelling onboard a twin hull wave piercer catamaran. You will spend more time underwater, less time travelling in this large, fast & sleek modern vessel. Relax in air-conditioned comfort on modern interior lounges or laze on the spacious sundecks. Enjoy an Aussie BBQ lunch including fish, steak, sausages, vegetarian options, tropical salads and pastas. Snorkelling is a standard inclusion, you can dive, go on the semi-submersible or take a helicopter flight for additional charge.
GBR Heli - Reef Trips including helicopter flight
Rates from: $299
GBR Helicopters works in partnership with Reef platform Operators to offer great reef and flight packages. You can cruise to the Outer Barrier Reef Platform and enjoy a 10 minute scenic helicopter flight from the platform and get a birds eye view of the Great Barrier Reef. You can also choose to do a Fly/Cruise or a Cruise/Fly Package which includes a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight to or from the Platform. You can also choose to do a Fly/Fly package. Reef Platforms also include activities such as glass bottom boat tours/semi-submersibale boat tours, snorkelling, underwater observatories and buffet lunch. The other option for those that prefer smaller groups, is to do the Dreamtime Snorkel and Dive boat, that visits two different reef sites and you spend the day snorkelling direct from the boat with a unique Indigenous aspect.
Great Adventures - Green Island + Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon
Rates from: $270
The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting cruise. A fast 45 minute catamaran ride will take you to beautiful Green Island to enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. A day of adventure and discovery continues onto a spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is yours to experience when you cruise to our mulit-level reef activity platform. Situated on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, our spacious platform features undercover seating and tables to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, full bar facilities, a swimming enclosure for children, change rooms with freshwater showers, sundeck, and scuba diving facilities with a semi-submerged platform.
Discover what the Outer Barrier Reef has to offer from our exciting Reef Pontoon.
Great Adventures - Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon
Rates from: $250
The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is yours to experience when you cruise to our mulit-level reef activity platform. Situated on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, our spacious platform features undercover seating and tables to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, full bar facilities, a swimming enclosure for children, change rooms with freshwater showers, sundeck, and scuba diving facilities with a semi-submerged platform.
Discover what the Outer Barrier Reef has to offer from our exciting Great Barrier Adventures Pontoon. Helicopter scenic flights are available.
Lizard Island Day Tour (AA)
Rates from: $790
Venture north for the day filled with some of the most spectacualr scenery between Cairns to Lizard Island. Lizard Island is an exclusive private island offering the single most pristine snorkeling for the Great Barrier Reef, here you will enjoy a swim and snorkel along with a tasty tropical lunch. After leaving Lizard Island we will fly over Cooktown and the Black Mountains as we continue our way back to Cairns. Flying along the coast over dense World Heritage Rainforest, Bloomfield River, Daintree National Park and Port Douglas.
Nautilus - Reef Cruise including helicopter flight
Rates from: $389
Nautilus Aviation work in partnership with the Evolution - Reef Cruise to offer great reef packages. You can choose from a Fly/Cruise half day trip, Fly/Fly half day trip or Cruise/Fly full day trip.
Nautilus - Reef Pontoon including helicopter flight
Rates from: $498.5
Nautilus Aviation works in partnership with two different Pontoons from Cairns and one from Port Douglas to offer great reef and flight packages. You can choose to do a Fly/Cruise, Cruise/Fly or Fly/Fly package which includes a 25 minute scenic helicopter flight to/from your chosen pontoon/platform. Packaging with Sunlover Cruise and Great Adventures from Cairns, and Quicksilver Cruises from Port Douglas.
Nautilus Aviation - Secluded Sandy Cay Helicopter Tour
Rates from: $789
Enjoy a scenic flight from Cairns with spectacular views over the picturesque coral-studded sea before landing on a pristine sand cay in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. In absolute seclusion you can experience your very own piece of paradise. During this time you can relax on the pure white sand, enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper with refreshments and snorkel straight off the beach to discover the mystical coral gardens and tropical fish of the Great Barrier Reef. You will then enjoy another flight over the reef and return to life as you once knew it!
Ocean Freedom - Upolu Cay + Great Barrier Reef Trip
Rates from: $220
Upolu Cay is a naturally formed coral cay situated 30 kilometers from Cairns on the Inner Great Barrier Reef and is the perfect location with protected, shallow waters from which to explore the reef snorkeling & scuba diving. The crew take you to Upolu Cay in less than an hour and is the first Great Barrier Reef tour to arrive at Upolu Cay, you will have over one hour to explore the Cay and surrounding reef uninterrupted.
At the second reef site, the amazing "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge of Upolu Reef, view many different types of hard and soft coral in addition to fans, giant clams, turtles, a huge diversity and abundance of reef fish of all sizes, nemos everywhere!
Ocean Spirit - Michaelmas Cay
Rates from: $219
Set sail aboard the beautiful 32 metre sailing catamaran, Ocean Spirit, to experience Michaelmas Cay’s unique reef environment - a pristine sand cay surrounded by fringing reef and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Your cruise will combine motor and sailing, depending on the day’s conditions.
Be active and enjoy all the included activities – snorkel in the cay’s protected shallow waters, cruise in the semi-sub for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the island bird life. Throughout the day, the “beach buggy shuttle” will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach. To protect this renowned bird sanctuary, access on the cay is limited to the roped beach area. If you prefer a more leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. The choice is yours
Passions of Paradise - Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $195
Experience the adventure of snorkelling, diving and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef on our lovely and spacious sailing vessel. The high-performance catamaran sails daily from Cairns to two Outer Barrier Reef locations where you can dive and snorkel with turtles, colourful fish and see an amazing variety of corals.
Reef Day Tripper - Sail - Inner Upolu Reef
Rates from: $149
This is a lovely family owned sailing vessel that carries 20 passengers maximum and visits Upolu Reef. Being a sailing vessel it is a casual day trip with a focus on socialising with other passengers, making new friends and eating great food whilst visiting the reef.
Reef Experience - Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $205
A great value day tour to the Great Barrier Reef. Their "all inclusive" price provides guests with breakfast, lunch, fruit platters, tea/coffee, snorkelling equipment, unlimited snorkelling at 2 reef locations directly off the rear of the vessel in the open ocean, guided snorkel tour, up to 5 hours at the reef, scuba dive (intro or certified) including all dive equipment, wetsuits/lycra suits, glass bottom boat tour, marine biology presentation, glass of wine,cheese and crackers on return journey, taxes and levies, and bus transfers to and from Cairns City based hotels.
Reef Experience - TOP DECK CLUB - Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $305
For those looking for a journey to the reef with a touch of luxury and extra service, an upgrade to the exclusive Top Deck Club is just the thing.
Your day trip commences with boarding at 7:30am at the Marlin Jetty in Cairns for a delicious breakfast. We then cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, where we spend up to 6 hours snorkeling, scuba diving and visiting 2 spectacular reef locations with lunch also included. You can also partake in the glass bottom boat tour with full commentary and onboard enjoy the Marine Biologist presentation about the reef, coral and marine life.
Top Deck Club passengers also receive a personal valet, personal in-water guide, a la carte breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea and access to reserved seating in the Captain's Wheelhouse Top Deck Lounge.
Reef Magic Cruises - Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon
Rates from: $239
This trip offers a full 5 hours to dive and snorkel at a fantastic outer Barrier Reef platform. Suitable for any individual, family or group looking for great value for money during their ultimate outer reef diving or snorkeling experience. The day includes access to the glass bottom boat tours and semi-submersible tours which depart from the platform multiple times throughout the day. The vessel is an air-conditioned fast and stable catamaran with a fully licensed bar, comfortable seating and spacious outer decks.
Sail Ocean Free - Inner Reef & Green Island
Rates from: $220
A quality sailing vessel carrying a maximum of 25 guests that travels to Pinnacle Reef and Green Island. Our friendly attentive crew will ensure you have a personal and memorable experience. Enjoy snorkelling off the boat, relaxing on the beach at Green Island, watch the fish feed demonstration, listen to an informative reef talk by our marine interpreter and enjoy the delicious lunch and a complimentary wine on the sail home.
Seastar Cruises - Michaelmas Cay & Hastings Reef
Rates from: $215
JANUARY SPECIAL: Free Introductory Dive - Save $75pp
*Please mention this special at time of booking
Travelling with 36 passengers maximum, is a twin hulled wave piercer catamaran that visits 2 sites and provides a personalised small group tour to the Great Barrier Reef. This company is licensed to visit Michaelmas Cay and Hastings reef. Included in your day is snorkelling equipment, guided snorkel tours, wet suits/lycra suits, prescription mask, glass bottom boat tour, morning/afternoon tea and tropical lunch. introductory diving and certified diving are available for an addional cost.
Silverswift - Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $233
A modern 29 metre high speed catamaran and is the only Cairns reef trip to visit 3 different Outer Barrier Reef locations in the one day. This day trip to the reef is designed for adventure-minded people who wish to revel in the thrill of diving and snorkelling without compromising their comfort. State-of-the-art computerised ride control stytems and travel speed of 32 knots ensures you a smoother, faster ride to the Great Barrier Reef.
SKED - Half Day Outer Reef Tour
Rates from: $120
Cairns only half day outer reef trip on a super fast, jet powered boat. Get 2 hours of snorkel time at the outer reef in half a day. This is a snorkel only boat, no dives or meals are offered on board. Maximum of 36 passengers.
SL-Arlington Reef Pontoon
Rates from: $199
THIS TRIP ONLY OPERATES DURING PEAK SEASONS - FOR EXAMPLE CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR, CHINESE NEW YEAR, EASTER & SOME AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.
This unique outer reef pontoon offers operates during the peak seasons and is great for anyone with young toddlers and children who want to see the outer reef. Very family friendly, people of any age are suited to this tour.
Sunlover Reef Cruises - Outer Barrier Reef Pontoon (Moore Reef)
Rates from: $234
SPECIALS (can not combine the specials - select one only - valid unti 21st January 2020)
1: INCLUDE AN INTRO DIVE OR SEAWALKER HELMET DIVE - $285PP
*Medical conditions apply - non refundable. Special must be requested at time of booking to be applied.
2: KIDS only $40pp with each full paying adult
A fantastic day on the Great Barrier Reef suitable for all types of people with different requirements, especially good for groups and families with younger children. This company offers four (4) hours at the pontoon. A large twin hulled catamaran moors against a fixed pontoon (not floating), from the pontoon there is easy access into the water that has a large roped off snorkelling area with rest stations to hang on to. This pontoon offers a glass bottom boat and semi submersible, waterslide, guided snorkel tours, certified diving, introductory diving, helicopter tours and helmet diving. There is a touch tank presentation to experience the amazing feel of the 'safe' underwater marine life.
T6 Snorkel & Dive: Exclusive Day Charters
T6 is Cairns newest reef cruising vessel and is available for private charter for your special day on the reef with your family, friends, or company group. Charters are customised to your requirements and can include island or coral cays visits as well as various sites on the outer reef.
Tusa - T6 - Premium Outer Barrier Reef
Rates from: $220
Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef on board Cairns latest and most stylish reef catamaran known as Tusa. You will be one of just 65 guests to enjoy a day spent exploring magical coral gardens at two selected outer reefs. This is the only day vessel licenced to choose from 16 outer reef locations. Their onboard dive professionals offer friendly instruction for snorkellers, first time divers and experienced divers.
XPASS - Experience Co Adventure Packages (RT)
Rates from: $316
The EXPASS gives you the ultimate savings on a variety of different packages. Packages can include Skydiving, White Water Rafting, Canyoning, Reef tours, Island trips and Hot Air Balooning. The XPASS is great value for those wanting an adventure packed Cairns holiday.
