What is the Difference Between Cairns and Port Douglas Reef Trips?

Cairns and Port Douglas have the two main marinas from which to explore the Great Barrier Reef in Far North Queensland. The two towns are located about 65 kilometres apart, or about an hour drive. Which reefs you visit is heavily dependent on which town you choose to stay in, as you will more than likely choose a trip departing nearby to your accommodation. Besides the location, there isn’t much of a difference in reef trips and all follow a similar itinerary. There are small differences between each trip, such as departure and return times, food options and amentities, which you will find reflected in the price, rather than which departure location you choose.

The main reason people choose Cairns tours over Port Douglas tours or vice versa is based on where they plan to stay during their time in Far North Queensland. Those staying in Port Douglas will choose to explore the reef from their closest marina, as will those in Cairns, meaning your location will dictate your trips of choice. 

Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns include:

• Passions of Paradise
• Silverswift
• TUSA
• Reefquest
• Seastar
• Seaquest
• plus several others

Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas include:

• Silversonic
• Aquaquest
• Wavedancer
• Quicksilver
• Poseidon
• Wavelength
• Seaquest

Each reef, whether close to Cairns or Port Douglas, are all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Each unique site is special in its own way, and will be completely different from any other reef! Each one will have its own variety of animal and plant life that is dependent on the type of reef, its formation, currents, shape, depth and other various factors. Whether choosing a trip from Port Douglas or Cairns, you will get to see the beauty and marvel of the marine park and its inhabitants. 

As every trip to the Great Barrier Reef (from both Cairns and Port Douglas) will choose the ‘reefs of the day’ based on the weather and conditions of any given day, there is no way of knowing which reefs you will visit before departure. However, reefs you may visit from Cairns include Norman Reef, Hastings Reef, Michaelmas Reef, Thetford Reef, Moore Reef, as well as reefs of off Green Island or Fitzroy Island to name some. While reefs you may visit from Port Douglas include Agincourt Reef, Opal Reef, South Opal or Low Isles.

Ask our friendly travel experts exactly which tour is right for you to explore the Great Barrier Reef!