There are Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns to suit all types of travellers! As the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has lots of amazing day tours that head to the reef every day. Choose between reef pontoons, scenic flights, diving expeditions, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tours, and Cairns island day trips. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to seeing the magnificent Great Barrier Reef from Cairns!
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Experience the best of the reef aboard an award-winning 35-metre superyacht, the ultimate affordable day of aquatic adventure from Cairns!
- Cruise at high speeds to two spectacular locations on the Great Barrier Reef
- Relax and play aboard an air-conditioned, three-level reef vessel
- Enjoy ample snorkelling time and scuba diving opportunities
- Explore colourful reefs and spot unique marine species
- Adventure-filled day perfect for all ages and groups
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Make the Great Barrier Reef a passion of yours with a Passions of Paradise day trip!
- See the beautiful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
- Opportunity to scuba dive and snorkel amongst colourful corals and fish
- Visit two exquisite Outer Reef locations
- Fast, high-performance catamaran with full amenities
- Exclusive mooring at Paradise Reef to enjoy plenty of time in the water
Scuba, snorkel, and swim aboard Cairns' only all-inclusive Outer Great Barrier Reef day trip!
- One free introductory or certified scuba dive included
- Explore two pristine Outer Reef locations by scuba or snorkel
- Enjoy an informative marine biology presentation
- Up to 6 hours of sun-soaked adventure, perfect for everyone
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Join us on Silverswift for a day of fun, excitement and plenty of time in the water!
- Epic day tour on a modern and luxurious catamaran
- Spend over five hours snorkelling, scuba diving and swimming
- A full day of beautiful sights, stunning marine life and spectacular reefs
- Departs directly from Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef
- Plenty of time to explore and 3 unique sites
Note: From 18th May - 27th June 2025, Silverswift will be operated by the vessel Poseidon. Contact our team if you have any questions!
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Cruise to Upolu Cay and the outer edge of Upolu Reef on an incredible day trip with Ocean Freedom!
- Exciting water activities in a small group setting
- Visit two stunning sites for exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving
- Glass bottom boat tours are offered for a new point-of-view
- Six hours exploring the Great Barrier Reef
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Dive, snorkel and explore the Great Barrier Reef with Divers Den!
- Fully equipped dive vessel with hot showers and excellent amenities
- Snorkelling, introductory diving and certified diving offered
- Guests will get to visit two different sites on Norman, Saxon or Hastings Reefs
- We have everything you need to enjoy the day including a delicious buffet lunch
- Great way to spend the day, departing from Cairns
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Join Ocean Free for an unforgettable day of sailing to Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef!
- An unforgettable day of exploring one of the most beautiful parts of the world
- Visit the beautiful Green Island and Pinnacle Reef on the Great Barrier Reef
- Scuba dive, snorkel, and enjoy small group sailing
- Transfers to and from the beautiful Green Island
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Explore the protected reef environment guided by Reef Daytripper's professional and friendly crew!
- Learn about the complex marine life on the Great Barrier Reef
- Choose to snorkel or scuba dive and enjoy the thrill of sailing
- Get up and close with the stunning marine life that awaits in the coral reefs
- An eco-friendly tour with the lowest carbon footprint of any Cairns snorkelling operator
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Explore the Great Barrier Reef from on board an activity platform for a fun day full of activities and adventure!
- Cruise to a platform on the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel right off the edge
- Join optional activities such as scuba diving, snorkel tours and more!
- See the reef from a semi-submersible boat for a new point of view
- Enjoy the reef at its best on this unforgettable day trip
- Enjoy the return journey on a comfortable and air-conditioned catamaran
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Dive into the world of Dreamtime with this fun day tour that will show you every part of the Great Barrier Reef - including its traditional history
- Dive, snorkel or swim on the Great Barrier Reef like never before
- Listen to Dreamtime stories of the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Gunggandji, Mandingalbay and Yirriganydj and learn more about the history of the Reef
- Visit two different Outer Reef locations and immerse yourself in a magical underwater world
- Everything is included for your day of fun, learning and natural marvels
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The ultimate excursion combining the stunning Green Island and the Outer Great Barrier Reef!
- A relaxed catamaran cruise to your island and reef destinations
- Enjoy two relaxed hours on Green Island, a unique reef and rainforest coral cay
- Three adventurous hours at the activity pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef
- Experience world-class snorkelling, coral viewing, underwater observatory, beach time and more
- Learn about the reef with crew education and a guided eco-reef talk
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Explore the Great Barrier Reef from above and below with Evolution’s ultimate adventure package, the best way to experience the reef wonder!
- Cruise at high speeds aboard Evolution, an award-winning superyacht
- Enjoy up to 5 hours on the reef, snorkelling and diving at 2 exclusive locations
- Add up to 3 spectacular introductory or certified scuba dives to your day
- Take to the sky on a luxury scenic flight over the Outer Reef
- The best value day of adventure on the reef for all ages and groups
See the Great Barrier Reef's spectacular beauty from air and the sea!
- Half-day tour from Cairns to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef
- 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef
- Up to 1.5 hours for snorkeling amongst the diverse marine life
- Included BBQ lunch and glass of wine on the boat ride back to Cairns
- A family-friendly adventure that is perfect for travelers who are short on time
The ultimate Great Barrier Reef day tour! Snorkel, dive, fly, and admire this stunning reef from all perspectives!
- Full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
- Visit 2 magical reef locations and snorkel or dive for up to 5 hours
- Cruise the Coral Sea aboard the luxury yacht, Evolution
- Soar over the reef with a scenic helicopter flight
- One unforgettable, action-packed day with lunch included
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Sail to beautiful Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef for a day of excitement and adventure!
- Visit a stunning sand island and bird sanctuary
- Snorkel in the vibrant fringing reefs right off the shore
- See the marine world from a unique perspective in a semi-submersible
- Go on an introductory dive for a whole new experience
- Ideal for the whole family to experience the Great Barrier Reef
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Indulge in a day of Great Barrier Reef luxury aboard Evolution, as an exclusive Gold Class private lounge member!
- Award-winning superyacht cruising to two flourishing Great Barrier Reef sites
- Enjoy 5 star service in a luxury private lounge accommodating up to 8 guests
- Dedicated concierge service, private return transfers and high-end inclusions
- Unparallelled snorkelling and diving, unique semi-submersible tour and an optional scenic helicopter flight!
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Visit the Outer Great Barrier Reef and pristine tropical islands on a 1-hour boat ride from Mission Beach!
- Travel by fast and comfortable catamaran to Dunk Island, Beaver Reef and Sand Cay
- Spend 3 to 4 hours on the water with guided snorkelling safaris included
- Return luxury coach transfers included from central pick ups in Cairns city
- Small passenger numbers of less than 50 per tour for a more exclusive reef trip!
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Cruise from the river to the reef on an exclusive escape to the pristine Frankland Islands!
- Scenic cruise through the Mulgrave River to the Frankland Islands
- Explore the secluded Normanby Island within the Great Barrier Reef
- Guided snorkel safari, SUP and kayak amongst flourishing fringing reefs
- Enjoy up to 5 hours of unparalleled island time
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Experience the magic on the Reef Magic Pontoon Day Tour where you can enjoy a day of activities and fun!
- Visit Reef Magic's newest pontoon located off the shores of Cairns
- Snorkel, dive and explore the Great Barrier Reef
- Perfect for families, couples, groups, solo travellers, and seniors
- Unique experiences such as a glass-bottom boat, a semi-submersible, helicopter tours, an underwater observatory, onboard massages and much more
See the best of the Outer Great Barrier Reef during an action-packed day trip with Seastar Cruises
- Visit Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef on this fun day trip
- Take the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive as you explore
- Added bonus of a glass bottom boat tour and snorkel tours
- Discover the beautiful reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
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Join Tusa Reef Tours for an amazing all inclusive day of diving and snorkelling on the mesmerising Great Barrier Reef!
- Small group of only 40 people max
- Enjoy two included intro or certified dives
- Indulge in all inclusive food and drinks
- Cruise the reef on a comfortable and spacious vessel
- State of the art equipment and guided snorkel tours included
Enhance your understanding of the Great Barrier Reef on a fully guided snorkel tour with a marine biologist!
- Visit two unique Outer Reef locations onboard Passions of Paradise
- Absorb knowledge and learn skills from your personalised Master Reef Guide
- Conduct guided water surveys and research activities alongside marine biologists and scientists
- Small-group day tour with a maximum of 8 participants
- An immersive and educational way to learn about marine conservation with a hands-on approach
