From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
aimee fortescue
AU

Aimee

Australia
Aug 2025
5/5
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review-image
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+2 more

We had a really lovely time visiting fitzroy Island yesterday. On our way back to cairns we sat on the upper sun deck with great views this only got bettter when we had an unexpected visitor join us 🐳🐋 The crew promptly turned the engines off and gave us an informative commentary on the humpback whales migration. This was such an unexpected treat not to mention a life long bucket list goal. All staff were friendly and professional. The boat was immaculately clean we will definitely be booking future adventures with this company and recommending to family and friends. Until next time.
Juan Sebastian Cerezo
AU

Juan

Australia
Oct 2023
4/5
Excelente, we have a great time and the service oversam, thank you very much for every think you have organised, loved. Juan and Charo
Bergeret stephane

Bergeret

Jul 2025
4/5
The glass-bottom boat trip, which although short, allowed us to get a little further out on the reef and get some explanations. This enabled us to see a turtle and clams in particular.
Mr N Donaldson
AU

Mr

Australia
Oct 2023
4/5
The staff were great people and very helpful. I liked that the cost was an all included experience. My 7 year old son had the most fantastic time, just loves the reef, however he had concerns about the boat on the way out and the slapping of the water on the boat. He has been investigating boat disasters and thought we had been hit by a torpedo. 😂
Winston Pine

Winston

Sep 2021
5/5
Had so much fun doing this. Me and my friends had planned on seeing this amazing landmark and the cruise was one of my favourite things about my experience.. Thoroughly enjoyed it
Narina Prodger
AU

Narina

Australia
Aug 2025
5/5
Friendly staff, beautiful catamaran, not overcrowded and well organised tour. We had a great day on the reef and would highly recommend down under reef cruise by Headout 😊

Explore the largest living structure in the world on a Great Barrier Reef tour

Teeming with marine life and vibrant coral gardens, the Great Barrier Reef is a bucket-list destination for families, couples, and solo explorers alike. Whether you want to snorkel, dive, or unwind on a tropical island, there’s a reef tour for every mood. Enjoy next-day availability, instant confirmations, exclusive rates, and great add-ons like guided snorkel safaris, semi-sub rides, or intro dives. Let’s dive in and plan your reef adventure your way, with confidence, convenience, and plenty of underwater wonder.

Things to know before you book your Great Barrier Reef tour

Where to start: Cairns or Port Douglas?

  • Cairns: Main departure point with the most tour options—inner & outer reefs, islands, pontoons, liveaboards, scenic flights.
  • Port Douglas: Quieter port with access to less crowded sites like Opal & Tongue Reefs. Fewer tours, more untouched reef.

Tour types & destinations

  • Inner Reefs (e.g., Norman Reef): Closer to shore (~1 hr), good for quick trips.
  • Outer Reefs (e.g., Hope Reef): Clearer water, richer marine life, ~1.5 hrs by boat.
  • Islands: Green & Fitzroy Islands offer reef access plus rainforest walks & hiking.

Tour formats:

  • Day tours (6–8 hrs): Snorkeling, lunch, glass-bottom boats.
  • Liveaboards: Multi-day diving with overnight stays.
  • Pontoons: Floating bases for snorkeling & diving—great for stability & families.
  • Scenic flights: Helicopter or plane tours over the reef.

Experiences & wildlife

  • Snorkeling: Included in most tours, beginner-friendly.
  • Scuba diving: For certified divers & first-timers with guides.
  • Glass-bottom boats/Semi-submarines: No swimming needed, great for kids & non-swimmers.
  • Seawalker helmet dive: Walk along the seafloor with a pressurized helmet, no swimming or diving experience needed.

What you’ll see:

  • Inner Reefs: Colorful coral & reef fish.
  • Outer Reefs: Better visibility (~15 m), chance to spot dolphins & whales.
  • Green Island: Calm lagoons, rainforest boardwalks.
  • Fitzroy Island: Beach snorkel spots, hiking trails, summit views.

Short on time? → Choose inner reefs or Green Island.
Want a full adventure? → Outer reef or liveaboard is best.

Quick picks by traveler type

  • Families & first-timers: Inner reef day cruise or island trip with snorkeling & glass-bottom boat.
  • Adventurers: Outer reef or liveaboard for diving, night swims & marine life.
  • Nature lovers: Green Island for rainforest walks; Fitzroy Island for hiking + snorkeling.
  • Don’t Swim?: Go for pontoons, glass-bottom boats, or semi-submarines.

Choose your departure point: Cairns vs. Port Douglas

Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tour in Cairns, Australia with vibrant coral and marine life.

Tours from Cairns

Best for: First-time visitors, families, groups, and those wanting the most choice and value. Cairns is the best place to base your trip, whether you're visiting from overseas, another part of Australia, or just planning your first reef adventure.

Key features

  • Most tour options: Largest selection of reef cruises, snorkeling, diving, and family-friendly pontoon-based experiences.
  • Convenience: Direct access from Cairns International Airport; easy transfers to the marina.
  • Flexible schedules: Multiple daily departures, including half-day and full-day options.
  • Travel time: 30–90 minutes by boat to the reef, depending on the site and tour.

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

One-Way Shared Transfers from Palm Cove to Port Douglas

From Port Douglas

Best for: Couples, honeymooners, luxury travelers, and those seeking immersive experiences. If you’re after a more exclusive reef escape with faster access to pristine outer reef sites, Port Douglas is your launch point.

Key features

  • Outer reef access: Reach premium reef sites like Agincourt & Low Isles in just 45–60 minutes, often faster and more direct than from Cairns.
  • Fewer crowds: Smaller boats and less busy marinas for a more intimate, premium feel.
  • Upscale atmosphere: Home to top restaurants, boutique hotels, and easy access to the Daintree Rainforest.
  • Travel time: 45–60 minutes by boat to the reef, often with direct routes to Agincourt and Low Isles.

Recommended experiences

Port Douglas to Low Isles Island Cruise

Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Explore Great Barrier Reef tours from Port Douglas

Inner Reef vs. Outer Reef tours: Which is best for you?

Fitzroy Island beach with clear waters, glass bottom boat tour, and visitors enjoying a day trip from Cairns.

Inner Reef

Price: From AU$105

Best for: First-time reef visitors, families, and travelers short on time

Popular reefs: Michaelmas Cay, Upolu Reef & Moore Reef offer calm lagoons, shallow snorkeling, and easy access, ideal for beginners, families & non-swimmers.

Key features

  • Quick access: Reach the reef in just 30–60 minutes from Cairns or Port Douglas—ideal for travelers short on time.
  • Calm, protected waters: The sheltered environment is perfect for families, new swimmers, and young children.
  • Diverse destinations: Visit unique spots like Green Island (with rainforest walks), Fitzroy Island (scenic hiking), or the historic Low Isles.
  • All-weather options: Enjoy glass-bottom boat tours and island activities, making for a fun day out even if the weather is less than perfect.

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full Day Cruise

A cruise ship on the Great Barrier Reef

Outer Reef

Price: From AU$249

Best for: Adventurous travelers, immersive experiences, and experienced snorkelers/divers

Popular reefs: Norman, Osprey & Hastings Reefs feature deeper waters, rich coral life & clearer visibility, best for confident snorkelers and divers.

Key features

  • Pristine locations: Travel 90–120 minutes from Cairns or Port Douglas to reach remote reef sites, offering a more exclusive experience.
  • Crystal-clear visibility: Enjoy superior water clarity, which means you’ll see more vibrant coral formations and marine life.
  • Multiple reef sites: Most tours include stops at 2–3 different locations, giving you a variety of snorkeling and marine encounters in one trip.
  • Advanced activities: Take advantage of optional scuba diving and deeper snorkeling opportunities for a more thrilling adventure.

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise with Scuba Diving

Activities to make your Great Barrier Reef tour unforgettable

Young girl snorkeling near a sea turtle in clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Scuba diver exploring underwater aquarium with colorful fish
Tourists on Seawalker helmet dive at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef, observing coral and fish.
Tourist on Sunlover waterslide at Moore Reef, Great Barrier Reef day cruise from Cairns.
Tourists on a glass bottom boat viewing coral and marine life at Great Barrier Reef near Cairns, Australia.
Snorkelers exploring vibrant coral reefs and marine life on Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise, Cairns, Australia.
Marine biologists and children exploring marine life on a Cairns to Great Barrier Reef cruise.
Helicopter flying over the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing coral formations, Australia.
Tourists on a catamaran cruise in clear blue waters near Green Island Reef, Cairns, Australia.
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Snorkel among living rainbows

Glide over coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles. You’ll feel the warmth of the sun and the cool, crystal-clear water as you float above a world of color and movement.

Book Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tours

Scuba dive into a hidden world

Descend into the reef’s blue depths to discover towering coral bommies, clownfish, and rays. Experience weightlessness as you explore secret nooks and swim-throughs, surrounded by marine life. No experience? Try an introductory dive with a certified instructor, perfect for first-timers.

Walk the reef floor on a seawalker dive

Put on a pressurized helmet and step onto the reef—no swimming required. Walk among coral and fish on the ocean floor, breathing normally as butterflyfish dart by and clownfish peek from their anemone homes.

Slide, splash, and discover together

Race each other down a giant pontoon waterslide into Coral Sea and explore the wonders of the sea at a supervised touch tank. Feel the velvety surface of starfish and the knobby texture of sea cucumbers.

Ride a semi-sub or glass-bottom boat

Cruise above coral gardens and watch turtles, rays, and giant clams glide beneath you, without getting wet. See shifting patterns of light and color as sunlight dances across the reef.

Peer into the reef from below

Step into a submerged viewing chamber and see coral and fish at eye level, without getting wet. Watch schools drift past, spot turtles, and marvel as sunlight filters through the blue.

Guided marine biologist presentations

Join a guided reef talk, snorkel tour, or coral nursery walk. Learn how reef ecosystems work, and how tours help protect them. Ideal for curious travelers or eco-minded families.

See the reef from above

Scenic flights offer a fast, non-swimmer-friendly way to admire coral formations and marine life. Perfect for time-strapped travelers, it’s one of the most unforgettable ways to grasp the reef’s true scale and beauty.

Book Great Barrier Reef flight tours

Walk the rainforest trails of Green or Fitzroy Island

Stroll shaded boardwalks beneath ancient trees, with the scent of salt air and tropical birdsong all around. You’ll be able to explore hidden beaches, lookouts, and cool rainforest streams after a morning in the sun.

Book Green Island tours

Beyond the reef: Hike, swim & snorkel at Green & Fitzroy Islands

Tourists on a catamaran cruise in clear blue waters near Green Island Reef, Cairns, Australia.

Green Island

Price: From AU$109

Best for: Family-friendly day trips, relaxed exploration, and non-swimmers

Key features

  • Easy access: Reachable in under an hour from Cairns, with multiple daily departures.
  • Family facilities: Calm, shallow waters, sandy beaches, and a range of amenities including cafés, lockers, and shaded picnic spots.
  • Unique setting: The only coral cay in the region with its own rainforest, featuring easy walking trails and abundant birdlife.
  • Activities for all: Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submarine rides, rainforest walks, Marineland Melanesia (crocodile park), and even scenic helicopter flights.
  • All-weather options: Plenty of sheltered activities and facilities for a great day out, rain or shine.

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise

Book Green Island tours
Woman overlooking the sea through a small lookout spot

Fitzroy Island

Price: From AU$97

Best for: Active travelers, nature lovers, hiking, and excellent snorkeling from the beach

Key features

  • Adventure & hiking: Multiple rainforest trails, including summit and lighthouse walks with panoramic views.
  • Snorkeling & marine life: Fringing coral reefs teeming with marine life, especially around Nudey Beach and Shark Fin Bay.
  • Turtle Rehabilitation Centre: Educational and interactive experiences with rescued sea turtles.
  • Secluded beaches: Mix of coral and sand beaches, with Nudey Beach regularly ranked among Australia’s best.
  • Flexible options: Full-day and half-day tours, affordable resort accommodation, and a beachfront bar/restaurant for relaxation.

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Half Day Cruise

Sunlover: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full-Day Cruise

Book Fitzroy Island tours

The Big 5 of the Great Barrier Reef: Which operator’s right for you?

Couple enjoying the view on a Sunlover Moore Reef tour at the Great Barrier Reef.

Price: From AU$185

Best for: Families & all-in-one reef fun

Departs: Cairns

  • Moore Reef pontoon with waterslide, semi-sub, glass-bottom boat & observatory
  • Snorkeling, diving, SeaWalker helmet dives, and marine biologist talks
  • Daily departures + combo reef & island tours
  • ECO Hall of Fame certified & coral restoration partner

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full-Day Cruise with Snorkel, Glass Bottom Boat Tour & Lunch

Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cruise with Snorkeling & Lunch

Cairns to Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Full-Day Cruise with Lunch

Catamaran approaching Green Island pier on Full Day Reef Cruise, Australia.

Price: From AU$109

Best for: Families, casual snorkelers & easy day trips

Departs: Cairns

  • Sandy beaches, boardwalks & snorkel lagoons
  • Half or full-day options with fast ferry transfers
  • Calm waters, stroller-friendly, beginner-safe
  • Advanced Ecotourism & Climate Action certified

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Green Island Half Day Cruise

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise

Tourists on a glass-bottom boat tour at Fitzroy Island, viewing marine life.

Price: From AU$97

Best for: Nature lovers, hikers & relaxed reef access

Departs: Cairns

  • Jungle hikes, summit views & beach snorkeling
  • Great for low-key reef days with optional add-ons
  • Calm beach entry + turtle sightings are common
  • Eco-certified, low-impact operations

Recommended experiences

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Half Day Cruise

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full Day Cruise

Snorkelers preparing on Low Isles beach, Port Douglas cruise.

Price: From AU$239

Best for: Small-group reef tours with both snorkel & dive options

Departs: Port Douglas

  • Outer reef day trips to Agincourt & Opal Reefs
  • Half-day Low Isles cruise with guided snorkels
  • Spacious catamaran, marine biologist-led groups
  • Advanced Ecotourism certified

Recommended experiences

Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef Full Day Cruise

Port Douglas to Low Isles Island Morning or Afternoon Cruise

Aerial view of a pontoon with tourists in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Price: From AU$349

Best for: Premium outer reef experience with eco-first design

Departs: Cairns

  • New Moore Reef pontoon (capped at 250 guests)
  • 5 hours on site: snorkel, dive, Sea Trek, observatory, semi-sub
  • Accessible for all ages & abilities
  • Solar-powered, coral-planting, biologist-led tours

Recommended experiences

Reef Magic Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cruise

Plan your tour of the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Tours

The reef is accessible year-round, but optimal conditions occur from May to October during the dry season. Water temperatures range from 22 °C to 29 °C, providing comfortable snorkeling conditions. Stinger season (November-April) requires protective suits, which all operators provide.

  • Peak season: June-August (cooler, less humidity)
  • Shoulder season: May & September-October (great weather, fewer crowds)
  • Wet season: November-April (warmer, afternoon showers possible)

Wildlife seasonal guide:

  • Whale migration: June to October is the best time for whale watching. 
  • Turtle nesting/hatching: November-April is ideal to see turtles.  
  • Coral spawning: In November and December, you get the rare chance to see fish and other reef animals in lively feeding frenzies and behaviors not seen during the rest of the year.
  • Cairns serves as the primary gateway, offering the widest variety of tours and daily departures. Most tours depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal at Marlin Wharf, with nearby parking available at Pier Shopping Complex for approximately $1.60 per hour. 
  • Port Douglas provides a more premium experience with less crowded vessels and closer access to outer reef sites.

  • Travel times vary significantly: Inner Reef destinations like Green Island require 45 minutes by catamaran, while Outer Reef pontoons need 90-120 minutes to reach.

Download Great Barrier Reef map
Woman applying sunscreen on a beach in Bali, Indonesia.

All snorkeling equipment is provided on your tour, but here are some personal items to enhance your experience:

  • Essential: Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+), hat, sunglasses
  • Comfort: Swimwear, towel, light jacket for boat travel
  • Photography: Underwater camera or GoPro with accessories
  • Extras: Cash for on-site upgrades or purchases, seasickness tablets (if required), waterproof bag for valuables, comfortable walking shoes, a change of dry clothes
  • Note: Prescription masks are available on request

Use this Great Barrier Reef packing checklist for a list of essential items to pack, whether you're a day-tripper or a multi-day adventurer. Simply download and print this checklist, then tick off items as you pack. It covers everything from swimwear and sun protection to medication and photography gear.

Tourists on sundeck of pontoon at Great Barrier Reef, enjoying views and activities.
  • Departure terminals: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and Port Douglas Marina have check-in desks, cafes, restrooms, and nearby paid parking.
  • Onboard & pontoon facilities: Most vessels and pontoons offer air-conditioned lounges, sun decks, freshwater showers, change rooms, toilets, and licensed bars. Pontoons feature snorkel platforms, underwater observatories, semi-subs, glass-bottom boats, and shaded areas.
  • Family & accessibility: Many tours have lifeguards, shallow pools, kids’ play zones, and provide flotation devices. Some pontoons and vessels are wheelchair accessible.
Tourists snorkelling in clear blue waters of Great Barrier Reef during full day cruise from Cairns.
  • Reef protection: Do not touch or stand on coral. Don’t collect shells or marine life. Use only reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide).
  • Safety: Always follow crew instructions. Declare any medical conditions before diving or snorkeling.
  • Waste: Dispose of all rubbish in bins on board—never in the sea.
  • Wildlife: Observe marine life respectfully; never chase, touch, or feed animals.
Big Belly Seahorse swimming in coral reef, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
  • Ancient cultural connection: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have lived alongside the reef for over 60,000 years, guided by deep spiritual ties and ecological knowledge.
  • Living, breathing giant: Bigger than Italy and visible from space, the reef stretches over 2,300 km along Australia’s northeast coast.
  • Rare marine wonderland: A biodiversity hotspot, it's home to six of the world’s seven turtle species, dugongs, reef sharks, and over 1,600 species of fish.
  • Half a million years in the making: Formed over 500,000 years, the reef preserves a living record of Earth’s shifting seas and ancient climates.
  • A fragile ecosystem fighting back: While coral bleaching has taken a toll, parts of the reef are recovering, showing nature’s resilience when protected.
  • Protected for future generations: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the reef remains one of the world’s most iconic and studied marine ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions about Great Barrier Reef tours and cruises

How much does it cost to visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Prices vary by experience. Half-day Green Island cruises start from around AU$105, while full-day outer reef tours with snorkeling and lunch range from AU$199 to AU$300. Premium tours that include diving or scenic flights can exceed AU$400. Family packages and child discounts are widely available.

What are my Great Barrier Reef tour options?

Great Barrier Reef tours are available as either half-day or full-day cruises with at least 1 reef exploration activity included. You can add an additional underwater activity, an Australian lunch or some premium options like small group tours, helicopter tours or marine biologist for additional prices.

How do I get to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, and how long is the boat ride?

Most tours depart from Cairns' Marlin Marina. If you're heading to islands like Green Island or Fitzroy Island, travel time is typically 45 to 60 minutes by fast catamaran. Outer reef experiences to sites like Moore or Norman Reef usually take 70 to 90 minutes. Some premium packages offer helicopter transfers that take about 25 minutes. Departure is straightforward: book your preferred tour and meet at the marina for an easy launch to the reef.

How far is the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas?

Port Douglas, located approximately 67 kilometers (42 miles) and an hour's drive north of Cairns (or 70-90 minutes by shuttle), serves as an excellent base for reef excursions; the outer reef is about 30 nautical miles offshore, a 60-90 minute boat trip, while the closer Low Isles are just a 30-minute cruise away.

What activities can you do at the Great Barrier Reef?

Popular activities include snorkeling, introductory and certified scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights, glass-bottom boat tours, and semi-submersible rides. Visitors can also enjoy guided marine biologist tours, touch tanks, island rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centres, underwater observatories, and kids' waterslides or splash zones on pontoons. Some tours offer private sand cay picnics, sunset cruises, or marine education programs.

What Great Barrier Reef tour can I take if I’m on a budget?

Half-day cruises usually begin from AU$95 while some full-day cruises with one reef activity are available for AU$105.

Book a Cairns to Green Island Half-Day Cruise

Book a Great Barrier Reef full day cruise

How long does it take to reach the reef?

Most cruises take 1–2 hours from Cairns or Port Douglas to reach the outer reefs.

Can I go on a cruise if I don’t swim?

Yes! Glass-bottom boat tours and underwater observatories are perfect for non-swimmers. Both activities come with select pontoon tours.

Book a Reef Magic pontoon tour

Are pontoon tours better than boat cruises?

Pontoon tours offer more time at the reef with additional amenities like waterslides and semi-submersibles. Boat cruises provide mobility between multiple reef sites.

Do I need prior diving experience?

No! Introductory dives are available for beginners under the guidance of a professional. These dives are available with pontoon experiences.

Book a Sunlover Great Barrier Reef tour

Can I eat before snorkeling or diving?

It is not recommended that you snorkel or scuba dive with an empty stomach as you may feel drained quite easily. However, opt for a light meal of fresh fruits, sandwiches or salads that can be easily digested. Avoid heavy greasy food to avoid feeling nauseous.

What is the age limit for snorkeling and scuba diving?

Typically, snorkeling is available for all ages, while diving may have a minimum age requirement, often 12 or older.

Are there weight restrictions for activities?

Helicopter rides usually have a maximum weight of 130kg. Anyone above this weight may need to pay additional surcharges to take the flight or may not be able to participate. Scuba diving has no weight restrictions as such but you may need to be physically fit to handle the activity’s demands.

Are there medical restrictions for diving?

Yes, medical restrictions apply. Guests with conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, or heart conditions may be restricted. A medical check may be needed for guests over a certain weight. We suggest that you get your physician’s approval to remain on the safe side.

How accessible are underwater activities?

Snorkeling can be accessible to all, and some cruises offer tailored support for guests with mobility needs. Scuba diving accessibility may vary and you may need to check with your provider.

How deep will I go while scuba diving?

Introductory dives usually reach around 12 meters (40 feet), while certified divers can explore deeper sites.

Which tours are best if I get seasick?

Pontoon tours offer the best solution, as they're accessed via large, stable catamarans and moor at steady platforms. Additionally, flights allow visitors to skip the boat altogether. Taking motion-sickness medication like Kwells about 30 minutes before boarding is highly recommended as a precaution.

Are reef tours accessible for people with disabilities?

Green Island is the most wheelchair-friendly destination with paved walkways and accessible marine centres. Some pontoons, like the Agincourt Reef platform, offer water-powered lifts for guests up to 90kg. Always advise the operator in advance of accessibility support and to confirm availability on specific vessels.

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