Things to know before booking your Great Barrier Reef tour
🛥️ Pontoon or cruise?
Choose a fixed pontoon if you want a stable base with waterslides, underwater observatories, and plenty of space for families and non-swimmers. Choose a cruise that visits multiple reef sites if your priority is spending more time snorkeling different coral gardens.
- First time at the reef? Reef Magic's Outer Reef Pontoon Cruise gives you 5 hours at Moore Reef with snorkeling, glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours all included.
- Planning your trip around snorkeling? Outer Reef Cruise with 2 Reef visits takes you to two outer reef sites, so you'll experience more of the reef in a single day.
Book early during peak season
Tours operate year-round, but June to October, weekends, and school holidays are the busiest. Book 1–2 weeks ahead if you're travelling during these periods, especially for outer reef pontoon tours.
🪼 Don't let stinger season put you off
From November to May, marine stingers may be present, but every tour provides a protective stinger suit, so you can snorkel safely.
Weather isn't everything
Tours run in most weather conditions, and the outer reef usually has clearer water than the islands, even on overcast days.
Book upgrades before you travel
Scuba dives and scenic helicopter flights have limited daily availability, so it's best to reserve them when booking your tour.
- Want the ultimate reef day? Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Scenic Helicopter Flight lets you experience the reef from both above and below.
🏝️ Can't choose between an island and the outer reef?
You don't have to; some tours combine both, so you can snorkel the reef and relax on an island in the same day.
- Want the best of both worlds? Fitzroy Island & Moore Reef Tour combines outer reef snorkeling with an afternoon on Fitzroy Island.