Frankland Islands Day Trip: What to Expect
Most people planning a reef day trip from Cairns have heard of Green Island and Fitzroy Island. Fewer have heard of the...
Read moreHome
Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns
Step into the world’s most famous reef where turquoise waters, vibrant coral gardens, and marine life collide in spectacular colour. Our Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tours include snorkelling, island escapes, and scenic flights, offering travellers unforgettable Great Barrier Reef Tours and incredible Great Barrier Reef trips from Cairns.
Special Deal
Adult $195.00 Child 4-14yrs $165.00
Departs Cairns 9.00am – 2.00pm
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun
Experience the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this small-group half-day snorkel and dive tour. With a maximum of 60 guests, enjoy personalised attention from expert marine guides and spend up to 2 hours exploring the reef’s vibrant coral and marine life. First-timers can try a Scuba Introductory Dive — no experience needed, all equipment provided.
Adult $195.00 | Child $165.00 4-14yts | Family 2A+2C $660.00 2A+2C | $10.00 Fuel levy payable on the day
9:00 am
2:00 pm
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Adult $209 |Child 6-14yrs $159
Family 2A+2C $670
Depart Cairns Daily 12 noon – 5.00pm
Cairns newest & fastest purpose built vessel to the Outer Barrier Reef. Only 40 snorkelers per trip. Join our expert snorkel team, made up of Master Reef Guides and Marine naturalists, on a crowd-free adventure with over 2 hours of snorkelling time. Get ready to discover the Great Barrier Reef.
Adult $209.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $670.00
12:00 pm
5:00 pm
Special Deal
Adult $159.00| Child 4-14yrs $89
Family 2A+2C $496
Includes 1.5 hour dedicated Whale Watching tour plus free time at Fitzroy Island
Depart Cairns 8.30am – 2.45pm or 10.45am – 4.45pm
Experience an unforgettable day of nature and relaxation. Cruise off the coast of Cairns to witness the spectacular migration of Humpback Whales, then spend time unwinding on a tropical island with snorkelling, hiking, marine life, and stunning beaches.
Adult $159.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $496.00 2A+2C 4-14yrs
8:30 am
Special Deal
Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child payable day of travel
2 iconic destinations in 1 day. Fast catamaran to Green Island for a 2-hour coral cay stopover, then out to Great Adventures’ Moore Reef platform for 3 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel gear, semi-sub, underwater observatory and buffet lunch all included.
Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child. Fuel Levy payable at check-in on the day of travel.
8:30 am
5:30 pm
Adult $275.00| Child 4-14yrs $175
Family 2A+2C $795
Departs Cairns daily 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
This Great Barrier Reef Tour is another of my favourites as a local. Why? You will visit 2 stunning outer reef locations discovering the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel or dive among turtles, tropical fish, and an incredible variety of corals. This is a very popular Cairns reef tour and often books out in advance!
Adult $275.00 | Child 4-14yrs $175.00 | Family 2A+2C $795.00
8:00 am
5:00 pm
$275 Adult|Child $170 4-16 yrs|
Family 2A+2C $800
Departs daily 8.00am – 4.30pm
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour aboard the spacious and modern yacht, Evolution. This 35-meter vessel departs from Cairns and takes you to two exclusive, breathtaking locations on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Perfect for families with children aged 4-16, this tour offers an action-packed day of snorkelling or diving in one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Optional extras are available to enhance your experience. Join us for a day filled with excitement and wonder!
Adult $275.00 Adult | Child $170.00 4-16 yrs | Family 2A+2C $800.00
8:00 am
4:30 pm
Special Deal
Adult $455| Child 4-16 yrs $310|
Family 2A+2C 4-16yrs $1380
Excellent Value SAVE $59 adult $33.00 child & $130.00 Family
Departs daily
Experience the very best value Cairns Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tours. The 2 day reef and rainforest package offers great value to visit our two amazing World Heritage National Parks during your stay in Cairns, making it one of the best Cairns tour packages available
Adult $455.00 | Child 4-16 yrs $310.00 | Family 2A+2C 4-16yrs $1380.00
Special Deal
Adult $440|Child $345 4-16 years includes Fuel levy
Great Value !! Save $75
Departs daily 8.00am – 4.30pm
Experience the ultimate adventure value package on the Great Barrier Reef with views from above and below the Reef. Includes an awesome 10-minute scenic Helicopter flight to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Full day with two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef including snorkelling, lunch and more
Adult $440.00 | Child $345.00 4-16 years
8:00 am
4:30 pm
Special Deal
Take to the skies on a Great Barrier Reef scenic helicopter flight departing from the floating helipad at Moore Reef. This 10-minute helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef delivers spectacular aerial views of vibrant coral formations, turquoise lagoons and the vast outer reef.
Adult $527.00 | Child 2-15 yrs $387.00 | Family 2A+2C $1656.00 | Infant under 24 months $0.00 | Price includes Fuel Levy $0.00
10:15 am
5:30 pm
Special Deal
Adult from $255| Child $160 4-14yrs Family 2A+2C $670
Seasonal dates and prices apply
Departs daily 9.00am – 5.00pm
Step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous Sea Rangers as they recount the Dreamtime stories of the local people and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy up to 5 hours of fun with unlimited snorkelling with 2 Reef locations in air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar.
Adult from $255.00 | Child $160.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $670.00 2A+2C
9:00 am
5:00 pm
Special Deal
Departs Cairns 8.00am – 4.30pm
Kids 50% off – valid to 30th September 2026
Adult $10 Child $5 Fuel Levy
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2.5 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 2.5 hours Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef Pontoon includes coral viewing with semi-submersible, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, snorkelling & kids waterslide. Then a leisurely time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.
Adult $337.00 | Child ( 4 - 16yrs ) $169.00 | Kids 50% OFF $92.50 valid to 30 Sept 26 | Family 2A+2C $859.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel Levy
8:00 am
4:30 pm
Departs daily 7am – 5pm
Fuel Levy of $10.00 per person payable direct
Enjoy an all-inclusive River, Reef, and Island Cruise with the sole commercial operator permitted on the pristine uninhabited Frankland Islands. Snorkel off the Island’s National Park white sand beach, swim with sea turtles, and have a quick and convenient journey with the shortest open water crossing.
Adult $260.00 | Child $160.00 4-16yrs | Family 2A+2C $680.00 | $10.00 + Fuel Levy per person payable on the day of travel
7:00 am
5:00 pm
Special Deal
Adult $308 | Child $228
Departs daily Cairns 8:30 – 4.30 pm
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5 payable on checkin day of travel
Dive & Snorkel from Cairns with Silverswift, the only Cairns-based vessel to visit 3 spectacular outer reef locations in one day – It is also the fastest! Exclusive Outer Barrier Reef sites at Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. Enjoy 5 hours of fun snorkelling and diving
Adult $308.00 | Child $228.00 | $10.00 Fuel Levy - Adult Child $5 payable at checkin on day of travel
8:30 am
4:30 pm
Special Deal
This half-day tour offers the magic of the reef in a timeframe that works perfectly for cruise ship visitors with 3 departures from Cairns Marina daily at 8am, 10am or 1pm.
The tour takes place in open water, confident swimming is recommended to get the most enjoyment and comfort.
Tour runs for 4 hours duration with 1.5 hours of snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
Adult $179.00 | 6-14yrs $119.00 | 2AD+2CH $535.00 | Prescription Masks $15.00
10:00 am
2:00 pm
Michaelmas Cay
Adult $288|Child $149|Family $734
Departs daily 8.30am – 5pm
Fuel levy Adult $4 Child $2 payable on checkin day of travel
Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Spirit Cruises spacious catamaran. Snorkel or dive the pristine reef in the shallow waters of the cay or view the reef from a glass bottom boat. Michaelmas Cay is a National Park and a protected sanctuary for hundreds of migratory seabirds.
Adult $288.00 | Child $149.00 | Family $734.00 | $0.00 Fuel Levy Adult $4 Child $2 payable on checkin day of travel
8:30 am
5:00 pm
Special Deal
Adult $280 |Child 4-11 years $195
Family 2A+2C $755
Departs Daily 8.00am – 4.30 pm
Join us onboard the high-speed Catamaran ‘Reef Experience’ for a great value day on the Outer Barrier Reef. Your day includes Cairns CBD hotel transfers, breakfast, One FREE Scuba Dive, lunch, Snorkelling, and a light snack on the journey home. Great value! Cairns only all inclusive Great Barrier Reef day tour.
Adult $280.00 | Child 4-11 years $195.00 | Family 2A+2C $755.00 | Fuel levy $10 per person payable direct $0.00
8:00 am
4:30 pm
Adult $289| Child $207| Family $893
Departs Cairns daily 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Cruise to 2 unique Great Barrier Reef sites, as you travel in style and speed on a 20-metre motor catamaran. Ocean Freedom is the only boat in Cairns offering a total of 6 hours on the reef, meaning there’s absolutely no rush in the day. Swim, snorkel and dive – with the highest ratio of 2 divers to one instructor. You get to enjoy all the complimentary water activities whilst still having time to relax and enjoy a lazy sumptuous lunch on the Great Barrier Reef
Adult $289.00 | Child $207.00 | Family $893.00
8:00 am
4:30 pm
Adult $312.00 | Child $172 (4-14yrs)
Family 2A+2C $805
Fuel Levy payable direct on the day of travel $10 Adult $5 Child
Departs Cairns Daily 10.30am – 5.20pm
Discover the Great Barrier Reef and spend 3 unforgettable hours at the Outer Reef activity platform where both swimmers and non-swimmers can immerse in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore a range of activities from snorkelling to underwater observatories to guided tours for a closer look. Relax as you enjoy the sundeck taking in the views of the reef with a delicious buffet lunch.
Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child | Fuel levy payable on the day of travel
10:30 am
5:20 pm
Special Deal
From Adult $325| Child $160| Family $810
Seasonal prices apply
Departs daily 9am – 5pm
Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef at the all-weather Pontoon which is the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. A 90-minute cruise takes you to Moore Reef for snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter flights, and more. Stay dry with a sundeck, and view the coral from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tour.
Adult $325.00 | Child $160.00 | Family $810.00
9:00 am
5:00 pm
Adult $307|Child 4-15 yrs $172
Family 2A2C $786
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child $30.00 Family
Departs Daily 10.15am – 5.30pm
Join Sunlover Reef Cruises for a day of discovery on the Great Barrier Reef. Travel in comfort aboard their fast, air-conditioned catamaran to a spacious pontoon at pristine Moore Reef on the outer reef. The newly refurbished platform caters for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, with an upper-level sun deck and the popular Sunlover Waterslide — a 30-metre spiral splash into tropical blue water.
Adult $307.00 | Child 4-15 yrs $172.00 | Family $786.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel Levy
10:15 am
5:30 pm
Special Deal
Agincourt Reef is regarded as one of the most significant sites of this natural wonder. Here you’ll find rich, diverse coral gardens that help form these protective ocean walls, filled with hard and soft corals as well as the reef’s most iconic species such as sharks, stingrays, turtles, groupers and cods, maori wrasse and parrotfish.
Adult $338|Child $179|Family $864
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5.00
Departs Port Douglas 10am – 4.30pm
Return transfers from Cairns
Adult $45|Child $25|Family $115
For your experience of a lifetime, Quicksilver’s friendly crew will take you to the renowned Agincourt Reef off Port Douglas, a jewel-like ribbon reef on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef. From the spacious activity platform, discover an underwater world filled with a dazzling kaleidoscope of colour and brilliance. Enjoy the reef at your pace with options for all ages, swimmers and non swimmers or passengers with limited mobility.
Adult $338.00 | Child $179.00 | Family $864.00 | Fuel levy $10.00 Adult 10.00 $5.00 Child
10:00 am
4:30 pm
Adult $315|Child $228
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5 payable on the day of travel
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.
Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel
8:30 am
4:30 pm
No trip to Cairns is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the reef stretches over 2,300 kilometres off the Queensland coast and Cairns is the best place on earth to explore it.
What is the best Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns?
As a Cairns local with over 35 years in the tourism industry, I get asked this every single day and the honest answer is, it depends on what you’re after.
For first time visitors a full-day catamaran tour to the outer reef is hard to beat — calm waters, expert guides, and snorkelling or diving straight off the boat. If you want something more exclusive, a small-group reef tour keeps numbers low and the experience personal.
For those who want more time on the reef with every comfort taken care of, a pontoon-based reef tour is the way to go. Moored directly on the Outer Reef, pontoons give you a stable platform to snorkel and dive. Prefer to stay dry? See the reef up close on a glass-bottom boat tour, exploring on a semi-submersible coral viewing tour or through an underwater observatory. You can even add a 10 minute scenic Helicopter flights from the pontoon for a bird’s eye view of the coral cays and lagoons. Simply relax and take it all in at your own pace there’s no rush.
Swimmers and non-swimmers are equally well catered for, making pontoon tours one of the most popular Great Barrier Reef experiences from Cairns for families, mixed groups, and solo travellers alike.
For visitors short on time, half-day reef tours are now available from Cairns. A great option for cruise ship passengers in port for the day, or anyone who wants a genuine outer reef experience without a full day commitment. You’ll still reach the outer reef, snorkel among coral and marine life, and be back in Cairns by early afternoon.
If you prefer smaller numbers and a more personal experience, a small-group reef tour is worth the extra consideration. Fewer people on the water means more reef to yourself.
And if you want to make it truly unforgettable, a Reef & Helicopter Combo gives you the Great Barrier Reef from above and below on the same day seeing coral cays and turquoise lagoons from the air, then straight in for a snorkel or dive. There’s nothing quite like it.
The Great Barrier Reef Islands offer something different. Green Island combines reef snorkelling with a coral cay rainforest. Fitzroy Island is a national park with hiking trails and fringing reef. The Frankland Islands offer a remote, uncrowded reef experience with river cruise transfers through the rainforest.
Whatever you choose, I only recommend operators I know and trust. Locals who’ve been running reef tours out of Cairns for decades and who genuinely care about the reef and the people on it.
A small fuel levy may apply to some reef tours, payable on the day. Where this applies, we’ll let you know at the time of booking so there are no surprises.
Here’s why thousands of customers trustCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. (Helicopter tours are 48 hours) We make exploring Cairns stress free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Reserve your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option, or just give us a call or send us an email to secure your booking. We will be in touch to arrange payment 7 days before your departure. Perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 30 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland travellers from around the world. Based in Cairns, we offer authentic tour experiences backed by genuine local knowledge and long standing connections to the region.
👩🏫 Expert Local Guides
Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.
Janice Welsh
9 months ago
We arranged 3 day tours from Cairns with Cairns Discovery tours, one to Fitzroy Island, one to Green Island and one to Kuranda . From the initial telephone contact to the conclusion of the tours, Maryanne was so helpful and professional. Booking and payment was easy, follow up information meant we knew exactly where to meet and what we would expect to see and do, when and where to check in on the day . I can thoroughly recommend booking with Cairns Discovery Tours.
Meredith Graham
11 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours were amazing. I had very specific requirements for booking tours, due to the group we were travelling with. They made the process so easy. Their recommendations were spot on and then they took care of all our bookings, including updating me on any "deals" that companies had. If you are travelling to Cairns, I would highly recommend contacting Cairns Discovery Tours to sort your holiday!
Saravanaraja Krishnakaanth
9 months ago
I had the pleasure of booking my recent trip through Cairns Discovery Tours in Cairns and I must say it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.
From the very beginning, Maryanne and team were extremely easy to work with. Their communication was clear, prompt, and effective, which gave me confidence that everything was being handled smoothly. No matter how many questions we had, they responded with patience and helpful details.
Since we were completely new to Cairns, their recommendations were invaluable.
Another highlight was the deal they worked out for us. They managed to customize the itinerary in a way that was both budget-friendly and full of experiences.
Overall, I highly recommend Cairns Discovery Tours to anyone planning a trip to Cairns. They are professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about making your journey memorable. I would definitely choose them again for my future travels.
Thanks once again Maryanne and Taam!
Kim Ryan
9 months ago
Easy to book online and and contact if need be. Well organised would recommend using this company to book tours through.
Adrian Olsen
11 months ago
Like to thank Mary Ann for organising our two trips had to get a partial refund on one of the trips due to weather which was an easy process. Would definitely book through Cairns Discovery Tours again
G
Greg Scher
1 year ago
Marianne set up great tours and was very responsive with any questions. Highly recommended,
Frequently Asked Questions
Which tour is best for confident swimmers and snorkellers wanting the Outer Reef?
For confident swimmers wanting the best snorkelling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Here are personal picks Silverswift visits three outer reef locations in a single day. Dreamtime Snorkel & Dive, Passions of Paradise and Down Under Cruise & Dive visit two reef locations. All equipment included, and lunch on board. For a small group reef experience combined with a pristine Island the Frankland Islands is also an excellent full-day option, remote, uncrowded and spectacular.
What is the best Great Barrier Reef tour for first-time visitors to Cairns?
For most first-timers, a full-day Outer Reef cruise is the most rewarding way to experience the reef — and the pontoon-based tours are purpose-built for it.
Reef Magic, Sunlover Cruises and Great Adventures all operate moored pontoons directly on the Outer Reef — giving you a stable, comfortable base to explore at your own pace. Snorkel straight off the pontoon, take a glass-bottom boat tour, join a semi-submersible coral viewing tour, or head down to the underwater observatory. Swimmers and non-swimmers are equally well catered for, making these tours a great choice for mixed groups and families.
Short on time? A half-day reef cruise gets you to the Outer Reef and back by early afternoon — ideal for cruise ship passengers or anyone with an afternoon flight.
What’s included in a Great Barrier Reef day tour from Cairns?
Cairns offers a wide variety of reef tours to suit different preferences and budgets. Options include full-day outer reef cruises to pontoon platforms, Island day trips (Green Island, Fitzroy Island, Frankland Islands), Reef and Island combo tours, small-group sailing and dive charters, and helicopter scenic flights either standalone or combined with a reef cruise. Tours depart daily and cater to snorkellers, certified divers, and non-swimmers alike
Can beginners and non-swimmers enjoy a Great Barrier Reef tour?
Yes. Many reef tours are designed with non-swimmers and beginners in mind. Activities like glass-bottom boat tours, semi-submersible coral viewing tours and underwater observatories let you see the reef without entering the water. The Seawalker helmet dive is another popular option where you walk on the seafloor without needing to swim or use any equipment, and you don’t even get your hair wet. Guided snorkel tours are also available for those new to snorkelling.
How long does it take to reach the outer reef from Cairns?
Travel time to the outer reef varies by vessel and destination, but most cruises take approximately 90 minutes each way. Reef pontoons and activity platforms are moored permanently at the reef, so time at the reef is typically 3-5 hours for a full-day tour.
What marine life can you see on a Great Barrier Reef tour?
The Great Barrier Reef is home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life. On a typical reef tour you can expect to see colourful coral formations, tropical fish including clownfish, parrotfish and angelfish, sea turtles, giant clams, and reef sharks. Manta rays and whale sharks are occasionally spotted, and humpback whales pass through the region between July and November.
How do I choose the best Great Barrier Reef tour for my travel style and budget?
Consider how much time you have, whether you want to swim or prefer to stay dry, and how far offshore you’d like to go. Outer reef tours offer the most pristine coral and marine life, while island tours (Green Island and Fitzroy Island) are closer to shore and ideal for a relaxed day out. Combo tours combining an island stop with time at the outer reef give you both experiences in one day. Your budget will also help narrow it down there are options at a range of price points.
Related Reading
Frankland Islands vs Green Island & Fitzroy
Three islands, three very different days out – and that is what makes this decision interesting. Green Island, Fitzroy Island, and the...
Read more
Your complete introduction to diving at the Great Barrier Reef: everything you need to know
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef is one thing. Dropping below the surface on scuba – leaving the world above behind and breathing...
Read more
Great Barrier Reef conservation and protection: how to visit responsibly
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, a World Heritage-listed ecosystem, and one of the most closely studied...
Read more
How to take great photos underwater at the Great Barrier Reef
You’ve planned the trip, booked the tour, and found yourself floating above a coral formation with a turtle drifting past two metres...
Read more
Great Barrier Reef marine life guide: meet the world below the surface
Put your face in the water at the right outer reef site on a clear Cairns morning, and the first thing that...
Read more