Australia · GREAT BARRIER REEF TOURS

The 15 Best Great Barrier Reef Tours

72 tours  ·  from $126

The decision is inner reef or outer, and it is worth an hour and a half of boat each way. These 15 compare the pontoon days against the small-boat operators on price, site count, gear and how rough the crossing usually is.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - First Reef Session: Saxon or Norman Reef
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two Outer Reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, enjoy a barbecue lunch, and add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight. Marine staff including Indy, Phil, and Lourie help make the day approachable.

“Great experience with the operator. Went for scuba diving with family for the first time. Awesome. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - What the first reef stop is really like
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Sailing, Tour Reviews

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

2.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

Cruise from Cairns on Passions of Paradise’s fast catamaran to two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew support, try an introductory or certified scuba session at extra cost, enjoy a chef-prepared buffet, and hear marine talks from guides such as Lily and David.

“Incredible and an amazing experience with Passions of Paradise. If you ever have to do Scuba or Snorkelling, highly recommend Passions of Paradise. Everything starting from crew, to instructors, to diving sites, to food, to snacks, to washrooms, to space and to top it all - the fabulous big catamaran, you will be in good and safe hands with them. Top notch quality team and they will ensure that you will the best time of your time at Great Barrier Reef. Much Thank You to Simon (legend-1) and Roberto (legend-2) who were my guides and instructors and their communication was always a huge help while diving. Always kept the customers…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - Two reef stops chosen for the day
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

3.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Spend about nine hours aboard Passions of Paradise’s 25-meter catamaran, visiting two Outer Reef sites selected for the day’s conditions. Snorkel with guides such as Simon or Harry, try introductory scuba from age 12, enjoy a buffet lunch, and hear a marine biologist explain the reef.

“The Passion Crew were accommodating, courteous and lots of fun to be around. Harry was very patient with me as inexperienced snorkler”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - From Cairns to Green Island in about 10 minutes
Cairns Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

4.Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,376 reviews · from $151

Fly from Cairns over Green Island, Oyster Reef, Vlasoff Cay, Arlington Reef, and the Outer Barrier Reef. Your pilot guides you by headset from an air-conditioned fixed-wing plane, with every passenger getting a window seat. July and August can bring views of humpback whales.

“Great experience. Unforgettable view from the plane. Special thanks to Daniel our pilot and Luke our guide, very friendly service from both of them. All in all absolutely recommendable.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Moving to the Wonder Wall
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

5.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181

From Cairns, you’ll spend about six hours at Upolu Cay and the Wonder Wall aboard a 65-foot catamaran. Marine guides lead snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, and optional scuba sessions, with reef gear, wetsuits, lunch, snacks, and in-water help included.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - Pickup from Airlie Beach and the ride to the airport
Airlie Beach Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Airlie Beach, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Whitsundays Sailing Trips

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

6.Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,810 reviews · 1h 10m · from $211

Fly from Whitsunday Coast Airport with a guaranteed window seat and live English commentary. Your pilot points out Airlie Beach, Conway National Park, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the islands, and Heart Reef. Hotel transfers are included, and the small aircraft carries no more than seven people.

“Everything was perfect : the crew, the views, the organisation of the activity. It was one of the best scenic view I have ever seen in my life. You have to do it absolutely !!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour - The 8:00 a.m. start and the ride from Cairns
Cairns Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

7.Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,432 reviews · from $181

Join Divers Den aboard AquaQuest for a full day at two outer reef sites near Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get guided snorkeling, quality equipment, prescription masks, wetsuits, meals, hot showers, and the option of a first-time scuba session. Guides such as Raj, Laura, and Naho are noted for patient support.

“We had a great time during snorkeling as we could see several amazing corals and fishes, a must-do at the Great Barrier Reef!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas - The second site and the optional guided snorkel
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

8.Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,385 reviews · from $227

Spend about eight hours aboard Calypso Reef Cruises from Port Douglas, visiting three sites at Agincourt or Opal Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, join optional guided tours, or book introductory or certified scuba. The crew includes instructors such as Delphine, Nick, and Astrid.

“Everyone had fun. They enjoyed the snorkeling, the food and the trip as a whole. It is a great opportunity to see the reef and wildlife responsibly.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - The reef stop: about 90 minutes that goes quickly
Cairns Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Half-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling & Diving Trips, Snorkeling & Diving Trips in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

9.Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $126Best value

Ride a fast boat from Cairns Marlin Marina to the Great Barrier Reef with up to 27 people. You get quality gear, a guided 1.5-hour snorkel, snacks, flotation aids, and seasonal stinger suits. Guides such as Bradley, Lily, Caitlin, and Gus help you spot coral and marine life.

“Our snorkeling guide Caitlyn was very helpful and super kind”

Check availability →Read our full review

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns - AquaQuest and the day aboard
Cairns Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

10.Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,316 reviews · from $197

From Cairns, cruise 90 minutes to the outer Great Barrier Reef aboard AquaQuest. Choose snorkeling, an introductory scuba session, or up to three certified scuba sessions, with gear, instruction, buffet lunch, snacks, and hot showers included. Crew members such as Miwa, Andy, and Chris help first-timers feel at ease.

“Reef proof sunscreen were provided. There was a Camera person onboard who captured reef and people for an 49AUD one adult. Really helpfel crew and will take care of you at every point ! Really super loving team! Andy, Chris and other crew members were amazing with instructions and did not make me (snorkeller) feel left out even with so many scuba divers. Lunch and coffee was good as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch - Starting early at Reef Fleet Terminal
Cairns Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

11.Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,298 reviews · 8h 30m · from $187

Board Down Under Cruise and Dive’s 35-metre superyacht for two Outer Great Barrier Reef stops, Saxon and Hastings. You get gear, a lycra suit, lessons, five hours in the water, and a buffet lunch with prawns, fish, steak, salads, and vegetarian options. Crew members such as João, Phil, and Luca are noted for helping nervous swimmers feel safe.

“This was so worth it! Great experience and loved the commitment to safety. Don’t hesitate, book before it is full. We saw a feed shark and many fish not seen before. We also did the green island tour a few days before. The outer reef is spectacular! The food, especially the steak was delish and cooked perfectly! kudos to the young chef who grilled them! The wine and cheese is a nice touch on the way back to Cairns.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour - Michaelmas Cay: island time and a glass-bottom view
Cairns Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, VIP

Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

12.Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,010 reviews · from $190

Set out from Cairns at 7:30 AM with Seastar Cruises for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. You get guided snorkeling, reef time, a glass-bottom boat, buffet lunch, tea, and gear for a maximum of 36 people. Optional introductory and certified scuba experiences cost extra.

“The crew members were very friendly and knowledgeable they were very helpful in every situation and also patient. The whole day was very well organised and and the reef was amazing thank you for an amazing day”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight - From Reef Fleet Terminal to the open sea
Cairns Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

13.Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,003 reviews · 8h 30m · from $279

Spend a full day aboard Evolution, a 35-meter superyacht, visiting Saxon and Hastings Reefs from Cairns. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory scuba session, then take a 10-minute helicopter flight at Hastings Reef. Expect helpful guides, a BBQ lunch, and wine with cheese on the return.

“Wow! What an amazing day! Great organisation, service, food. The two snorkeling locations were fantastic, clear water, loads of fish and amazing colours. The heli flight was insane! The whole day was magical.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation - Two hours at two Great Barrier Reef sites
Daintree Rainforest Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Safari, Tour Reviews

Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation

14.Ocean Safari Great Barrier Reef Experience in Cape Tribulation

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 902 reviews · from $148

From Cape Tribulation Beach, Ocean Safari takes you by high-powered rigid inflatable boat to two Great Barrier Reef sites. Expect about two hours in the water, reef talks, possible turtles and rays, and Daintree Rainforest views. Cape Tribulation pickup is included.

“Was excellent, boat ride to reef was short and fun. Staff helpful and energetic. Reef spot was great, have gone with these guys twice both times spot on.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience - Snorkeling from the pontoon
Cairns Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience

15.Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 830 reviews · from $211

Take an air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns to Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon for four hours of snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, fish talks, lunch, and a reef waterslide. Add guided snorkeling, scuba, a Seawalker helmet, or a helicopter flight for an extra fee.

“This was the best fun!! Loved the snorkelling & the water slide. Lost count how many times my 5yo went down it. Awesome & friendly staff elevated the experience. So many things to do at no extra cost (glass bottom boat / semi submersible sub) made it very worthwhile. We also paid extra for a helicopter flight over the reef. It was sublime. Would definitely recommend this tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Great Barrier Reef Tours

★ 5.0Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter TourFrom $45159 reviews
★ 5.0Outer Reef Odyssey – 40 minute Reef Scenic FlightFrom $37673 reviews
★ 4.5Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from CairnsFrom $22128 reviews
★ 4.52-Day Snorkelling Experience – Great Barrier Reef Twin ShareFrom $50238 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling TourFrom $142219 reviews
★ 5.0Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & SnorkelFrom $165156 reviews
★ 4.5Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Pontoon with Snorkeling & ActivitiesFrom $214132 reviews
★ 5.0Great Barrier Reef Cruise – Gold Class VIP Lounge Package58 reviews
★ 5.0Small Group | Outer Reef Snorkel & Dunk IslandFrom $17287 reviews
★ 4.53-Day Best of Cairns Combo: The Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef, and KurandaFrom $66127 reviews
★ 4.0All Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Cruise w optional Scuba DivingFrom $19036 reviews
★ 5.04-Day PADI Open Water Dive Course – Learn to Dive on the Great Barrier ReefFrom $67727 reviews
★ 4.52 Day Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation43 reviews
★ 5.0Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Adventure in Airlie BeachFrom $214100 reviews
★ 4.5Viper: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Including Whitehaven Hill InletFrom $228110 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours442Whitsundays Sailing Trips41Harbour Cruises54Sunset Cruises33Snorkeling & Diving Trips70Snorkeling59Canoes & Kayaks62Sailing50
Scroll to Top

Explore Australia

Pick a coast, a rock or a cellar door.

On the water

Great Barrier ReefWhitsundays SailingHarbour CruisesSnorkelling & DivingWhale Watching

Wildlife

Wildlife ParksPenguin ParadeDolphin CruisesZoos & SanctuariesAquariums

Out of the city

Blue MountainsGreat Ocean RoadDaintree RainforestIsland Day TripsNational Parks

Food and wine

Wine TastingYarra ValleyFood ToursBar NightsLong Lunches