Cairns & Port Douglas

15 Best Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns

The reef days from Cairns and Port Douglas compared: outer-reef catamarans, small-boat snorkel charters capped at a dozen passengers and dive add-ons for the certified. The outer edge runs clearest; the longer steam out buys the visibility.

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Experience the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day snorkeling and diving cruise from Cairns, including reef visits, a barbecue lunch, and optional helicopter flight.

Most Popular★ 4.5

“Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it…”

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2.From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Experience the Great Barrier Reef on a 9-hour premium catamaran trip from Cairns, with snorkeling, marine wildlife, and a chef-prepared lunch.

★ 4.9

“The staff on passions of paradise were so friendly and supportive in helping me build my confidence with snorkelling and then scuba diving for the first time. They also ensured safety was a priority by providing thorough guidance and instructions for each activity and the…”

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3.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

Discover the full-day Passions of Paradise catamaran tour from Cairns, offering snorkeling, marine life, delicious food, and expert guides—all at great value.

★ 5.0

“It was a wonderful day spent on the GBR with an enthusiastic, professional and organised crew. The reef snorkelling and scuba diving was so spectacular. Highly recommend this tour!”

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6.Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns on a luxurious boat cruise, snorkeling two vibrant reef sites, enjoying delicious food, and guided by passionate experts.

★ 4.8

“We absolutely loved the two intro scuba dives. Our guide Paul was wonderful at instruction and calm direction through some beginner's anxiety. Reese, Maddy, and the entire crew were amazing. It was an intimate experience with only 35 guests on board, and we felt well…”

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7.ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers

Discover the Great Barrier Reef with a small group snorkeling tour from Port Douglas, guided by marine biologists, focusing on remote sites and personalized service.

★ 5.0

“I can honestly say this trip was worth every penny! The crew and the whole experience was amazing from beginning to end! Zoe was exceptional!!! I could not recommend this trip anymore!! If you are on the fence do it!”

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8.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

Experience the vibrant coral reefs and marine life on a full-day snorkeling tour from Cairns, including quality equipment, guided tours, and a tropical buffet.

★ 4.6

“Amazing experience. All of the guides were knowledgeable and passionate about diving and the ocean. Such great value for what you get. The food options were great to have mid trip. Highly recommend and would do again!”

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10.From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling Tour

Discover the Great Barrier Reef on a half-day snorkeling tour from Cairns with small group guides, stunning marine life, and personalized experiences for $118.

★ 4.7

“Such a fun day! We got provided with all the equipment including pool noodles which helped with the waves! Big thank you to Bradley, Lily and Gus for a fab day!!”

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11.Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with this full-day tour offering snorkeling and diving at two reef locations. Enjoy meals, expert guides, and marine wildlife encounters.

★ 4.5

“Lovely experience, great reef with a number of fish species and breathtaking underwater scenery. Friendly and helpful guides who made even first timers comfortable and ready to venture out in the water to snorkel.”

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

Discover the Great Barrier Reef with a full-day luxury tour from Cairns, including snorkeling at two sites, a gourmet BBQ, and complimentary wine.

★ 4.7

“Awesome snorkeling. The Evolution crew was outstanding and took safety very seriously. Beautiful big new comfortable boat. Excellent lunch. Good snorkeling equipment and suits. Highly recommend.”

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

Experience the Great Barrier Reef on a luxury catamaran, with snorkeling, guided tours, and delicious buffet lunch—perfect for an authentic Aussie adventure.

★ 5.0

“First time on the reef. Fantastic experience with fantastic people. I was snorkeling but my wife came along for the ride (she has always said she was afraid of the water). Well, on the second reef, the staff convinced her she would be in gooRead…”

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14.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

Experience the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns with a full-day cruise, snorkeling, optional diving, and a scenic helicopter flight—all in one adventure.

★ 4.7

“The adventure was fabulous and the crew worked hard to ensure everyone had an awesome trip. I would do over and over! Thanks Down Under, great work!!”

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15.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

Discover the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns featuring snorkeling, marine biologist guides, and eco-friendly activities for all ages.

★ 4.5

“Well organized and provides options for everyone from novices to pretty skilled divers. We really enjoyed the snorkeling and the diving helmets. All the staff was super friendly and helpful. Only complaint is that they do push a lot of add-ons sales so just be…”

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More Great Barrier Reef Tours from Cairns

4.5Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience$211.59 4.7Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch9 hours$127 4.5Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas$233.10 4.4Cairns: Fitzroy Island Ferry w/ Snorkel, Lunch, Tour Options$69 4.9Port Douglas: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Cruise8 hours$210 5.0Ocean Free 25 guest Great Barrier Reef & visit Green Island Tour$200.11 5.0Full Day Low Isles Sailing & Snorkelling Cruise from Port Douglas$243.86 4.7Cairns: Silverswift 3 Great Barrier Reef Sites in 1 Day8 hours$209 4.8Port Douglas: Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise7 - 9 hours$195 5.0Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas$192.04 4.8From Cairns: 40-Min Scenic Reef Window Seat Airplane Flight40 min$190 4.7Port Douglas: Low Isles Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling Tour4 hours$135 4.9Port Douglas: Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Options7.5 hours$174 5.0Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port Douglas$243.86 4.5Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise$212.30 4.5All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef$179.31 5.0Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns$179.31 4.8Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour9 hours$183 5.0Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas$175.72 5.0Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Experience$128.39 4.0Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns$107.59 4.9Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling5 hours$140 5.0Afternoon Low Isles Snorkelling & Sunset Sail from Port Douglas$243.86 4.5Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon with Activities7.5 hours$208

Explore Cairns & Port Douglas

The reef out front, the oldest rainforest behind and a railway between.