Cairns
Start your journey at 1 Spence St, a historic address that exudes urban charm and local culture. Its central location sets the tone for an exciting day ahead, offering both historical insights and a convenient departure point.
1
Green Island
1 activities
Take a comfortable catamaran cruise to Green Island, offering scenic views and a relaxing journey to the reef.
Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation
Included in price
Gain insights into the reef's ecosystem with an informative presentation during your cruise to Green Island.
2
Green Island National Park
4 activities
Explore the unique ecosystem of Green Island, a coral cay with a lush rainforest, offering a blend of marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Visit the information center to pick up a self-guided walk brochure for an enriching experience.
1. Self-guided eco walk
Included in price
Discover the island's flora and fauna at your own pace with a self-guided eco walk through the rainforest. Wear insect repellent to stay comfortable during your walk through the rainforest.
2. Semi-submarine tour
Included (based on selection)
Descend below the surface without getting wet. The semi-sub tour lets you spot coral gardens, sea turtles, and reef sharks—all through large glass panels.
3. Choice of either a glass-bottom boat trip or snorkeling gear
Included (based on selection)
Pick your reef adventure: glide across the water watching life below, or dive in and explore it up close with snorkelling gear and safety gear included. If you're prone to sunburn, the glass-bottom boat is a good sun-safe option.
4. Snorkel safari tour
Included (based on selection)
Follow an expert into deeper waters on a guided safari where you’ll learn how to track sea creatures and understand reef behavior up close. Ask the biologist about "cleaning stations"—natural spots where fish gather and something truly unique happens.
3
Cairns
Full-day freedom and flexible Green Island reef experiences from Cairns.
Full-day freedom and flexible Green Island reef experiences from Cairns.
Inclusions
Cairns
Enjoy a scenic 1.5‑hour cruise from Cairns aboard an air‑conditioned catamaran that offers spacious decks and panoramic views. This transfer sets the stage for an immersive reef adventure while letting you soak in the coastal beauty.
1
Moore Reef Pontoon
3 activities
Dive into 2.5 hours of reef adventures at Sunlover’s Moore Reef Pontoon. Enjoy snorkelling in calm lagoon waters, explore the coral without getting wet on a glass‑bottom boat or semi‑sub tour, and zip down a 30‑metre spiral waterslide.
1. Snorkeling
Included (based on selection)
Join a marine naturalist for a 1‑hour safari snorkel through the reef’s best spots. Learn to identify coral species and watch for sea turtles and reef fish.
2. Seawalker Helmet Dive
Included (based on selection)
Walk along the ocean floor without getting your hair wet—no swimming experience required. Breathe normally as you explore up-close coral and marine life.
3. Semi-sub, Glass-bottom Boat & Observatory
Included in price
Stay dry while still enjoying the reef. Join a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tour, or head to the underwater observatory to watch fish feeding.
2
Fitzroy Island
2 activities
Arrive at tropical Fitzroy Island for rainforest-covered hiking trails, coral beaches, and a relaxed island vibe. Enjoy a premium buffet lunch at Zephyrs Restaurant, included in your package.
1. Lunch
Lunch
Indulge in a premium buffet lunch at Zephyrs with views over Welcome Bay. The daily rotating menu includes seafood, salads, and vegetarian and gluten-free options. Buffet includes local prawns, risottos, grilled meats, salads, and vegetarian options.
2. Turtle Talk Presentation
Included (based on selection)
Learn about the local marine turtles and their rehabilitation journey. An expert guide shares insights into conservation efforts and the center’s work.
3. Guided Nature Walk
Included in price
Follow marked rainforest trails for a self-guided or guided walk through Fitzroy National Park. Discover native flora, birds, and hidden viewpoints overlooking the reef.
3
Cairns
Relax aboard the catamaran for your 1-hour journey back to Cairns after a full day exploring the reef and Fitzroy Island. Grab a drink from the bar, find a seat on the top deck, and enjoy the late afternoon light over the Coral Sea.
Full‑day reef cruise with pontoon activities, island exploration, and lunch.
Full‑day reef cruise with pontoon activities, island exploration, and lunch.
Inclusions
Cairns Airport
Take off from the heart of Cairns and fly over approximately 140 kilometers of the Outer Barrier Reef as well as numerous inner islands, reefs, and sand cays.
Trinity Inlet
Cairns City and Northern Beaches
Mount Yarrabah
Palm Cove
Double Island
Cape Grafton
False Cape
Green Island
Vlasoff Cay
Fitzroy Island
Michaelmas Cay and Reef
Upolu Cay
Arlington Reef
Oyster Reef
15
Cairns Airport
Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.
Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.
Inclusions
Cairns
Cruise in style aboard a 35-meter luxury superyacht that offers unparalleled comfort for your reef adventure. The award-winning vessel features spacious decks, professional crew, and exclusive access to premium reef locations that larger vessels can't reach.
1
Outer Great Barrier Reef
1 activities
The vibrant coral gardens of Norman and Saxon Reefs host a dazzling array of marine biodiversity with some of the highest coral density in the region. These outer reef locations offer crystal-clear visibility and shelter countless species of tropical fish, making them perfect for underwater photography and marine life encounters. Pro tip: If you're nervous about snorkeling, ask the crew for the "noodle trail"—a floating path with extra buoyancy for confidence.
1. Snorkeling
Included in price
Jump in to see giant clams, parrotfish, and coral gardens. For those trying scuba for the first time, the guided intro dive lets you explore safely at shallow depths.
2. Onboard BBQ Buffet Lunch
Lunch
Refuel with grilled Aussie prawns, reef fish, steaks, and veggie-friendly salads—all cooked fresh on deck. The open-air setup means lunch comes with uninterrupted sea views.
2
North Hastings Reef
A top pick for its coral walls and deeper reef drop-offs, Hastings is home to reef sharks, Maori wrasse, and staghorn coral. Water here is typically warmer and calmer in the afternoon. Use this site to try deeper snorkeling or diving—the reef walls drop off quickly and attract bigger marine life.
3
Cairns
Wind down with a complimentary glass of wine and afternoon tea as the reef fades into the distance. It’s a peaceful end to an active day, with the Coral Sea turning golden at sunset. Head to the bow of the boat about 30 minutes before arriving in Cairns - this timing often coincides with dolphins that play in the yacht's wake as it approaches the harbor at just the right speed.
Flexible reef tour offering a choice of snorkeling or diving with a full BBQ lunch.
Flexible reef tour offering a choice of snorkeling or diving with a full BBQ lunch.
Inclusions
Luxury reef tour on a 35‑metre superyacht with a heli-flight and gourmet BBQ lunch.
Luxury reef tour on a 35‑metre superyacht with a heli-flight and gourmet BBQ lunch.
Inclusions
Cairns
Cruise in style aboard a 35-meter luxury superyacht that offers unparalleled comfort for your reef adventure. The award-winning vessel features spacious decks, professional crew, and exclusive access to premium reef locations that larger vessels can't reach.
1
Outer Great Barrier Reef
1 activities
The vibrant coral gardens of Norman and Saxon Reefs host a dazzling array of marine biodiversity with some of the highest coral density in the region. These outer reef locations offer crystal-clear visibility and shelter countless species of tropical fish, making them perfect for underwater photography and marine life encounters. Pro tip: If you're nervous about snorkeling, ask the crew for the "noodle trail"—a floating path with extra buoyancy for confidence.
1. Snorkeling
Included in price
Jump in to see giant clams, parrotfish, and coral gardens. For those trying scuba for the first time, the guided intro dive lets you explore safely at shallow depths.
2. Onboard BBQ Buffet Lunch
Lunch
Refuel with grilled Aussie prawns, reef fish, steaks, and veggie-friendly salads—all cooked fresh on deck. The open-air setup means lunch comes with uninterrupted sea views.
2
North Hastings Reef
1 activities
A top pick for its coral walls and deeper reef drop-offs, Hastings is home to reef sharks, Maori wrasse, and staghorn coral. Water here is typically warmer and calmer in the afternoon. Use this site to try deeper snorkeling or diving—the reef walls drop off quickly and attract bigger marine life.
Scuba Diving
Included in price
Dive into the clear waters of Saxon or Norman Reef, and North Hastings Reef for a guided scuba experience through kaleidoscopic coral gardens teeming with rainbow‑hued fish, manta rays, and turtles—the dive crew providing hands‑on instruction for newcomers and experts alike.
3
Cairns
Wind down with a complimentary glass of wine and afternoon tea as the reef fades into the distance. It’s a peaceful end to an active day, with the Coral Sea turning golden at sunset. Head to the bow of the boat about 30 minutes before arriving in Cairns - this timing often coincides with dolphins that play in the yacht's wake as it approaches the harbor at just the right speed.
Explore two exclusive reef sites with scuba diving and snorkeling aboard a luxury superyacht.
Explore two exclusive reef sites with scuba diving and snorkeling aboard a luxury superyacht.
Inclusions
Cairns
Enjoy a smooth, air-conditioned ride on a 30-metre catamaran that’s as comfortable as it is fast. With spacious decks and an onboard licensed bar, this vessel sets the stage for a relaxed, scenic journey from Cairns to the newest reef playground.
1
Moore Reef Pontoon
2 activities
Step onto the pontoon—a dynamic hub on the Great Barrier Reef that serves as your day-long playground. With five hours dedicated to water activities, safe play areas for kids, and plenty of room to relax, it caters to families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. This modern pontoon is equipped with an underwater observatory and showers. It’s designed with safety in mind, including infants’ swimming enclosures and extensive reef-viewing options. Choose your perfect reef experience from a menu of options including extended snorkeling sessions, underwater observatory visits, or simply unwinding on the sundeck. The afternoon light creates magical underwater effects as sunbeams penetrate the water column, illuminating the reef from different angles.
1. Snorkeling
Included in price
Begin your adventure with guided snorkeling and optional introductory dives. Explore vibrant coral gardens and swim alongside abundant marine life while expert naturalists share fascinating insights about the reef’s ecosystem.
2. Onboard Buffet Lunch
Lunch
Refuel with a full buffet lunch that features fresh local fish, steak, salads, and more, while listening to a captivating presentation on the Great Barrier Reef’s natural wonders. The meal is perfectly paired with cultural and historical insights from marine experts.
3. Marine Biology Presentation & Fish Feeding
Included in price
Gain fascinating insights from marine naturalists who reveal the complex relationships between reef species while hand-feeding curious fish. This interactive educational experience transforms your understanding of coral ecosystems, explaining how tiny polyps create the world's largest living structure.
2
Cairns
Conclude your day with a relaxed ride back to Cairns aboard the same comfortable catamaran. Reflect on the vibrant marine life and memorable activities as you wind down with additional tea and refreshing beverages during the journey home. Choose a seat near the rear to enjoy a smoother ride and extra time to reflect on the day’s highlights while sipping your final cup of tea.
Reef adventure: snorkeling, activities & lunch on a private luxury pontoon.
Reef adventure: snorkeling, activities & lunch on a private luxury pontoon.
Inclusions
Cairns
Enjoy a scenic 1.5‑hour cruise from Cairns aboard an air‑conditioned catamaran that offers spacious decks and panoramic views. This transfer sets the stage for an immersive reef adventure while letting you soak in the coastal beauty.
1
Moore Reef Pontoon
3 activities
Dive into 2.5 hours of reef adventures at Sunlover’s Moore Reef Pontoon. Enjoy snorkelling in calm lagoon waters, explore the coral without getting wet on a glass‑bottom boat or semi‑sub tour, and zip down a 30‑metre spiral waterslide.
1. Snorkeling
Included (based on selection)
Join a marine naturalist for a 1‑hour safari snorkel through the reef’s best spots. Learn to identify coral species and watch for sea turtles and reef fish.
2. Seawalker Helmet Dive
Included (based on selection)
Walk along the ocean floor without getting your hair wet—no swimming experience required. Breathe normally as you explore up-close coral and marine life.
3. Semi-sub, Glass-bottom Boat & Observatory
Included in price
Stay dry while still enjoying the reef. Join a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tour, or head to the underwater observatory to watch fish feeding.
2
Cairns
Relax aboard the catamaran for your 1-hour journey back to Cairns after a full day exploring the reef and Fitzroy Island. Grab a drink from the bar, find a seat on the top deck, and enjoy the late afternoon light over the Coral Sea.
Family-friendly reef adventure with waterslide and diverse pontoon activities.
Family-friendly reef adventure with waterslide and diverse pontoon activities.
Inclusions
Port Douglas
Enjoy a swift, comfortable journey on a modern, luxury catamaran that combines stability with spacious day bed seating. This transfer sets the stage for an unforgettable reef adventure with easy access to the water via its submerged platforms.
1
Opal Reef
1 activities
Immerse yourself in a vibrant underwater world at Opal Reef, where crystal-clear waters reveal stunning coral gardens and an abundance of reef fish. This site is perfect for both casual snorkellers and dive enthusiasts. Look for the small clouds of purple anthias fish that hover above certain coral heads - these locations often indicate cleaning stations where larger fish gather to have parasites removed, creating perfect photography opportunities.
1. Snorkeling
Included in price
Begin your adventure with guided snorkeling and optional introductory dives. Explore vibrant coral gardens and swim alongside abundant marine life while expert naturalists share fascinating insights about the reef’s ecosystem.
2. Onboard Buffet Lunch
Lunch
Recharge with a tropical buffet lunch featuring fresh local seafood and regional produce served on board. Enjoy an engaging marine talk where a local expert shares insights on reef ecology and cultural heritage, enhancing your understanding of this World Heritage site.
2
Tongue Reef
Discover the magic of Tongue Reef, where soft corals and anemones create a stunning backdrop for turtles, rays, and groupers. Its warm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and diving experiences. Features a unique mix of hard and soft coral structures and often hosts impressive seasonal gatherings of reef fish.
3
Cairns
Conclude your day with a relaxed ride back to Cairns aboard the same comfortable catamaran. Reflect on the vibrant marine life and memorable activities as you wind down with additional tea and refreshing beverages during the journey home. Choose a seat near the rear to enjoy a smoother ride and extra time to reflect on the day’s highlights while sipping your final cup of tea.
Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.
Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.
Inclusions
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Begin your adventure with a smooth 45-minute catamaran ride to Fitzroy Island. Enjoy scenic coastal views and an onboard reef presentation.
1
Fitzroy Island
1 attractions
3 activities
A tropical paradise with coral beaches, lush rainforest trails, and fringing reefs. Perfect for snorkeling, hiking, or simply relaxing in nature. Head straight to the jetty area for some of the best snorkeling spots—it’s a favorite hangout for turtles!
1. Snorkelling
Included (based on selection)
Snorkel directly off the beach to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles. Use a flotation vest if you're new to snorkeling—it makes it easier to focus on enjoying the marine life!
2. Rainforest Walks
Included in price
Explore short rainforest trails that wind through lush greenery and offer glimpses of native wildlife like birds and lizards.
3. Nudey Beach
Famous for its white coral sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is perfect for swimming or simply soaking up the sun in a peaceful setting.
4. Lighthouse Walk
Included in price
A moderately challenging hike leading to a historic lighthouse with panoramic views of the Coral Sea and surrounding islands—worth every step!
2
Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
Unwind with 5.5 hours on Fitzroy Island—ample time for trails, snorkeling, and beach bliss.
Unwind with 5.5 hours on Fitzroy Island—ample time for trails, snorkeling, and beach bliss.
Inclusions
Loved the glass bottom boat and informative commentary. Snorkeling was great
Our day had it all! We swam with a turtle at the island and took a guided tour of the reef with a marine biologist. The picnic lunch was fresh and tasty and the crew friendly and helpful. On the way back to Cairns the captain slowed down for us to see dolphins and whales! We couldn't ask for more.
Simple and in-expensive,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
The beach was nice The food just was ok
Double bookings, cancellations, delays in uncovered area
I booked and paid for Fitzroy Island with lunch and glass bottom boat tour. Was charged for this but when I rang the toour operator I was told that the glass bottom boat tour hadn't been included by Headout so I had to pay extra $45 ($15 each).
Although all Great Barrier Reef cruises offer snorkeling, the destination of your cruise will depend on the other activities you’d like to explore like scuba diving, nature walks, and more.
Distance from Cairns: 67 km
Price: NZ$ 440
Boat type: Luxury catamaran
Key differences: PADI guided diving, guided snorkeling
Nearby reefs: Agincourt reef, Opal reef, St. Crispin reef
Why sail from Port Douglas?
Recommended experiences: Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Lunch and Guided Snorkeling
Distance from Cairns: 30 km
Price: NZ$ 116 - NZ$ 415
Boat type: Big Cat AC catamaran or dinghy transfers
Key differences: Rainforest boardwalks, snorkeling demo
Nearby reefs: Green Island reef, Upolu reef
Why sail to Green Island?
Recommended experiences: Full Day Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise
Distance from Cairns: 32 km
Price: NZ$ 104 - NZ$ 206
Boat type: Ferry
Key differences: Flexible itinerary, Fitzroy Island National Park
Nearby reefs: Little Fitzroy Island reef
Why sail to Fitzroy Island?
Recommended experiences: Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full Day Cruise with Choice of Lunch and Snorkel or Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Some Great Barrier Reef cruises may instead take you to a pontoon that’s owned by your cruise operator. You can prepare for your snorkeling and scuba diving atop these pontoons and explore other reefs nearby instead like Moore reef, Norman reef, Hastings reef and more.
The boarding of your cruise usually begins 15-30 minutes before the scheduled departure. We suggest that you arrive at least 15 minutes early to settle down before departing. This is also when your captain will share safety information for your voyage.
Depending on what reef is included in your itinerary, your cruise to the first reef location will take 20 to 40 minutes. Enjoy the journey as you look back at the receding land and expanding ocean. Some cruises also use this time to give you a snorkeling demo.
Once you’ve reached the first location, you will disembark either at Green or Fitzroy Islands or onto a pontoon. If you’re aboard a luxury cruiser, chances are that you won’t have a stopover before the first reef location. You can put on your snorkeling or diving equipment on the boat and enter the ocean directly.
After your first activity, you will either be served tea and coffee with some snacks or you can enjoy a delicious Australian meal, depending on what’s included in your itinerary. You can even get a glass of wine or champagne to go with your food.
After you’ve gotten something to eat, you can prepare for the next activity on your itinerary. This usually includes traveling to a second reef location and taking another snorkel or dive. You can also instead take a glass-bottom boat tour or an underwater helmet walk.
A pontoon is a large flat or hollow boat that acts as an off-shore disembarking point, but its size also means you can explore a variety of unique experiences. Get access to an exclusive underwater observatory or head to the water slide on the top deck for some splashy fun.
If you’re on one of the islands, you can spend the rest of your time exploring the islands. Explore the lush rainforests of Green Island on a boardwalk. Discover the Fitzroy Island National Park on a self-guided tour, take a semi-submersible tour or simply laze around on the beach until departure.
Once you’ve completed all your activities, you will sail back to Cairns or Port Douglas. Some cruises offer a complimentary glass of wine for you to sip on your journey back. Or, if you want to make the most of your Great Barrier Reef experience, a scenic helicopter ride back is the perfect end to your day.
Address: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia. Find on Maps
By bus: Nearest bus stop is at Spence Street at Grafton Street which is 9 minutes away by walk. You can take the buses 110, 111, 113, 120, 121, 123, 130, 131, 133, 140, 141, 142, 143, 143W, 150 or 150E to get here.
By train: The nearest train station is Cairns Central Station which is 1.3km away and 19 minutes by walk.
Parking:
Address: Calypso Reef Cruises, 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877, Australia. Find on Maps
By car: Port Douglas is about 67km away from Cairns. The best way to get here is by taking the coastal road for magnificent views. The journey takes about one hour.
Parking:
By bus: The Trans North Bus & Coach goes from Cairns to Port Douglas 3 times a week.
Departure: Most cruises, both half-day and full-day tours, depart in the morning between 7:15am and 10:45am. Some half-day tours are also available from 1pm.
Boarding time: The boarding time for your cruise begins 15-30 minutes before departure. We suggest that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure timings mentioned on your ticket.
Cruise duration:
Half-day cruises: 4 to 6 hours
Full-day cruises: 8 to 9 hours
Warmer months from November to April is the peak tourist season for Great Barrier Reef cruises. However, the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef for you will depend on the activities you’d like to explore.
Water activities are popular in the summer (Dec to Feb), but this is also the peak tourist season, so expect large crowds. The summer also brings showers, so visibility under the surface is not its best. If you want several water activities or the best views of the reef, May to Jun and Sep to Oct (off-peak seasons) is your best bet as the water is still warm for prolonged underwater activities and visibility is also at its peak.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, turtle nesting period is in Nov to Dec, but if you’d rather watch little turtles hatch and crawl to the ocean, come in Jan to March. June and July is when you can spot dwarf minke whales and humpback whales can be spotted through July to October.
An easy, fun and safe way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, snorkeling includes slowly moving along the reef while wearing a pair of goggles with a tube connected to it. A simple activity that requires little to no prior training, snorkeling is enjoyable for people of all ages. You can include a lycra suit and fins into your setup to cover more ground and save energy.
Great Barrier Reef cruises are available as either half-day or full-day tours 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.
Half-day cruises usually begin from AU$95 while some full-day cruises with one reef activity are available for AU$105.
An all-inclusive cruise would usually be a full-day tour with at least 1-2 reef exploration activities that can be upgraded to guided snorkeling tours or certified dives. An afternoon lunch is also included along with some extra time for you to explore Green Island, Fitzroy Island or the off-shore pontoon.
All Great Barrier Reef tours offer a full refund if you cancel your tickets up to 24 hours before the start of your experience.
While it’s easy to get sunburned out here, if you want to wear sunscreen, it is essential that it is also a reef-friendly sunscreen to protect marine life. However, if you can’t get an environment-friendly sunscreen, we suggest you at least carry a hat and sunglasses.
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.
Typically, snorkeling is available for all ages, while diving may have a minimum age requirement, often 12 or older.
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.
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.
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.
Waterproof cameras are allowed, and some cruises even offer underwater camera rentals.
Yes, snorkeling is generally child-friendly, while diving has age restrictions and may require adult supervision for minors.
Introductory dives usually reach around 12 meters (40 feet), while certified divers can explore deeper sites.