When it comes to the "must see" in Cairns the Great Barrier Reef is at the top of the list. The range of different boat companies operating reef tours daily in Cairns and Port Douglas is wide. Each tour company travels to a different part of the reef offering slightly different activities, this is when visitors get confused on which tour they should choose. Tourism Cairns is here to help travellers find the perfect reef tour for them so many great memories can be carried forever.
There are many different options when it comes to a day tour to the Great Barrier Reef, for example, visitors can travel on a small boat with a small number of passengers, therefore avoiding the crowds. Or travel to a big pontoon where they have a chance to get off the boat and spend the entire day on a floating platform with many different activities included (great for families).
If the idea is to explore Cairns Reef as much as possible, the best option might be to do an overnight tour where visitors sleep in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. If you would like to learn more about overnight tours have a look at our liveaboard tours page and our sailing tours page.
Also visitors have the option to travel to an island which is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. There are two islands off the cost of Cairns (Fitzroy Island & Green Island) and one island off the cost of Port Douglas (Low Isles). They are all beautiful locations with so many activities to offer.
While your stay in Cairns, don't forget to do an afternoon or night cruise around the Trinity Inlet. It is a special experience to do with your loved one.
Have a look below at all the Great Barrier Reef tours available daily departing the Cairns and Port Douglas region.
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Fitzroy Island has so much to offer with so many activities available every day such as snorkelling, glass bottom boat, paddle skis, stand up paddle. Visitors can also do some hiking with many hiking tracks around the island.
Tour Overview
Green Island is a 6,000 year old coral cay located just 50 minutes by boat from Cairns. The island has a reef system around which is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island has also a rainforest which is home for 120 species of native plants.
Tour Overview
Evolution is brand new $5 million dollar vessel that provides to their guests a luxury and superior tour with a personalised service. Evolution is large, modern and fast catamaran that offers class and style of a motor yacht. They offer free guided snorkel tour and they have great dive prices.
Tour Overview
Green Island is a 6,000 year old coral cay located just 50 minutes by boat from Cairns. The island has a reef system which is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The reef is located just off the beach so an easy access. the The island has also a rainforest which is home for 120 species of native plants.
Tour Overview
Sunlover Cruises Platform is very spacious and modern. It is the only platform with a waterslide in the Great Barrier Reef. The waterslide is about 8 metres high and 30 metres long. Visitors can spend the whole day going down the waterslide, it is definitely great fun for kids and also adults..
Tour Overview
Jump aboard a fast catamaran to visit 2 beautiful locations, Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island. Many different activities available at the platform and on the island.
Tour Overview
Visit Green island for a full day or half day with a choice of glass bottom boat coral viewing OR snorkelling equipment included.
Tour Overview
Quicksilver is the pioneer when it comes to reef exploring. They were the first company to take customers to the outer reef in a commercial vessel. Now Quicksilver is well known in the tourism industry in Australia and it has many vessels under his name, travelling to different parts of the reef every day
Tour Overview
Reef Encounter is considered a floating resort that offers overnight accommodation on the reef. Their 35 metre long liveaboard can accommodate 42 passengers in double, twin or multi-share ensuite cabins.
Tour Overview
Sunlover Cruises platform with WATERSLIDE. This package includes Sea Walker Diving.
Tour Overview