Category Great Barrier Reef Cruises

Australia · GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISES

The 15 Best Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Compared

36 reviewed

One reef, a dozen very different days out on it. Below are the reef cruises from Cairns and Port Douglas worth the fare: which run to a moored pontoon and which to open water, how long the crossing takes, what is already inside the price, and which boat suits a nervous first snorkel. Operators work on Marine Park permits and rotate their moorings, so the sites a boat uses can change with the season.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Two Outer Reef Locations: Saxon or Norman First, Hastings Second

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

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

Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns with snorkel gear, lycra suit hire, BBQ lunch, two outer reefs, and optional scenic helicopter.

“The trip was SO well organised, even though there is a lot of people on the boat, you don’t even realise because everything runs so smoothly. The reefs we were taken to were absolutely amazing & the staff were especially friendly and helpful all the time. I would 100% reccomend this trip if you want to go to the barrier reef.”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - Cairns reef departures and the morning flow that keeps things easy

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

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

Premium catamaran reef cruise from Cairns with two outer reef stops, snorkeling gear, guided coaching, and a chef-made lunch.

“Crew were highly trained, efficient, couldn’t have been more helpful. Catamaran was clean, smooth on the seas, spacious for the number of people. Timings were spot on. Great Barrier Reef was awesome ofc & Food was super delicious and well appreciated! Thank you so much :)”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - Two reef stops, chosen for the conditions

3.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

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

Full-day Great Barrier Reef catamaran from Cairns with two outer-reef stops, guided snorkeling or scuba taster, and a chef-prepared buffet.

“Amazing experience, get to see plenty of fish and coral - just like out of finding nemo! Staff are very friendly and the lunch was excellent! Marine biologist talk on the way back to shore was also very insightful. Great trip which is worth every penny!”

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Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - Getting to Daintree Air Services Without a Stressy Start

4.Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

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

40-minute flight above Cairns and the Outer Great Barrier Reef with headsets, pilot commentary, and views from Green Island to Arlington.

“Best experience and great price for what’s the final outcome! Especially the pilot of that day (26/7 at 1pm) was super nice and asked who wanted pics in front of the plane ☺️ Definitely recommended”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Cruising to the reef: fast catamaran, real timing

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - The 70-minute flight: how you get big sights without a full-day trip

ABC Reef Safaris

ABC Reef Safaris - Your Gear Is Included, Even Prescription Masks and Wetsuits

7.ABC Reef Safaris

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,443 reviews · from $458

Small-group outer Great Barrier Reef snorkel safari from Port Douglas with marine biologists, prescription gear, and a comfy catamaran.

“The small size of the group allowed for individual attention , particularly since our 8 and 12 yo kids were relative novices to snorkeling - the staff were helpful in taking them around the reef. They were very kind people, and knowledgeable about the reef flora and fauna. GBR did not disappoint- we saw a reef shark, many types of coral, parrotfish and other fish, and interacted with sea sponges. Bonus points for the food provided on board - it was very tasty ! One tip - bring your own towels.”

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Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour - Getting on the AquaQuest: The 8:00AM Check-In That Keeps It Smooth

8.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

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

Outer reef snorkeling from Cairns with AquaQuest, two exclusive sites, guided gear, meals, and hot showers for a full 8-hour reef day.

“Great day spent on the barrier reef. Spent the day at 2 different reefs and seen plenty of fish, coral and even two small sharks. The lunchtime food was a fantastic selection of cold meats, salad, bread and chicken wings. Tea and coffee was supplied all day for no extra costs. The guides were brilliant, explained to us exactly what we were going to be doing and at what times and were very friendly. Had plenty of time to explore each reef (not exactly sure how long but well over an hour at each one). Only downside would probably be the toilets on the boat, would have been nice to…”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Heart Reef Scenic Flight - Getting to the airport: the part that makes or breaks the experience

Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas - The Crew Briefing, Safety Checks, and How Scuba Is Organized

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - Meeting at the Pier Shopping Centre, then getting on the boat

11.Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

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

Small-group Cairns half-day Great Barrier Reef snorkel on a fast boat, 1.5 hours guided water time, quality gear, and snacks.

“We had an amazing experience on this snorkel tour. Lily and Bradley were outstanding guides knowledgeable, patient and incredibly supportive in and out of the water. Lincoln added to the great atmosphere with music and good energy and the trainee crew member was also fantastic and eager to help. The team provided plenty of information about the reef, snorkeling locations and marine life and created a fun, welcoming environment throughout the day. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a memorable reef experience.”

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Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns - Reef time plan: two reef stops, up to five hours exploring

12.Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

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

A full day from Cairns to the UNESCO Great Barrier Reef with snorkel or scuba options, gear, two reef locations, and a hot buffet lunch.

“Absolutely incredible experience! The service was outstanding from start to finish, and the snorkeling was even better than we imagined. Everything about this reef tour was perfect — smooth, fun, and unforgettable. We cannot recommend it highly enough!”

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

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch - Cairns to the Outer Reef: the morning cruise and what it’s for

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

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

Full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef superyacht from Cairns with 5 hours snorkeling at two reefs, BBQ lunch, and wine and cheese on return.

“Great day out from start to finish, staff were very helpful and just good vibes all round. Bug shout out to Reubon too was a legend and very friendly! Would do this tour again any day of the week!”

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Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight - Getting to the airport: pickup timing and your three options

14.Airlie Beach: Whitsunday Islands & Heart Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,188 reviews · 1h 5m · from $274

Fly 65 minutes over Airlie Beach, Whitehaven, Hill Inlet and Heart Reef on the Great Barrier Reef, with live pilot commentary.

“Was the most amazing activity we’ve done, the guide made sure that everyone have a view of all the islands and the heart reef, it was fantastic, we would definitely recommend, this is a must do”

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Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour - 7:30 AM check-in at Cairns Marlin Marina, finger and all

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

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

Luxury yacht snorkel day trip from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef, with guided snorkeling, lunch, and glass-bottom views.

“We had a fabulous day aboard this big, clean and well managed ship. The skipper and crew for very professional, attentive and efficient in helping us to see one of the most remarkable snorkel places we have ever seen. They have a snRead more”

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