Tours for cruise ship passengers
Cairns & Yorkeys Knob Ports
Explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef with Cairns shore excursions designed for cruise passengers. Choose from small-group or private tours, all timed to your ships schedule.
Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal – located in the heart of Cairns city, just a 7 minute walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal for Great Barrier Reef and Island tour departures.
Yorkeys Knob – is a tender port 25 minutes north of Cairns, with shuttle transfers provided by the cruise ship to Cairns city for easy access to Great Barrier Reef and Island tours.
Discover the rainforest village of Kuranda with a one-way Skyrail cableway and return on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Glide above the World Heritage rainforest, enjoy free time in Kuranda, then relax on the heritage train journey back to Cairns. Timed to suit cruise ship schedules from Cairns.
Adult $209.00 | 4-14yrs $110.00 | 2A+2C $566.00
Travel to Kuranda on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, then enjoy up to four hours in the village to explore at your own pace. Return in comfort on the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class, featuring handcrafted Victorian-style décor, lounge-style seating and personalised onboard service.
Adult $276.00 | 4-14yrs $177.00 | 2A+2C $834.00
Fitzroy Island Special
Adult $152| Child $101 (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $405
Includes Snorkel equipment + Glass bottom boat tour + Picnic lunch
Departs daily 10.15am – 4.30pm
Best value Fitzroy Island Day Tour
Discover Fitzroy Island’s natural beauty and vibrant marine life with our ‘best of the island’ tour. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this tour offers an unforgettable day on one of Cairns’ most picturesque islands.
Adult $152.00 | Child $101.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $405.00
Adult $196 – Child $98 – Family $490
Departs Daily from Cairns 8:30am – 5:00pm
Make the most of your time in Far North Queensland with the Two Island Explorer tour, combining both Fitzroy Island and Green Island in a single unforgettable day. Departing from Cairns, this reef and island adventure lets you snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim in crystal-clear waters, or simply relax
From Adult $97| Child $57 (4-14yrs)| Family 2A+2C $251
Seasonal prices apply to 31st March 2026
Departs daily – 8.30am or 10.45am
Return to Cairns- 4.45pm
Fitzroy Island Adventure is a quick 45-minute ferry to the beautiful coral Island on the Great Barrier Reef. Things to do on Fitzroy Island. You can hire snorkel equipment, glass-bottom boat tour, guided snorkel tours, go swimming, stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaking. Those more active can do the Lighthouse Trail, a steep climb with rewarding views.
From Adult $97.00 | Child $57.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $251.00
Departs Cairns 8.00am – 4.30pm
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef adventure combining 2.5 hours at Moore Reef Pontoon + 2.5 hours Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore Reef Pontoon includes coral viewing with semi-submersible, glass bottom boat, underwater observatory, snorkelling & kids waterslide. Then a leisurely time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.
Adult $295.00 | Child ( 4 - 16yrs ) $169.00 | Kids 50% OFF $84.50 | Family 2A+2C $759.00
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Adult $199 |Child 6-14yrs $159
Family 2A+2C $650
Depart Cairns Daily 12 noon – 5.00pm
Cairns newest & fastest purpose built vessel to the Outer Barrier Reef. Only 40 snorkelers per trip, Join our expert snorkel team, made up of Master Reef Guides and Marine naturalists, on a crowd-free adventure with over 2 hours of snorkelling time. Get ready to discover the Great Barrier Reef.
Adult $199.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $650.00
$570.00 per person 3yrs+
Departs daily 8am – 3.30pm
4.5 hours at the Great Barrier Reef
Experience great value on the Great Barrier Reef with two reef sites, snorkelling gear and a fresh BBQ lunch included. At Hastings Reef, step aboard a Nautilus Aviation helicopter for a stunning 25-minute scenic flight over vibrant coral and sand cays as you make your way back to Cairns.
$585 per person
Departs Daily Cairns 10.30am – 3.20pm
Discover the Great Barrier Reef as you cruise in fast catamaran comfort with Great Adventures to the activity platform moored at Norman Reef. Includes lunch, snorkelling equipment, semi-submersible coral reef viewing tour with commentary, Underwater Observatory and Eco Reef Talk. Return to Cairns on a 25 minute scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef.
Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this complete Reef and Island tour. Fast 45-minute catamaran ride to Green Island to enjoy 2 hours on this iconic coral cay. Continue your day adventure to Great Adventures spacious activity platform. Spend 3 hours discovering the wonders of the reef, with plenty of time to snorkel, relax, and take in one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures.
Adult $299.00 | Child $164.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $770.00
Adult $109.00| Child $79.00 from Cairns
Palm Cove/Trinity Beach/Yorkeys Knob pick-up at 12 noon + Adult $25 Child $15
Cairns Hotel pick ups commence from 12.30pm
Enjoy a small group Cairns afternoon guided tour, showcasing the best of Australia’s most famous tropical city. Explore the cities rich history which provides glimpses of natural beauty, cultural heritage and some of Cairns most iconic landmarks.
Adult $109.00 | Child $79.00 | Palm Cove/Yorkeys Knob at 12 noon – Adult $25.00 Child $15
$530 per person
Depart daily 12.40pm – return 4.30pm
Ideal for those with limited time and Cruise ship visitors who still want to experience the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a 25-minute scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef to meet the Superyacht Evolution. Spend 1.5 hours at Hastings Reef snorkelling before cruising back to Cairns whilst enjoying a late lunch and a complimentary glass of wine.
30 minutes $455 per person
45 minutes $625 per person
Departs daily from Cairns Heli pad -The Pier Cairns City
The most popular scenic flight combines 30-minute Great Barrier Reef scenic with an additional 15 minute bird’s eye view of the oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest on earth. Commencing over the reef, we cross back over the coast near Double Island and the resort township of Palm Cove before ascending the coastal rainforest-clad mountains into the heart of the Barron Gorge National Park.
30 minutes $455.00 | 45 minutes $625.00 Per Person
Adult from $225| Child $145 4-14yrs Family 2A+2C $595
Seasonal dates and prices apply
Departs daily 9.00am – 5.00pm
Step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous Sea Rangers as they recount the Dreamtime stories of the local people and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy up to 5 hours of fun with unlimited snorkelling with 2 Reef locations in air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar.
Adult $105| Child $60 (4-15yrs)| Family 2A+2C $270
Rate valid until 31st March, 2026
Departs daily 10.15am – 4.30pm
Fitzroy Island’s full-day experience includes 55 minutes ferry transfer each way. Choose from the many optional activities available. You can hire snorkel equipment, do a guided Snorkel Tour, Glass Bottom Boat coral viewing tour and visit the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. You can snorkel straight off the beach and discover amazing marine life and sea turtles. Sit back and soak up the serenity on the shores of the famous Nudey Beach (by name only) – once voted the best beach in Australia.
Adult $105.00 | Child $60.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $270.00
Adult $122| Child $66 4-14yrs
Family2A+2C $316
Half Day 8.30am or 10.30am departure -return Cairns 3.20pm
Full Day 8.30am or 10.30am departure -return Cairns 5.20pm
Green Island is an idyllic coral cay located only 15 nautical miles offshore from Cairns, snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sand beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Includes choice of snorkelling equipment OR glass bottom boat.
Adult $122.00 | Child $66.00 4-14yrs | Family2A+2C $316.00
Adult $120 |Child $60
Family 2A+2C $300
Full Day 11.00am – 5.00pm
Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sandy beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Semi Submersible and guided snorkel tour options available.
Adult $120.00 | Child $60.00 | Family 2A+2C $300.00
Adult $120 |Child 4-14yrs $60
Family 2A+2C $300
Full Day 9.00am – 5.00pm
Snorkel and swim in the clear, cool island waters straight from the white sandy beach. Encounter a wide variety of colourful fish, turtles and other marine creatures whilst exploring the beautiful coral reef gardens surrounding Green Island. Semi Submersible and guided snorkel tour options available.
Adult $120.00 | Child 4-14yrs $60.00 | Family 2A+2C $300.00
Adult $299.00 | Child $164 (4-14yrs)
Family 2A+2C $770
Depart Cairns Daily 10.30am – 5.20pm
Discover the Great Barrier Reef and spend 3 unforgettable hours at the Outer Reef activity platform where both swimmers and non-swimmers can immerse in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore a range of activities from snorkelling to underwater observatories to guided tours for a closer look. Relax as you enjoy the sundeck taking in the views of the reef with a delicious buffet lunch.
Adult $299.00 | Child $164.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $770.00
Cruise – Fly Great Barrier Reef
Adult $675 |Child 4-15yrs $549
Infant under 3 yrs Free | Child 3yrs $399.00
Family 2A+2C 4-15yrs $2279
Departs daily 10.00am – 3.55pm
3.5 hours at the Great Barrier Reef
Cruise from Cairns to Sunlover’s Pontoon at Moore Reef, 54km away. Ideal for all ages, this ocean base boasts a new sun deck and the Sunlover Sunslide for family fun. The 25 minute scenic flight from Moore Reef delivers stunning panoramic views extending from the tropical rainforest clad coastline, across the azure waters of the Coral Sea and into the very heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Adult $675.00 | Child 4-15yrs $549.00 | Family 2A+2C 4-15yrs $2279.00
Adult $295|Child 4-15 yrs $169
Family $759
Departs Daily 10.15am – 5.30pm
Join Sunlover Reef Cruises for a day of discovery on the Great Barrier Reef. Travel in comfort aboard their fast, air-conditioned catamaran to a spacious pontoon at pristine Moore Reef on the outer reef. The newly refurbished platform caters for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, with an upper-level sun deck and the popular Sunlover Waterslide — a 30-metre spiral splash into tropical blue water.
$415 per person (minimum 2)
Solo bookings accepted please call 07 40283567 to book
Departs daily from 9am through to 4.00pm
General Aviation Airport Cairns
Experience a breathtaking 30 minute Cairns scenic helicopter flight to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life with insightful commentary from our knowledgeable local pilots enhancing your understanding and appreciation for this natural wonder.
40 minutes $525 per person (minimum 2)
Solo bookings accepted please call 07 40283567 to book
Departs daily from 9am through to 4.00pm
General Aviation Airport Cairns
Experience a breathtaking 40-minute Cairns scenic helicopter flight to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Marvel at stunning coral formations and vibrant marine life with insightful commentary from our knowledgeable local pilots enhancing your understanding and appreciation for this natural wonder.
Adult $395|Child $330 4-16 years
Great Value !! Save $69
Departs daily 8.00am – 4.30pm
Experience the ultimate adventure value package on the Great Barrier Reef with views from above and below the Reef. Includes an awesome 10-minute scenic Helicopter flight to see the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Full day with two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef including snorkelling, lunch and more
Adult $395.00 | Child $330.00 4-16 years
We’re passionate locals who know Cairns inside out, and we’re here to make your shore excursion stress-free and unforgettable. Whether you prefer a small-group tour or a private experience, we’ll help plan the perfect day to fit your cruise schedule.
The Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal is conveniently located in the heart of the city, just a 7–10 minute walk from the Cairns Marina and Reef Fleet Terminal, where most Great Barrier Reef and island tours depart. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops within easy reach.
If your ship anchors at Yorkeys Knob, tour options are more limited since many operators don’t collect from this location (about 25 minutes north of Cairns). However, we can arrange a Kuranda Tour on select dates, and most cruise lines provide shuttle transfers into Cairns to connect with reef and island tours.
Popular shore excursions include Great Barrier Reef cruises, scenic helicopter flights, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Paronella Park, Green Island, Fitzroy Island, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway with Skyrail.
For cruise-aligned tour times and personalised advice, our local team is ready to help.
Have questions? Call (07) 4028 3567 or browse our Cairns tours.
Here’s why thousands of customers loveCairns Discovery Tours.
🗓️ Flexible Cancellations
Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Discovery Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. We make exploring Cairns stress-free, so you can book with confidence.
💳 Book Now, Pay Later
Secure your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option. Lock in your adventure today and pay in easy installments — perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.
🌴 Local Since 1995
For over 28 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Cairns with thousands of travellers, offering authentic, community-connected tour experiences.
👩🏫 Expert Local Guides
Our passionate Cairns tour guides are storytellers, historians, and nature enthusiasts. With deep local knowledge, they bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, ensuring an unforgettable and educational experience.
