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Cairns Tours FAQ

Booking & Payments

We accept major credit cards and secure online payment. Full payment details are available on our payments page.

We recommend booking at least a few days ahead, especially during peak season (June to October), as popular reef, island and rainforest tours can sell out. Last-minute bookings are sometimes available, so it’s worth checking availability even if your trip is close.

Yes, changes can usually be made depending on availability and how close it is to your tour date. Contact us as early as possible so we can help find the best option.

Yes, gift vouchers are available for Cairns tours and can be a great option for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. Get in touch with our team for current voucher options.

 
 
 

Cancellations & Weather

Cancellation terms vary depending on the tour and how far in advance you cancel. Full details are outlined in our terms and conditions.

Yes, most tours operate year-round, including during the wet season (roughly November to April). Some experiences may be adjusted for conditions, so check the specific tour page for seasonal notes.

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Far North Queensland weather can occasionally affect reef, island and rainforest tours. If an operator cancels a tour for safety reasons, we’ll work with you on rescheduling or other available options according to that tour’s terms.

Group, Family & Accessibility

Yes, many of our tours can be arranged for groups, families or private charters. Visit our private tours page or contact us with your group size and preferred experience and we’ll help put together the right option.

Many of our tours are family-friendly, though suitability can vary by activity and age. See our family tours for options suited to younger travellers, or contact us if you’re unsure what will work best for your family.

Accessibility varies by tour and operator. Contact us before booking and we can help identify the most suitable options based on your needs.

Practical & Trip Prep 

We recommend travellers hold appropriate travel insurance, particularly for activities like reef tours, diving and helicopter flights. Check that your policy covers the specific activities you’re booking.

Yes. See our shore excursions for cruise passengers page for tours and transfer options timed around ship arrivals and departures.

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Most day tours call for swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a light layer. Packing needs vary by tour type — check the individual tour page for specific guidance.

Getting Help

You can reach our team through our contact page. We’re happy to help you choose the right tour or answer any questions before you book.

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Explore Cairns & surrounds

We live here, work here, and know these tours firsthand.

4.9 stars, 368 reviews
Google Reviews
Carnival Encounter
8 Sep 2026, Tue
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Splendor
13 Sep 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
7:30 PM
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Encounter
29 Sep → 30 Sep
Cairns Port
Tue, 9:30 AM
Wed, 6:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Carnival Encounter
28 Oct 2026, Wed
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
5:30 PM
Carnival Encounter
30 Oct 2026, Fri
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
5:00 PM
Crown Princess
7 Nov 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Costa Serena
8 Nov 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Riviera
14 Nov 2026, Sat
Yorkeys Knob Port
9:30 AM
8:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
15 Nov 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Viking Venus
20 Nov 2026, Fri
Yorkeys Knob Port
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Royal Princess
Noordam
23 Nov → 24 Nov
Cairns Port
Mon, 9:00 AM
Tue, 7:00 PM
Noordam
26 Nov 2026, Thu
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Riviera
26 Nov 2026, Thu
Yorkeys Knob Port
9:00 AM
9:00 PM
Celebrity Solstice
27 Nov → 28 Nov
Cairns Port
Fri, 8:00 AM
Sat, 6:00 PM
Azamara Pursuit
28 Nov 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
11:00 PM
Silver Moon
29 Nov 2026, Sun
Yorkeys Knob Port
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Royal Princess
Viking Orion
2 Dec → 3 Dec
Cairns Port
Wed, 12:00 PM
Thu, 6:00 PM
Viking Orion
5 Dec 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Grand Princess
6 Dec → 7 Dec
Yorkeys Knob Port
Sun, 9:00 AM
Mon, 6:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
9 Dec → 10 Dec
Cairns Port
Wed, 7:00 AM
Thu, 3:00 PM
Riviera
Carnival Luminosa
10 Dec 2026, Thu
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Luminosa
Seven Seas Navigator
12 Dec 2026, Sat
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
7:00 PM
Seven Seas Navigator
Carnival Encounter
16 Dec 2026, Wed
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
Viking Orion
17 Dec 2026, Thu
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Viking Orion
20 Dec 2026, Sun
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
9:30 PM
Riviera
Carnival Luminosa
1 Jan 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Luminosa
12 Jan 2027, Tue
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
10:00 PM
Silver Moon
17 Jan → 18 Jan
Cairns Port
Sun, 8:00 AM
Mon, 6:00 PM
Westerdam
Carnival Luminosa
18 Jan 2027, Mon
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Luminosa
19 Jan 2027, Tue
Yorkeys Knob Port
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
Quantum of the Seas
Carnival Encounter
3 Feb 2027, Wed
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
4 Feb 2027, Thu
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
6:00 PM
Costa Deliziosa
12 Feb → 13 Feb
Yorkeys Knob Port
Fri, 8:00 AM
Sat, 5:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
21 Feb → 22 Feb
Cairns Port
Sun, 8:00 AM
Mon, 9:00 PM
Crown Princess
2 Mar 2027, Tue
Cairns Port
9:00 AM
6:00 PM
Queen Victoria
4 Mar 2027, Thu
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Grand Princess
Carnival Splendor
5 Mar 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:00 PM
Carnival Splendor
6 Mar → 7 Mar
Yorkeys Knob Port
Sat, 9:00 AM
Sun, 5:00 PM
Celebrity Edge
9 Mar 2027, Tue
Yorkeys Knob Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Quantum of the Seas
12 Mar 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
9:30 PM
Riviera
13 Mar 2027, Sat
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Grand Princess
Viking Orion
15 Mar → 20 Mar
Cairns Port
Mon, 8:00 AM
Sat, 6:00 PM
Viking Orion
Carnival Luminosa
17 Mar 2027, Wed
Cairns Port
9:30 AM
6:30 PM
Carnival Luminosa
21 Mar 2027, Sun
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Viking Venus
21 Mar → 22 Mar
Cairns Port
Sun, 10:00 AM
Mon, 6:00 PM
Crystal Serenity
5 Apr 2027, Mon
Yorkeys Knob Port
7:00 AM
5:00 PM
Celebrity Solstice
Carnival Encounter
9 Apr 2027, Fri
Cairns Port
7:00 AM
4:00 PM
Carnival Encounter
11 Apr 2027, Sun
Cairns Port
8:00 AM
6:00 PM
Seabourn Quest
22 Apr 2027, Thu
Cairns Port
9:00 AM
5:00 PM
Carnival Adventure

Adult $269|Aust Pensioner $259
Child $209 (4-14yrs only)
not suitable for children under 4yrs
Departs Daily 7.00am

Discover the Daintree Rainforest in Comfort – Small Group Touring (Max 14 Guests)
Travel along the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef Drive to explore Mossman Gorge, enjoy a restaurant lunch at the Daintree Tea House, 1 hour cruise on the Daintree River and visit Cape Tribulation Beach—where the rainforest meets the sea. With scenic stops at Rex Lookout, Flagstaff Hill Port Douglas, and a sweet treat option at the Daintree Ice Cream Company, this full-day tour offers an immersive nature experience in air-conditioned comfort. A full day exploring our spectacular natural backyard.

More Info

Adult $269.00 | Aust Pensioner $259.00 | Child $209.00 (4-14yrs only)

7:00 am
6:00 pm

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
Adult $209 |Child 6-14yrs $159
Family 2A+2C $670
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.

More Info

Adult $209.00 | Child 6-14yrs $159.00 | Family 2A+2C $670.00

12:00 pm
5:00 pm

Tour operates Mondays and Tuesdays each week until 24 October 2026
Includes Kuranda Scenic Train and Luxury Coach transfers
Choice 8.50am or 9.50am Scenic Train with return coach transfers at 2.45pm or 3.45pm
Plus your choice of a Koala Gardens or Birdworld Kuranda experience

More Info

Adult $160.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $448.00 2AD+2CH | Gold Class Upgrade 9.50am Train $69.00

Adult $189|Child 2-11yrs $149|Family 2A+2C $527
Departs daily 7.30am – 5.30pm

On the Waterfalls and Wanderer tour you will travel south as you discover nature and the beauty of north Queensland’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a MUST-SEE for anyone wanting to experience pristine rainforest, cascading waterfalls, stunning panoramas of Queensland’s highest peaks and maybe a glimpse of rare and unique native wildlife. This fun tour is ideal for the young and the young at heart, looking to see the best of the Atherton Tablelands and waterfalls.

More Info

Adult $189.00 | Child 2-11yrs $149.00 | Family 2A+2C $527.00

7:30 am
5:30 pm
Special Deal
Ferry leaving Green Island Great Barrier Reef
Free Green Island upgrade includedNormally $343 - Save $31

Departs daily 8.30am – 5.30pm
Fuel Levy $10.00 Adult $5.00 Child payable day of travel

2 iconic destinations in 1 day. Fast catamaran to Green Island for a 2-hour coral cay stopover, then out to Great Adventures’ Moore Reef platform for 3 hours on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel gear, semi-sub, underwater observatory and buffet lunch all included.

More Info

Adult $312.00 | Child $172.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $805.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child. Fuel Levy payable at check-in on the day of travel.

8:30 am
5:30 pm
Special Deal
Fitzroy Island beach and resort boat arrival
Normally $185.00Save $36

Best of Fitzroy Island Day Tour – Save $36
Adult $166| Child $110  (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $442 
Includes Snorkel equipment + Glass bottom boat tour + Picnic lunch
2 Departures daily 8.45am or 10.15am – Return 4.30pm
Discover the best of Fitzroy Island’s natural beauty and vibrant marine life. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, this tour offers an unforgettable day on one of Cairns’ most picturesque islands.

More Info

Adult $166.00 | Child $110.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $442.00 | $0.00

10:15 am
4:30 pm
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures river cruise boat with crocodile

Adult $110|Child 4-15yrs $55.00
Family 2A+2C $275.00
8.30am to 2.30pm or
12.30pm to 5.30pm

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures offers a thrilling immersion into Australia’s iconic wildlife. Spanning over 10 hectares of natural habitat, the park is renowned for its focus on conservation and education. Visitors can embark on guided tours, encountering saltwater crocodiles, cassowaries, and an array of native species in their natural habitats. The park also features interactive experiences, including crocodile feeding shows and wildlife presentation.

Adult $110.00 | Child $55.00 4-15yrs | Family 2A+2C $275.00

Book Now
snorkelling green island

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

More Info

Adult $196.00 | Child $98.00 | Family 2A+2C $490.00

8:30 am
5:00 pm
View all popular tours

Here’s why thousands of customers trustCairns Discovery Tours.

🗓️ Flexible Cancellations

Enjoy peace of mind with our flexible booking policy. Most Cairns Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before departure with a full refund. (Helicopter tours are 48 hours) We make exploring Cairns stress free, so you can book with confidence.

💳 Book Now, Pay Later

Reserve your place on our popular Cairns day tours with Klarna’s Book Now, Pay Later option, or just give us a call or send us an email to secure your booking. We will be in touch to arrange payment 7 days before your departure.  Perfect for planning your Cairns holiday without upfront costs.

🌴 Local Since 1995

For over 30 years, Cairns Discovery Tours has been proudly locally owned and operated. Established in 1995, we’ve shared the tropical beauty of Far North Queensland travellers from around the world. Based in Cairns, we offer authentic tour experiences backed by genuine local knowledge and long standing connections to the region.

👩‍🏫 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.

Rena Keeney
Rena Keeney
23 days ago
We had such a fun time on a half day tour of Fitzroy island with Cairns Discovery Tours! We managed to do an everything we wanted (Nudey beach, long snorkel and lunch) within the time period we had and we even got to swim with turtles 🐢 an unforgettable experience! This would not have been possible without the fantastic help of Maryanne who booked us in for the tour. She went above and beyond to help us find somewhere to leave our bags during our tour and we wouldn’t have been able to go without her help. We enjoyed the experience so much and we are very grateful to Maryanne for her help and her exceptional customer service! I would definitely recommend booking local for these kind of experiences because that kind of customer care just doesn’t come when you book through third party sites. 10/10 experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Seka Mrkonja
Seka Mrkonja
1 month ago
Highly recommended!
karen McArthur
karen McArthur
13 days ago
We went on a tour with Discovery Tours today, doing the Mossman Gorge, Daintree / Daintree River Cruise, finishing of visiting Cape Tribulation… Our driver was James, who was exceptional. Giving running commentary along the trip. Guiding his group of people through all the different areas. Thanks James, top job.
Rachael E
Rachael E
1 month ago
In June I came to Cairns on holiday from the UK. It was the biggest holiday I've ever taken and because my health limits what I can do took a lot of planning. Maryanne at Cairns Discovery Tours was brilliant. She helped me choose suitable trips, gave me additional information so I could be prepared, advised on the easiest way to get to the departure point for those trips that don't pick up from my accommodation, etc. I booked all my trips except one with Maryanne. Her knowledge of Cairns was invaluable to me. She spoke to me on Whatsapp to answer my questions (we had to arrange call in advance because of the time difference) and when it occurred to me quite close to departure date that I'd need a way of protecting my head and neck from the sun when snorkelling Maryanne got me a suitable headscarf and dropped it off at my accommodation ahead of my arrival. When a friend decided to join me on some of the trips Maryanne was really helpful to her as well. If I am able to come back to Cairns I'll book as much as I can with Maryanne and Cairns Discovery Tours. The service couldn't be bettered.
Trevor Andrews
Trevor Andrews
20 days ago
We have just done the 3 day/2 night Cooktown and Cape Tribulation Tour with 2 friends. An unbelievable experience due to our fantastic guide Steve, who had so much local knowledge on everywhere we visited, especially historical info on the Palmer River gold rush in the 1800s, and Daintree Rainforest botany. Steve was such a good raconteur with friendly personality, who went out of his way to make our trip so enjoyable. Accomodation at both Cooktown and Cape Tribulation was excellent, with amazing setting of the cabins at Cape Tribulation in the rainforest right by the beach. Everything advertised for the tour and more was an memorable experience. Thank you so much Steve!
John Power
John Power
15 days ago
I was delighted with the Kuranda tour arranged by this company. The timings worked excellently and it was an eminently well organised tour. The train trip up to Kuranda was great fun and fascinating. Personally, I was particularly interested in the engineering. We had an hour in Kuranda Village, which was enough for me, although I expect some people would have liked to have seen the village and visited the butterfly world, which I think would have been tight. Rainforestation was great, plenty of activity of a variety of natures. I could not throw a boomerang to save my life, but it was fun to try. Then the bus down to Cairns was efficient and friendly, with a superb guide.
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