Great Barrier Reef Day Tours

Join us for a unique outer reef tour where the Sunlover catamaran docks alongside a floating pontoon stationed in a natural lagoon fringed with beautiful coral. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family traveller, experienced diver or on your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, our expert team will deliver a unique reef tour experience for you. Experience the ultimate adventure combining 2 hours at Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Barrier Reef + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore reef has all of our standard inclusions with time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef with our special offer

Free Upgrade - Save $30 and include Green Island on your outer reef trip.
Departure 8.30am from Cairns as you start your adventure with a visit to Green Island , where you'll have 2 hours free time to explore.  Includes snorkelling equipment or enjoy a leisurely or take a swim in the island swimming pool before continuing to the Outer Reef Platform.

Discover the Outer Great Barrier Reef
Departure 10.30am from Cairns
Spend 3 hours and experience the stunning beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The stable reef activity platform offers a perfect base for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Here's what you can do:

Departing from Cairns, spend 5 hours exploring two exclusive Outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! Evolution is perfect for both beginners and certified divers. Our scuba diving packages include a comprehensive dive and safety briefing along with top-rated dive gear. Introductory divers are guided by a fully qualified instructor with a ratio of 4 divers per instructor, ensuring a safe and personalized experience. Certified divers can opt for a guided dive as an optional extra.

Enhance your day with a Semi-Submersible Coral Viewing Tour, where you can learn about the reef from our marine biologist, or add a scenic helicopter flight for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of this natural wonder. Enjoy a delicious BBQ buffet lunch onboard, and on your return cruise to Cairns, relax with a complimentary glass of wine and a snack as you reflect on your incredible day at the Great Barrier Reef.

Would you like to fly to or from The Great Barrier Reef ? Check our helicopter options

The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting tour. Take a fast 45-minute catamaran ride to beautiful Green Island and enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. Then, you’ll depart Green Island to continue your day of adventure and discovery with 3 hours on board Great Adventures' spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island
It is a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – a premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Grab your snorkel gear and head to the Lifeguard patrolled beach to explore the marine world off the beach, take a stroll thru the unique tropical rainforest, laze on the white coral sand beach or take part in some of the optional activities that Green Island has to offer

Outer Barrier Reef
The stable reef activity platform is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel and/or dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub to view the surrounding coral or relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch. The vibrant marine life of the reef awaits you.

Your day includes adventures for all ages and levels of experience - snorkel equipment, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible coral viewing vessel, an underwater observatory, a marine life touch tank,. Optional extras include scuba diving, scenic helicopter rides, Guided Snorkelling Safari and Seawalker Helmet Diving. Sunlover Reef Cruises will enhance your experience, regardless of age and ability, to discover the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. Even if you cannot swim, you will still enjoy a complete experience with Sunlover Reef Cruises

Cruise Fly and Fly Cruise options available here
Experience the ultimate Great Barrier Reef tour with a 25 minute scenic flight to or from the Reef

Set sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Spirit's comfortable sailing catamaran. Snorkel or dive the fringing reef and view from the comfort of a glass bottom boat. Enjoy the crystal clear waters with easy access off the spectacular white sand beach and observe the myriad of seabirds that call this protected sanctuary home. Michaelmas Cay is a major natural seabird habitat and one of the most important in the Southern Hemisphere. It is home to at least 23 species of seabirds. Many breeds find this island an ideal nesting habitat and is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ocean Spirit is a high standard operator with Climate Action and Advanced Ecotourism Certification. From the wind in her sails to eco friendly practices - theirs is a gentle footprint on our Iconic Great Barrier Reef.

The only Cairns reef, rainforest and river experience. Explore and enjoy this natural paradise, no big crowds, full of marine life. Enjoy the opportunity to have this hidden gem all to yourself! Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is an exclusive Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour. It starts with a rainforest river cruise, followed by the shortest open water crossing of any of the Cairns day tour boats, to put you right on the Great Barrier Reef.

Our destination is Normanby Island in the beautiful Frankland Islands National Park island group. Surrounded by vibrant fringing reefs, it’s home to many species of marine life, including turtles, octopuses and the ever-popular anemone clownfish, Nemo, to name a few. You have up to 4 hours to explore and enjoy this natural paradise, above and below the water.

If you’ve never snorkelled before, don’t worry – our crew will give you all the instruction and briefing you need. Flotation devices are available so you can float along with ease and enjoy the sights as you explore the reef. Experienced instructors, including our Master Reef Guides, guide both snorkel tours. They know where to find all the best marine life, from turtles and fish to giant clams and impressive corals. Want to stay dry, and view the Great Barrier Reef on the Semi-Submersible tour? You will be amazed at what you will see. Discover the pristine coral reefs without getting your feet wet from the comfort of our semi-submarine. Take a guided tour of the reefs surrounding the islands and learn about the incredible ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. Get up close and personal with fish, turtles and the diverse range of corals.

Passions of Paradise Eco Reef Tour – Be a Marine Biologist for the Day
This is an exciting opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef with an educational twist. It’s a full-day reef tour where participants can experience the reef like a marine biologist, learn about coral ecosystems, and take part in citizen science initiatives. This tour combines eco-friendly tourism with conservation, giving travellers a deeper understanding of the reef’s biodiversity and the importance of protecting it. This eco-conscious reef tour is a great choice for travellers wanting to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Reef Education: - Led by a marine Biologist the key focus of the tour is educating participants on the fragility of the Great Barrier Reef. Interactive presentations are given throughout the day, helping travellers understand the challenges the reef faces from climate change, coral bleaching, and human activity.

The all-weather Reef Magic Pontoon is the latest and most technologically advanced structure on the Great Barrier Reef, designed and built with sustainability in mind. Spanning over 1,003 square meters and accommodating up to 450 guests, it limits the number to a maximum of 250 to ensure a more intimate experience.

Highlights of Your Day: Click here to see a virtual -video of your day out on Reef Magic

Stay Dry Activities: Relax on the spacious sundeck, or marvel at the marine life from our underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tours.

Snorkeling: Dive into the vibrant coral gardens and explore the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Scuba Diving: Whether you're a certified diver or a beginner, discover the reef's depths with our guided scuba diving experiences.

Helicopter Flights: Soar above the reef and take in breathtaking aerial views with our optional helicopter tours.

Sea Trek Helmet Diving: A unique underwater adventure exploring to a depth of 3 metres without getting your hair wet. Reef Magic has the longest helmet diving circuit on the Great Barrier Reef. Perfect for non-swimmers or nervous divers. Minimum child age is 12 yrs

Experience the ultimate adventure package and best value day on the Great Barrier Reef with amazing views from above and below. Enjoy a full day to two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef on board the luxury vessel "Evolution" including snorkelling, lunch, sunbathing and in the afternoon; you will board a Nautilus Aviation Helicopter for an incredible 10-minute scenic flight to see the magical colours of the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Departs 8.00 am Return 4.30 pm. 7.30 am Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns

Evolution also caters to both dive beginners and certified divers. Scuba diving packages include a full dive & safety briefing, specialised top-rated dive gear, and a fully qualified dive instructor. Note some medical conditions and medication can exclude you from diving.

Day 1 -Great Barrier Reef Tour 8.00am - 4.30pm
Great Barrier Reef Tour onboard 'Evolution'

Join the locally owned and operated luxurious and spacious yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for your snorkelling experience. The 35-metre vessel, Evolution departs Cairns with  5 hours spent exploring two spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! Experience the adventure of snorkelling, scuba diving for the experienced and non experienced, 10 scenic helicopter flights, marine biology tours and semi submersible coral viewing tours

Day 2- Daintree - Cape Tribulation Rainforest Tour 7.00am - 6.00pm
A forest so spectacular, Sir David Attenborough called it "the most extraordinary place on Earth"

Itinerary
Scenic Coastal Drive
Begin your day with a warm welcome from your eco-accredited local tour guide as you're picked up and introduced to your fellow travelers. Relax and enjoy the ride as we embark on one of the world's most picturesque drives towards the Daintree Rainforest. Make sure your camera is ready to capture the stunning coastal scenery along the way!

Daintree River Cruise
Following a light morning tea, we board the Daintree River cruise. This serene and rejuvenating one-hour cruise is just what the doctor ordered, with a touch of adventure as we spot crocodiles, other native Australian wildlife, and explore the mangroves.

Alexandra Lookout
Our next stop is Alexandra Lookout, offering a fantastic photo opportunity with breathtaking views that stretch from the Daintree Rainforest to the ocean.

Guided Rainforest Boardwalk  
Your local guide will then take you along an elevated boardwalk into the heart of the  Daintree National Park, providing detail on the flora, fauna and cultural history and significance of the Daintree Rainforest.

Lunch 
Enjoy lunch with your fellow travellers, and then it's off to Cape Tribulation Beach. The only place where the rainforest meets the reef. All dietary requirements must be notified at the time of reservation or at least 48 hours before travel. We cater for vegetarians and most other requirements within reason and providing they are of a medical nature.

Freshwater Swim 
Enjoy a refreshing rainforest freshwater stream swim, in crystal clear waters without the crowds.

Ice-Cream Stop
No visit to the Daintree Rainforest is complete without a stop for exotic homemade ice cream at the Daintree Ice-creamery. Savor the unique flavors made from the orchids on their property. After this sweet treat and a bit of exploration of the lush surroundings, we head home, bringing an end to a memorable day in the Daintree.

Due to the impact of  tropical cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding & road closures, there have been some itinerary changes to ensure you still have a great time in the Daintree Rainforest.

This  'Best of the Island' day tour showcases the best of Fitzroy Island.  You will have 6 hours of  'Island time' to enjoy all the inclusions of your day. Enjoy the rainforest walking trails and stunning beaches at your leisure. Snorkel straight from the beach to be surrounded by abundant marine life, view the coral from a glass bottom boat and enjoy a premium buffet lunch at the resort.

Includes return ferry from Cairns, snorkelling equipment, coral viewing glass bottom boat tour and premium buffet lunch at the famous Fitzroy Island Resort.

Fitzroy Island awaits, just 55 minutes away. There's no better way to spend the day, than relaxing in paradise.

We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji , Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji & Gunggandji people, Traditional Owners of the Sea Country on which you will travel

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique & exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour of two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Reef sites visited may include Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman or Thetford Reef. You will also experience our authentic Dreamtime experience with our Cultural Guides, sharing their stories of the history of the Great Barrier Reef. Indigenous sea rangers will recount the Dreamtime stories of the traditional people of this Sea Country and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef.

Maximum 75 guests, extremely personal tour - Outstanding customer service. All guests are assessed for their snorkelling and diving abilities and are appropriately assisted in ensuring that all can experience and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Experience two different Great Barrier Reef locations – “Wonder Wall” on the outer edge of Upolu reef and a beautiful turquoise aquarium-like coral garden “Upolu Cay Reef”. This fast, sleek motor CAT takes just over an hour to get to the reef.

This tour is great for those who want a  small, personal, customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour with absolutely no rush in the day! Enjoy 6hrs of actual reef time between the two destinations. Plenty of time to do all the in-water activities, glass bottom boat tour, enjoy your lunch and relax!

If you’ve never dived and wish to try it, we have introductory dives - guaranteed 2 divers to one instructor! (the usual ratio is 4:1) If you are a certified diver, you can enjoy the wonders of the reef with our experienced complimentary guides. Note - some medical conditions and medication can exclude you from diving. Please see dive medical below for further information.

Join us onboard the high-speed Catamaran “Reef Experience” for an unforgettable day visiting 2 pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations and discovering the breathtaking wonder of this World Heritage environment. Maximum 75 passengers. Reef Experience is Cairn’s only ALL-inclusive Great Barrier Reef Day Tour which also offers a FREE Scuba Dive. Catering for all levels in swimming, snorkelling and Scuba Diving, everyone will find the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Experienced swimmer or snorkeler? the crew will show you the best patches of coral and can tell you where to find the marine marvels that call the reef their home. Never snorkelled before or can’t swim? Friendly and professional crew are always ready to jump in and assist everybody who needs assistance to have fun and enjoy the magic the reef has to offer, ensuring that you are comfortable with your equipment and introducing you to some of our friendly fish! A day on the Great Barrier Reef will be one of the most memorable days in your life.

Quicksilver departs from Port Douglas and takes you to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region’s outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature’s finest.

It’s a day that engages all your senses, lifts your spirit and takes you into another realm. Sharing the wonder of the world’s largest living entity, realising its breathtaking colour and majesty, seeing nature at its most perfect is an awakening and, quite simply, the memory of a lifetime. Come and experience nature’s finest with Australia’s best. At Agincourt ribbon reef, you’ll feel as if you’ve embraced paradise.

Bus transfers available from Cairns & Port Douglas as an optional extra. If not simply make your own way to the Quicksilver office at the Port Douglas Marina on Wharf St, Port Douglas. Parking is available free of charge at the Marina.

Be whisked away to visit three spectacular outer reef sites at Flynn, Pellow, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs.
Silverswift is the only Cairns-based vessel to visit three sites in one day and is also the fastest! Enjoy 5 hours of fun with unlimited snorkelling, hot freshwater showers, change rooms, air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar.

You will have the opportunity to explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens awash with vibrantly coloured marine creatures as you visit three different outer reef sites. Locations vary with the day’s diving and snorkelling conditions; however, each site is chosen for visual impact and ecological diversity.

A day with Silverswift is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s exciting, exotic and breathtaking! With our 19 exclusive permits and remote sites, you’ll be able to dive and snorkel 3 uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites, each chosen to suit the day’s conditions. In between water activities, relax on the sundecks or in the air-conditioned lounges, and enjoy a delicious lunch for hungry adventurers!

Silversonic will be out of the water for annual maintenance 3rd February through to 31st March 2025

A day with Silversonic is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It's exciting, exotic and breathtaking!
You'll be able to snorkel and dive 3 uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites, each chosen to suit the day's conditions.  In between water activities, relax on the sun decks or in the air-conditioned lounges and enjoy a delicious lunch for hungry adventurers.
Silversonic is an Advanced Eco Certified operator  with exclusive permits to 35 exclusive Ribbon Reef Sites. During the months of May to September our tropical waters present the added bonus of sighting whales as they migrate north to mate and give birth. Silversonic has one of the few permits from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that allows guests to swim with Dwarf Minke whales if encountered.