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Great Barrier Reef Island Tours

Experience the world-famous Great Barrier Reef Islands from Cairns — snorkel, dive, or cruise through vibrant coral gardens and turquoise lagoons with trusted local operators.

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Special Deal
Cairns Whale Watching Tours
Travel 15th July - 6th September 20268.30am and 10.45am departure from Cairns

Adult $159.00| Child 4-14yrs $89
Family 2A+2C $496
Includes 1.5 hour dedicated Whale Watching tour plus free time at Fitzroy Island
Depart Cairns 8.30am – 2.45pm or 10.45am – 4.45pm

Experience an unforgettable day of nature and relaxation. Cruise off the coast of Cairns to witness the spectacular migration of Humpback Whales, then spend time unwinding on a tropical island with snorkelling, hiking, marine life, and stunning beaches.

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Adult $159.00 | Child $89.00 4-14yrs | Family 2A+2C $496.00 2A+2C 4-14yrs

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

Fitzroy Island Special
Adult $166+ $4 Fuel levy | Child $110 +2 Fuel Levy (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $444 + $10.00 Fuel Levy
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.

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Adult $170.00 | Child $112.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $454.00 | $0.00

10:15 am
4:30 pm
Special Deal
snorkelling green island
Free Snorkel or glass bottom boat tour valid for travel 30th June 2026MUST BOOK DIRECT by 31st May 2026 Phone 07 40283567

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

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

8:30 am
5:00 pm
Big Cat Green Island reef cruise catamaran

Adult $122 |Child 4-14yrs $61
Family 2A+2C $305
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.

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Adult $122.00 | Child 4-14yrs $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00

9:00 am
5:00 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.

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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
Big Cat Cruises at green Island

Adult $122 |Child $61
Family 2A+2C $305
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.

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Adult $122.00 | Child $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00

11:00 am
5:00 pm
Walkers exploring Fitzroy Island

From Adult $108| Child $62 (4-14yrs)| Family 2A+2C $278
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.

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From Adult $108.00 | Child $62.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $278.00

Fitzroy Island

From Adult $108| Child $62 (4-14yrs)| Family 2A+2C $278
Departs daily at 10.45am – Returns at 2.45pm

Escape to Fitzroy Island for a half day adventure.  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, go swimming, stand-up paddle boards and sea kayaking. providing the perfect mix of natural beauty and marine experiences.

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From Adult $108.00 | Child $62.00 (4-14yrs) | Family 2A+2C $278.00

10:45 am
2:45 pm
Couple sitting at the bar on Fitzroy Island

Adult $109| Child $63 (4-15yrs)| Family 2A+2C $289
+ Fuel Levy Adult $4.00 Child $2.00 Family $8.00
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.

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Adult $109.00 | Child $63.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $289.00

10:15 am
4:30 pm
Special Deal
Underwater observatory experience on Great Barrier Reef tour
Kids 50% OFFValid to 30th September 2026

Departs Cairns 8.00am – 4.30pm
Kids 50% off – valid to 30th September 2026
Adult $10 Child $5 Fuel Levy

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.

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Adult $337.00 | Child ( 4 - 16yrs ) $169.00 | Kids 50% OFF $92.50 valid to 30 Sept 26 | Family 2A+2C $859.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel Levy

8:00 am
4:30 pm
Frankland Islands eco cruise transfer boat

Departs daily 7am – 5pm
Fuel Levy of $10.00 per person payable direct
Enjoy an all-inclusive River, Reef, and Island Cruise with the sole commercial operator permitted on the pristine uninhabited Frankland Islands. Snorkel off the Island’s National Park white sand beach, swim with sea turtles, and have a quick and convenient journey with the shortest open water crossing.

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Adult $260.00 | Child $160.00 4-16yrs | Family 2A+2C $680.00 | $10.00 + Fuel Levy per person payable on the day of travel

7:00 am
5:00 pm
Great Adventures boat transfer to Green Island reef

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.

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Adult $122.00 | Child $66.00 4-14yrs | Family2A+2C $316.00

Seawalker helmet dive experience Fitzroy Island reef

Adult $289| Child 4-14yrs $236
Family 2A+2C$1050 + Fuel levy $4 Adult $2 Child
Departs Cairns 8.30am or 10.30am 
Returns 3.20pm or 5.20pm

Underwater helmet diving experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the marine wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef and discover the underwater world from a different perspective. It’s a fun and engaging and easy to do. There is no equipment to operate, and non-swimmers are welcome; Seawalker is accessible to almost everyone and you don’t even have to get your hair wet!

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Adult $289.00 | Child 4-14yrs $236.00 | Family 2A+2C $1050.00 | $0.00 Fuel levy $4 Adult $2 Child payable direct

Aerial view of Fitzroy Island Great Barrier Reef

Adult $166 +4 Fuel levy| Child $110 +2 Fuel Levy (4-15yrs)
Family 2A+2C $442 + $10 Fuel levy
Includes return Ferry + choice of 2 activities –
Snorkel Equipment – Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Picnic Lunch
Departs Daily 10.15am – 4.30pm

Fitzroy Island a tropical paradise and a favourite spot for locals and tourists. Lush rainforest, stunning beaches, walking trails, coral reefs. Ideal for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Take a 45-minute journey on the Fitzroy Island Sundancer to the sandy shores of the famous Nudey Beach (by name only)- voted one of the best beaches in Australia. Snorkel straight off the beach to discover amazing marine life.

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Adult $166.00 | Child $110.00 (4-15yrs) | Family 2A+2C $442.00 | $4.00 Adult $2 Child Fuel Levy

10:15 am
4:30 pm
Aerial view of Green Island coral cay near Cairns

Adult $122|Child 4-14yrs $61
Family 2A+2C $305
Departs daily 9.00am – 1.00pm

Green Island is a beautiful island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef only 45 minutes ferry ride from Cairns. It is a Marine National Park uniquely rainforested and surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life.

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Adult $122.00 | Child 4-14yrs $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00

9:00 am
1:00 pm
Couple relaxing on Green Island beach Great Barrier Reef

Adult $122|Child4-14yrs $61
Family 2A+2C $305
Departs daily 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Green Island is a beautiful island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef only 45 minutes ferry ride from Cairns. It is a Marine National Park uniquely rainforested and surrounded by white sandy beaches and magnificent coral reefs and abundant marine life.

More Info

Adult $122.00 | Child4-14yrs $61.00 | Family 2A+2C $305.00

1:00 pm
5:00 pm
Ocean Spirit catamaran sailing to Michaelmas Cay

Michaelmas Cay
Adult $288|Child $149|Family $734
Departs daily 8.30am – 5pm

Sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Spirit Cruises spacious catamaran. Snorkel or dive the pristine reef in the shallow waters of the cay or view the reef from a glass bottom boat. Michaelmas Cay is a National Park and a protected sanctuary for hundreds of migratory seabirds.

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Adult $288.00 | Child $149.00 | Family $734.00

8:30 am
5:00 pm
Ocean Free Pinnace reef snorkelling near Green Island

Adult $289| Child $225 4-14yrs
Departs Daily 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
Renown as the most exclusive, personal, customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour in Cairns with only 25  guests. Join this amazing personalised team on the 16.5 meter sailing schooner ‘Ocean Free’ for a day to remember on the Great Barrier Reef. Ocean Free sails you to Pinnacle Reef, an exclusive reef site located in the highly protected Marine Park zone just off Green Island offering excellent coral coverage and vibrant marine life.

Adult $289.00 | Child $225.00 4-14yrs

8:00 am
5:00 pm
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Fitzroy Island Day Trip

A local favourite, Fitzroy Island is only a 45-minute fast ferry ride from Cairns. With multiple departure times (8.00am, 9.00am, 9.30am and 11.00am), it’s an easy and flexible option for families and groups. Prices start from $83 per adult, $42 per child (4–15 years), and family passes from $208 (2 adults + 2 children). Customers love Fitzroy Island for its clear waters, rainforest walking trails, and relaxed island vibe.

Green Island Day Trip

Just 27 km off the coast of Cairns, Green Island is one of the most popular Great Barrier Reef Island day tours. A 45-minute fast ferry takes you to this coral cay, where you can snorkel, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or enjoy a semi-submersible reef experience. Green Island has been welcoming visitors for over 30 years with trusted operators like Big Cat Cruises and Great Adventures. Departure times run throughout the day (8.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am & 1.00pm), making it easy to plan around your schedule.

Frankland Islands Day Trip

Consistently rated a customer favourite for its unspoiled beauty, Frankland Islands offers long white sandy beaches, a guided snorkel tour, Semi Submersible coral viewing tour, beachside buffet lunch, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and regular turtle sightings. With only one commercial operator and a maximum of 100 guests allowed at a time, this island paradise is never crowded, giving you a truly unique and intimate Great Barrier Reef experience.

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.

Very good support from Marianne to organize our Cairns visits, both for diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef and for Kuranda and Rainforest Cape tribulation tours ! You can trust she will arrange every modification needed at her best ! Loved the trip in Cairns also thanks to Marianne, who listens and adapts to your interests and time ! Big Thank you, Marianne!
Michelle White
Michelle White
1 month ago
Great tour. We covered a lot of ground without feeling rushed. The day was well organised & seamless with a very knowledgeable tour guide/ driver.
madam howling
madam howling
17 days ago
I’m not often impressed enough to comment I certainly am with Maryanne Nothing was too much effort, even to ringing me at 9pm on Friday night to change a trip Refunded was processed within ten minutes of cancellation, new options provided All the five star reviews are true!
Mark Rodahl
Mark Rodahl
8 months ago
Cairns Discovery Tours is such a wonderful company. They all were essential in giving us an unforgettable experience on our first trip to Cairns. Maryanne is so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful in finding perfect excursions for us. Her Daintree Rainforest tour with the awesome Jeremey as our guide was truly amazing ! On top of all of this, everyone was so kind and helpful to recover and return to my wife a lost sentimental bracelet. I can not thank them all enough for making our vacation so special and memorable. You are all the best !
Ali Almazroei
Ali Almazroei
1 month ago
I had an incredible time with Cairns Discovery Tours! The entire experience was seamless, but I especially want to highlight the amazing help I received from Maryanne. She was absolutely wonderful throughout the booking process—her assistance in coordinating all the different spots and managing the details made my trip stress-free and truly enjoyable. If you're looking for a professional and helpful team in Cairns, I highly recommend them. Thank you, Maryanne, for all your hard work!"
Soon Fatt Woo
Soon Fatt Woo
6 months ago
We booked a whole day trip out to Daintree , Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Our guide was Jeremy. He was really fun and knowledgeable and I think he made all the difference in the World on this excursion. Without him, we would be lost not knowing what to look at and what to look out for. Highly recommended excursion if you can get a guide like Jeremy!!!