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Cairns Family Friendly Tours

Great Barrier Reef Tour with Reef Magic from Cairns

Adult $325.00 | Child $160.00 | Family $810.00
9:00 am
5:00 pm
Reef Magic pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling site
Reef Magic pontoon at the Great Barrier Reef snorkelling site

From Adult $325| Child $160| Family $810
Seasonal  prices apply
Departs daily 9am – 5pm

 

Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef at the all-weather Pontoon which is the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. A 90-minute cruise takes you to Moore Reef for snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter flights, and more. Stay dry with a sundeck, and view the coral from the underwater observatory, glass-bottom boat, or semi-submersible tour.

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

 

5 hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef and less than 90 minutes travel time directly from Cairns

  • Unlimited snorkelling with all equipment and instruction
  • FREE wetsuits (winter) and lycra suits (summer)
  • FREE Semi Submersible tours with interactive commentary
  • FREE Glass Bottom Boat tours with interactive commentary
  • Underwater reef viewing observatory
  • Fish feeding & identification
  • Great Barrier Reef presentation conducted by Marine Biologist/ Master Reef Guide
  • The Reef Magic Pontoon Reef Activity Platform offers shelter and shade, including a sundeck, fresh water showers and change rooms
  • Chef prepared lunch
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and drinking water all-day
  • Children’s swimming enclosure
  • Personal flotation devices included – swim vests & noodles
  • 50% off optional activities except Helicopter flights – valid for travel to 30th June MUST BE BOOKED DIRECT by 31st May 2026 – P 07 40283567
  • Snorkel Safari Tour with Marine Biologist $85
  • Snorkel Experience Tour with Marine Biologist $75 for beginners
  • Introductory Dive $138.00 2nd dive $92
  • Certified Scuba Diving from $127.00 2nd dive $85
  • Sea Trek Helmet Diving $138.00 2nd dive $95
  • 10 minute Scenic Helicopter Flight $210.00

Please note – certain medical conditions (i.e. asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure or certain medications may exclude individuals from diving. It is recommended that you do not fly within 24 hours of diving. (helicopter flight ok)

PLEASE READ dive medical before booking any dives. This will be required to be completed on the day of travel. View Dive Medical.pdf

 

  • Swimmers
  • Towel
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Reefsmart sunscreen
  • Underwater camera
  • Water bottle (you are able to refill on board)
  • Change of clothes
  • Cash or credit card for onboard purchases

Off Season Dates
Adult $325.00 Child $160.00 Family $810
20th April – 26th June 2026
12th October – 18th December 2026
18th January until 31st March 2027

Peak Season Dates
Adult $360.00 Child $195.00 Family $915
27th June – 11th October 2026
19th December 2026 – 17th January 2027

Explore related tours

Kuranda Scenic Railway heritage train station

Kuranda Scenic Train departs Cairns at 8.30am or 9.30am
Return Skyrail Rainforest Cableway at 2.30pm or 3.30pm
Not bookable online ☎️07 40283567
Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway from Cairns or Freshwater Station, choose from 8:30 am or 9:30 am train (Gold Class upgrade available). Explore the Kuranda markets and the many attractions in Kuranda. Return on the Skyrail Rainforest Cablewayas you guide over the rainforest canopy.  Includes return transfers from Skyrail to Cairns/Freshwater Railway Stations.

Adult $155.50 | Child $85.00 | Family 2A+2C 4-14yrs $399.00 | Gold class option 9.30 train only $60.00 per person

Helicopter scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

30 minutes $487 per person includes Fuel Levy
45 minutes $676 per person includes Fuel Levy

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 $487.00 | 45 minutes $676.00 Per Person

Daintree Tours from Port Douglas

Adult from $249 Child (7-14yrs) $225
not suitable for under 7yrs

Depart daily from Port Douglas only at 7.30am –  4.30pm

Discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest in style. Enjoy guided interpretive walks, a gourmet lunch and a wildlife cruise on Cooper Creek to spot crocodiles and birdlife. Friendly local guides who will share the stories, culture and ecology that make this World Heritage-listed rainforest so extraordinary.

More Info

Adult from $249.00 | Child $225.00 Child 7yrs-14

7:30 am
4:30 pm
More Info
River drift Daintree Tours

This unique Daintree Rainforest experience will have you discovering Mossman Gorge in depth. Start the day with a secret location to commence your ‘River drift’ tour,. Enjoy lunch and a traditional smoking ceremony ending the day with a 1.5 hour guided rainforest walk in the Gorge…..

 

More Info

Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C

8:30 am
4:30 pm
More Info
Cairns Aquarium marine life experience banner

Adult $179| Child $79
Available Tues to Sat 3pm – 6:15pm

Experience available up until 28th June 2026

Aquarium by twilight gives you an insight into the unique changes of the region’s nocturnal sea creatures as they move about in the shadows. Witness the predators in the Oceanarium with appetiser and drink in hand, before completing your evening at Dundee’s Restaurant with a perfectly matched 3 course dining experience while enjoying a stunning marine life backdrop.

Adult $179.00 | Child $79.00

3:00 pm
6:15 pm
Silversonic diver exploring outer reef coral formations

Adult $315|Child $228
Fuel Levy Adult $10 Child $5 payable on the day of travel
Departs Port Douglas 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Silversonic from Port Douglas takes you to explore three stunning and exclusive outer edge locations at the renowned Agincourt ribbon reefs in superb style and comfort. Spend 5 hours at the reef enjoying unlimited snorkelling and some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Includes Port Douglas hotel transfers, hot and cold Tropical Buffet Lunch & all snorkelling and dive equipment included.

More Info

Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel

8:30 am
4:30 pm
More Info

A full-day reef fishing charter offers an incredible adventure on the stunning waters of the Great Barrier Reef, targeting iconic species such as Coral Trout, Red Emperor, Large Mouth Nannygai, and Spanish Mackerel.

More Info

$340.00 Per Person | $60.00 Fuel levy

6:00 am
4:00 pm
More Info
Aerial shot of Nautilus Helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef

$1189.00 per person
Departs 11.10am Daily from Port Douglas
Return – 3.30pm

Short on time or want to experience the Great Barrier Reef on a return scenic flight. Takes in the highlights of the inner reef. There is simply no better way to appreciate the sheer size and scale of the Great Barrier Reef than from the air. Expect picture-postcard views of the reef and an abundance of wildlife – sharks, turtles, rays and even whales (July to Nov).

Spend 2 hours – 15 minutes at the Quicksilver pontoon to enjoy snorkelling, semi submersible coral viewing tour, underwater observatory and a delicious buffet lunch.

 

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

We book you with trusted local operators whose guides are storytellers, historians and nature enthusiasts. They bring the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cairns’ tropical heritage to life, so you get an unforgettable and educational experience.

Stephen Dennis
Stephen Dennis
22 days ago
Maryanne from Cairns Discovery Tours has a wealth of local knowledge and gave accurate advice on all experiences offered. We found her to be exceptionally professional and of high integrity in all aspects. Our Cairns to Cooktown AWD tour incorporating the full Bloomfield track was amazing. Thanks again for organising a great day.
Joanne Winter
Joanne Winter
1 month ago
Maryanne was so fabulous. Directed us to all the best suited tours for our family answered all my crazy questions with attention and enthusiasm. Highly recommend her.
Monica Wang
Monica Wang
1 month ago
Thank you Maryanne for helping me to plan the trip what I called the 'must see trip before someone dies trip'. My family and I really enjoyed the trip, especially when it comes to picking which activity is suitable for elders , which reef/island is the must see, and also since this is an Australian Owned Business, it made me feel like my money also goes to supporting the locals instead of sending it overseas. I highly recommend anyone that wants to save time and keen to book an unforgettable trip from a knowledgeable Cairns local
Rena Keeney
Rena Keeney
2 months 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
3 months ago
Highly recommended!
karen McArthur
karen McArthur
2 months 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.
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