Skip to main content Skip to footer 
Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour
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.
The FREE Marine Life Presentation begins at 10:30am at the Pure Snorkelling Pontoon office on D Finger at the Cairns Marlin Marina. Check in commences at 11:00am and closes at 11.30am. The boat departs at 12pm sharp.
Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we whisk you away on our brand new purpose built vessel designed for speed and excitement with Cairns premier half day trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Our half-day adventure ensures you make the most of your time in Cairns while our fast boat means less travel and more time to explore the mesmerising underwater world.
Join our expert snorkel artisans, made up of Master Reef Guides and Marine Naturalists, on a crowd-free adventure with over 2 hours of snorkelling time at an outer reef location.
With a crew-to-guest ratio of 1 to 10 to ensure personalised attention and safety.
Pure Snorkelling has a “roving permit” to 15 destinations on the Great Barrier Reef . Your Captain will choose a site on the day dependent on the best weather and reef conditions, ensuring you get the very best experience available.
The Pure Snorkelling experience is best suited for individuals who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment. If you are not comfortable in the ocean this tour may not be suitable.
Get ready to discover the reef like never before!
Inclusions
- Marine Life Presentation begins at 10:30am
- All snorkelling equipment including seasonal wetsuits and stinger suits
- Prescription masks
- Non-swimmers or less confident snorkelers will have access to floatation devices for added buoyancy
- Marine life presentation with our Master Reef Guides and Marine Naturalists
- High speed transfer to the reef –1 hour travel time – less travel more fun!
- Over 2 hours of snorkelling at an exclusive reef location chosen from our selection of 15 destinations
- Afternoon tea of fruit cheese and biscuits
- Snacks/sandwiches available for purchase prior to departure only
Important Information and suitability before you book
Pure Snorkelling is an active adventure experience on the Great Barrier Reef. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Guests MUST be able to swim confidently, and feel comfortable in Open Water.
Please note this tour is NOT suitable if you cannot swim, are pregnant or have any musculoskeletal issues that could be aggravated by a potentially bumpy ride, have any cardiac or mobility issues.
All children under 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult
Our snorkelling tour is recommended for children aged 6 and above, who can swim and are comfortable in an open water environment. All children will need to be under parental supervision at all times.
What to bring
- Swimmers
- Towel
- Marine safe Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses etc.
- Credit Card for onboard purchases from the bar
Frequently asked Questions
Do you provide wetsuits? Yes in the winter months (May -Oct) we provide wetsuits for warmth, during the summer months we provide Stinger Suits (Nov to April) to protect you from potential marine stingers.
Where do I check in? Check-in is directly at the boat on D Finger at Cairns Marlin Marina, starting at 11:15 am. We depart at 12:00 pm
Is there a restroom on board? 2 Restrooms are available onboard
What’s the difference between half day and a full day Great Barrier Reef tour? Half day includes all the highlights of a full day trip visiting vibrant reef locations and seeing stunning marine life and is condensed into a five-hour adventure, giving you flexibility to enjoy other activities in Cairns.
Is the trip suitable for children? Recommended for children aged 6 and above, who are confident swimmers and comfortable in an open water environment. All children under 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult
Explore related tours
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
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
Adult from $259 Child (7-14yrs) $229 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.
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…..
Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C
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 $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.
Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel
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.
$1189.00 per person
Departs Daily from Port Douglas
11.10am – 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.
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
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
Adult from $259 Child (7-14yrs) $229 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.
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…..
Adult $270.00 | Child $225.00 5 - 15 yrs | Family 2A+2C $910.00 2A+2C
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 $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.
Adult $328.00 | Child $238.00 | $10.00 Adult $5 Child Fuel levy payable on the day of travel
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.
