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Full Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour
Adult $275.00| Child 4-14yrs $175
Family 2A+2C $795
Departs Cairns daily 8.00 am – 5.00 pm
This Great Barrier Reef Tour is another of my favourites as a local. Why? You will visit 2 stunning outer reef locations discovering the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel or dive among turtles, tropical fish, and an incredible variety of corals. This is a very popular Cairns reef tour and often books out in advance!
It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, all in one unforgettable day on the reef. Enjoy a personalised day on the Great Barrier Reef with a friendly crew dedicated to making your trip memorable and a local operator whose environmental credentials and attention to detail have earned many awards including the Australian Tourism Award for Adventure.
Our brand new high quality snorkel equipment is provided on board with plenty of sizes to choose from. Full snorkelling tuition is provided by our professional friendly staff and flotation belts are available for extra comfort. Join our staff on our complimentary guided snorkel tour or explore the wonder of the underwater world your own adventure. Our qualified staff are close by ensuring everyone’s safety. Snorkelling is available at both locations giving you plenty of time to explore two diverse eco systems in one day
Itinerary
07:00 – 07:45 Check in at Reef Fleet Terminal
08:00 – 08:15 Departure and Safety Briefing
08:15 – 10:30 Motor to First Outer Barrier Reef Location
Passions of Paradise has a selection of more than 24 exclusive outer reef locations to choose from. Each day we will select the two best sites suited to the weather conditions to give our guests the best possible experience. Exclusive sites include: Hastings Reef (Some sites Include: 1770, Stepping Stones & Split Bommie), Flynn Reef (Little Tracey & Point Break), Milne Reef (The Three Sisters, Club 10, The Whale Bommie, The Edge) and MORE!
10:30 – 12:15 Arrive at first Outer Barrier Reef location
Snorkeling – Our reef sites are selected for their abundance of marine life and diversity of healthy corals. Our snorkel guides are on hand to assist new or nervous snorkelers to feel comfortable and at ease.
Introductory Dives – Are available for those who wish to try SCUBA Diving for the first time. These are fully guided dives in small groups under the competent instruction of one of our fully qualified and experienced Dive Instructors.
Certified Divers – Have the opportunity to conduct two dives during the day. All dives are guided in small groups, by experienced dive masters/ instructors.
11:45 Lunch is served – Lunch is prepared daily by our chef on-board the vessel for maximum freshness and taste. Enjoy a sumptuous hot and cold buffet lunch and a selection of fresh salads. Vegetarians are catered for daily.
12:15 Prepare to depart to Second Outer Barrier Reef location
13:00 – 14:00 Arrive at Second Outer Barrier Reef location
Water activities begin with passengers free to snorkel, conduct another introductory or certified dive or simply soak up the sun on our large sun decks
14:00 Depart Second Outer Barrier Reef Location
Time to enjoy a cold beverage (purchasable from our onboard bar!) as we set sail (weather dependent) for a relaxing trip back to Cairns.
17:00 Arrive Cairns
Optional extras
Underwater cameras from $25
Prescription masks – FREE
Due to the huge popularity of Scuba diving, we are unable to guarantee diving availability on board. So we do recommend that all 1st dives are pre-booked!
Introductory Dive $90.00 is for beginners, 12yrs +
Certified Dive $75.00 with internationally recognised certification
PLEASE READ Dive medical before booking any dives. This will be required to be completed on the day of travel. View Dive Medical.pdf
Private guide for the day – $750.00 Total for 1-6 guests
- Marine Biologist Experience:
- Led by a qualified marine biologist, the tour provides in-depth knowledge of the reef’s ecosystem, marine life, and the conservation efforts being undertaken.
- Participants can assist the marine biologist with research activities like identifying and cataloguing marine species, helping with reef surveys, and monitoring coral health.
- You will have the chance to snorkel at two pristine reef locations, selected daily based on conditions.
- The reef locations are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, known for vibrant corals, turtles, colourful fish, and occasional sightings of rays or reef sharks.
- Reef Education: The tour contributes to reef conservation by working with programs like Eye on the Reef, where data collected on the tour helps in reef monitoring.
- Hands-On Experience: It’s more than just a snorkelling tour. You get the chance to engage with the reef’s ecosystem from a scientific perspective, making it a unique, educational experience.
- Conservation Focus: By participating, you contribute to reef conservation efforts, and your experience helps raise awareness for future travellers.
- 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.
Total $750.00 for 1-6 guests
What to Bring
Swimmers
Towel
Hat
Sunglasses
Reefsmart sunscreen
Water bottle (you are able to refill on board)
Change of clothes
Extra cash or credit card for onboard purchases
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.
