Great Barrier Reef Tours & Cruises from Cairns, Australia

Cairns is the easiest gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage listed system stretching more than 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. Most cruises leave from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, reaching outer reef sites in around 60 to 90 minutes by high speed catamaran. From here you can spend a full day snorkelling and diving the outer reef, hop across to a coral cay like Green Island or Fitzroy Island, sleep aboard an overnight sail, or see the whole reef system from a helicopter window.

Full day reef cruises

The Outer Barrier Reef Luxury Dive & Snorkel Cruise departs the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal at 8.30am aboard an air conditioned catamaran and returns at 4.30pm, with snorkel gear, marine biologist talks and optional introductory or certified dives included.

The Dreamtime Great Barrier Reef Cruise spends 5 hours across two premium outer reef sites and is the only Cairns reef tour built around a cultural experience, with Indigenous sea rangers, Dreamtime stories, traditional dance and didgeridoo performed out on the water.

For strong value on the same stretch of reef, the Osprey V Outer Reef Cruise is a full day visiting two outer reef sites, suited to both snorkellers and certified divers.

The Outer Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise cruises out to Reef Magic's exclusive all weather pontoon, where a semi submersible and underwater viewing deck let non swimmers see the coral too.

Multi day and half day options

The Overnight Snorkel and Dive Sail is a 2 day, 1 night trip with cabins, meals and gear included, plus a sunset, a sunrise and both an evening and an early morning snorkel or dive on the reef.

Short on time? The Pure Snorkelling Half Day Great Barrier Reef Adventure runs on a purpose built, high speed vessel that reaches reef sites such as Briggs, Sudbury and Moore in about an hour, making it a solid fit around a cruise ship stopover or a shorter stay.

Island day trips

The Green Island Discovery tour is a 45 minute catamaran ride to a 6,000 year old coral cay, with time to snorkel straight off the beach and explore aboard a glass bottom boat. The Fitzroy Island Full Day Trip ferries out from Cairns Marina in around 45 minutes and gives you 5 hours on the island for snorkelling, kayaking and a glass bottom boat tour, with 8.30am and 10.45am departures. If you want both islands and the outer reef in one trip, the Great Barrier Reef Adventure and Green Island package pairs outer reef time with a stop on Green Island.

See the reef from above

For a different angle entirely, the Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight departs the Cairns Heliport daily between 10am and 4pm, with return transfers available from Cairns and Northern Beaches hotels, giving you the reef's colours and coral patterns laid out below the chopper.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?

Most cruises depart the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, with outer reef sites and pontoons around 60 to 90 minutes away by catamaran.

What's the difference between reef cruises and island tours?

Reef cruises head straight to the outer reef for coral and snorkelling. Island tours to Green Island or Fitzroy Island combine a rainforest island stop with reef access closer to shore.

Do I need experience to snorkel or dive on the reef?

No. Most cruises include snorkel gear and guided introductory dives suited to complete beginners, with crew and instructors on hand throughout.

Is there a Cairns reef tour that doesn't involve getting in the water?

Yes. The Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight and the semi submersible at the Reef Magic pontoon both let you see the reef without swimming.

How long are Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns?

Options range from a 30 minute helicopter flight to a 2 day, 1 night overnight sail, with most full day cruises running around 8 hours.

Local tip: weekday sailings are generally quieter than weekends, and an early booking gives you first pick of pontoon time slots and dive spots on the busier cruises.

Compare the Cairns Great Barrier Reef tours above and book the one that matches your day.