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Book Great Barrier Reef Tours & Cruises
Flexible snorkeling or diving at two reef sites with a BBQ lunch.
- Best for adventure-seeking travelers who love the idea of snorkeling and diving in one trip.
- What you'll do: Dive into the reef’s clear waters at two stunning sites, with options to snorkel, try an intro dive, or go for a certified dive.
- What you'll see: Swim alongside vibrant coral, tropical fish, and marine wonders as you explore the depths of the Great Barrier Reef.
- What's unique: Choose your adventure! Snorkel, intro dive, or certified dive—this cruise gives you the flexibility to tailor your experience.
Flexible snorkeling or diving at two reef sites with a BBQ lunch.
- Best for adventure-seeking travelers who love the idea of snorkeling and diving in one trip.
- What you'll do: Dive into the reef’s clear waters at two stunning sites, with options to snorkel, try an intro dive, or go for a certified dive.
- What you'll see: Swim alongside vibrant coral, tropical fish, and marine wonders as you explore the depths of the Great Barrier Reef.
- What's unique: Choose your adventure! Snorkel, intro dive, or certified dive—this cruise gives you the flexibility to tailor your experience.
Inclusions
- Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
- 5 hours at the Great Barrier Reef
- 2 visits to outer reef sites
- Snorkeling equipment, masks, and lycra suits
- Guides/captains
- Chef-prepared BBQ lunch
- Tea and coffee
- 1 glass of wine
- Light snack
- Choice of 1 or 2 intro or certified dives (based on option selected)
- Tip: Try and take some time out to visit the rusty market between Sheridan and Grafton Street that comes to life from Friday to Sunday, offering visitors a wide variety of exotic fruits and vegetables.
- This activity is dependent on the weather.
- All divers are required to complete an onboard medical questionnaire.
- Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition.
- The experience is restricted for guests aged 12 and under.
- Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
- For the certified dives, you will need to produce your certification card. For intro dives, no experience is necessary.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise to Pontoon with Exclusive Waterslide and Underwater Observatory
Fun pontoon with a waterslide and underwater observatory, ideal for families.
- Best for families and thrill-seekers who want both fun activities and reef exploration.
- What you'll do: Spend the day snorkeling, sliding into the water, and viewing the reef up close through an underwater observatory.
- What you'll see: Watch colorful fish and corals from the pontoon, or get up close and personal while snorkeling.
- What's unique: A waterslide into the ocean and an underwater observatory make this more than just a snorkel trip—it’s an adventure-packed day.
Fun pontoon with a waterslide and underwater observatory, ideal for families.
- Best for families and thrill-seekers who want both fun activities and reef exploration.
- What you'll do: Spend the day snorkeling, sliding into the water, and viewing the reef up close through an underwater observatory.
- What you'll see: Watch colorful fish and corals from the pontoon, or get up close and personal while snorkeling.
- What's unique: A waterslide into the ocean and an underwater observatory make this more than just a snorkel trip—it’s an adventure-packed day.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Moore Reef Pontoon from Cairns
- Snorkelling equipment with expert guide
- Lycra suit and buoyancy vest
- Buffet lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Guided snorkeling tour (if option selected)
- Seawalker helmet dive (if option selected)
- Intro scuba diving (if option selected)
Access to:
- Glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tour
- Underwater observatory
- Sunlover waterslide and upper-level sun deck
- Fish feeding and marine naturalist presentation
- Tip: Enjoy fish spotting? Head to the bottom of the boat to find a myriad of batfish. They love hanging around there for some reason.
- Facilities: restroom, changing rooms, freshwater showers, and full bar.
- While this experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible, certain activities are not suitable for wheelchair users.
- The semi-submersible tour is subject to weather conditions.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Experience the thrill of a full-day luxury yacht cruise and a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
- This exclusive tour stands out with its 2 snorkeling stops at the reef's prime locations and the option to add scuba dives (at additional cost).
- Delight in a BBQ buffet lunch including prawns, fish, steak, and vegetarian options, perfectly complementing your day of exploration with authentic Australian flavors.
- Marvel at the breathtaking aerial view of the World Heritage-listed reef with a 10-minute heli-ride, spotting marine life like manta rays, turtles, and possibly whales!
- Wind down with another snorkel or relax on the sun-drenched yacht deck, ending with a complimentary wine and snack on the cruise back to Cairns.
- Experience the thrill of a full-day luxury yacht cruise and a scenic helicopter flight over the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
- This exclusive tour stands out with its 2 snorkeling stops at the reef's prime locations and the option to add scuba dives (at additional cost).
- Delight in a BBQ buffet lunch including prawns, fish, steak, and vegetarian options, perfectly complementing your day of exploration with authentic Australian flavors.
- Marvel at the breathtaking aerial view of the World Heritage-listed reef with a 10-minute heli-ride, spotting marine life like manta rays, turtles, and possibly whales!
- Wind down with another snorkel or relax on the sun-drenched yacht deck, ending with a complimentary wine and snack on the cruise back to Cairns.
Inclusions
- 5-hour cruise at Great Barrier Reef
- 10-minute scenic flight from Hastings Reef
- Experienced & professional dive instructors
- 2 snorkeling opportunities
- 3 introductory or certified dives (optional)
- Equipment and floatation devices
- BBQ lunch
- Glass of wine
- Light snack
- 7:15am to 7.45am: Check-in at the Reef Fleet Terminal - 1
- 8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns for the first reef location
- 11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
- 1:00pm: Evolution arrives at the second reef location where you will take to the sky for your scenic helicopter flight
- 3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
- 4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns
- Tip: Be on the lookout for whales during your helicopter flight if you're visiting in winter.
- The experience is restricted for guests aged 12 and under for the introductory course and 10 and under for the certification course.
- The helicopter experience is restricted for guests weighing more than 130 kg.
- Note that the following is not allowed during this experience: large bags.
- Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
- Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition.
- Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Cruise to Pontoon with Glass Bottom Boat & Semi-Submersible Tours
Pontoon activities with tours ideal for non-swimmers.
- Best for families, seniors, or non-swimmers who want to see the reef without diving in.
- What you'll do: Take a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible tour, or upgrade to a thrilling 10-minute helicopter flight or an underwater helmet dive.
- What you'll see: Located in pristine Outer Reef waters, you’ll see colorful corals and fish with incredible clarity, even in variable weather conditions.
- What's unique: Experience Outer Reef’s high coral density in crystal-clear water, plus upgrade to a helicopter ride or helmet dive for extra adventure.
Pontoon activities with tours ideal for non-swimmers.
- Best for families, seniors, or non-swimmers who want to see the reef without diving in.
- What you'll do: Take a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible tour, or upgrade to a thrilling 10-minute helicopter flight or an underwater helmet dive.
- What you'll see: Located in pristine Outer Reef waters, you’ll see colorful corals and fish with incredible clarity, even in variable weather conditions.
- What's unique: Experience Outer Reef’s high coral density in crystal-clear water, plus upgrade to a helicopter ride or helmet dive for extra adventure.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour to Reef Magic Pontoon from Cairns
- 5 hours at reef activity pontoon
- Snorkelling equipment with safety instruction
- Lycra suit and wetsuit
- Buffet lunch (menu here)
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Tea, coffee, and drinking water
- Guided snorkeling tour (if option selected)
- Introductory dive (if option selected)
- 10-minute scenic helicopter flight (if option selected)
- Seawalker helmet dive (if option selected)
Access to:
- Glass bottom boat and semi-submersible tour with commentary
- Fish feeding and Great Barrier Reef marine biology presentation
- Sundeck, fresh water showers and changing rooms
- Underwater reef viewing observatory
- Infants safety swimming enclosure
- Tip: Keep an eye out for the world's largest coral reef, which can be best observed from the spacious sundeck.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Certain medical conditions like asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or specific medications may exclude individuals from diving.
- Safety is a priority, so the diving experience is restricted for children under 12 years.
- A medical questionnaire must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian for divers under 18 years.
- After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying depending on the depths of dives and accrued dive time.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Sail, sun, sand, swim, snack, and snorkel with a small, energetic, and fun group.
- Best for a family, couple, or nature enthusiasts looking to explore marine life with a small group.
- Book this if you want an immersive and authentic Great Barrier Reef experience that lets you discover Australia's marine life and engage in underwater activities.
- What’s unique: Snorkeling or swimming in Pinnacle Reef, crocodile feeding, turtle and reef shark spotting, a complimentary wine on sail back.
- Sights seen: Pinnacle Reef, Green Island
- Sail, sun, sand, swim, snack, and snorkel with a small, energetic, and fun group.
- Best for a family, couple, or nature enthusiasts looking to explore marine life with a small group.
- Book this if you want an immersive and authentic Great Barrier Reef experience that lets you discover Australia's marine life and engage in underwater activities.
- What’s unique: Snorkeling or swimming in Pinnacle Reef, crocodile feeding, turtle and reef shark spotting, a complimentary wine on sail back.
- Sights seen: Pinnacle Reef, Green Island
Inclusions
- Small group of up to 25 people
- A friendly crew
- Marine interpreter
- Round-trip transfers from Green Island on a dinghy
- Access to Green Island beach
- Scuba diving demonstration
- Snorkeling fee
- Snorkeling equipment
- Fish feed
- Coffee/tea + Danish pastries and fresh fruit on boarding
- Smorgasbord lunch
- Tropical afternoon tea – cheese platter / fresh fruit platter / cake platter on the sail home
- Complimentary glass of wine on the sail home
Exclusions
- Recreational area and environmental management charges
- Certified and non-certified diving experiences
- Round-trip bus transfers
- Tip: Keep an eye out for blue-spotted stingrays and turtles in the shallow waters of Green Island when you take a stroll around the remote beaches.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Guests with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions and epilepsy are restricted from participating in the scuba diving experience.
- Children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
- Guests can convey their dietary preferences or allergy concerns to the operator 24 hours prior to the trip.
- Guests must be at least 12 years old to do an introductory dive.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore 3 Outer Reef sites with a luxury catamaran and guided snorkeling.
- Best for couples or small groups looking for an intimate reef adventure, with access to less crowded reef spots.
- What you'll do: Visit three reef sites, enjoy a guided snorkel, reef talks, and relax with morning tea, afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch.
- What you'll see: Discover colorful coral, turtles, and lionfish at Opal Reef, or spot pelagic fish and coral walls at the deeper Agincourt Reef.
- What's unique: Exclusive access to protected reefs like Opal, ensuring top-notch visibility and minimal crowds for a premium underwater experience.
Explore 3 Outer Reef sites with a luxury catamaran and guided snorkeling.
- Best for couples or small groups looking for an intimate reef adventure, with access to less crowded reef spots.
- What you'll do: Visit three reef sites, enjoy a guided snorkel, reef talks, and relax with morning tea, afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch.
- What you'll see: Discover colorful coral, turtles, and lionfish at Opal Reef, or spot pelagic fish and coral walls at the deeper Agincourt Reef.
- What's unique: Exclusive access to protected reefs like Opal, ensuring top-notch visibility and minimal crowds for a premium underwater experience.
Inclusions
- Full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns
- Professional local guide
- Luxury large catamaran
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Buffet lunch
- Guided snorkel tour
- Snorkeling equipment including lycra suits
- Interpretive reef talk
- Introductory diving course with PADI dive masters (as per option selected)
- Diving equipment (as per option selected)
- Small groups of up to 4 divers (as per option selected)
- Environmental management charge
Exclusions
- Transfers
- 7am-8:20am: Check-in
- 8:20am-8:45am: Boarding commences
- 8:45am-10:10am: Cruising to the first site
- 10:20am-11:15am: Reach the first snorkeling/diving site, safety briefing, & morning tea
- 11:50am-1:30pm: Reach the second snorkeling/diving site, lunch buffet, & reef interpretative talk
- 1:45pm-2:45pm: Reach the third snorkeling/diving site & afternoon tea
- 2:45pm-4:15pm: Cruising back to the port
- Tip: Challenge yourself to spot the 'Great Eight'- the clownfish, turtles, manta rays, Maori wrasse, potato cod, sharks, giant clams, & whales of the reef.
- Safety is a priority so scuba diving is restricted for guests under the age of 12 years.
- This experience is not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your safety comes first so visitors with back issues, asthma, epilepsy, high blood pressure, and certain medications are restricted from participating in scuba diving.
- Guests under the age of 18 years require parental or guardian permission, and those over 70 must provide a doctor's clearance to dive.
- Scuba diving requires completing an onboard medical questionnaire. It can be downloaded here.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Cairns
Why Go On Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
- Enjoy sailing through the clear blue sea and discover the treasures of the Green Island and Great Barrier reef.
- Witness the first coral reef system to receive World Heritage status, which meets all four of the natural requirements for a World Heritage nomination.
- Great Barrier Reef Cruise tours provide you with several options to choose from, depending on your budget constraints as well as your interests. These options include half-day tours, combo tours where you can add two or more activities, and full day cruises with lunch.
- These cruise tours also let you upgrade your ticket and add a Seawalker Helmet Dive, a cruise/flight adventure from Cairns to the Moore Reef Marine Base, a scuba diving experience, helicopter flight for 10-minutes, or any combination of these.
All Your Great Barrier Reef Cruise Tickets Explained
Green Island Day Cruises
- Explore the lush greenery of Green Island, as you go visit the coral paradise of Great Barrier Reef!
- With your Green Island Half and Full Day cruises, you can discover the tropical beauty of the Great Barrier Reef which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
- Enjoy snorkeling or ride the glass bottom boat to marvel at the fascinating coral reefs and marine life.
- You can choose a Full Day Green Island tour or just go with the Half Day one if you are short on time, and can even add a semi-submarine to go for a ride in the clear waters.
- Relax at the beach and end your tour with a lip-smacking scrumptious lunch buffet.
Dive and Snorkel Experience Tickets
- Go on an adventurous escapade as you indulge in water sports like snorkelling and explore the vibrant marine and coral life.
- With your Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel Experience tickets, you can dive into the clear water of the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel your way around the Green Island.
- Watch live demonstrations of traditional dancing and didgeridoo and enjoy feeding the fish.
- Learn about the diverse ecosystem and indigenous heritage of the Great Barrier Reef through this experience.
- Satisfy your hunger pangs with the complimentary morning and afternoon tea, along with a spread of cold buffet lunch.
Ultimate Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Indulge in an experience of a lifetime as you sail the comfortable catamaran on the reef waters on this exciting cruise.
- Refresh your senses while basking in the Australian sun on a spacious sundeck and enjoy the fascinating views.
- Refresh yourself with a delicious lunch buffet which includes delicacies and various kinds of seafood.
- Invoke the marine lover in you as you involve in the fish feeding during the season and interact with an onboard marine biologist.
- You can upgrade your ticket for experiencing the snorkeling and diving sports and marvel at the coral reefs.
Attractions Of Great Barrier Reef Cruises
Green Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef, which runs 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast, is home to about 10% of all fish species in the world. Additionally, it has one of the richest ecosystems in the world, safeguarding innumerable kinds of animals and plants.
Moore Reef
Moore Reef has a variety of reefs that are excellent for snorkelling and scuba diving, with depths ranging from 1 to 25 metres. Moore Reef, which has a great range of coral ecosystems, shares a coral space with Elford Reef.
Green Island
Only 45 minutes from Cairns, Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef is home to a lush rainforest with over 120 plant species, a variety of aquatic life, and an array of vibrant bird species. You can even spot the largest croc at Marineland Crocodile Park on the island.
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is one of the best ways through which one can experience the extraordinary underwater environment and spot the hidden treasures, flora and fauna and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Semi-Submarine Ride
You may explore the ocean's hidden treasures in a novel way and swim alongside aquatic life by taking a semi-submersible ride to the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is seen in all of its splendour from the large viewing windows and you can admire magnificent coral formations that have been developing for thousands of years.
Flight experience
You may explore the huge Great Barrier Reef from a helicopter flight that flies you to the edge of the island where the reef is. Flying above the Great Barrier Reef allows us to take in more of this unspoiled natural wonderland while searching for the amazing reef marine life, especially for whales.
Glass Bottom Tours
Visitors can take glass bottom boat rides to view the Great Barrier Reef's underwater grandeur without ever touching the water. While some glass bottom boats feature actual glass beneath the sea level, other boats employ another transparent material that gives the clear vision of the underwater treasures.
SeaWalking Experience
With the use of a specially made Seawalker Platform Helmet, users may traverse the Great Barrier Reef's sands without swimming or diving. Unlike standard scuba diving equipment, this particular helmet enables users to breathe underwater just like they would breathe above the surface.
Plan Your Visit To Great Barrier Reef Cruises
Green Island Cruise
Lunch Cruise
Snorkelling Experience
What is a Great Barrier Reef Green Island Cruise?
Great Barrier Reef Green Island Cruise offers a full day exploration of Green Island, which is part of the Great Barrier Reef, and to choose from either snorkelling in coral gardens or viewing coral reefs and marine life from a glass-bottom boat.
What are the timings of the Great Barrier Reef Green Island Cruise?
The duration of cruise could range from 4 to 6 hours based on the type of Great Barrier reef tickets you choose. The information regarding the timings will be given on the tickets.
What is included in a Great Barrier Reef Green Island Cruise?
With the Great Barrier Reef Green Island tour, you can explore the wonders of tropical Green Island and the magical reefs at Green Barrier. You will also get a chance to experience snorkelling and diving based on the type of rockets you choose.
Where can you board a Great Barrier Reef Green Island Cruise from?
Most Great Barrier Reef Garden cruises start from Cairns. The exact boarding location for your Cruise tour will be listed on your ticket itself, along with all other pertinent details.
What is a Great Barrier Reef Lunch Cruise?
With the Great Barrier Reef Lunch Cruise, you can sail through the waters to discover the breathtaking beauty hidden within the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island, and enjoy a hot and cold buffet lunch.
What are the timings of the Great Barrier Reef Lunch Cruise?
The lunch cruise will start from Cairns at 8:30 am and return at the same stop by 5:30 pm.
What is included in a Great Barrier Reef Lunch Cruise?
The lunch cruise to Great Barrier Reef allows to to explore the Green Island and Great Barrier Reef, along with a semi-submarine ride and the underwater observatory experience. The cruise also provides you with a delicious lunch.
Where can you board a Great Barrier Reef Lunch Cruise from?
You can board the cruise from Cairns. The exact information about your boarding point timing and other details will be provided in the tickets of Great Barrier reef tours.
What is the Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Experience?
The Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling allows you to take a catamaran trip to the Great Barrier Reef where you can spend the day snorkelling and exploring the famous reef and Green Island.
What is included in a Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Experience?
With the snorkelling experience, you can embark on an adventure by snorkelling among coral gardens and fish, or spot coral reefs and marine life while relaxing on a glass-bottom boat.
What will my experience look like if I choose the Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling?
As you start your voyage, you’ll be boarding a cosy, air-conditioned catamaran, and enjoy a relaxed sail to the beautiful area of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll also get the option to take a glass-bottom boat trip to comfortably view the underwater creatures, or go snorkelling among the coral gardens for a bit of adventure.
All Your Questions About Great Barrier Reef Cruises Tickets Answered
Q. Where can I buy Great Barrier Reef Cruises tickets?
A. The Great Barrier Reef Cruises tickets can be purchased online to enjoy the best deals.
Q. Can I buy Great Barrier Reef Cruises tickets online?
A. Yes. The Great Barrier Reef Cruise tickets are available online.
Q. What is the cost of Great Barrier Reef Cruises tickets?
A. With prices starting at A$99, there are numerous Great Barrier Reef Cruise ticket options available, each with its own special features.
Q. Can I get a discount on Great Barrier Reef Cruises tickets?
A. The majority of Great Barrier Reef Cruise tickets can be purchased online at a discount. However, please check the details of your tickets before buying them.
Q. What are Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. Great Barrier Reef cruises allow you to explore the famous Great Barrier Reef by travelling there through the ocean. In the cruise tours, you’ll get to explore several wonders and activities at the reef island.
Q. What are the different types of Great Barrier Reef Cruises tickets that are available?
A. Visitors can choose from a variety of Great Barrier Reef Tour options, including Lunch Cruise Tours, Half Day cruise tours, Combo tour Cruises, and many more.
Q. What are some sights that are covered on Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. Some of the most beautiful sights that you’ll see and experience in the cruise include the moore reef, green island, underwater observatory, etc.
Q. From where do I board the boat for Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. Most Great Barrier Cruises start from the Cairnes. However, the boarding point may vary depending on the cruise you choose.
Q. What are the timings of Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. The total time duration of a cruise tour may vary depending upon the type of the tickets you choose. The exact information about the same will be given on your tickets.
Q. What facilities are available on Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. In your Great Barrier Reef cruise tour, you’ll get to enjoy several facilities such as reef education presentation, tropical lunch, wheelchair accessibility, and more depending on your choice of cruise.
Q. Is Great Barrier Reef Cruises wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes. Most cruises to the Great Barrier Reef are wheelchair accessible.
Q. Is photography allowed in Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. Yes. You can take pictures while at the reef cruises.
Q. Is it worth experiencing Great Barrier Reef Cruises?
A. Great Barrier Reef cruise tours are absolutely worth it. With the tour you can sail through the sea and witness the natural wonder of reef up close and try snorkelling, diving, and seawalking too!