Great Barriers Reef
4.6(3.1K Ratings)

Great Barrier Reef Tickets from Port Douglas

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Port Douglas harbor with anchored sailboats and lush green hills in the background.
Fitzroy Island beach with tourists snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat near Cairns, Australia.
Cruise ship anchored near Fitzroy Island beach with clear waters and lush greenery in the background.
Tourists snorkeling in clear waters near Fitzroy Island, Australia.
People on a glass bottom boat tour viewing marine life near Fitzroy Island, Australia.
Fitzroy Island beach picnic setup with food and drinks, overlooking the ocean near Cairns, Australia.
Boats docked at Fitzroy Island shore with lush greenery and clear waters, Cairns, Australia.
Tourists snorkeling in clear waters at Fitzroy Island, Australia.
Snorkeler exploring coral reef at Fitzroy Island, Australia.
Cairns to Fitzroy Island cruise with snorkelers exploring coral reef.
Fitzroy Island beach with tourists snorkeling and a glass-bottom boat near Cairns, Australia.
Guided Tours
4.5(0)

Cairns to Fitzroy Island Full Day Cruise

Unwind with 5.5 hours on Fitzroy Island—ample time for trails, snorkeling, and beach bliss.

  • Great for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to explore Fitzroy Island at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for snorkeling, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun.
  • Everything you get: Return cruise on an air-conditioned catamaran with onboard reef presentation, 5.5 hours on Fitzroy Island, snorkel gear or glass-bottom boat tour, access to rainforest trails, and use of the vessel as a cool, shaded base throughout your island stay.
  • Why choose this: More time to explore Fitzroy Island’s best spots without rushing your experience.
  • Upgrades: Add snorkel gear, a glass-bottom boat ride, or lunch for a complete reef adventure.

Unwind with 5.5 hours on Fitzroy Island—ample time for trails, snorkeling, and beach bliss.

  • Great for nature lovers and adventure seekers looking to explore Fitzroy Island at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for snorkeling, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun.
  • Everything you get: Return cruise on an air-conditioned catamaran with onboard reef presentation, 5.5 hours on Fitzroy Island, snorkel gear or glass-bottom boat tour, access to rainforest trails, and use of the vessel as a cool, shaded base throughout your island stay.
  • Why choose this: More time to explore Fitzroy Island’s best spots without rushing your experience.
  • Upgrades: Add snorkel gear, a glass-bottom boat ride, or lunch for a complete reef adventure.

Inclusions

  • Full-day trip to Fitzroy Island

  • Round-trip ferry transfers from Cairns

  • Up to 6 hours on Fitzroy Island

  • Self-guided walk of National Park

  • Picnic lunch (menu here) (if option selected)

  • Guided glass-bottomed boat tour (if option selected)

  • Snorkel Safari with marine biologist (if option selected)

  • Snorkelling equipment, lycra suits, and flotation vests (if option selected)

  • Tip: Take the Lighthouse Walk for panoramic views of the reef and the island. Snap a triumphant selfie at the summit—it’s worth the effort!
  • Due to island restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
  • Safety is a priority, so the Snorkel Safari is restricted for guests aged under 6 years.
  • While the ferry is accessible for wheelchairs and prams/strollers, some walks, including the one to Nudey Beach, can be steep and not suitable.
  • The glass-bottom boat tour is not accessible by wheelchair.
  • Children aged under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The picnic lunch consists of a fresh wrap, a sandwich, a seasonal fruit piece, a muesli fruit bar, juice, and a bottle of water.
  • Surf lifesavers do not monitor or patrol the beaches on Fitzroy Island.
  • Marine stingers are present in tropical waters from November to May. Guests are provided with stinger suits when they rent snorkel gear.
  • The picnic lunch can be catered to various dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc. Guests who book lunch should contact the company to confirm their lunch order at least 24 hours before departure.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.


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Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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Mobile ticket
6 hr.
Transfers included
Meals included
Catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island with snorkel and glass bottom boat options.
Catamaran cruise on clear waters from Cairns to Green Island with snorkel and glass bottom boat options.
Tourists on a catamaran cruise near Green Island, Cairns, Australia, with clear ocean and lush island views.
Tourists on a catamaran cruise in clear blue waters near Green Island Reef, Cairns, Australia.
Tourists enjoying a Full Day Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise in the clear blue waters of Cairns, Australia
Catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island with snorkel and glass bottom boat options.
Catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island with snorkelers and glass-bottom boat in the Great Barrier Reef.
Catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island with snorkelers and glass-bottom boat in clear reef waters.
Catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island with snorkel and glass bottom boat options.
Catamaran cruise from Cairns to Green Island with snorkel and glass bottom boat options.
Sightseeing Cruises
4.5(0)

Cairns to Green Island Full Day Cruise with Snorkel and Glass Bottom Boat Options

Full-day freedom and flexible Green Island reef experiences from Cairns.

  • Great for independent travelers, families, and anyone wanting a flexible Great Barrier Reef day trip focused on activities, not fixed schedules.
  • Everything you get: Return catamaran cruise, up to 5 hours island time, rainforest access, your choice of snorkelling gear/glass bottom boat/semi-sub tour, onboard amenities & bar.
  • Why choose this: Enjoy maximum island time with the freedom to choose activities that suit your style, budget, and comfort level.
  • Upgrades: Add a guided snorkel tour for immersive exploration, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-sub tour to see the reef's wonders while staying completely dry.

Full-day freedom and flexible Green Island reef experiences from Cairns.

  • Great for independent travelers, families, and anyone wanting a flexible Great Barrier Reef day trip focused on activities, not fixed schedules.
  • Everything you get: Return catamaran cruise, up to 5 hours island time, rainforest access, your choice of snorkelling gear/glass bottom boat/semi-sub tour, onboard amenities & bar.
  • Why choose this: Enjoy maximum island time with the freedom to choose activities that suit your style, budget, and comfort level.
  • Upgrades: Add a guided snorkel tour for immersive exploration, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-sub tour to see the reef's wonders while staying completely dry.

Inclusions

  • Full-day cruise to Green Island
  • Stay on Green Island for 5 hours with a self-guided walk
  • Semi-submarine tour (if option selected)
  • Choice of either a glass-bottom boat trip or snorkeling gear (if option selected)
  • Lycra suits and flotation vest (with snorkeling gear)
  • Snorkeling safari tour with marine biologist (if option selected)
  • Experienced snorkeling tour with marine biologist (if option selected)
  • Snorkeling demonstration and reef presentation en route to Green Island

Exclusions

  • Food and drinks (available to purchase onsite)
  • Tip: Snorkeling off the beach is often best during the mid-to-high tide phase, as it provides more depth over the reef flats closer to shore. Low tide can be good for seeing exposed corals but might make swimming access trickier in some spots.
  • Guests over 16 years of age can travel without adult supervision. However, photo identification will be required at check-in.
  • Guests over 18 years of age must be with guests under 16 years of age at all times.
  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
  • This experience is pram/stroller accessible.
  • Service animals are allowed on this experience.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.


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5 hr. - 8 hr.
Aerial view of Green Island surrounded by coral reefs in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Plane on tarmac at Cairns Airport before scenic flight to Outer Edges of Great Barrier Reef.
Passengers seated inside an airplane cabin at Cairns Airport.
Woman seated in airplane, viewing the Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef.
Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef
Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef
Aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing vibrant coral formations near Cairns, Australia.
Pilots preparing for a flight at Cairns Airport, Australia.
Airplane Tours
NEW

From Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef 40‑Minute Scenic Flight

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

  • Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
  • Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
  • Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.

Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.

  • Great for: Nature lovers and families eager to experience unparalleled aerial views of vibrant reefs, pristine islands, and unique marine life.
  • Everything you get: 40‑minute flight in a high‑wing aircraft with guaranteed window seats, expert in‑flight commentary, and exceptional photo opportunities.
  • Why choose this: See the vastness of the 2300-km-long Great Barrier Reef —flying over Green Island, coral gardens, and sand cays.

Inclusions

  • 40-minute flight over Great Barrier Reef from Cairns
  • Expert pilot/guide
  • Headsets
  • Window seats
  • Tip: Keep an eye out for marine life during your flight; this is one of the few places where you can spot dugongs, manta rays, and green turtles from above!
  • The experience is restricted for guests weighing more than 115kg.
  • This tour can accommodate a maximum of 7 people on the flight.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
40 min.
Cruise ship near Great Barrier Reef with snorkelers exploring coral formations.
Tourists snorkeling in clear waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Tourists snorkeling in clear blue waters of Great Barrier Reef during full-day cruise from Cairns.
Guests on cruise ship deck viewing the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with clear ocean waters and coral formations.
Guests enjoying buffet on deck during full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns.
Instructor and tourist testing diving equipment on Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Australia.
Tourists snorkeling in clear blue waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Cruise ship anchored at Outer Great Barrier Reef with snorkelers exploring coral formations.
Tourists and instructor diving in clear blue waters of Outer Great Barrier Reef, exploring vibrant marine life.
Divers exploring coral formations in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
Guided Tours
NEW

Port Douglas to Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Guided Snorkel and Lunch

Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.

  • Great for: Families and snorkellers of all skill levels seeking a safe, accessible reef experience with personalized service and vibrant outer reef views.
  • Everything you get: A cruise to three outer reef sites (Opal & Tongue Reefs), guided snorkeling sessions, safety gear, morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard showers.
  • Why choose this: Experience the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef up close on a dedicated, premium vessel with expert guidance.
  • Upgrades: Enjoy hassle-free pickup directly from your Port Douglas hotel with transfers to the marina and back.

Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.

  • Great for: Families and snorkellers of all skill levels seeking a safe, accessible reef experience with personalized service and vibrant outer reef views.
  • Everything you get: A cruise to three outer reef sites (Opal & Tongue Reefs), guided snorkeling sessions, safety gear, morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and onboard showers.
  • Why choose this: Experience the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef up close on a dedicated, premium vessel with expert guidance.
  • Upgrades: Enjoy hassle-free pickup directly from your Port Douglas hotel with transfers to the marina and back.

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
  • Environmental management charge
  • Hotel transfers from Port Douglas (based on option selected)
  • 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.


Check availability
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
4 hr.
Transfers included
Hotel pickup

Top things to do in Cairns

Discover the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas

Port Douglas is one of the best launch points for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're looking for an action-packed day of scuba diving on the Outer Reef or a laid-back snorkeling trip to the Low Isles, you’ll find a tour that fits your style.

How to choose the right Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas

  • Outer Reef vs Low Isles: The Outer Reef is best for snorkeling and diving, you can explore deep coral walls and rich marine life. Tours include full-day itineraries and multiple reef stops. Low Isles tours are ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and those prone to seasickness. These islands are close to the mainland, with half-day and full-day tours in the lagoons.

  • Half-day vs full-day tours: Half-day tours are great if you're short on time or traveling with kids. Expect 3.5–4 hour durations with snorkeling gear included. Full-day Outer Reef tours go up to 8 hours at sea with snorkeling, scuba diving (optional), marine talks and onboard lunch.

  • For non-swimmers: Choose tours with semi-submersible boats, underwater observatories, and glass-bottom boats. These allow reef viewing without getting in the water.
  • Sunset vs day tours: Sunset tours are lower in cost and a great way to end the day on a relaxed note, you can sip a drink, enjoy light snacks, and watch the sun set over the horizon. For a full day of snorkeling, diving, and reef exploration, join a daytime tour for the complete experience. 
  • Booking flexibility: Morning and afternoon departures, especially to the Low Isles make it easy to fit in a reef visit with other Port Douglas plans.

Plan your Great Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas

Tourists snorkeling in clear waters of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
  • Most Outer Reef tours depart between 8:00am and return by 4:30pm.
  • Low Isles tours offer more flexibility with morning (8:30am) and afternoon (1:00pm) departures.

Best time to visit

  • April to November offers ideal reef conditions with dry weather, calm seas, and excellent visibility.
  • December to March is a wet season but great for coral spawning events and fewer crowds.
  • Cruises depart from Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, located close to Port Douglas town centre.
  • Paid parking is available near the marina and on nearby streets.
  • Check-in usually starts 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
  • Bring your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID for check-in.
Guests on cruise ship deck viewing the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, with clear ocean waters and coral formations.
  • Comfortable shaded decks and air-conditioned cabins are available on most full-day cruises—especially important for families and older travellers spending several hours in the sun.
  • Freshwater showers and private change rooms are available on larger vessels and reef pontoons, allowing you to freshen up before the return journey.
  • Reef pontoons offer a stable base for all-day snorkelling and include extra facilities such as underwater observatories, sun loungers, and kids’ swimming areas.
  • Dry storage lockers are not always available, so pack light and waterproof anything valuable.
Catamaran sailing from Port Douglas to Low Isles with tourists preparing for guided snorkeling.
  • A few cruises give wheelchair-accessible boarding and bathroom facilities, but snorkeling platforms often involve stairs or ladders.
  • If you’re traveling with mobility aids, ask if the boat has flat-level access, wide aisles, or crew support for boarding and disembarking.
  • Low Isles tours tend to have easier boarding and calmer waters, making them more suitable for seniors and those with limited mobility.
  • Some reef pontoons include non-slip floors, rails, and assisted snorkel entry points, so check inclusions carefully before booking.
Catamaran sailing towards Low Isles, Port Douglas, with tourists preparing for guided snorkeling.
  • Wearing a long-sleeved rashie gives better sun protection than constantly reapplying sunscreen.
  • If you’re prone to seasickness, sit outside at the back of the boat and bring ginger chews or wristbands.
  • Families with kids should choose Low Isles or pontoon-based tours for calm water and easier snorkel access.
  • If you wear prescription glasses, ask in advance about prescription mask availability or bring your own.
  • Most boats are barefoot-friendly—wear flip-flops or reef shoes for easy on-and-off during the tour.

Frequently asked questions about Port Douglas

How far is the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas?

The Outer Reef is around 70km offshore and takes 90 minutes by fast catamaran. The Low Isles are much closer—just 15km away—and take about 30 minutes by boat.

Can I join if I can't swim?

Absolutely. Many tours include glass-bottom boat rides, semi-submersible tours, and even underwater viewing platforms. Pontoons also offer assisted snorkeling for beginners with floatation aids and guides.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, all snorkeling gear—including fins, masks, and snorkels—is provided and sanitised between uses. However, if you wear prescription lenses or prefer a personal fit, you can bring your own.

When is stinger (jellyfish) season, and should I be concerned?

Stinger season runs from November to May, and stinger suits are mandatory during this time for your safety. They’re included in your ticket price and actually help with sun protection too.

Are there age limits for snorkeling or diving?

Snorkeling is suitable for most ages, though children usually need to be over 4 years old. Introductory scuba diving is generally available for ages 12+ with no prior experience, while certified diving has fewer restrictions.

Can I dive without a certification?

Yes! Most Outer Reef tours offer introductory dives with full instruction and supervision. You’ll be guided by a dive master in shallow water after a safety briefing—no certification needed.

Is the reef still worth visiting? Is it damaged?

Yes, it's absolutely worth visiting. While some parts of the reef have experienced bleaching, many sites off Port Douglas (especially Agincourt Reef) are thriving. Operators choose sites daily based on the best conditions for visibility and marine life.

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