Best for non-swimmers, families with kids. Enjoy stable, all-weather platforms with panoramic reef views and plenty of dry activities.
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Experience the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet. Sightseeing cruises are perfect for non-swimmers, families, and anyone from the comfort of a boat or pontoon. Whether you want to watch fish glide beneath a glass-bottom boat or capture the reef’s colors from above, there’s a cruise for everyone.
Drift above coral gardens and schools of tropical fish through the boat’s clear viewing panels.
Peer through floor-to-ceiling windows at colorful reef life—no fins, wetsuit, or scuba gear required.
Step into a submerged chamber and get face-to-fin with reef dwellers through 360° glass walls.
Unwind on a stable, shaded pontoon equipped with snorkel platforms and glass panels for effortless reef watching.
Soar over the coral maze in a comfortable chopper, marveling at the reef’s vivid patterns from above.
Join expert marine biologists for interactive presentations on reef ecology and conservation as you cruise.
Pro tip: Book early, especially during school holidays or peak travel months, as popular tours and premium experiences fill up fast.
Pontoons offer a superior stationary sightseeing experience with stability and multiple facilities like observatories—ideal for comfort and varied dry viewing.
Pontoon tours (e.g., Reef Magic, Sunlover) provide the most engaging range of dry activities for all ages and swimming abilities.
The catamaran journey from Cairns to the main Outer Reef pontoons takes about 90 minutes.
Most full-day Outer Reef pontoon tours include a buffet lunch. Always confirm specific inclusions when booking.
Both are excellent bases. Cairns offers a lively city vibe and budget options; Port Douglas is quieter, closer to the Daintree, and ideal for a relaxed, upmarket holiday.
At least one full day is recommended, but two or more days let you explore different sites and activities.
Yes, especially on guided tours. During stinger season (November–April), wear provided stinger suits. Always follow safety briefings and swim within designated areas.
Most full-day tours last 7–9 hours, including 4–5 hours at the reef and 1–2 hours of travel each way. Half-day and multi-day options are also available.
Flexible reef tour offering a choice of snorkeling or diving with a full BBQ lunch.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Luxury reef tour on a 35‑metre superyacht with a heli-flight and gourmet BBQ lunch.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore two exclusive reef sites with scuba diving and snorkeling aboard a luxury superyacht.
Inclusions
Full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
Round-trip superyacht transfers from Cairns to 2 reef sites
Introductory or certified diving course with licensed diving instructor
8-hour cruise with 5 hours on the reef
Snorkeling equipment, masks, and lycra suits
Guides/captains
Chef-prepared BBQ lunch
Tea and coffee
1 glass of wine and light snack on return journey
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reef adventure: snorkeling, activities & lunch on a private luxury pontoon.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Family-friendly reef adventure with waterslide and diverse pontoon activities.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided snorkel reef tour with lunch on a purpose‑built vessel.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Full‑day reef cruise with pontoon activities, island exploration, and lunch.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Scenic 40‑minute flight over the Great Barrier Reef with guaranteed window seats.
Inclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Quick island escape with snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour options.
Inclusions
Half-day trip to Fitzroy Island
Round-trip ferry transfers from Cairns
Up to 2 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)
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Arrive early for exclusive reef access, expert-led snorkeling, and small group comfort.
Inclusions
Full-day cruise to Great Barrier Reef and Green Island cruise
Small group cruise
Round-trip transfers from Green Island
6 hours of reef time (Upolu Cay & Outer Edge Upolu Reef)
Adventure drift snorkel tour with marine naturalist
Glass-bottom boat tour
Coffee/tea, Danish pastries, and fresh fruit on boarding
Buffet lunch with salmon, prawns, meats, salads, breads
Tropical afternoon tea – cheese platter / fresh fruit platter/cake platter
Reef talk by a marine interpreter, fish feeding session
Scuba diving demonstration, 2 guests per instructor
Snorkeling fee and equipment
All reef levies and fees
Exclusions
Certified and non-certified diving experiences
Round-trip bus transfers
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.