Great Barrier Reef Sightseeing Cruises

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Great Barrier Reef cruises






Top things to do in Cairns

Find the best sightseeing cruises for the Great Barrier Reef

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.

Top reef sites to visit

A cruise ship on the Great Barrier Reef

Outer Reef Pontoons (Moore & Agincourt)

Best for non-swimmers, families with kids. Enjoy stable, all-weather platforms with panoramic reef views and plenty of dry activities.

Tourists snorkelling in clear blue waters during a full-day cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef

Agincourt Reef

Pristine coral and diverse marine life make this a favorite for underwater photography and coral viewing, with over 46 dive sites.

Tourists on a catamaran cruise in clear blue waters near Green Island Reef, Cairns, Australia.

Green Island

Just 45 minutes from Cairns, this accessible island offers glass-bottom boat tours, patrolled beaches, and rainforest walks.

Fitzroy Island Lighthouse with ocean view, Queensland, Australia.

Fitzroy Island

Enjoy Fitzroy Island’s relaxed vibe with shoreline snorkeling, scenic hikes, and a visit to the iconic Nudey Beach.

Ways to experience the reef

Great Barrier Reef glass bottom boat tour showcasing vibrant coral and marine life near Cairns, Australia.
Tourists enjoying a full-day cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, exploring marine life through a glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours
Visitors observing vibrant fish at Milford Sound Underwater Observatory, New Zealand.
Tourists enjoying a full-day cruise from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef, exploring marine life through a glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible tours
Helicopter flying over the Great Barrier Reef, showcasing coral formations, Australia.
Colorful coral reef with diverse marine life at World of Corals, showcasing vibrant underwater biodiversity.
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Glass-bottom boat tour

Drift above coral gardens and schools of tropical fish through the boat’s clear viewing panels.

Semi-submersible tour

Peer through floor-to-ceiling windows at colorful reef life—no fins, wetsuit, or scuba gear required.

Underwater observatory

Step into a submerged chamber and get face-to-fin with reef dwellers through 360° glass walls.

Reef pontoon relaxation

Unwind on a stable, shaded pontoon equipped with snorkel platforms and glass panels for effortless reef watching.

Helicopter flight

Soar over the coral maze in a comfortable chopper, marveling at the reef’s vivid patterns from above.

Marine biology presentations

Join expert marine biologists for interactive presentations on reef ecology and conservation as you cruise.

Choosing the right Great Barrier Reef sightseeing cruise

  • Book a large catamaran or outer reef pontoon cruise, such as Reef Magic or Sunlover, if you’re prone to seasickness. These tours offer a smoother ride and stable platform, minimizing motion and maximizing comfort.
  • Kid-safe pontoons like the Sunlover Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Cruise cater to children, grandparents, and multi-generational groups with play areas, touch tanks, and marine biology presentations.
  • Outer reef pontoons like Sunlover provide the best range of dry reef-viewing options, including glass-bottom boat tours and semi-submersible tours for all ages and abilities, whether you can swim or not.
  • Book a full-day outer reef trip like the Green Island and Outer Reef Sailing Cruise for access to remote, high-visibility sites.
  • If you want to combine rainforest and reef visits with flexible itineraries, select a combo tour such as the Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Cruise.
  • Pontoons like Reef Magic include ramp access with wide aisles, accessible toilets, and showers. However, at least one set of stairs is required for boarding and all water activities, so wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility will need a carer’s assistance.
  • If you want aerial views without getting wet, book a cruise with a scenic helicopter flight, such as the Great Barrier Reef Cruise with Scenic Heli-Flight.
  • If you’re on a budget, consider a half-day island trip or a snorkel cruise with included gear and lunch, like the Cairns to GBR Snorkel Cruise with Lunch.
  • For those interested in reef conservation, look for eco-certified operators offering marine biologist talks and reef education, such as Reef Magic or Sunlover.

Pro tip: Book early, especially during school holidays or peak travel months, as popular tours and premium experiences fill up fast.

Plan your Great Barrier Reef sightseeing cruise

People relaxing on a boat in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, surrounded by clear blue waters.
  • Most tours operate year-round, departing from Cairns or Port Douglas between 7:30am and 9:30am, returning by late afternoon.
  • Check-in is typically 30–45 minutes before departure; allow extra time for scenic flights or diving add-ons.
  • Day cruises spend about 4–5 hours at the reef; full-day and combo tours can last up to 8 hours.
Tourists snorkeling at Fitzroy Island with Great Barrier Reef in clear blue waters.
  • Dry season (May–November): Calm seas, clear water, and mild weather—ideal for sightseeing and photography.
  • June–October: Peak whale-watching season.
  • Wet season (December–April): Warmer water and lush scenery, but occasional rain and marine stingers—stinger suits provided.
Great Barrier Reef cruise with Marine World pontoon, showcasing vibrant coral and marine life near Cairns.
  • From Cairns: Most reef cruises depart from the centrally located Reef Fleet Terminal, accessible by car, taxi, or public transport. Parking is available but fills quickly during busy periods.
  • From Port Douglas: Tours leave from Crystalbrook Marina, with free parking and optional hotel transfers.
  • For island day trips, fast ferries connect Cairns to Green Island (45 minutes) and Fitzroy Island (55 minutes).
  • Scenic flights depart from Cairns Airport.
Aerial view of snorkelers exploring coral formations in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.
  • Pack light: swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera.
  • Wear lightweight clothing and bring a hat; stinger suits or wetsuits are provided during jellyfish season (November–May).
  • Take motion sickness medication if needed.
  • Avoid bringing large bags or valuables.
  • Respect the reef: don’t touch corals or marine life, and follow all safety and eco-guidelines.
  • Check weather forecasts before your trip.
Guests on Calypso deck overlooking the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Australia.
  • Most vessels and pontoons offer restrooms, changing rooms, freshwater showers, sun decks, and shaded lounges.
  • Family amenities include kids’ pools, touch tanks, and safe swimming enclosures.
  • Many pontoons and islands are wheelchair accessible—check activity access before booking.
  • Buffet lunches with vegetarian and dietary options are included on most full-day cruises.
Tourists enjoying a Full Day Green Island Reef Catamaran Cruise in the clear blue waters of Cairns, Australia
  • Fitzroy Island National Park: Combine reef snorkeling with rainforest hikes.
  • Green Island: Explore rainforest trails and coral gardens in one trip.
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail: Add a rainforest journey before or after your reef tour.
  • Daintree Rainforest: Extend your adventure into the ancient rainforest after your reef visit.

Frequently asked questions about sightseeing at Great Barrier Reef

For pure sightseeing, are pontoons or boats better?

Pontoons offer a superior stationary sightseeing experience with stability and multiple facilities like observatories—ideal for comfort and varied dry viewing.

What’s the best Great Barrier Reef tour for non-swimmers?

Pontoon tours (e.g., Reef Magic, Sunlover) provide the most engaging range of dry activities for all ages and swimming abilities.

How long is the boat ride to the Outer Reef viewing spots?

The catamaran journey from Cairns to the main Outer Reef pontoons takes about 90 minutes.

Is lunch part of the deal on sightseeing tours?

Most full-day Outer Reef pontoon tours include a buffet lunch. Always confirm specific inclusions when booking.

Should I stay in Cairns or Port Douglas?

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.

How many days are enough for the Great Barrier Reef?

At least one full day is recommended, but two or more days let you explore different sites and activities.

Is it safe to swim in the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes, especially on guided tours. During stinger season (November–April), wear provided stinger suits. Always follow safety briefings and swim within designated areas.

How long is a Great Barrier Reef tour?

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.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.