Australia · GREAT BARRIER REEF CRUISES

The 15 Best Great Barrier Reef Cruises

45 tours  ·  from $59 a head

The difference between a good reef day and a wasted one is how far out the boat goes and how long it stays. These 15 compare the outer-reef pontoons, the sailing day trips and the island hops on price, water time and whether gear and lunch are really included.

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns - Barbecue Lunch with a View
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Sail from Cairns aboard Evolution to two outer reef sites, usually Saxon or Norman Reef and Hastings Reef. Snorkel with supplied gear, add an introductory or certified scuba session, or book a 10-minute helicopter flight. Crew members such as marine biologist Indy provide guidance, while lunch, afternoon snacks, and return wine are included.

“Great experience and they provide amazing reef views, food, service and fun! Well organized, friendly staff, and snorkeling in the reef was magical.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran - Two hours across the Coral Sea
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

2.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

Join Passions of Paradise from Cairns for a full day at two outer reef sites. Snorkel with crew guides, try introductory or certified scuba, and enjoy a chef-prepared buffet. Marine guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a offer extra insight, while prescription masks, flotation belts, and wetsuits help first-timers feel at ease.

“Great experience, Staff were excellent! Highly recommended! Incredible trip! The”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - Leaving Cairns and reaching the reef in about 10 minutes
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

3.Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,912 reviews · 40 min · from $169

Take a 40-minute fixed-wing flight from Cairns with a window seat, headset, and live English commentary. You’ll fly over Green Island, Oyster Reef, Vlasoff Cay, Upolo Reef, Pixie Reef, Arlington Reef, and more. Pilots such as Sean, Cameron, and Ethan have been praised for smooth flying and clear explanations. Hotel transfers, food, and drinks are not included.

“Nothing it was amazing. I was totally out of my comfort zone on this small plane and was dreading it but the views are amazing and flight was smooth. Sean was our pilot he gave us commentary on the area. Could not fault it. One helpful tip if you have earrings in take the. out as the headphones are so padded it squashes them into side of yourhead.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - What the 80-foot catamaran adds
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

4.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Sail from Cairns aboard an 80-foot catamaran to two outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Parker, or Harry, or try introductory scuba with full instruction. The day includes reef tuition, a marine naturalist talk, morning and afternoon snacks, and a hot and cold buffet lunch.

“Great snorkel experience with great support from Corinda if a little nervous. Food fab and plenty of it thru the day. Not over crowded. Would recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Wonder Wall and the outer edge of Upolu Reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, VIP

Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

5.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181

From Cairns, Ocean Freedom takes you by fast 65-foot catamaran to Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You get six hours at two reef sites, guided snorkeling, glass-bottom viewing, optional certified or introductory scuba, breakfast snacks, seafood lunch, and afternoon treats. A maximum of 75 people keeps the day organized and personal.

“The fabulous crew hosted a fun outing, ensuring we saw sea life (turtles, clown fish, giant clams, and even a sting ray) and were kept safe the entire day. From kids to adults and first time snorklers to experienced divers - everyone enjoyed themselves onboard the Ocean Freedom!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight - From Airlie Beach to Whitsunday Coast Airport
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Airlie Beach, Tour Reviews, Tours in Airlie Beach, Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach

Airlie Beach: Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

6.Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,810 reviews · 1h 10m · from $211

Fly from Whitsunday Coast Airport over Conway National Park, Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, the islands, and Heart Reef. You get a guaranteed window seat, live English commentary, and a small group of up to seven people. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Airlie Beach are included, though the airport transfer can take 30 to 40 minutes each way.

“I was obsessed with the scenic flight over the Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef. 10/10 recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras - The ferry ride and your seven hours ashore
1-Day Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

7.Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,668 reviews · 8 hours · from $67

Take the fast ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island for up to seven hours of free time. Walk rainforest trails, swim, snorkel near White Rock, or add a glass-bottom boat trip, snorkel gear, or picnic lunch. The $67 base fare covers return transport, with child pricing for ages 4 to 15.

“Stunning scenery. Private time to explore, walk, swim. Don't miss it!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise - Leaving Cairns from Marlin Wharf
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews

From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

8.Full-Day Green Island Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,584 reviews · 8 hours · from $77

Spend eight hours sailing from Cairns to Green Island National Park on a modern catamaran. You can snorkel close to shore, relax on the beach, or choose a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. English-speaking crew members, including Zack, Kate, and Andrea on some sailings, keep the day moving.

“The crew are great. I was very sea sick and the crew were empathetic and helpful. Good value for money.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas - Snorkeling, introductory scuba, and certified scuba
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Port Douglas

Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

9.Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,385 reviews · from $227

Leave Port Douglas at 8:20 am aboard Calypso’s custom-built reef vessel for three snorkel stops at Agincourt or Opal Reef. Snorkelers receive gear, guided tours, reef talks, lunch, and tea. Introductory and certified scuba options cost extra, with instructors such as Delphine and Nick available for eligible participants.

“We found the entire experience amazing! The crew and the snorkeling were absolute top notch. Would recommend to anyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour - Choosing between two reef locations
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Half-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

10.Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkelling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,326 reviews · 4 hours · from $126

Take a fast boat from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef for about 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling. With up to 27 people, three daily departures, reef guides such as Bradley, Lily, and Caitlin, quality gear, snacks, and seasonal stinger suits, this suits confident swimmers seeking a focused half-day outing.

“Our snorkeling guide Caitlyn was very helpful and super kind”

Check availability →Read our full review

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns - First reef site: Norman, Saxon, or Hastings
Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

11.Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,316 reviews · from $197

Travel 90 minutes from Cairns aboard the purpose-built AquaQuest to two outer reef sites on Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. Choose snorkeling, an introductory scuba session, or up to three sessions for certified participants. Crew members such as Miwa, Andy, and Chris have been praised for patient instruction and careful water support.

“Once in a lifetime experience. Anyone plans to visit Australia must keep this tour in his/her bucket list.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch - Starting at the Reef Fleet Terminal
Full-Day, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

12.Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,298 reviews · 8h 30m · from $187

Cruise from Cairns aboard the 35-metre Evolution to Saxon and Hastings reefs. You get five hours for snorkeling, optional introductory or certified scuba, lessons, safety support, a BBQ buffet, and wine with cheese on the return. Crew members such as João, Phil, and Luca have helped nervous swimmers feel at ease, though seasickness can be an issue in rough water.

“The whole experience from start to finish was great. Very professional staff and great fun and the view of the barrier reef was amazing! I would highly recommend this trip”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat - Choosing between snorkeling and the glass bottom boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

13.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,284 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $73

Take a 45-minute catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay covered in rainforest. Choose shore snorkeling or a glass bottom boat tour, then add a pool swim, crocodile visit, reef trip, or quiet beach time. Guides such as Connor bring the coral and marine life to life.

“It was a wonderful experience! From the katamaran to the glass bottom boat. Special mention for the glass bottom boat's captain who was very knowledgeable and fun. He surely loves what he is doing 😃”

Check availability →Read our full review

Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour - The morning run from Cairns Marlin Marina
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns, VIP

Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

14.Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,010 reviews · from $190

Join Seastar Cruises at 7:30 AM from Cairns Marlin Marina for a fast trip to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. You get guided snorkeling, reef gear, a glass-bottom boat, lunch, and time to explore both sites. The group is capped at 36, with optional introductory or certified scuba available at extra cost.

“Great day; awesome snorkelling experience - saw such amazing fish and coral as well as a turtle and a shark (pretty close up). Weather was raining in Cairns but beautiful where we went and visibility under the water was incredible.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight - From Marlin Marina to the outer reef
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scenic Flights & Helicopter Tours, Scenic Flights in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

15.Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,003 reviews · 8h 30m · from $279

Spend about 8.5 hours aboard the 35-meter Evolution, visiting Saxon and Hastings reefs for snorkeling or an optional scuba session. You’ll get around five hours on the reef, a BBQ lunch, and a 10-minute helicopter flight from Hastings Reef. Crew members such as Luca and Mike are noted for helping nervous swimmers and first-time scuba participants.

“Awesome ship, great crew, excellent lunch. diving on the reef was like an Attenborough documentary. loved the helicopter ride which gave you an idea of how big the reef is *****”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Great Barrier Reef Cruises

★ 4.5Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day TripFrom $211156 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef & Whitehaven Beach TourFrom $225308 reviews
★ 5.0Agnes/1770: Southern Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Day TripFrom $21122 reviews
★ 4.5Full Day Reef Cruise and 10 Minute Helicopter Scenic FlightFrom $283340 reviews
★ 4.5Great Barrier Reef 40 Minute Scenic Flight from Cairns – Reef HopperFrom $185207 reviews
★ 5.0Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & SnorkelFrom $165156 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from CairnsFrom $179408 reviews
★ 4.0Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from CairnsFrom $107386 reviews
★ 4.5All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier ReefFrom $179414 reviews
★ 5.0Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling ExperienceFrom $128386 reviews
★ 4.4Half-Day Afternoon Cruise to Green IslandFrom $77403 reviews
★ 4.2Green Island Half-Day Morning CruiseFrom $77417 reviews
★ 4.8Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing TourFrom $183398 reviews
★ 5.0Outer Reef Mackay Cay Sail & Snorkel Adventure from Port DouglasFrom $243436 reviews
★ 4.5Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef CruiseFrom $212432 reviews

Keep browsing

Cruises & Boat Tours181Whitsundays & Whitehaven Beach32Snorkeling45Scuba Diving10Sydney Harbour Cruises24Sunset Cruises19Canoes & Kayaks20Sailing20
Scroll to Top

Australia, coast to centre

Pick a coastline, a desert or a cellar door.

On the water

Great Barrier ReefWhitehaven BeachSnorkellingSydney HarbourSunset Sailings

Animals

Whale WatchingDolphin CruisesWildlife ParksPenguin ParadeCrocodile Cruises

Big days out

Great Ocean RoadBlue MountainsUluruThe DaintreeK’gari

Food and wine

Wine ToursHunter ValleyBarossaYarra ValleyBreweries