Australia · SNORKELING IN CAIRNS

The 15 Best Snorkeling in Cairns

26 tours  ·  from $73 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 snorkeling in Cairns justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.

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

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

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

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

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

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip - AquaQuest makes the water access easier
1-Day Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

3.Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Join Divers Den aboard AquaQuest for an eight-hour Cairns reef trip to two outer reef sites near Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs. You get snorkeling gear, a guided tour, wetsuit or lycra suit, meals, hot showers, and up to five hours in the water. Introductory scuba sessions are available for eligible participants.

“Brilliant day out with 2 hours snorkelling in 2 different locations we saw all sorts of bright coloured fish giant clams coral reefs white tipped fin sharks and a whale shark apparently quite rare to see . our guides and all the staff on board were amazing very informative about the coral reef health and safety was paramount we had a delicious lunch on board too”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise - First stop at Wonder Wall
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

4.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Join Ocean Freedom from Cairns for a full reef day aboard a 20-metre catamaran. You will visit Wonder Wall and Upolu Cay, snorkel with guides, ride a glass-bottom boat, and choose certified or introductory scuba sessions. Crew members including Ollie, Paul, Tori, and Blair are praised for calm instruction and attentive care.

“The staff were all amazing. You can tell they really enjoy their job. The nibbles they provided throughout the day and the lunch was really good. I expected it to be alot busier given it was peak season but was fortunate to book onto a tour that only had just over 30 people compared to the max 75 capacity”

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

5.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

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

6.Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

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

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

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour - The outer-reef platform gives you hours, not minutes
Historical Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

7.Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 841 reviews · from $232

Spend about eight hours traveling from Cairns to Reef Magic’s outer-reef platform by fast catamaran. Snorkel with supplied gear, join marine biologist talks, or stay dry with glass-bottom boats, a semi-submersible, and an underwater observatory. Optional scuba, helmet walks, and helicopter flights cost extra. Guides such as Ella, Ethan, Kaitlin, and Takuya may add expert help.

“Helicopter ride was good. Different way to see the reef. Our pilot kept us out a little longer because he spotted a shark. We were unable to do the glass bottom boat though because the timing didn’t work out so that was disappointing. The semi submersible sub was good and we could see a lot. It started to get really warm in there towards the end.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Flynn, Milln, and Thetford Reefs
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

8.Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 432 reviews · from $212

Spend about 10 hours aboard the 29-meter Silverswift catamaran, traveling from Cairns to three outer reef sites. Snorkel, try one or two introductory scuba sessions, or complete up to three certified descents. The crew, including guides such as Paul, Matilda, and Vanessa, provides equipment, instruction, meals, and reef guidance.

“This boat was the nicest boat we've been on to go snorkeling/scuba diving. This was our first dive after our certification. The guide was very helpful. He took care of our tanks and hoses between dives. He gave us good tips. We had 6 people in our group. We saw some neat fish and a couple of turtles. On the second dive, we did some swim throughs. There was also hot fresh water showers when you got out of the ocean. We went to Flynn Reef. The lunch included fruit, pasta, curry, chicken legs amongst other things I don't remember. There was hot tea and coffee at every stop. It…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Experience - Getting fitted with reef gear
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Experience

9.Cairns Half Day Tour a Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews · from $128

From Cairns Marlin Marina, a fast boat carries you to Upolu Reef for about 1.5 to 2 hours of guided snorkeling. Crew members such as Sophia, Lilly, Bradley, and Renee lead groups of up to 27, with equipment, snacks, and seasonal stinger suits included. The ride can be rough in poor weather.

“This was a great experience, the crew (Bradley, Caitlin and Taylor) were amazing and made the experience really fun.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns - What the included snorkeling is really like
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

10.Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 386 reviews · from $107

Take a 45-minute fast catamaran from Cairns to Green Island, the Great Barrier Reef’s only coral cay with rainforest. Your day includes snorkeling equipment, a glass-bottom boat ride, an island walk, pool access, and return transfers. Snorkeling is unguided, while guided marine biologist tours cost extra.

“We added on snorkeling with a tour guide to our experience once we arrived on The Great Barrier Reef. Would highly recommend doing so. Had a perfect day and really enjoyed ourselves.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling - Starting at Cairns Marlin Marina
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Half-Day, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Cairns: All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling

11.All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Half-Day Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 373 reviews · 5 hours · from $140

From Cairns Marlin Marina, you’ll ride a fast purpose-built boat to one of 15 reef sites chosen for the day’s conditions. Marine biologists such as Sophie, Seb, Monica, and Cam guide you in the water, point out fish, turtles, clams, sharks, and coral, and help less confident swimmers. The five-hour trip includes gear, suits, snacks, and freshwater showers.

“We had an amazing half-day snorkeling experience with Pure Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef. The team were very friendly and took great care of my kids in the water, making sure they felt safe and comfortable while showing them all the beautiful marine life. It was pure snorkeling with plenty to see. A special thanks to Cam, who was fantastic and great with the kids. Highly recommended for families!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns - Why Green Island is more than a beach stop
Cruises & Boat Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

12.Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 282 reviews · from $87

Take a fast catamaran from Cairns to Green Island National Park, a 6,000-year-old coral cay wrapped in rainforest. Choose beach snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat tour, then use the pool, walk the island, and enjoy the visitor facilities. Marine biologist Clarissa sometimes leads informative reef talks.

“Snorkelling is good straight off beach, don’t have to go out too far. The glass bottom boat was also really good and worth doing. The croc park was also a highlight, and the service there amazing!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour - Choosing an outer-reef site for the day
Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

13.Half Day Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 219 reviews · from $142

Join Pure Snorkelling at noon from Cairns for a five-hour Great Barrier Reef trip aboard a fast boat. Marine biologists and interpreters, including guides such as Justin, Seb, Cam, and Izzie, help you explore changing outer-reef sites with supplied gear, stinger suits, snacks, and support for beginners.

“Pure Snorkeling is a top-notch company. They are highly organized and safety-conscious. The locations they choose are beautiful and interesting, full of fish and a myriad of coral formations.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns - Four hours to choose your own reef experience
Cruises & Boat Tours, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

14.Ocean Spirit Sail to Michaelmas Cay Snorkel or Dive, from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 170 reviews · from $197

Spend about eight and a half hours sailing from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay, with four hours at the cay for beach snorkeling, an optional introductory scuba session, or a semi-submersible tour. Marine biologists explain the reef and nesting seabirds, while the catamaran provides buffet lunch, tea, and plenty of indoor and outdoor space.

“Beautiful scenery, knowledgeable and very friendly staff and good food too. Lots of wildlife both in and out of the water.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel - The morning boat ride to Moore Reef
Aboriginal Culture Tours, Great Barrier Reef Cruises, Scuba Diving, Scuba Diving in Cairns, Snorkeling, Snorkeling in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns

Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

15.Great Barrier Reef with Cultural Guides-Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 156 reviews · from $165

Spend about nine hours aboard Dreamtime’s reef boat, traveling from Cairns to Moore Reef and either Milln or Flynn Reef. Indigenous guides share cultural knowledge, tools, instruments, and the Creation Story, while a marine biologist explains reef life. Snorkel equipment, instruction, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are included.

“Pickup & drop off was easy. The boat and equipment were in great shape. We enjoyed the staff. The lunch and snack were good. The reef was the star attraction and was wonderful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Snorkeling in Cairns

★ 4.5Private Helicopter Tour: Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic LunchFrom $83322 reviews
★ 4.52-Day Snorkelling Experience – Great Barrier Reef Twin ShareFrom $50238 reviews
★ 5.0Coral Sea Dreaming Overnight Dive, Snorkel and SailFrom $47244 reviews
★ 4.4Fitzroy Island: Full-Day Ferry & Snorkel Safari Guided TourFrom $11837 reviews
★ 4.7Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour with LunchFrom $13241 reviews

Keep browsing

Great Barrier Reef Cruises95Great Ocean Road Tours52Blue Mountains Day Trips54Wine Tours163Whale Watching79Uluru & Kata Tjuta Tours26
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