Australia · TOURS IN CAIRNS

15 Tours in Cairns to Build a Day Around

69 tours  ·  from $15 a head

Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 tours 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.”

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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”

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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail - Riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway uphill
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From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

3.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127

Travel from central Cairns to Kuranda by historic scenic train, enjoy free time for markets, cafés, trails, and optional wildlife attractions, then return over the rainforest canopy on the 7.5-kilometre Skyrail. English-speaking drivers such as Victor and Dean provide helpful local guidance. Pickup is included from most central Cairns hotels.

“Victor our driver was nothing short of entertaining and knowledgeable with a touch of funny, the sky rail was certainly worth it not sure if I’d do the train ride again, nothing wrong with it just something that I would only do once”

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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

4.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.”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran - What the 80-foot catamaran adds
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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

5.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.”

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Cairns: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour - The coastal drive from Cairns to Port Douglas
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns, Waterfall Tours in Cairns, Waterfalls & Gorges

Cairns: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

6.Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,485 reviews · 11 hours · from $145

Spend 11 hours exploring Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation with an English-speaking guide such as Patrick, Lena, Michael, or Sambo. Swim in a cool rainforest river, join a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country and Smoke Ceremony, cruise the Daintree River for crocodiles, and finish with local fruit ice cream.

“Patrick was an amazing guide. Right from the pick up, cleanliness of the vehicle, knowledge about the Daintree forest and surrounding areas, music, to food - everything was top notch. He ensured that every traveler feels comfortable during the entire journey. He kept looking out for wild creatures to ensure that we remember this day and go back with happy memories. You will be in safe hands with Patrick and team.”

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Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip - Mossman Gorge begins with culture
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Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

7.Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,961 reviews · from $164

Spend up to 12 hours exploring Tropical North Queensland by air-conditioned coach. Visit Mossman Gorge for a Kuku Yalanji Welcome to Country and smoke ceremony, cruise the Daintree River, walk the Dubuji rainforest boardwalk, stop at Cape Tribulation Beach, and try local-fruit ice cream. Guides such as Patrick, Michael, Noel, and Sampo are known for strong commentary.

“This trip was a perfect way to see the Daintree rain forest, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation in one day.”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise - Wonder Wall and the outer edge of Upolu Reef
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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

8.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!”

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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

9.Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

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

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!”

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Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas - What happens during the two-hour river run
Tour Reviews, Tours in Cairns, Waterfall Tours in Cairns, Waterfalls & Gorges, White Water Rafting, White Water Rafting in Cairns

Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

10.Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · from $91

Join Foaming Fury for up to two hours on the Barron River, tackling Grade II and III rapids with a trained guide in each raft. Guides such as Lily, Jess, Jacob, and Dorothy lead clear safety briefings and keep the mood light. Choose Cairns or Port Douglas pickup, or meet at Lake Placid. Bring water, a towel, dry clothes, and secure footwear.

“Great afternoon on the rapids! Our guide was funny and controlled our raft well. Rapids were moderate, nothing too dangerous but enough for a fun adventure. Safe to take beginners and older kids.”

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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

11.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”

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From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour - The northbound drive from Cairns
Daintree & Cape Tribulation Tours, Outback & 4WD Adventures, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Cairns

From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

12.Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,521 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Ride from Cairns, the Northern Beaches, or Port Douglas into the Daintree with guides such as AJ, Daniel, Mel, and Graeme. Expect a crocodile cruise, rainforest boardwalk, lunch, freshwater swim, Cape Tribulation Beach, and a scoop of unusual tropical-fruit ice cream. The 8-hour tour is active, informative, and weather dependent.

“Daniel was a fun, kind, and knowledgeable guide. The different excursions were great. I really enjoyed the ice cream at the end!”

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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

13.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”

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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

14.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”

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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

15.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.”

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