Australia · GREAT BARRIER REEF TRIPS
The reef is 2,300 kilometres long, so the only decision that matters is which piece and which boat. These 15 compare outer-reef catamarans, pontoon platforms and small-group dive boats on price, sites visited and whether gear and lunch are really included.
Review of Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef cruise, with two outer reef stops, snorkeling, scuba options, lunch, helicopter upgrade, and practical tips.
“Very cool experience, very much recommend it to anyone who is looking to do the Great Barrier Reef. The helicopter ride was absolutely incredible, with a brilliant captain of Jos!”
Review of Cairns’ 9-hour Great Barrier Reef catamaran cruise, with two outer reef sites, snorkeling, lunch, marine guides, and practical tips.
“Great trip! Crew was terrific! A must for everyone!”
See the Great Barrier Reef from above on a 40-minute Cairns scenic flight, with Green Island, coral cays, pilot commentary, and window seats.
“Really fantastic activity! I was a bit nervous about the small plane but there was nothing to be scared of, felt extremely safe and saw some amazing views!”
Review of Passions of Paradise, a full-day Cairns catamaran cruise with two Great Barrier Reef stops, snorkeling, scuba, lunch, and expert guides.
“Food served was excellent. Two mains and about 5 sides to choose from. Plenty of food for seconds. Food served throughout the day. Crew was very attentive always asking if everything was okay. There was a reef fauna and flora presentation after the dive which wrapped up the whole experience. The boat was larger than I expected and we had plenty of room to move around the two decks. I wholeheartedly recommend Passions.”
Review of Ocean Freedom’s Cairns reef cruise, with two snorkel sites, glass-bottom viewing, guided tours, lunch, tips, and value advice.
“The reef was a disappointment but that was because of the recent storm. The boat and crew were outstanding!”
See Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef, and the Great Barrier Reef on a 70-minute scenic flight from Airlie Beach.
“Beautiful scenic flight over Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Incredible view. Truly a bucket list item ticked! Flight almost got cancelled due to the weather, it then went ahead and was truly one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen in my life. Shout out to the pilot that did an amazing job and to the driver that took us there! Thank you xx”
Review of Calypso’s Port Douglas reef cruise, with three snorkel sites, optional scuba, meals, practical tips, costs, and who should book.
“Great trip, well organised. Quite a lot of people on the boat so the guided snorkel tour was a bit cramped. It’s a long way out to the reef.”
Review of Cairns’ $126 Great Barrier Reef half-day snorkelling tour, with fast boats, small groups, guided reef time, tips, and honest drawbacks.
“Lily, Renee and Elenor were awesome! Ended up being pretty dang clear in the water even with the torrential downpour on the way there. Great little half day trip!”
Review of Divers Den’s Cairns reef tour, with snorkeling, scuba, lunch, two outer reef sites, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“The snorkeling experience was amazing. The crew was very professional and gave us enough time in the reefs to explore at marine life. Special shoutout to Miwa who was our guide. We were non swimmers and neverous about getting Read more”
Explore Saxon and Hastings reefs from Cairns on a luxury superyacht, with five hours of snorkeling, buffet lunch, and wine on the way home.
“Great day out a the reef. Was amazing to visit two different reefs. Marine biologists was very knowledgeable. Very friendly and helpful staff. Also enjoyed lunch.”
Review of Seastar’s Cairns reef cruise to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef, with snorkeling, lunch, safety tips, pricing, and practical advice.
“The crew members were very friendly and knowledgeable they were very helpful in every situation and also patient. The whole day was very well organised and and the reef was amazing thank you for an amazing day”
Review of Cairns’ Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise with snorkeling, optional scuba, helicopter flight, BBQ lunch, and practical booking tips.
“What a great day . The crew were very professional and at times hilarious!! . We had a great day on the reef , saw lots of fish and coral , we even saw a humpback whale on the way to the reef . The helicopter ride was amazing just a pity we didn’t see any sea life from the air , no one’s fault !! You can’t order that .”
Review of Ocean Safari Cape Tribulation, a fast small-group Great Barrier Reef trip with turtles, coral, two reef sites, and rainforest views.
“If you’re looking for a genuine snorkelling and adventure experience in Cape Trib this one is for you! This is a small group experience, the larger snorkelling experiences like green island and main ones in Port Douglas or Cairns do not compare. The whole crew are so lovely and knowledgeable! Amazing day! Brooke and Isaac were so welcoming!”
Review Sunlover Reef Cruises from Cairns, with Moore Reef snorkeling, glass-bottom boats, lunch, waterslide, costs, tips, and drawbacks.
“Great day out seen lots even if the weather wasn't so good but it didn't stop us from enjoying our day. Just make sure that you take sickness tablets before you get on the boat. Chris the captain and the crew were fantastic, thankyou for the experience.”
Review of Cairns’ Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel cruise, with two outer reef sites, Indigenous culture, lunch, safety tips, and scuba options.
“Amazing day, the boat was comfortable, and the crew was knowledgeable. Good safety briefings and there were eyes on the people in the water at all times, so it felt very safe and well organised. Food was nothing to write home about, but that's not the main attraction for this experience anyways. There was a school group onboard, but they were mostly well behaved.”
Pick a coastline, a cellar door or a national park.
