Great Barrier Reef Tours

The main differences between the Reef Tours are the boat you will travel on and the inclusions. Check the tour pages for more information about what’s included or read more here about which tour might be best for you.

The only things you need to bring on tour are your bathers, towel and whatever else you would normally bring on a day out.

All our boats leave from the Marlin Marina at the Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street, Cairns), except our Tour from Port Douglas. Accommodation transfers are available from most locations in Cairns and the Northern Beaches. If you don’t see your accommodation listed on the tour page, please contact our reservation team to find best location. Unfortunately, we are unable to pick up from private accommodation including Airbnbs. Accommodation transfers may incur an additional fee.

All our Great Barrier Reef tours visit the outer reef and include snorkelling and lunch on board. They are all operated on different boats and there are some differences in the inclusions and activities available on board. Check the tour page for more information or get in touch with our reservations team if you need help to decide which one is best for you.

No. Most tours have a glass-bottomed boat or semi-submersible option for non-swimmers. Life jackets are available on the water.

Some people do get seasick on the boat, especially in choppy weather. If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend taking seasickness tablets at least 30 minutes prior to boarding the boat. Try getting some fresh air and stand at the stern of the boat to minimise movement.

Great Barrier Reef tours run in all-weather unless it’s unsafe. We don’t cancel tours because of wind or rain. On the rare occasions we cancel a tour, we’ll contact you to change the date or process a full refund.

If you decide to cancel your tour, your reservation will be subject to our cancellation policy. You can read our full cancellation policy on our Terms and Conditions page. It may be possible to postpone or change the date of your tour with at least two days advanced notice. Change of date is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Prepaid dive packages are not refundable, including in cases where the traveller has not been cleared to dive onboard. Please check the requirements for diving and let us know if any of the conditions concern you.

For any cancellations or changes to your reservation, please contact us on 1300 661 225.

Snorkelling from an outer reef tour boat gives the most accessible view of the reef. For the best experience, choose a tour that travels to the outer reef (50km or more from shore).

Yes. Healthy reef sections remain, particularly on the outer reef. Seeing the reef while it exists is the reason to go. Consult your operator for current conditions at their specific reef site.

May to October (dry season) for best visibility and no stingers. November to April brings stingers (requiring stinger suits), higher humidity, but warmer water temperatures.

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by fast catamaran to the outer reef.

Yes. Liveaboard dive trips of 2 to 3 nights depart from Cairns and give access to sites not reachable on a day trip. These are for certified divers.

The inner reef (within 30km of shore) is affected by runoff and historically shows more damage. The outer reef (50km-plus) has cleaner water, better visibility, and generally better coral health.

Yes. Children 4 and over can snorkel with parental supervision. Younger children can use the glass-bottomed boat. Most tours are family-friendly.