The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2300 kilometres along the Australian eastern coastline, with Cairns being one of the best cities to access the reef. Cairns can be as close as a 20 minute boat ride to the Great Barrier Reef, but travel time can vary depending on which specific reef you are visiting.
Norman Reef
Norman Reef is one of the closest reefs to Cairns that is ideal for snorkelling. The water at this reef is crystal clear, allowing visibility of up to 30 metres underwater! The boat ride from Cairns to Norman Reef can take up to two hours, where you might encounter various marine species, including reef sharks and the Maori wrasse.
Moore Reef
To reach Moore Reef, it takes around a two hour boat ride from Cairns. Moore Reef is popular because it features a pontoon, essentially a large floating platform equipped with activities for the whole family. On the pontoon, you can spend the day relaxing, try snorkelling or diving, go on a glass bottom boat tour, or enjoy the waterslide.
Don’t miss out on a day full of fun and book a pontoon tour on Moore Reef!
Saxon Reef
Saxon Reef is one of the most visited reefs and is also close to Norman Reef. The reef has many shallow sections, making it perfect for snorkelling. You can also scuba dive here, as there are deeper areas to explore and a chance to see larger marine species.
Green Island
In addition to the individual reefs, you can also visit Green Island, the Great Barrier Reef’s only sand cay with a rainforest. Green Island is a 45 minute boat ride from Cairns, where you can spend the day swimming, exploring the rainforest, or simply relaxing. Book a tour of Green Island and enjoy a day of exploration at your own pace!
Cairns is the ideal city for experiencing the Great Barrier Reef. Numerous tours run daily, taking you to different parts of the reef where you can explore in various ways. Book a snorkelling tour, with an optional upgrade to include scuba diving, and discover the reef today!
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