Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns
Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns: A Journey Through Australia’s Natural Wonder
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders, spanning over 2,300 kilometres and consisting of thousands of individual reefs and islands. Cairns, located in the tropical north of Queensland, is the perfect starting point for a Great Barrier Reef adventure. From Cairns, visitors can access some of the best reef sites, including the outer reef, home to an incredible array of marine life.
In this article, we’ll take you through the Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns, providing insights into what you can expect on your trip, including the best tour operators, the most popular activities, and some frequently asked questions.
Great Barrier Reef Facts
- You can see Australia’s Great Barrier Reef from the Moon.
- Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is the world’s latest coral reef system. Over 2,900 individual reefs and around 900 islands stretch over 2,300 kilometres (1429 miles) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres and are managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
- The Great Barrier Reef is about 10% of the world’s coral reefs.
- The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders (UNESCO site ID: 154). The reef became a World Heritage site in 1981.
- All of the corals on the Great Barrier Reef spawn once a year. It’s the most significant sex event on the planet, and it generally happens around four days after the full moon in November.
- The Coral Sea on the north-east Queensland coast of Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef.
- Ten percent of the world’s fish live on the Great Barrier Reef.
- On the 1st of July 2004, the Great Barrier Reef became the world’s largest protected marine area.
- Coral Reefs create clouds to control the climate.
- The brilliant colour of coral comes from zooxanthellae (tiny algae) living inside their tissues.
Read more about the Great Barrier Reef.
Pick your perfect tour to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.
We’ve handpicked our favourite few Great Barrier Reef tours, with tours ranging from half a day to multiple nights and activities ranging from scuba diving deep underwater to soaring above magnificent reefs in a helicopter.
We have trips for everyone, including backpackers, families, couples, and more. Still, each is guaranteed to provide a fantastic showcase of the magical underwater paradise that is the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef activities
Snorkelling
Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant coral reefs up close. Snorkelling lets you witness the incredible marine life that calls the reef home, including colourful fish and exotic sea creatures.
Scuba Diving
For those seeking a more immersive experience, scuba diving is a fantastic option. Cairns offers certified dive tours that take you deeper into the reef, where you can encounter larger marine species like turtles, sharks, and rays.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tours
If you prefer to stay dry, take a glass-bottom boat tour. These tours provide a unique perspective of the reef’s beauty. You can marvel at the coral formations and marine life through the clear glass bottom of the boat.
Helicopter Rides
Soar above the Great Barrier Reef on a helicopter ride. This thrilling adventure offers breathtaking aerial views of the reef’s intricate patterns and the stunning turquoise waters.
Island Exploration
Many tours include visits to picturesque reef islands. Here, you can relax on sandy beaches, enjoy a picnic, or take a nature walk to discover the island’s unique flora and fauna.
Snuba Diving
Snuba combines snorkelling and scuba diving, making it accessible to beginners and experienced divers. It allows you to explore underwater while connected to a floating air supply.
Marine Biologist Talks
Some tours offer educational sessions run by marine biologists. These talks provide valuable insights into the reef’s ecology, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving this natural wonder.
Photography and Videography
Capture your incredible experiences with underwater photography and videography services on many tours. Create lasting memories of your adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.
Night Tours
Experience the Reef in a different light, literally. Some tours offer night snorkelling and diving experiences, allowing you to witness the Reef’s nocturnal creatures and the mesmerizing phenomenon of bioluminescence.
Cruise and Relaxation
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the reef with delicious meals and onboard entertainment. It’s a perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the reef.
Fishing Excursions
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, consider booking a fishing tour. Cairns offers excellent opportunities for reef and game fishing.
Whale Watching (seasonal)
During the whale migration season (usually from June to September), you can embark on whale-watching tours to witness the majestic humpback whales as they pass through the area.
Remember that the activities available may vary depending on the tour operator and the time of year. So, checking with your chosen tour provider for specific details and availability is a good idea. Enjoy your adventure on the Great Barrier Reef!
- The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometres along the coast of Queensland, Australia.
- The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and thousands of other marine animals, making it one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.
- Cairns is the perfect starting point for a Great Barrier Reef adventure, with easy access to some of the best reef sites, including the outer reef.
- Reef Experience, Ocean Spirit, Silverswift and Sunlover Cruises are some of the best tour operators for Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns, offering a range of activities and experiences.
- On a Great Barrier Reef tour, you can expect to see stunning coral reefs, colourful marine life, and clear turquoise waters.
- Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular activities on Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns, with opportunities to see tropical fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks.
Following safety guidelines and respecting the marine environment while on a Great Barrier Reef tour is important. The Great Barrier Reef has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers worldwide in recent years. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, covering over 344,000 square kilometres. Cairns, a vibrant coastal city in northern Queensland, is one of the most popular departure points for Great Barrier Reef tours. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top Great Barrier Reef tours Cairns offers and answer some common questions about this incredible natural wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns
Q, What is the Great Barrier Reef?
Q, How can I book a Great Barrier Reef tour?
Q, What should I expect on a Great Barrier Reef tour?
Q, Are there tours suitable for beginners and non-swimmers?
Q, What's the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns?
Q, Are there family-friendly options available?
Q, Can I see the Great Barrier Reef's beauty without getting wet?
Q, What measures are taken to protect the Great Barrier Reef?
Q, How do I get to Cairns for my Great Barrier Reef adventure?
Q, Are there special packages or deals available for Great Barrier Reef tours?
Why these Great Barrier Reef Tours?
We’ve picked the best in each category of Great Barrier Reef experiences.
As Cairns locals with decades of experience snorkelling, scuba diving, and flying over the Great Barrier Reef, we know the best ways to see and experience the reef.
We also know that a family of four may have different priorities for their Reef tour than a backpacker on a budget.
That’s why we’ve diligently chosen our favourite tours to cater to every type of visitor. We fell in love with the Great Barrier Reef years ago, and it’s our passion to help you do the same.
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See the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns,
and have a memory that will last a lifetime
Best Great Barrier Reef Tours
Green Island Tours
Green Island Reef Cruise options for both full or half day spend a lovely day options for snorkeling relaxing on the beach walking and more
BookGreen Island Eco Adventure
Enjoy beautiful Green Island with the Green Island half-day to full-day tour. Laze on the beach, snorkel, dive or wander the rainforest boardwalks.
BookGreen Island Discovery Tour
Green Island Discovery tour A wonderful day of sightseeing with transfers, snorkelling equipment, a glass-bottom boat excursion, and up to 7 hours on the island
BookReef Experience
Great Barrier Reef Tours departing daily from Cairns, this tour visits 2 outer barrier reef locations, includes bus transfers, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. Scuba...
BookOcean Spirit
Relax and enjoy a day of sailing and snorkelling with Ocean Spirit Cruises to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
BookSunlover Reef Cruises
The Moore Reef pontoon is the perfect destination to experience all the outer Reef offers. Visitors of all ages and abilities can view and interact...
BookSilverswift Cairns
Take the plunge today! Enjoy access to stunning remote reef locations for you to dive and snorkel this Natural Wonder of the World.
BookGreat Adventures Cairns
Visit Norman Reef, onboard with Great Adventures your trip includes 3 hours on our Outer Reef Activity platform, snorkeling equipment
BookReef Experience Top Deck Club
Our Top Deck Club Great Barrier Reef Experience includes your own valet for the day, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and 2 spectacular reef locations
BookReef Experience Family Tour
A Great Barrier Reef family day tour with Cairns ONLY ALL inclusive reef package - packed with family friendly activities!
BookProdive Cairns
3 Day Liveaboard Cairns scuba diving trip includes two-night dives and visits Cairns stunning southern reefs, including Milln, Thetford and Flynn Reefs.
BookLizard Island
Escape the world for the day by visiting the enchanting & exotic Lizard Island Your day starts with a low-level scenic flight from Cairns.
BookLuxury Great Barrier Reef Tours for your family
Luxury Great Barrier Reef tours depart daily from Cairns comes with a valet who will organise the whole day for you Includes two outer barrier
BookFitzroy Island Ferry
Fitzroy Island Ferry This full-day trip takes you to beautiful Fitzroy Island where you can swim, snorkel and hike to the lighthouse!
BookCairns Dinner Cruise
A Cairns Dinner Cruise is the perfect way to relax and take in the views of the Cairns city lights and Trinity Inlet
BookBarramundi Fishing Cairns Inlet
Cairns Fishing Tours the open waters, creeks and deep channels of the Cairns Estuary System are a paradise for anglers and fishermen alike.
BookGreen Island and Cairns Aquarium
Green Island and Cairns Aquarium turn two of Cairn favourite attractions into one fantastic package. Ideal for young families.
BookGreat Barrier Reef Scenic Flights
Our scenic reef flight is the perfect way to see Australia's Great Barrier Reef from a different perspective, see islands, reefs and sand cays
BookGreat Barrier Reef Accommodation
Great Barrier Reef DEAL
Great Barrier Reef deal Stay on the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling deal, two days 1 night 'reef special deal.'
BookReef Encounter
Reef Encounter, Cairns liveaboard stay on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling and scuba diving packages available includes all meals and accommodation.
BookTop Deck Club Liveaboard
Experience the best with a luxurious liveaboard cruise with exclusive VIP service on the Great Barrier Reef.
BookGreen Island Resort
Green Island Resort Stay on Australia's Great Barrier Reef enjoy a tropical island paradise, relax on the beach, be pampered in the island spa
BookReef Encounter and Kuranda
Reef Encounter and Kuranda village package. See the Great Barrier Reef, go snorkelling and scuba diving, and experience a fantastic day trip to Kuranda village.
BookReef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest
Reef Encounter and Daintree Rainforest Package See 2 World Heritage sites, go snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef and explore the amazing Daintree.
BookNorth Queensland Getaway
Great Barrier Reef liveaboard, Daintree rainforest, Outback and Chillagoe Caves package. Explore limestone caves, discover the oldest tropical rainforest and stay on the Reef.
BookTop Deck Club and Kuranda
Luxury liveaboard on the Reef and a day trip to Kuranda by train and return with Skyrail.
BookTop Deck Club and Daintree Rainforest
Experience two World Heritage Sites with this Top Deck Liveaboard and Rainforest package. See the Great Barrier Reef in style Top Deck Club Style.
BookReef Encounter and Green Island Resort
Imagine sleeping on Australia's Great Barrier Reef! This awesome package includes Australia's best Great Barrier Reef liveaboard and one night on tropical Green Island.
Book