Great Barrier Reef Day Tours

Join us for a unique outer reef tour where the Sunlover catamaran docks alongside a floating pontoon stationed in a natural lagoon fringed with beautiful coral. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, family traveller, experienced diver or on your first trip to the Great Barrier Reef, our expert team will deliver a unique reef tour experience for you. Experience the ultimate adventure combining 2 hours at Moore Reef pontoon on the Outer Barrier Reef + Fitzroy Island stop over in a day! Moore reef has all of our standard inclusions with time at Fitzroy Island to relax & unwind including lunch.

Every aspect of your day is taken care of from the moment you step onboard. Our knowledgeable staff are there to guide you and provide a 5-star experience. With a maximum of only 40 guests per trip and a high staff-to-guest ratio, we take care of everything, so all you need to do is go create unforgettable memories. Perfect for divers of all levels, or those looking to try diving for the first time. Our Marine Guides and instructors will assist you with getting the most out of your reef trip, both safely and sustainably. You will enjoy unlimited snorkelling and a sumptuous selection of meals paired with complimentary beverages throughout the day. Experience a guided snorkel tour with our cutting-edge technology using our exclusive waterproof bone-conducting headsets for a unique audio commentary as you explore the wonders of The Great Barrier Reef.
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea

This tour is restricted exclusively to ages 12 and over, ensuring an optimal experience for our guests

Free upgrade (Value $30) to include Green Island on your outer reef trip.
Depart Cairns at 8.30am and enjoy 2 hours of free time on Green Island (including snorkelling equipment) before continuing to the Outer Reef Platform.

Escape into a world of surprises to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The stable reef activity platform is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel and/or dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-submersible to view the surrounding coral , or just relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch. Join us and the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant marine life for a voyage into one of the world's natural wonders.

In addition to the activities included in your tour, there is also a wide range of optional activities to experience on our Outer Great Barrier Reef activity platform. Scuba dive(no experience required), join a snorkel tour, Scuba Doo below the waves or enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from the air with a scenic helicopter tour.

Departing Cairns with  5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! Evolution caters to both dive beginners and certified divers. Scuba diving packages include full dive & safety briefing & specialised top-rated dive gear. Introductory divers are guided by a fully qualified dive instructor with a ratio of 4 divers per instructor. Certified divers can book a guided dive as an optional extra. Join us on the Semi-Submersible Coral Viewing Tour, learning about the reef with our marine biologist or adding a scenic helicopter flight over the reef for a Birds Eye view of this amazing icon. Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard. Finally, you'll cruise back to Cairns while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine and a snack while you reflect on your day on the Great Barrier Reef.​

Your day includes adventures for all ages and levels of experience - snorkel equipment, glass bottom boat, semi-submersible coral viewing vessel, an underwater observatory, a marine life touch tank,. Optional extras include scuba diving, scenic helicopter rides, Guided Snorkelling Safari and Seawalker Helmet Diving. Sunlover Reef Cruises will enhance your experience, regardless of age and ability, to discover the beauty and diversity of the Great Barrier Reef. Even if you cannot swim, you will still enjoy a complete experience with Sunlover Reef Cruises

Cruise to the Reef and Fly Return
Depart Cairns 10.00 am Return 3.30pm
Upgrade your cruise to or from the reef to a scenic helicopter flight providing reduced travel time and a unique aerial perspective that showcases the vibrant hues and sheer expanse of the reefs thriving coral gardens – an opportunity not to be missed! The 25-minute scenic flight between Cairns and Moore Reef delivers stunning panoramic views extending from the tropical rainforest-clad coastline, across the azure waters of the Coral Sea and into the very heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Your highly skilled pilot will share their local knowledge of the region while on the lookout for Turtles, Dolphins, Manta Rays, large schools of pelagic fish and even majestic Humpback Whales (Jul to Sep).

The complete reef and island experience awaits with this exciting tour. Take a fast 45-minute catamaran ride to beautiful Green Island and enjoy two hours on this unique reef and rainforest coral cay. Then, you’ll depart Green Island to continue your day of adventure and discovery with 3 hours on board Great Adventures' spacious activity platform moored on the majestic Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island
It is a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – a premier world heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Grab your snorkel gear and head to the Lifeguard patrolled beach to explore the marine world off the beach, take a stroll thru the unique tropical rainforest, laze on the white coral sand beach or take part in some of the optional activities that Green Island has to offer

Outer Barrier Reef
The stable reef activity platform is the perfect base for swimmers and non-swimmers to explore. Snorkel and/or dive, visit the underwater observatory, cruise in a semi-sub to view the surrounding coral or relax on the sundeck with a delicious buffet lunch. The vibrant marine life of the reef awaits you.

We acknowledge the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji , Mandingalbay Yidinji, Yirrganydji & Gunggandji people, Traditional Owners of the Sea Country on which you will travel

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Enjoy one of Cairns’ most unique & exclusive Great Barrier Reef tours. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel invites you to step back into the Great Barrier Reef’s Dreamtime with Indigenous sea rangers on a day tour of two spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Reef sites visited may include Milln, Flynn, Hastings, Saxon, Norman or Thetford Reef. You will also experience our authentic Dreamtime experience with our Cultural Guides, sharing their stories of the history of the Great Barrier Reef. Indigenous sea rangers will recount the Dreamtime stories of the traditional people of this Sea Country and help you gain a deeper cultural understanding of the diverse ecosystems that make up the Great Barrier Reef.

The only Cairns reef, rainforest and river experience. Explore and enjoy this natural paradise, no big crowds, full of marine life. Enjoy the opportunity to have this hidden gem all to yourself! Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is an exclusive Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour. It starts with a rainforest river cruise, followed by the shortest open water crossing of any of the Cairns day tour boats, to put you right on the Great Barrier Reef.

Our destination is Normanby Island in the beautiful Frankland Islands National Park island group. Surrounded by vibrant fringing reefs, it’s home to many species of marine life, including turtles, octopuses and the ever-popular anemone clownfish, Nemo, to name a few. You have up to 4 hours to explore and enjoy this natural paradise, above and below the water.

If you’ve never snorkelled before, don’t worry – our crew will give you all the instruction and briefing you need. Flotation devices are available so you can float along with ease and enjoy the sights as you explore the reef. Experienced instructors, including our Master Reef Guides, guide both snorkel tours. They know where to find all the best marine life, from turtles and fish to giant clams and impressive corals. Want to stay dry, and view the Great Barrier Reef on the Semi-Submersible tour? You will be amazed at what you will see. Discover the pristine coral reefs without getting your feet wet from the comfort of our semi-submarine. Take a guided tour of the reefs surrounding the islands and learn about the incredible ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef. Get up close and personal with fish, turtles and the diverse range of corals.

Set sail to Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef aboard Ocean Spirit's comfortable sailing catamaran. Snorkel or dive the fringing reef and view from the comfort of a glass bottom boat. Enjoy the crystal clear waters with easy access off the spectacular white sand beach and observe the myriad of seabirds that call this protected sanctuary home. Michaelmas Cay is a major natural seabird habitat and one of the most important in the Southern Hemisphere. It is home to at least 23 species of seabirds. Many breeds find this island an ideal nesting habitat and is one of the most significant bird sanctuaries on the Great Barrier Reef.

Ocean Spirit is a high standard operator with Climate Action and Advanced Ecotourism Certification. From the wind in her sails to eco friendly practices - theirs is a gentle footprint on our Iconic Great Barrier Reef.

Day 1 -Great Barrier Reef Tour
Departs Daily
Check-in from 7.15am - 7.45am at The Reef Fleet Terminal
Departs 8am | Returns 4.30pm

Great Barrier Reef Tour onboard 'Evolution'

Join the luxurious and spacious yacht, Evolution, to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for your snorkelling experience. The 35-metre vessel, Evolution departs Cairns with  5 hours spent exploring two spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day!

In the afternoon, you have the option to add additional reef activities. Join us on the Semi-Submersible Tour, learning about the reef with our marine biologist, or add a scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Finally, you'll cruise back to Cairns while enjoying a free glass of wine and a snack while you reflect on your day on the Great Barrier Reef.​

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Day 2- Daintree Rainforest Tour

Due to the impact of severe tropical cyclone Jasper and the associated flooding & road closures, there have been some itinerary changes to ensure you still have a great time in the Daintree Rainforest.

Includes pick up & drop off from your Cairns, Northern Beaches or Port Douglas accommodation.

Group size is kept to under 17 passengers for a personalized experience. Explore the oldest Rainforest in the World, an essential bucket list experience!

Journey north on the scenic coastal drive to the Daintree Rainforest with spectacular views of the Coral Sea coastline. Embark an informative one hour River Cruise on the mighty Daintree River where you spot and learn about estuarine crocodiles, mangrove forests and endemic wildlife as you unwind in nature's embrace. Light refreshment of tea/coffee and biscuits provided. Your experienced Guide will give an information commentary on the rich local flora/fauna and cultural significance of the area as you drive through the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Get sand on your feet as you join a guided beach walk where the "Rainforest meets the Reef".  Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant amidst the unique backdrop of the Daintree Forest (please advise in advance of ay special dietary requirements) followed by a stop for a a delicious tropical fruit ice-cream enroute to the Daintree Ferry.
Your last stop is at the famous Mossman Gorge for a guided rainforest walk on a selection of trails and elevated boardwalks (easy grade) with time for an invigorating freshwater swim (subject to river conditions) before heading back to your hotel.

A forest so spectacular, Sir David Attenborough called it “the most extraordinary place on Earth.”

• Scenic Coastal Drive: Capture breathtaking views as we journey to the Daintree Rainforest.
• Daintree River Cruise: Spot crocodiles and native wildlife during a serene river cruise.
• Guided Rainforest Walk: Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Daintree with a knowledgeable guide.
• Lunch at Cape Tribulation: Enjoy a delicious meal at a local cafe.
• Ice-cream Stop: Indulge in exotic homemade ice cream before heading home.

The all-weather Reef Magic Pontoon is the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef and is designed and built for a sustainable future. At over 1003 sqm, with a capacity of 450 guests, with numbers kept to a maximum of 250, guests can escape the crowd and enjoy the reef. With loads of activities for all ages, you can snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, join our Marine Biologists on a Guided Snorkel Safari and optional extras of certified diving, introductory diving or Sea Trek Helmet Diving.

Experience the ultimate adventure package and best value day on the Great Barrier Reef with amazing views from above and below. Enjoy a full day to two locations on the Outer Barrier Reef on board the luxury vessel "Evolution" including snorkelling, lunch, sunbathing and in the afternoon; you will board a Nautilus Aviation Helicopter for an incredible 10-minute scenic flight to see the magical colours of the Great Barrier Reef from the air! Departs 8.00 am Return 4.30 pm. 7.30 am Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St Cairns

Evolution also caters to both dive beginners and certified divers. Scuba diving packages include a full dive & safety briefing, specialised top-rated dive gear, and a fully qualified dive instructor. Note some medical conditions and medication can exclude you from diving.

Maximum 75 guests, extremely personal tour - Outstanding customer service. All guests are assessed for their snorkelling and diving abilities and are appropriately assisted in ensuring that all can experience and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.

Experience two different Great Barrier Reef locations – “Wonder Wall” on the outer edge of Upolu reef and a beautiful turquoise aquarium-like coral garden “Upolu Cay Reef”. This fast, sleek motor CAT takes just over an hour to get to the reef.

This tour is great for those who want a  small, personal, customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour with absolutely no rush in the day! Enjoy 6hrs of actual reef time between the two destinations. Plenty of time to do all the in-water activities, glass bottom boat tour, enjoy your lunch and relax!

If you’ve never dived and wish to try it, we have introductory dives - guaranteed 2 divers to one instructor! (the usual ratio is 4:1) If you are a certified diver, you can enjoy the wonders of the reef with our experienced complimentary guides. Note - some medical conditions and medication can exclude you from diving. Please see dive medical below for further information.

Join us onboard the high-speed Catamaran “Reef Experience” for an unforgettable day visiting 2 pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations and discovering the breathtaking wonder of this World Heritage environment. Maximum 75 passengers. Reef Experience is Cairn’s only ALL-inclusive Great Barrier Reef Day Tour which also offers a FREE Scuba Dive and Glass-bottom boat tour. Catering for all levels in Swimming, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving, everyone will find the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Experienced Swimmer or Snorkeler? Our crew will show you the best patches of coral and can tell you where to find the marine marvels that call the reef their home. Never Snorkelled before or can’t Swim? Friendly and professional Crew are always ready to jump in and assist everybody who needs assistance to have fun and enjoy the magic the reef has to offer, ensuring that you are comfortable with your equipment and introducing you to some of our friendly fish! A day on the Great Barrier Reef will be one of the most memorable days in your life.

Quicksilver departs from Port Douglas and takes you to Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Barrier Reef. Here, special reefs known as ‘ribbons’ run parallel to the Continental Shelf. Adjacent to the Coral Sea trench, these ribbon reefs are recognised as the most pristine eco-systems in the reef’s environment. Clear water provides the best possible underwater visibility, encourages rich coral growth and supports spectacular marine life. As the region’s outer reef pioneer, we chose the best location available to show you nature’s finest.

It’s a day that engages all your senses, lifts your spirit and takes you into another realm. Sharing the wonder of the world’s largest living entity, realising its breathtaking colour and majesty, seeing nature at its most perfect is an awakening and, quite simply, the memory of a lifetime. Come and experience nature’s finest with Australia’s best. At Agincourt ribbon reef, you’ll feel as if you’ve embraced paradise.

Bus transfers available from Cairns & Port Douglas as an optional extra. If not simply make your own way to the Quicksilver office at the Port Douglas Marina on Wharf St, Port Douglas. Parking is available free of charge at the Marina.

Be whisked away to visit three spectacular outer reef sites at Flynn, Pellow, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs.
Silverswift is the only Cairns-based vessel to visit three sites in one day and is also the fastest! Enjoy 5 hours of fun with unlimited snorkelling, hot freshwater showers, change rooms, air-conditioned lounges and a licensed bar.

You will have the opportunity to explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens awash with vibrantly coloured marine creatures as you visit three different outer reef sites. Locations vary with the day’s diving and snorkelling conditions; however, each site is chosen for visual impact and ecological diversity.

A day with Silverswift is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s exciting, exotic and breathtaking! With our 19 exclusive permits and remote sites, you’ll be able to dive and snorkel 3 uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites, each chosen to suit the day’s conditions. In between water activities, relax on the sundecks or in the air-conditioned lounges, and enjoy a delicious lunch for hungry adventurers!

A day with Silversonic is all about being in the water and experiencing the magical underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. It's exciting, exotic and breathtaking!
You'll be able to snorkel and dive 3 uniquely different and ecologically diverse sites, each chosen to suit the day's conditions.  In between water activities, relax on the sun decks or in the air-conditioned lounges and enjoy a delicious lunch for hungry adventurers.
Silversonic is an Advanced Eco Certified operator  with exclusive permits to 35 exclusive Ribbon Reef Sites. During the months of May to September our tropical waters present the added bonus of sighting whales as they migrate north to mate and give birth. Silversonic has one of the few permits from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that allows guests to swim with Dwarf Minke whales if encountered.