🌊 Cairns Reef Tours: Your Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef 🌊
Cairns is the epicentre of adventure, and it’s no wonder, as it serves as the gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. There’s a Reef experience for everyone here, whether you’re a water enthusiast or prefer to stay dry, a seasoned diver or a novice snorkeler, travelling with family or seeking a romantic escape. Cairns Reef Tours caters to all tastes and budgets.
Discover which Cairns Reef Tours suit you best.
🛥️ Full Day Adventures
Most outer reef trips from Cairns offer full-day experiences that include all snorkel and dive equipment, scrumptious meals, and even morning and afternoon tea. Your adventure is our priority!
👨👩👧👦 Family Pricing
We understand the importance of family time, so we offer special family rates. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Infants (3 years and under) travel free.
- Children (4–14 years old) pay half the price.
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) means one child travels free.
The exception is with Reef Experience family packages for children 4–11 years old, as after twelve years, Reef Experience packages include scuba diving.
Family pricing may vary slightly depending on your tour options, so always check our booking form for the most up-to-date information.
🛳️ Reef Fleet Terminal
Your adventure begins at the Reef Fleet Terminal, the main check-in point for all reef trips. Most operators have dedicated desks inside the terminal, where you’ll check in and receive your boarding pass. The terminal is conveniently located at 1 Spence Street, Cairns, next to the Shangri-La Hotel at The Pier Shopping Centre.
🚖 Hotel Transfers and Parking
We’ve got your transport covered. Hotel transfers are available for all Reef Tours, or if you’re travelling with three or more people, consider taking a taxi or Uber, as operator-organized hotel transfers are typically charged per person. For self-drivers, there is council parking at The Pier for about $10 a day or outdoor parking on Wharf Street for just $4 a day, a short 2-minute walk to the Reef Fleet Terminal and Marina.
🕰️ Cairns Reef Tour Times
Whether you’re an early bird or prefer a later start, we’ve got you covered. Tours depart at various times, with options like the Great Adventures Pontoon departing at 10.30 am for those who like to ease into their day. If you have an evening flight, rest assured that the earliest return to Cairns after an Outer Reef tour is around 4.30 pm with Evolution.
📅 When to Book
Pre-booking is essential; we recommend doing it as early as possible. Cairns Reef Tours are in high demand, especially during school holidays and winter. Booking ahead ensures you secure your spot, as reef trips can fill up quickly during peak times. Date changes are no problem if you give us at least 24 hours notice.
🎟️ Checking Availability and Booking
Booking with us guarantees your seat instantly, thanks to our live connection to all local Cairns Reef operators. There is no hassle, and there is no waiting.
🎫 Check-in and Mobile Tickets
On the day of your Reef tour, you’ll either check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal or head directly to the vessel at the Marlin Marina. In most cases, you won’t need a physical ticket; your name will be on the day’s manifest when you check-in. However, if you need to show a ticket, present the email confirmation received on your mobile device.
With departure and arrival times varying for different operators, there’s an array of options to suit your schedule. Check them out below:
🤿 Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
Dive into an underwater wonderland with all our Reef Tours, as snorkelling gear is included. Snorkelling is the ideal way to explore the reef, with 90% of its diversity within 4 metres of the surface. Even beginners can enjoy this vibrant ecosystem, and our crew members are on hand to guide gear use and snorkel techniques. Discover colourful coral gardens, marine life, and more up close.
🤿 Intro Dives and Certified Dives
For those seeking to dive deeper, introductory diving experiences suit anyone over 12. These guided dives offer a thrilling 20-minute underwater adventure. Certified divers can explore dramatic drop-offs, swim-throughs, and coral bommies alongside a dive partner or guide.
🏝️ Great Barrier Reef Pontoons
The Great Barrier Reef offers accessible and family-friendly experiences through reef pontoons. These spacious floating platforms, found at the outer barrier reef, provide sun decks, undercover areas, change rooms, and snorkel access platforms. You’ll also find Glass Bottom Boats and Semi-Sub tour departure points, underwater observatories, and even children’s swimming areas on some pontoons. It’s an excellent way for everyone to experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
🚣♀️ Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Explore the reef without getting wet in a glass-bottomed boat. Hover over stunning coral gardens, giant clams, and colourful reef fish. It’s perfect for kids, non-swimmers, and those curious to learn more about the reef. These tours typically last around 30 minutes and include commentary by a marine biologist.
🚤 Semi-submarine Tours
Dive beneath the surface with semi-submersible coral viewing tours. Glide through coral gardens, spot colourful reef fish, and get a diver’s perspective, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned vessel. An on-board marine biologist leads these tours, which are typically 30 minutes long.
👩🦽 Wheelchair-Friendly Reef Tours
The Great Barrier Reef is accessible to all, and we have options for those with mobility challenges. Some operators offer wheelchair access, but checking in advance is essential.
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, and Cairns Reef Tours makes it accessible to everyone. Book your adventure now and immerse yourself in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an experience you’ll treasure forever! 🌏🐢🌴