Reef Experience & Kuranda: The Ultimate 2-Day Rainforest & Reef Adventure

About the ultimate Reef Experience & Kuranda package

  • Scenic Railway Journey – Travel through lush rainforest, waterfalls, and tunnels aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway.
  • Free Time in Kuranda – Explore the charming rainforest village, home to unique markets, wildlife parks, and local art galleries.
  • Skyrail Rainforest Cableway – Glide above the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest, with breathtaking panoramic views.
  • All-Inclusive Reef Adventure – Full-day tour on a high-speed catamaran to two exclusive reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Marine Biology Presentation – Learn about the reef’s ecosystem from a professional marine biologist on board.
  • 1 Free Scuba Dive Included – Enjoy a complimentary introductory or certified dive at the Great Barrier Reef (medical conditions apply).
  • Personalized Service – Small group sizes ensure a more intimate experience, with crew members assisting snorkelers and divers.

The Ultimate Reef and Rainforest Adventure

Experience the best of tropical North Queensland with the Reef Experience and Kuranda package, a thrilling two-day adventure showcasing the Great Barrier Reef and the stunning Kuranda Rainforest. This package offers a perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in both the underwater and rainforest worlds. Best of all, these tours don’t have to be booked on consecutive days—you can choose to space them out to suit your schedule! However, please note that these tours cannot be booked on the same day.

Day 1: Discover the Rainforest Magic of Kuranda

Start your journey with a visit to Kuranda, the “Village in the Rainforest,” traveling on the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, which winds through breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Once in Kuranda, you’ll have time to explore its vibrant markets, wildlife parks, and local art galleries. The adventure continues as you glide above the treetops on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, stopping at scenic boardwalks to admire Barron Falls and Red Peak. Whether you choose to do this tour first or after your reef experience, it’s a must-do rainforest escape.

Day 2: Unforgettable Reef Experience on the Great Barrier Reef

On another day of your choice, embark on the Reef Experience, a full-day tour to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Visit two stunning reef locations where you can snorkel or scuba dive among colorful coral gardens and marine life. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, expert guides ensure an incredible underwater experience. Enjoy a hot breakfast, gourmet buffet lunch, and wine & cheese on the return journey as you relax on deck. If you’d prefer a break between tours, you can schedule your Kuranda and Reef Experience on separate days—giving you time to rest, explore Cairns, or enjoy other activities in between!

Itinerary

REEF

  • 07:30 – Board Reef Experience vessel at the Marlin Jetty, Cairns
  • 08:00 – Departure Marlin Jetty for the trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • 08:30 – BBQ Bacon & Egg Rolls served on the way out to the Outer Reef a detailed dive & snorkeling briefing will be given
  • 09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel & dive with thousands of vivid tropical fish, giant clams plus more
  • 12:30 – Lunch
  • 13:00 – Cruise to our second location to explore forests of coral, large sea fans & black coral trees in it’s shallow lagoons
  • 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef
  • 15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese & biscuits
  • 16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns

KURANDA

  • Your tour starts with a pickup from right outside your hotel.
  • Then, it’s off to to the train station first.
  • After the train, you arrive in the rainforest village of Kuranda.
  • Here you’ll have free time to explore the region further.
  • Visit the historic Kuranda markets, the Butterfly Sanctuary or Koala Gardens, all at your own pace.
  • Then return over the rainforest your journey on the breathtaking Skyrail begins.
  • At the base of the Skyrail cableway, you will meet your driver air-conditioned coach, which will take you back to your hotel.

Included

REEF

  • Unlimited morning and afternoon Snorkeling at 2 Outer Great Barrier Reef Locations
  • Guided Snorkel Tours – Non-swimmer snorkel tours are also included throughout the day for those who require assistance in the water
  • Buoyancy vests, noodles and Wetsuits are included and available for easy flotation for all passengers
  • Snorkeling equipment and tuition
  • FREE Certified Scuba Dive (licenced)  or Resort Scuba Dive (no-experience necessary) for everyone who is over the age of 12 and medically fit to scuba (See Important Information for Scuba Diving below)
  • The interactive Marine Biology Presentation is a great way to learn about the marine life from our resident, on-board Marine Biologist as you journey to your first reef destination.
  • Breakfast, Bacon and Egg BBQ Rolls, Coffee, Tea and fruit platter
  • Delicious BBQ Lunch with an assortment of fresh salads
  • Cheese and fruit platters, wine or cordial with biscuits are served on the return trip to Cairns. (Dietary requirements catered for; eg: Vegetarian/Gluten Free etc: please advise upon booking. All food is locally sourced and prepared fresh by our on board chef.)
  • Tea & coffee served while boat is stationary
  • Water Drinking fountain
  • Bus Transfers For those staying in the Cairns City District area, bus transfers to and from your accommodation to and from the boat are included in your day trip.
  • Sunscreen available on board
  • Reef tax, fuel levy & national park fees Unlike other operators we include mandatory reef tax and fuel levies for visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the trip cost, so there won’t be extra hidden charges on the day.

KURANDA

  • Return Bus Transfers from Cairns City Accommodation ONLY
  • Kuranda Scenic Rail
  • Skyrail Cablecar

Optional Extras

REEF

  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Biologist guided snorkel tour
  • Underwater digital camera hire
  • Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc
  • Bar purchases – soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc
  • Great Barrier Reef guided dives for qualified scuba divers
  • Prescription masks
  • Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area

What To Bring

REEF

  • Cash for small purchasers – Credit Card available for purchases over $10.00
  • Swimming Clothes, Towel, Sun Cream & Hat
  • Voucher if applicable
  • Proof of certification if you’re a Certified Diver

KURANDA

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Cash/Credit card for purchases
  • bottle of water

Important Information for Scuba Diving

We have a passion to show you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.

Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record.   We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules including medical as is the law.

To avoid disappointment on your day of travel we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire prior to booking as some medical conditions, age and / or medications may prevent you from scuba diving.   It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.

Reef Experience Medical Questionnaire

We are very happy to help you with any questions you may have.   Please Contact our office on 07 4037 2700 or email us.

Or alternatively, you may like to consult your own Doctor for a Dive Medical using the Australian Standard Forms ‘AS.4005.1

Flying after Scuba Diving

For a single no decompression scuba dive, you should not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive.  For multiple dives you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive. If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum 24 hours whenever possible
Come and join us on this unforgettable 2-day tour, where you’ll experience the stunning beauty of Far North Queensland’s reef and rainforest!

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Do I need to book both tours on consecutive days?

No, you can choose to take a rest day in between if preferred, but bookings must be made in advance to ensure availability.

Can I try scuba diving if I’ve never done it before?

Yes! The tour offers introductory dives with professional instructors. However, medical conditions or certain medications may require clearance

What should I bring for both tours?

For Kuranda: Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, and a camera. For the Reef Tour: Swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

Can children join both tours?

Yes! These tours are family-friendly. However, the minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years old, and children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the reef tour?

No, flotation devices and guided snorkeling are provided.

Only have time for one tour? No worries! Check out the Reef Experience tour here for an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the stunning rainforest with the Kuranda tour here. Choose your adventure!

$455
$275
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Tour Features

Included

Kuranda Skyrail and Train

Essential Kuranda Skyrail and Train

Essential Kuranda

Skyrail to Kuranda - Train back to Cairns - includes Cairns City accommodation transfers Pick up 8:45am / drop off 5:30pm (approximately)

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Reef Experience

All Inclusive Day Tour

Best value outer Great Barrier Reef tour! Snorkel, scuba dive & glass bottom boat the Barrier Reef with Cairns' only all inclusive reef tour! Visit two pristine locations and enjoy up to 6 hours in natures paradise - Reef Experience is our NUMBER 1 day trip in Cairns. An unbeatable outer reef tour...

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