Cairns Reef Tours
A visit to the Great Barrier Reef is definately at the top of most people's to do list when holidaying in Cairns. Cairns reef tours come in all shapes and sizes - and whats perfect for one person may not be the best option for everyone. Different reef tours target different people - swimmers, non swimmers, young families, divers
Some of our Most Popular Cairns Reef Tours |
Green Island Full Day Tour
5 full hours on Green Island. Choice of Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat Ride. Lunch and Semi Submarine options available. Great Family Packages, Great Family Destination Prices from $77 per adult.
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Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
2 hours at Green Island and 3 hours at an outer reef pontoon. All in one fun filled day. Includes lunch, snorkelling, semi -sub ride and underwater observatory. Prices from $216 per adult.
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Swift Reef Cruise - Snorkel/Scuba Dive
3 Spectacular Great Barrier Reef locations, 5 Hours at the Reef, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Introductory Diving, Tropical Buffet Lunch, Snorkel Tour. Prices from $175 per adult.
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Passions of Paradise - Snorkel / Sail / Dive
2 Great Reef locations in the one day, Michaelmas Cay & Paradise Reef, Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Glass Bottom Boat, Buffet Lunch, Exciting sail home. Prices from $139 per adult.
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We have spent many years working on the Great Barrier Reef boats so know the options really well, so we can help you find the most suitable reef tour for YOU!
There are a few questions to ask yourself when considering a Cairns reef tour.
ISLAND AND PONTOON REEF OPTIONS
WHO ARE THESE IDEAL FOR?
- FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
- FAMILIES WITH ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS
- NON SWIMMERS
- THOSE THAT GET SEA SICK - AS THEY GET OFF THE BOAT WHEN THEY ARRIVE
- GROUPS WITH SWIMMERS AND NON SWIMMERS - AS THEY KEEP EVERYONE HAPPY
Are there any elderly family members or young children or NON SWIMMERS in your group? If so then an island or pontoon option would suit you well - as both are suitable for swimmers and non swimmers as there are glass bottom boats and / or semi submersiable boat tours enabling you to view the reef without getting wet. Young children are also not confined to a boat all day and will love to run around on the white beaches of an island option, or on the pontoon. One of our most popular tours is the green island and outer barrier reef pontoon tour - which combines 2 hours at greenisland in the morning and 3 hours out on the outer great barrier reef pontoon.
Activities available from the pontoon reef tours include:-
- GLASS BOTTOM BOAT reef viewing tour - you are sitting on the surface looking down at the reef through the glass bottom.
- SEMI SUBMERSIBLE reef viewing tour- where you sit under the water level (like a submarine)- providing fantastic views of the great barrier reef, coral formation and a coloural array of reef fish. Even better coral viewing than a glass bottom boat as you can see from different angles (to your left and right) - not just looking below (glass bottom boat).
- SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHTS - spectacular views from above the great barrier reef!
- UNDERWATER OBSERVATORIES - view the reef and marine life from the underwater observatory on the pontoon.
- SEAWALKER /OCEAN WALKER/HELMET DIVING - These are designed for those that want 1:1 encounters with the amazing marine life but dont want to get their face wet or can not swim. helmet diving can even be done wearing glasses! Great fun and easy to do!
- SCUBA DOO - This is similar to Seawalker as it is a form of helmet diving - however it more an underwater scooter that takes you under the water (with an instructor) between the coral. Lots of fun!
These pontoon boats are larger vessels - so ideal for those who do not travel well on boats - as bigger and more stable.
REEF BOATS
WHO ARE THESE REEF TOURS SUITABLE FOR?
- CONFIDENT SWIMMERS
- SNORKELLERS
- INTRO DIVERS
- CERTIFIED DIVERS
Can everyone swim and tread water? If everyone in your family can swim and tread water and feels comfortable being in deeper water (can't stand up) then the Reef Boat options are perfect for you. These have less people on them - 80- 100 people and visit 2 or 3 outer great barrier reef locations in one day. You swim off the back of the boat and have a huge area of stunning reef to explore. These provide confident swimmers with the best possible opportunity to view the best reef locations with complete freedom and relaxation. Generally most of these boats do not have glass bottom boats or semi subs - they are designed for confident swimmers who want to see the best reefs and have 1:1 encounters with wonderful colourful marine life. Not an ideal option for those with small children or non swimmers as you are either on the boat all day or in the water. Floatation devices are available on most boats for those a little nervous.
Does anybody want to dive – intro or cert dive? Introductory diving is fun and easy and designed for complete beginners and a great way to see the reef! It is an option available on most reef tours min 12 years of age - no maximum age applies as long as you are fit and healthy and have no health conditions such as epilepsy, lung or heart conditions, asthma, pregnant, recent surgery or some medications.
OVERNIGHT REEF TOURS
Want to maximise your time on the great barrier reef?
The great barrier reef is so stunning - why limit yourself to just 1 day? Why not spend a night or two on the reef? Overnight reef tours are aimed at swimmers wanting to maxmise their time on the reef to snorkle, or maybe try introductory diving or certified divers wanting to maximise their time under the water. These liveaboard reef tours cater for all budgets with accommodation ranging from dorm beds (3 or 4 people in 1 room) to staterooms. It is an ideal romantic experience.
So take a look around and don't hesitate to contact us for any help you may need in finding the Cairns Reef Tour thats perfect for you!