Best Great Barrier Reef tours
Amid the vastness of the Great Barrier Reef is an idyllic tropical island of blue water and pristine white sand. And this is how to find it.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
Even in a country packed with unique wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is truly something special.
One of our top international tourism drawcards, and a perennial favourite for Aussies on holiday, the Great Barrier Reef is home to kaleidoscopic corals, fascinating marine creatures, some of Australia’s top beaches and extraordinary opportunities for snorkellers, divers and nature lovers.
This vast underwater wonderland covers a massive 348,700 sqkm — roughly the same size as Japan, Germany or Italy — so if you’re planning a visit, it might be a little tricky knowing where to begin.
DISCOVER THE BEST GREAT BARRIER REEF TOURS
Your best bet is by booking one, or several, of the many excellent Great Barrier Reef tours that have done all the hard work for you.
Tour operators know exactly where to go and what to experience, sort out all the logistics and provide the essentials — all with the upmost care and respect for one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Here are some of the best.
Best Great Barrier Reef day trip
Passions of Paradise — Outer Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
This full-day tour from Cairns allows you to get up close and personal with the many wonders of the reef through snorkelling and diving.
Every trip departs from Cairns and will include two destinations, picked from dozens of mooring options on the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Whichever two destinations they call in to, guests will be able to enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving, with guided tours and introductions for beginners. Snorkels, masks and fins are included.
You’ll also get morning and afternoon tea as well as a lunch prepared by an on-board chef that includes a selection of hot and cold dishes, including prawns and tropical fruit.
After visiting both of that day’s two locations on the reef, you’ll then be taken back to Cairns with a lifetime’s worth of memories.
Best Great Barrier Reef scenic flight
Reef & Port Douglas 1 Hour Scenic Flight
It’s one thing to experience the reef from under the water, but it’s quite another to witness it from above.
This one-hour helicopter flight, which departs from Cairns, gives you extraordinary views of the turquoise waters and fascinating features of the Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights will include sights of Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Batt Reef, Tongue Reef, Port Douglas and Palm Cove.
Everyone on board will have excellent views from their window seats, and they’ll learn all about what they’re seeing with in-flight commentary from the pilot.
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you won’t be able to pass up.
Best Great Barrier Reef cruise tour
Full Day Cruise to Low Isles with Lunch and Snorkelling
Hop aboard Wavedancer, a 30-metre catamaran, to cruise the idyllic coral island of Low Isles on an unforgettable day trip from Port Douglas.
You’ll get to snorkel in the stunning waters with a marine biologist or simply enjoy a leisurely swim, lounge on the white-sand beach, and perhaps marvel at the coral gardens, tropical fish, sea turtles and giant clams though a glass bottom boat.
Your day includes a tropical lunch, as well as morning and afternoon tea — and if you’re up for something a little more festive, cocktails are available from the boat’s bar at your expense.
After several solid hours of enjoying this unspoilt island paradise, the Wavedancer will whisk you back to Port Douglas by 4.30pm.
Best Great Barrier Reef wildlife tour
Kayak Turtle Tour from Palm Cove to Double Island – Cairns
Meet some of the animal residents of the reef, such as eagle rays, shovelnose sharks, mangrove rays, sea turtles and many varieties of colourful fish, with this exhilarating kayaking adventure from Palm Cove to Double Island.
With expert guides leading the way, you’ll begin by spending up to 30 minutes paddling out in crystal-clear waters to Double Island, checking out the wildlife in the water along the way.
You’ll get to spend quality time exploring the reef from the island before making the return journey back to Palm Cove.
The whole tour is about three-and-a-half hours long, with kayak hire, safety equipment and refreshments and snacks included.
‘Paradise in Bali’ plummets to insane price
Escape to Bali in absolute luxury at this five-star resort set on the hailed Mengiat Beach.
From $641 return: Airline’s insane Asia sale
Click Frenzy Travel is here again offering some huge deals on flights, accommodation, tours and more — but only for a limited time.
‘Dark’ Singapore activity that will have you stunned
From food to luxury, shopping to natural wonders – Singapore really does have it all. But the best activity happens at night.
25% off ‘breathtaking’ Fiji island escape
Endless islands, thriving coral reefs and crystal-clear water, there's never been a better time - or price - to get away to Fiji.