Thanks to its coastal location, Cairns is considered the gateway to the internationally acclaimed Great Barrier Reef and the surrounding pristine islands. Cairns reef tours are a big hit as they take you right to the best spots to snorkel and see diverse aquatic life.
Aside from scenic coasts and stunning waters, Cairns is also popular for its lush green forests and tropical nature. Cairns is a hub for nature-loving tourists, and if that sounds like you, then this city should be next on your destination list!
With the numerous attractions and activities in Cairns, we know it can be overwhelming to work out which one you should check out, so we’ve compiled a list of the best tours in Cairns:
- Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns
- Great Barrier Reef Marine World Pontoon Cruise Tour from Cairns
- Fitzroy Island Day Tour & Water Activities
- Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Sunlover
- Whole Day Green Island Reef Cruise Tour from Cairns
- The Ultimate Kuranda Tour with River Cruise Experience
- Cape Tribulation and Daintree Wildlife Tour
Great Barrier Reef
Cairns reef tours are some of the most popular things to do when you visit Cairns, and understandably so. They offer a slew of exciting ways to witness the beauty of the marine wildlife and dense reefs, the most popular being the Great Barrier Reef. The best part? It’s only a short boat ride away, perfect for a day trip!
Here are the best tours to explore the Great Barrier Reef and other magnificent reefs around Cairns:
1. Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour
A bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef is just as astonishing as the view from the waters! Image credits: @sunloverreefcruises on Instagram
Marvel at the beauty of Moore Reef and the Great Barrier Reef in one of the most surreal Cairns reef tours: via helicopter. On this 10-minute scenic helicopter tour, you’ll be treated to the best aerial views of the reefs and their surroundings.
You’ll also see the reefs up close as you board a grand cruise pontoon boat complete with waterslides, glass-bottom boats, and an underwater observatory so you can see the fishes without leaving the vessel.
TIME
- 08:30 check-in starts
- 09:15 check-in closes
- 09:30 depart Cairns Marina
- 10:15 arrive Fitzroy Island
- 10:30 depart for Moor Reef pontoon
- 11:30 arrive Moore Reef pontoon (enjoy 4 hours of reef time)
- 11:45 lunch buffet
Scenic Helicopter flight for 10 minutes
- 15:30 depart Moore Reef pontoon
- 16:20 arrive Fitzroy Island
- 17:20 arrive back at Cairns Marina
LENGTH
Tour: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Flight: 10 minutes
This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from the sky and the sea. You’ll also enjoy the sundeck and waterslide on the pontoon during the cruise.
2. Great Barrier Reef Classic Scenic Flight from Cairns
This 40-minute scenic flight is the perfect blend of excitement and awe-inspiring views!
If you’re keen on more air time over the Great Barrier Reef, then you’ll enjoy this 40-minute scenic helicopter flight from Cairns. Aside from the view of the reef from the sky, you’ll see the magnificent coastline of North Queensland laden with beautiful beaches and greenery.
Plus, your pilot will tell you all about the importance of reefs and their ecosystems and why they are the most vital in the Pacific Ocean. Not only is the flight itself a thrill ride, but it’s also a treat for the eyes and is no doubt a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
LENGTH
40 minutes
Enjoy guaranteed window seats during the 40-minute flight where you’ll see Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove
3. Great Barrier Reef Marine World Pontoon Cruise Tour from Cairns
Enjoy a scenic cruise en route to the Great Barrier Reef on this cruise tour! Image credits: @reefmagiccruises on Instagram
On this Cairns reef tour, you’ll be able to sit back and relax on the ship as it takes you to an exclusive reef site where you’ll have the best views on deck! As you head to the reef, a marine biologist on board will acquaint you with the local marine life.
If you want to enjoy the calm waters and look at the reefs and wildlife up close, you can opt for a package that includes a 30-minute snorkelling tour. This way, the beautiful and colourful fish will be close enough to touch!
Befriend the fish from the Great Barrier Reef when you book a package with a 30-minute snorkelling tour! Image credits: @reefmagiccruises on Instagram
TIME
08:00-17:00
LENGTH
9 hours
You can book packages that include:
- 35-minute snorkelling tour
- 10 minute scenic helicopter flight
Enjoy fish feeding, a gourmet buffet lunch, and the best views of the reef on deck or in the water if you opt for the snorkelling tour
4. Fitzroy Island Day Tour & Water Activities
If you think an ordinary trampoline is fun, an ocean trampoline is twice the fun!
The Fitzroy Island Day Tour & Water Activities is one of the most jam-packed tours in Cairns. Not only will you experience several fun-filled water activities, but you’ll also have the chance to explore the wonders of Fitzroy Island. This gorgeous tropical island is only 45 minutes from mainland Cairns via ferry, and it’s brimming with stunning beaches and pristine vegetation.
Here you can try your hand at standup paddleboarding or SUP, jumping at the ocean trampoline, or simply exploring the beauty of the island. You can opt for the half-day tour package with a snorkel hire or glass-bottom boat tour. Or, why not opt for the full-day tour that includes both activities?
Peak at the reefs from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat
TIME
11:00 AM - Half-Day Fitzroy Island Transfer Only
11:00 AM - Half-Day Fitzroy Island Transfer + Snorkel Hire
9:00 AM - Full-Day Fitzroy Island Transfer Only
9:00 AM - Full-Day Fitzroy Island Transfer + Snorkel Hire + Glass Bottom Boat Tour
LENGTH
Half-Day or Full-Day
This package includes transfers to Fitzroy island and access to water activities such as stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and ocean trampoulining
5. Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Witness the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef up close on this cruise! Image credits: @sunloverreefcruises on Instagram
Unique experiences await you on this Great Barrier Reef tour, from strolling along Nudey Beach to splashing down a waterslide into the ocean! First, the cruise will take you to the acclaimed Nudey Beach, where you can walk around freely. Then, you’ll head over to Moore Reef, where a grand pontoon boat complete with a waterslide awaits. You can also go snorkelling or opt for semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tours!
TIME
- 7:00 check in starts
- 7:45 check in closes
- 8:00 depart Cairns Marina
- 10:15 arrive at Fitzroy Island and enjoy 1 hour free time
- 11:30 arrive Moore Reef pontoon
- Lunch buffet
- 15:30 depart Moore Reef pontoon
- 16:20 arrive Fitzroy Island
- 17:20 arrive back at Cairns Marina
LENGTH
8-10 Hours
This full-day tour includes a lunch buffet, free time to enjoy Fitzroy Island, and an opportunity to snorkel or go on a glass-bottom boat tour at Moore Reef.
Green Island
Green Island in Cairns is a unique tourist destination situated 13 km east of the city’s coast. It’s a coral cay, meaning it’s an island located on the edge of a coral platform along the Great Barrier Reef and mainly formed from reef sediments. It’s accessible via a Green Island ferry or catamaran. To make the most of what the island has to offer, you can check out this tour:
6. Whole Day Green Island Reef Cruise Tour from Cairns
Voyage through the Great Barrier Reef to Green Island on this cruise!
Hop on a catamaran from Cairns and cruise towards Green Island, where you’ll have five hours to roam and discover its unique beauty. On this tour, you can take a dip into the waters and go snorkelling to see the colourful aquatic life in the reef or view it from the glass-bottom boat.
For some added fun to the experience, you can book packages with a buffet lunch, a semi-submarine experience, or both!
DEPARTURE TIMES
9:00 AM and 11:00 AM
LENGTH
8 Hours with 5.5 Hours of free time on Green Island
Enjoy the beautiful sites from Cairns to Green Island, from the comfort of your vessel to the depths of the waters.
Kuranda
While Cairns is known for its islands and reef tours, it’s also spilling with marvels on the mainland. Kuranda, a mountainous village that is a 30-minute drive from Cairns, is known for having one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It’s also famous for the Kuranda Railway, a classic train that tours you through the lush green hillsides of the area.
You can experience the best of Kurana on this tour:
7. The Ultimate Kuranda Tour with River Cruise Experience
Explore Kuranda by rail and river on this tour!
Cruise through the scenic Barron River along Kuranda, then hop on the Kuranda Railway that will take you to famous tourist spots such as the mountain village and the newly opened Kuranda Koala Garden! A knowledgeable guide will be with you throughout the tour to share town tidbits and insightful stories. You’ll also be treated to a traditional Kuranda lunch to keep you energized!
LENGTH
9 Hours
Experience a relaxing and scenic ride on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, and enjoy the many stops along the way such as the Kuranda Koala Gardens and a cruise along the Barron river.
Cape Tribulation
Just a 2.5-hour drive up north from Cairns is Cape Tribulation, an ecotourism destination in Daintree National Park, blessed with pristine beaches and rainforests. It’s also a popular hub for Great Barrier Reef Boat Tours. If you’re planning on a drive up north, here’s a Cape Tribulation tour you should try:
8. Cape Tribulation and Daintree Wildlife Tour
Interact with the native Australian wildlife on this Cape Tribulation and Daintree Wildlife Tour,
Immerse yourself in the rich greenery and wildlife of Cape Tribulation in Daintree National Park. The first stop is Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas, where native Australian animals like wallabies and koalas roam freely. Then you’ll cruise the Daintree River and spot the local estuarine crocodile.
The next stop is Alexandra Lookout, the perfect vantage point to snap pics of the rainforest and glistening ocean. You can also go on a guided walking tour to admire the flora of the rainforest. It’s the perfect getaway for nature and wildlife lovers!
TIMES
Cairns or Northern Beaches Pick Up:
- Pick up time: 07:00
- Return time: 19:30
Port Douglas Pick Up:
- Pick up time: 08:15
- Return time: 18:00
LENGTH
1 Day
Have the ultimate wildlife and nature retreat with this tour, where you’ll see the natural beauty of Daintree National Park, cruise along the Daintree river, enjoy the fresh rainforest air, and more.
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