Great Barrier Reef Attractions & Things to do

An amazing and unforgettable experience.

This is our most popular flight and with great reason! Combining both the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef in one including the world famous Heart Reef!

Departing from the iconic Shute Harbour airport, only 9 mins drive from Airlie Beach main street.

Enjoy the iconic scenery as you soar in our specially designed scenic flight fixed wing aircraft, featuring overhead high wings and large panoramic windows ensuring unobstructed views.

Your pilot will point out land marks to ensure all on board have time to capture that special shot and take in the beauty.

Includes the Whitsunday Islands, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, The Great Barrier Reef and Heart Reef!

All passengers are Guaranteed a window seat.

Live commentary during your entire flight.

Fly Australia is committed to sustainability through responsible environmental and cultural practices and actions towards conservation and climate change.
Duration: 60 - 70 mins.


Duration: 1 hour.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. This 35-metre luxury fast superyacht departs Cairns with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day.

Visit two different outer reef locations on the Great Barrier Reef for the chance to see tropical marine life. Delicious fresh BBQ lunch, tea, coffee, light snack and glass of wine on the return journey is included. Upgrade to include additional water adventures such as introductory or certified scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight. Top quality equipment and instruction provided by friendly and professional instructors.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Enjoy the most customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a fast travelling sleek, luxury catamaran from Cairns! Snorkel and dive 2 very different and unique Great Barrier Reef Sites. "Wonder Wall" on the outer edge Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay reef area - an aquarium style coral garden with the most beautiful clear blue azure waters. Spend six hours (more than any other reef tour) to snorkel or scuba dive (see options below) these Marine Park protected areas. Absolutely no rush in the day. Enjoy complimentary Glass- Bottom Boat tour and Adventure Drift Snorkel tours with your onboard marine naturalist. This cruise is limited to 75 guests, ensuring quality customer service and passenger comfort.
Duration: 9 hours.

Travel by air-conditioned catamaran from Cairns Marina to our Moore Reef Pontoon located on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, perfectly positioned and equipped for you to explore this reef that is teeming with colourful coral and fascinating fish.

Spend 4 hours exploring the reef by taking advantage of the free inclusions such as glass bottom boat tours, all snorkelling equipment, underwater observatory, fish feeding presentation, an enclosed ocean pool for kids and buffet lunch.
The pontoon also features an upper sundeck to relax in the sun and look out over the turquoise waters in between activities. This is where you'll find the waterslide - the only theme park waterslide on the reef!

Dial up the adventure and add on optional extras like include Introductory or Certified diving, Seawalker Helmet dive, Guided Snorkel Tour or even a Scenic helicopter flight.


Duration: 8 hours.

Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef from Port Douglas. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch.
Duration: 8 hours.

With the choice of three daily departures from Cairns, this Green Island cruise is perfect for visitors with limited time, offering a half or full day experience (up to 7 hours). You will have the choice of a glass bottom boat coral viewing tour or snorkelling equipment.

As a Great Adventures guest, you’ll also be able to enjoy many exclusive inclusions such as the use of the island swimming pool and a self guided eco island walk to discover some of the island’s unique rainforest flora. The island’s well appointed day visitor facilities include a pool bar, plus restaurant and retail outlets. A delicious range of lunch and snacks can be purchased from the island’s food and refreshment outlets. Advanced Ecotourism Certification.

Duration: 3 to 12 hours.

View the colorful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day trip from Cairns. Whether you are a snorkeler or a scuba diver, experienced or a novice, this snorkel and dive cruise from Cairns is the perfect day out on the Great Barrier Reef. Visiting three different dive sites you'll discover the abundant marine life and diversity of coral which the Great Barrier Reef is world-famous for. This experience is best suited to people who are confident in the water.
Duration: 10 hours.

See the best of the Great Barrier Reef on this 40-minute scenic flight in our high wing aircraft. You'll see Cairns, Green Island, Arlington Reef, Upolu Reef, Double Island and Palm Cove.  After exploring the Reef you’ll head back toward the mainland, with views of the North Queensland coastline. With window seats guaranteed, take in the stunning views as your professional pilot provides you with expert commentary along the way. Your flight also includes free transfer courtesy bus from your Cairns centrally located accommodation.
Duration: 40 minutes.

Dive, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef with an award-winning company with 30 years’ experience operating personalized day tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The 80-foot catamaran sails from Cairns to two unique locations where you can choose to dive or snorkel with colorful fish, turtles and an amazing array of coral. With a choice of 27 outer Great Barrier Reef destinations your friendly crew can select the location best suited to the weather offering you the best possible Great Barrier Reef experience on a luxury purpose built catamaran!
Duration: 9 hours.

Small Groups with a maximum of 36 people.
Guided Snorkel Tours.
Glass Bottom Boat.
Optical Masks Included.
Free Facebook Photos (Posted daily).
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes.

See the Great Barrier Reef's coral and marine life on this full-day trip from Port Douglas. Whether you are a snorkeler or a scuba diver, experienced or a novice, this snorkel and dive cruise from Port Douglas is the perfect day out on the Great Barrier Reef. Visiting three different dive sites you'll discover the abundant marine life and diversity of coral which the Great Barrier Reef is world-famous for.

The friendly crew will be happy to answer any questions you have throughout the day. The boat features full bar facilities, fresh water showers and expansive sundecks overlooking the Coral Sea. A tropical buffet lunch will be served between sites, along with morning and afternoon tea.
Duration: 10 hours.

Down Under Cruise and Dive by Evolution, a luxury 35-meter super-yacht. This package includes a full day to the outer Great Barrier Reef at two stunning reef locations, with 5 hours of reef time plus a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef. Dives are only included in dive package only (not snorkel package). You will experience the reef from above and below!
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Join Divers Den for an unforgettable day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, around 90 minutes from Cairns. Explore two exclusive reef sites on the Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs, where you’ll encounter vibrant corals, with frequent sightings of turtles, stingrays, and more. Whether you're snorkelling, trying an introductory dive, or enjoying certified dives, AquaQuest, our modern vessel, offers comfort and convenience with a spacious deck, easy water access, and state-of-the-art equipment. Relax on sun decks, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and freshen up with hot showers as you create unforgettable memories on the reef.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. From Great Adventures' spacious reef activity platform moored at the majestic Outer Reef, the coral and marine biodiversity is at its most extreme. There’s an abundance of activities for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy. Snorkel and dive or stay dry and discover the reef in the underwater observatory or from the air-conditioned semi-submersible.

There’s also a great range of exciting optional activities including scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter - these are an additional cost paid on the day.

Duration: 7 hours.

Extremely low passenger number Great Barrier Reef & Green Island tour (max 25 guests). In fact the only small sail, reef and tropical island experience in Cairns. Swim, snorkel or dive straight off the boat onto an exclusive magnificent GBR site - no crowds. The boat is moored just 1Km off Green Island - a highly protected Marine Park zone. From Cairns, sail to this reef site and Green Island in style on a two-mast schooner and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch on board. After snorkelling off the boat take a tender transfer to explore the beauty of Green Island, see the rainforest or laze on the white sandy beaches.
Duration: 9 hours.

Viper is the only tour fast enough to get you to the hero destinations all in one day! No other tour can have you snorkelling on the outer Great Barrier Reef, doing the Hill Inlet bushwalking, and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach itself, in just a single day.
Our Marine Biologist on board conducts a guided snorkel safari on the reef for those who are interested. The spacious swim platform and in-water stairs make getting in and out of the water easy.
Our Rolls Royce jets offer comfortable cruising speeds of around 36 knots, with very little environmental impact.
Due to the speed and manoeuvrability of the boat, all passengers MUST be 130cm or taller to ride.
Duration: 8 hours.

Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.
Duration: 8 hours.

On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways.

Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel.

Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.
Duration: 8 hours.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customize your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour.

The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species.

On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.
Duration: 8 hours.

This 30-minute scenic helicopter tour departs Cairns airport and tracks out from the mainland with views of the city of Cairns and Trinity inlet, passing False Cape where you can see the remnants of WWII defences, Mt Yarrabah, Mission Bay and Cape Grafton. From there we strike out to the inner edge of the Reef and Green Island, a 6,000 year-old coral sand island that boasts its own native rainforest eco-system. Tracking to the north, we explore the western side of Arlington Reef, home to a diverse range of marine creatures – turtles, sharks and sting rays.

Continuing north we’ll circle Vlasoff Cay a tiny sand island in the middle of the reef that reduces to only a few hundred square metres in size at high tide. From Vlasoff Cay we head west, over Upolu Cay and back to Cairns taking in fantastic views of the North Queensland coastline framed by the lush rainforest-covered eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
Duration: 30 minutes.

Departing from Port Douglas, Poseidon is a 24 metre
catamaran offering an exciting boutique adventure, perfect
for small groups of experienced divers and confident
snorkellers. With access to exclusive remote reef sites,
expert marine interpretation and citizen science, guest
numbers are capped at 65. Poseidon visits 3 different sites
in one day at the stunning Agincourt ribbon reefs. Certified
divers can enjoy up to 3 dives and introductory diving is also
available. With marine biologist interpretation at each site,
snorkellers have the opportunity to participate in a
monitoring survey. Poseidon has a special permit allowing
guests to swim with dwarf minke whales if encountered.
Duration: 8 hours.

Sail from Cairns aboard a luxury sailing catamaran to Michaelmas Cay, a picturesque sand cay on Great Barrier Reef. Encircled by fringing reef of beautiful coral gardens with colourful fish, curious Green Sea Turtles and Blue-Spotted rays, it is also an important protected bird sanctuary for migratory seabirds.

Witness the reef's coral and marine life from a semi-submersible submarine, try scuba diving or snorkel from the cay to witness the beauty of the coral gardens.

Morning tea, Hot & Cold Buffet Lunch (including prawns), Afternoon Tea as well as complimentary bubbles and cheese/biscuits are served on board to satisfy your hunger while you explore Michaelmas Cay for 4 hours.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Fly high over the Barron Gorge and stunning rainforest canopies before heading over magnificent sights such as the Great Barrier Reef, it's spectacular islands and sand cays. This 45-minute helicopter flight allows one to see the 'best of both worlds', as it showcases the highlights of heritage rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Duration: 45 minutes.

This tour goes for 2 ¼ hours. It takes 15 minutes to get out there on a fast, fun speed boat with maximum of 14 people, snorkel for 1.5 hrs at our exclusive mooring located at Low Isles reef, one of just a few exclusive permits allowed to enter this WORLD HERITAGE green zone sensitive site. Then a 15 minute trip home.

The reef that we visit on Option A is very protected and has a vast quantity of corals and abundant fish species, with green turtles . On this tour there is no island access, you snorkel from the back of the boat. We own two exclusive permits right on the reef edge that allows just our 2 Reef Sprinter boats to visit this reef meaning there are no crowds at all!

See spectacular corals, turtles, and fish life only 15 minutes from Port Douglas and you won’t get seasick.
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Enjoy a 4.5-hour experience at the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef at Cape Tribulation. This half-day eco-tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species. Get ready to snorkel, alongside sea turtles, two fabulous locations at Mackay and Undine Reefs. Swim over reefs full of colorful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams, and starfish.

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes.

Save up to 10% when you purchase this Super Saver Package. Combining the most popular attractions in Cairns, this three-day super saver is perfect for first-time visitors to the region, plus you'll save up to 10% off.

Over three days, experience the best of tropical Far North Queensland! Go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef (upgrade to add a scuba dive), ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, glide over the rainforest canopy on the Skyrail Cableway and explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation with a local guide.

From the coral beauty of the Great Barrier Reef to scenic views from the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and encounters with Australian wildlife, this sightseeing package is crammed with fun activities you'll never forget.
Duration: 3 days.

A boutique, personal experience in groups of maximum 12 guests, where the crew gives you the attention and time you need to have a great time.

Coral Sea Dreaming is a unique 2 days / 1 night live aboard experience with access to over 25 moorings spread over the best reefs Cairns has to offer, for fantastic diving and snorkelling.

Coral Sea Dreaming is an experience of a lifetime and we would love for you to come share your Coral Sea Dreams with us!!
Duration: 2 days.

This 40-minute reef scenic helicopter flight is incredible. By extending the flight by another 10 minutes, we take in all the highlights of the 30-minute product, but extend the flight path out to the east, passing Green Island and tracking to the outer edge of Arlington Reef – one of the largest reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. We traverse the very edge of the reef pushing toward the edge of the Australian continental shelf where the water clarity is unsurpassed, and the ocean floor drops away to over 1,000 feet.
The additional time allows us to push further north past sandy Vlasoff Cay and on to the outer reaches of the Reef to immerse yourself in the colours and textures of the reef and clear blue waters. The massive North Queensland skies provide unforgettable backdrops for the keen photographer to capture once in a lifetime images. Our local pilot/guides provide commentary and insights into the reef and its abundance of marine inhabitants.
Duration: 40 minutes.

A truly VIP experience, discover one of the great natural wonders of the world with a roundtrip helicopter scenic flight and a day at the Reef Cruises’ pontoon!

Snorkel, Scuba Dive, visit the Underwater Observatory, witness the lively fish feeding demonstration, or learn more about this intricate ecosystem on an informative Glass Bottom Boat or Semi-Submersible tour.

Pontoon facilities include ample undercover seating, fresh water rinse showers, changing rooms, and a spacious sundeck with lounges. This family-friendly day ticks all the boxes and also includes the only theme park-style waterslide at the reef – the popular Sunslide!
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes.

The only Indigenous experience available to the Great Barrier Reef. Interact with Indigenous Sea Rangers as they demonstrate their traditional culture as you travel to and from the reef.
Duration: 9 hours.

As the first of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, MOUA will act to highlight reef conservation, restoration, and education on a global scale. The site located on John Brewer Reef is rich in history, with a strong connection to our indigenous culture and marine tourism.
The Coral Greenhouse – first submerged building design by world-class artist Jason deCaires Taylor is is a bucket list trip no one should miss! The greenhouse, which many people think of as glass walls filled with fruit or flowers instead boasts a beautiful mix of art and science. Trees, life-like sculptures, and coral gardens make this staggering 72m structure a wonderland for divers.
With plenty of reef nearby to explore and depths ranging from 1 to 20 metres, it is ideal for snorkelers, beginner and experienced divers. On the reef, schools of bait fish are common as well as an abundance of colourful reef fish. Turtles, Stingrays, White and Black tip reef sharks are often sighted.
Duration: 10 hours.

Great for beginners, non-swimmers and first-time visitors to Tropical North Queensland cruise to Agincourt Reef. You can watch fish feeding, go on a snorkeling expedition, try scuba diving, view the coral and marine life on a semi-submersible submarine, and enjoy a tasty buffet lunch. Transport between Palm Cove and Port Douglas is included.
Duration: 9 hours.

Enjoy three fun filled days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, including a free Introduction Dive; Glide over the Rainforest canopy on board the Kuranda Scenic Train , enjoy free time in Kuranda Village before returning by the amazing Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Finish your three days with a visit to the 'oldest rainforest on earth' with a day tour to the stunning Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation.

Please note: accommodation is not included
Duration: 3 days.

Please Note: Weight Limits Apply*
Looking to fill something from your bucket list? This is the tour for you! This one hour helicopter tour gives you a birds eye view of The Whitsunday Islands, and The Great Barrier Reef.

First we head out past South Molle Island Island as we approach Whitsunday Island where we take in the natural beauty of Whitehaven Beach, and the swirling sands of Hill Inlet.

We then set out to visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world, The Great Barrier Reef. We'll be seeing some of it's most famous reefs, including Hook Reef, Bait Reef and Hardy Reef, with it's world Famous Heart Reef.

As we head back home, we'll fly past Hayman Island and Hook Island and finish up with some more views of the Molle Island Group, with Whitsunday Island and Long Island in the distance.

*This tour has a maximum passenger weight limit of 130kg/286lb per seat, and total combined passenger weight of 230kg/507lb.
Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Short on time but still want to explore the outer Great Barrier Reef? No problem, just do the Reef Zoom!
With the option of either flying out & back or taking a leisurely cruise to Moore Reef & flying back to Cairns there is 1.5+ hours at the pontoon where you can take part in an array of included activities like snorkelling (all equipment provided), ride the waterslide or glass bottom boat tour & more.
After you’ve seen the reef up close, its time to see the Reef from above with a breathtaking 25 minute helicopter flight back to Cairns, concluding your half day experience.

Duration: 4 hours.

This amazing great value tour package covers all the must do's while visiting the beautiful Cairns region. Included is five nights' accommodation in a standard queen, twin or triple room, round-trip airport transfers, Cairns Evening Harbour & Dinner cruise, a day-trip to Kuranda aboard the Scenic Railway and Skyrail a full-day tour to the Great Barrier Reef with an introductory dive, and a day trip the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge.
Duration: 6 days.

Experienced Operator providing the most comprehensive and all inclusive air tour in the Whitsundays, with guaranteed window seats for every passenger. Fly over the stunning Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef, and Hill Inlet and learn interesting facts about the region thanks to your pilot's commentary. Take advantage of guaranteed window seats to snap incredible photos.
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes.

Over two days you will experience the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef and explore two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations.

The Daintree Rainforest Tour is a small personalised tour with custom-built 4WD vehicles. Your naturalist driver-guide has extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, history of the area and aboriginal culture, which will ensure your day will be a memory of a lifetime.

The Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour has been locally owned and operated for over 30 years. Enjoy unlimited snorkelling over 5 hours, delicious BBQ lunch onboard and a free glass of wine for the journey home to Cairns.
Duration: 2 days.

This tour combines the best elements of the reef and rainforest. Starting with the reef we fly to Green Island and then explore the local reefs, including the beautiful Vlasoff Sand Cay. We then track to Palm Cove and climb up to 2,500 feet as we glide over the Great Dividing Range on our way to Kuranda - the village in the rainforest. We then track down the Barron Gorge, home of the immense Barron Falls, before tracking back to Cairns Airport with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes.

Be our VIP’s for the day! Cruise to the Outer Reef onboard superyacht, Evolution, with access to your own private Gold Class lounge for the day with lots of inclusions. Dial up the luxury with VIP access to the exclusive Gold Class Lounge, located on the second level a luxury catamaran for the day.

Enjoy all the benefits of a large, stable, fully equipped catamaran with the feel and service level of a private charter but at a fraction of the cost.

Complete with dedicated concierge service and a range of value adds, the Gold Class lounge delivers an unparalleled experience for couples, honeymooners, multi-generational families, small groups of friends (up to 8 guests), or anyone seeking a premium Great Barrier Reef experience without the high-end price tag. This lounge is unique to Cairns and one of a kind.
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes.

Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel or scuba dive, tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.
Duration: 8 hours.

Join a professional crew aboard a custom-built vessel for snorkeling, an introductory diving with an experienced instructor, or two certified dives in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This day trip takes you from Townsville or Magnetic Island to the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef, where you get the chance to see reef fish, sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and more up close. Snorkel equipment is included.
Duration: 10 hours.

Save up to 15% off with this 3 day package!

Experience the best of Cairns and the Far North Queensland Region with a Great Barrier Reef Cruise, 4WD to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation and then another 4WD full-day tour to the Outback Chillagoe.

Your Rainforest and Outabck Day is a small personalised tour with custom-built 4WD vehicles. Your naturalist driver-guide has extensive knowledge of flora, fauna, history of the area and aboriginal culture, which will ensure your day will be a memory of a lifetime.

Cruise to the reef onboard a luxury 35-metre superyacht to two outer reef sites. Enjoy unlimited snorkelling over 5 hours, delicious BBQ lunch onboard and a free glass of wine for the journey home to Cairns.
Duration: 3 days.

Enjoy two fun filled days exploring the Great Barrier Reef, including a free introduction dive, a scenic tour on the glass bottom boat. Breakfast and lunch are included as well as a visit to the 'Oldest Rainforest on Earth' with a day tour to the stunning Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas and the magical Mossman Gorge. These tours are two must see attractions while visiting Cairns in the beautiful far Northern Queensland. Both tours are small group in nature and relaxed in true North Queensland style.
Duration: 2 days.

Cruise to Green Island from Cairns and find a tropical paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. You'll spend either four or five hours at Green Island, with plenty of time to snorkel or tour the reef on a glass-bottom boat or view coral from a semi-submersible submarine.
Duration: 8 hours.