The Great Barrier Reef, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with diverse plant life, fish, and plankton, stands as the most varied ocean ecosystem globally. Stretching over 1,430 miles, it encompasses roughly 3,000 reef systems.
Cairns and Port Douglas are the best launch points for experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
Cairns is often known as the "gateway to the Great Barrier Reef," and is perched on the northern coast of Queensland.
With an amazing blend of city life, lush forests, and island adventures. Most Great Barrier Reef tours departing from Cairns feature water activities like snorkeling and liveaboard diving. Don't miss the chance to visit the Great Barrier Reef and immerse yourself in its wonders.
Great Barrier Reef - Sourced image from pexels.com
On the other hand, Port Douglas, a serene coastal gem along the Coral Sea, boasts a consistent year-round temperature of 26 degrees, making it a perfect getaway at any time.
This idyllic destination is readily accessible from Queensland through a quick ferry or plane journey, both of which offer splendid views of the Great Barrier Reef. Here's a guide to our top picks for reef tours:
The Best Cairns Tours
Cairns offers a plethora of reef tours catering to a wide range of preferences, be it for in-water adventures or surface explorations.
Given Cairns' coastal location, these tours are renowned for their modernity and tech-savvy offerings. Here are some exceptional options:
Sunlover Reef Cruises
This exceptional cruise is tailor-made for families and large groups of friends, ensuring an extraordinary experience for all.
Covering a 40-km journey aboard a semisubmersible Catamaran with a sun deck and a waterslide splashing into the sea, it's packed with fun.
Families with kids will appreciate the ocean-enclosed pool, combining entertainment and safety. Moreover, there are options for those seeking more in-depth aquatic experiences, such as the Seawalker helmet dive.
The tour includes coral viewing, glass bottom boat tours, introductory dives, licensed dives, Seawalker helmet dives, an underwater observatory, the Sunlover slide, WiFi, an ocean-enclosed pool for kids, and onboard amenities like restrooms and showers.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Dive from Cairns
This offers an alternative for those desiring a guided reef tour without deep diving. The excursion comprises a guided glass-bottom boat tour for up-close encounters with marine life along the coast.
Additionally, it incorporates two stops along the Great Barrier Reef, providing snorkelling enthusiasts with opportunities to admire various corals and marine species. The tour spans six hours and includes a seafood buffet, all-day coffee and tea, a snorkel briefing, guided glass bottom boat tour, in-water assistance, and onboard restrooms and showers.
Port Douglas Tours
Port Douglas, though slightly more distant from Cairns, is worth the journey. The voyage to this coastal haven is an adventure in itself, setting the stage for immersive and remote experiences. Here are some standout options:
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef Tour
Quicksilver Tours presents guests with a journey aboard a semisubmersible catamaran to Agricourt Reef, famous for its crystal-clear waters.
This is the perfect choice for those who want to explore the reef's beauty without the need for dive licenses.
The tour is seven hours, boasting great visibility of Agricourt reef, morning and afternoon teas, coral viewing on semi-submersible vessels, a brief lecture by a marine biologist, and qualified supervision by lifeguards.
Great Barrier Reef Luxury Tour
Tailored for diving enthusiasts, this tour is staffed with licensed instructors to guide you through underwater dives and exploration.
It also offers snorkelling options, each accompanied by in-depth briefings, ideal for beginners.
This tour also features an exquisite tropical lunch buffet, full of exotic fruits and fresh seafood. You can also expect the convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off.
The tour covers eight hours and includes dive and snorkelling briefings, scuba diving led by licensed instructors, guided snorkelling tours, the tropical lunch buffet, and hotel transportation.
Wave Dance Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour
Ideal for those captivated by the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding coast, this tour goes beyond the normal tours in the area.
In addition to the traditional glass bottom boat tour and snorkelling experiences, it features a guided beach walk led by a Marine Biologist, focusing on the coastal ecosystems.
The tour, spanning six to eight hours, encompasses glass bottom boat viewing of coral, guided snorkelling, lifeguard supervision, a tropical island lunch, and a guided beach walk with a Marine Biologist.
Summary: the best Barrier Reef Tours
Hopefully this guide has given you some food for thought for planning your dream Barrier Reef tour excursion. Choosing the right tour is a huge part of crafting your dream vacation along the Australian coast.
Whether you are interested in a specific tour or other unique experiences, planning ahead guarantees a memorable trip to the land Down Under!