great barrier reef tours in cairns and the tropical north queensland region
News
Biologist reported that on June 9th 2006, a Minke Whale swam around the customers on the guided snorkelling tour at Agincourt Reef continue...
Prodive
3 Day 2 Night Liveaboard Dive Trip
The best way to really experience the Great Barrier Reef is to stay out there for a few days. This gives you much more time to really enjoy the reef in a more relaxed environment. The amount of diving and snorkeling you'll get to do as well as the opportunity to do night dives, combined with two nights accommodation, makes this live aboard adventure unmatched for experience and value. Our three premium dive boats provide you with fully air conditioned, comfortable and spacious living conditions. Accommodation on board our dive vessels is all double or twin-share at no extra cost. You’ll have the opportunity to do 11 dives — 9 day dives and 2 night dives — as well as lots of snorkeling. On every trip we visit a large variety of our 16 exclusive sites. These sites provide some of the best outer reef diving available and have been selected for their variety and quality of coral and marine life, as well as great visibility. We rarely dive the same site more than twice. Trips depart everyday except Tuesdays! continue...
5 Day Learn to Dive Course
If you are thinking about taking the plunge and learning to dive, our 5 day PADI “Open Water” dive course is our most popular option for you to become a scuba diver. The adventure of staying out on the reef for three days and two nights and the five extra recreational dives makes this course unmatched for experience and value. This dive course option consists of two days of theory and pool training then a "three day, two nights, nine dives, liveaboard dive" trip. Courses begin every day, except Sunday, and include the PADI Open Water manual, Dive insurance, dive log book, passport photos, dive equipment, meals and linen, accommodation transfers, and a marine biology presentation. continue...
Higher Education Dive Courses
This course is serious fun and an important part of your dive education. It is highly recommended to all recreational divers. During this course you will learn all the necessary skills and gain the confidence to handle many situations that may occur while diving. continue...
Includes: 10 dives in 4 days.
PADI Advanced Course
The PADI Advanced Course, Adventures in Diving program, is the first step beyond the Open Water Certification. This course will develop your confidence and skills, make your diving more enjoyable and will expand your diving options for the future. The course is held onboard the 3 day 2 night liveaboard cruise and consists of 5 training dives and up to 6 pleasure dives including 2 night dives. There is no formal classroom sessions involved but you will need to read through the PADI Adventures in Diving manual and answer the relevant knowledge review questions. Your advanced training consists of 5 training dives including ‘Deep Dive’, ‘Underwater Naturalist’, ‘Night Dive’, ‘Underwater Navigation’ and a choice of two electives. These may include ‘Underwater Photography’ or ‘Search and Recovery’. continue...
Includes: 11 dives — 9 day and 2 night dives.
Low Isles — Wavedancer Port Douglas
Set like a jewel in the Great Barrier Reef, Low Isles is an idyllic, unspoilt coral cay island — a tropical island paradise. Combined with the romance of big ship sailing aboard Quicksilver's luxury sailing catamaran, Wavedancer, this is the perfect day for families and couples seeking island relaxation.
From the moment Wavedancer moors in the calm waters of the island's picturesque lagoon, a host of reef activities await. Friendly crew will take you on a leisurely, informative day where island visitor numbers are limited. Discover the mysteries of marine life while snorkelling or glass bottom boat viewing. Take a guided beach walk and snorkelling tour with a marine biologist or just relax on the beach under a thatched umbrella continue...
Aristocat
As an Aristocat guest you will have the dynamic duo… a first class marine experience at the Agincourt Ribbons aboard a world class vessel Aristocat V.
Enjoy guided snorkelling tours, introductory and certified scuba, whale watching and swimming with dwarf minke whales (whale activity May to September) and the exceptional stability and amenities of the new aristocat … ergonomic seating, enclosed hot showers, security lockers and espresso coffee! continue...
Reef Magic
Marine World (located at Moore Reef, approx 60 km east of Cairns), on the Outer Great Barrier Reef is a site of rare beauty, snorkel, scuba dive, take a semi-submersible tour, scenic helicopter flight, visit the underwater observatory or simply relax on a sundeck and let your day drift by. With 5 full hours at the reef, you have time to do it all continue...
Sunlover Reef Cruises
Whether you are an experienced scuba diver or a non–swimmer, Sunlover Cruises has designed a way for everybody to truly experience one of the great wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Upon boarding the vessel you enjoy a complimentary morning tea then, depart at a very civilized time of 10:00am.You begin to relax and be welcomed by the fun and knowledgeable Sunlover crew who genuinely love their jobs! After cruising from Cairns on their very comfortable, roomy and stable twin hull boat, you arrive at Moore Reef, renown as a pristine reef and popular with experienced divers. We were greeted by not only the beautiful seabirds but also the resident sea turtles that call this reef home. As if on cue, they popped their heads up to welcome us to their piece of paradise continue...
Passions of Paradise II
Passions of Paradise II is a new 25-metre maxi-catamaran designed to travel to the Great Barrier Reef in comfort, style and speed. Outfitted with the latest cutting edge technology, Passions of Paradise II has awesome sailing capabilities, and in the right conditions is faster than most powered vessels.
Passions of Paradise won the 'Winner of Excellence' at the 2006 Queensland Tourism Awards.
Travelling on a daily basis to two fantastic destinations, Passions will show you the best of both underwater worlds — the outer reef and a sandy cay. continue...
Ocean Free
Green Island is a fully developed coral island found only 26 km from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef. Its protected waters are the perfect location to discover the reef snorkeling and scuba diving. Ocean Free sails you leisurely to Pinnacle Reef an exclusive mooring east of Green Island. With only 35 Guests aboard Ocean Free ensures a truly personalized and unforgettable reef experience. continue...
Ocean Freedom
Upolu Cay is a naturally formed coral cay situated 30 kilometers from Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef with protected waters from which to explore the reef snorkeling & scuba diving. Ocean Freedom cruises you to Upolu Cay in less than an hour. The first tour to arrive at Upolu Cay, offers you over one hour to explore the Cay and surrounding reef uninterrupted. continue...
Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef — Agincourt Reef
Sleek wavepiercing catamarans will take you to a spacious reef activity platform at Agincourt Reef, at the very outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The perfect destination for swimmers and non-swimmers to experience this stunning reef world. With Quicksilver you can choose to dive, snorkel, or stay dry and explore from of a semi-submarine and underwater observatory. Optional activities include scuba diving, guided snorkelling tours, Oceanwalker helmet diving and scenic helicopter flights. continue...
Great Adventures Outer Barrier Reef
Cruise to Great Adventures' multi-level reef platform on the outer reaches of the Great Barrier Reef to experience the breathtaking beauty of this natural wonder.
Discover the reef from the spacious semi-submersible, visit the interpretive underwater observatory with a reef guide. Snorkel directly off the platform or just relax on the sundeck and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Optional activities include the Scuba-doo underwater scooter (exclusive to Great Adventures), scuba diving, guided snorkelling tours and scenic helicopter flights. continue...
Silversonic — Silver Series Dive and Snorkel Adventure, Port Douglas
Explore the outermost reef locations at stunning Agincourt Ribbon Reef in superb style and comfort with the ultra modern 29 metre catamaran, Silversonic — custom-designed for the thrill of diving and snorkelling!
Spend over 5 hours at play in 3 different and exclusive sites exploring the delights of this underwater world. From first time divers to certified divers, expert dive instructors and snorkelling safety officers are on hand for you to enjoy up to 3 certified dives, introductory diving and adventure snorkelling.
Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas. Silversonic features a state-of-the-art ride control system ensuring a super smooth journey, freshwater showers, change rooms, air conditioned lounges and a licensed bar. continue...
Silverswift — Silver Series Dive and Snorkel Adventure, Cairns
Silverswift is 24 metres of luxury catamaran custom-built for diving and snorkelling adventures, visiting three spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef sites at Thetford, Milnn and/or Flynn Reefs. You'll enjoy 5 hours of aquatic fun for up to 3 certified dives, introductory diving and adventure snorkelling. This is the fastest dive trip from Cairns taking just 70 minutes to reach the outer reef giving you more time to play!
There's everything you'll need to experience an underwater world of colourful marine life in safety and comfort including a submerged dive and snorkel platform for easy access, spacious deck areas, fresh water showers, change rooms and full bar facilities. Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, morning and afternoon teas. continue...
Phantom
Welcome aboard Phantom a luxury private charter cruiser based in Port Douglas.
Luxury yachting in stylish surrounds is perfect in the tropical waters of North Queensland — idyllic coral cays, palm fringed secluded islands, the Great Barrier Reef with clear blue seas and abundant marine life.
Phantom offers a variety of charter options to suit clients requests, activities and time frame.
- Relax with a 2hr sunset cruise
- A half day Low Isles island beach escape
- Full day adventure on the Outer Barrier Reef — snorkel, scuba dive or try your hand at fishing.
- Or indulge yourself in a weekend (or longer) live aboard
Our Executive Chef provides gourmet cuisine for all charter options.
Phantom is ideal for couples, honeymoons, corporate entertaining, weddings and the whole family.
Indulge yourself in Phantom. continue...
Frankland Islands
The diversity that you encounter when traveling to the Frankland Islands makes for a very interesting fun-filled day out. Your day begins with a convenient pick up from your accommodation from Palm Cove to Cairns. The adventure begins with an informative bus ride south to a little town called Deeral. Here we all load onto the boat which cruises along the Mulgrave River up to the mouth of the Coral Sea. From here you listen to the interpretive talks about the mangrove-fringed banks and hear stories of the Yidiniji indigenous Aboriginal people who have potentially called the Mulgrave their home for thousands of years. It is the shortest open water crossing ride in Queensland to the Franklin Islands and this company is the only tour operator allowed to visit the uninhabited and undeveloped pristine Island. The cruise is spectacular as the journey combines a river cruise as well as a reef and Island experience. It is a visual delight to have the backdrop of the mainland all day. continue...
Ocean Spirit Cruises
This is a truly amazing trip travelling on board this spectacular 26 metre 5 star catamaran with Ocean Spirit Cruises to two of the most beautiful destinations on the Great Barrier Reef. Oyster Reef is a shallow, clear reef abundant with marine life, offering both snorkellers and divers protected waters in which to experience the true wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Be as active or as relaxed as you like, maybe try an introductory scuba dive, or if you’re a certified diver, enjoy being guided by Ocean Spirit’s qualified instructors on some of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. continue...
Ocean Spirit Dinner Cruise
Imagine — sailing aboard a luxury catamaran, the sails flickering in the breeze, a sense of anticipation as you glide towards the absolute best that nature has to offer.
Ocean Spirit Cruises offers daily cruises to Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef. Set sail and enjoy a reef experience second to none, whilst capturing the spirit of the Great Barrier Reef.
Discover the delights of our Dinner Cruise and savour the sights of the city lights set against the rainforest clad mountains, whilst enjoying an award winning gourmet tropical feast. continue...
Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises
Green Island is a tropical island paradise on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises offers full and half day reef cruises departing daily from Cairns. Activities that are offered include snorkelling, diving, glass bottom boat and semi-submersible coral viewing tours, relaxing on the beach and exploring Green Island National Park. Transfers are by modern air-conditioned catamaran. continue...
Low Isles Sailaway IV
Low Isles Sailaway IV offers a five-staFr reef and island cruise to Low Isles, a tropical coral cay island on the Great Barrier Reef. The new Low Isles Sailaway IV is a state-of-the-art catamaran, built in France, and is an ideal vessel to experience the thrill of sailing and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. With the maximum of up to 33 guests Low Isles Sailaway IV ensures enjoyment, excellent service and personal attention from the friendly crew; your wish is there command. continue...
Sailaway IV Sunset Cruise
Relax and enjoy a magnificent sunset cruise along the Port Douglas inlet every Wednesday night. This 1.5 hour cruise departs at 5:00pm and features a leisurely cruise along the stunning inlet where you can watch as the bright tropical landscape camouflages into the evening as the sun lowers itself beneath the mountains. Sunsets over Port Douglas are renowned as being spectacular so make sure you bring your camera to capture this striking image. continue...
Shaolin
Shaolin is an authentic Chinese sailing junk with an amazing history. Enjoy the classic ambience of this unique vessel; built from teak she has cruised the South China Sea for 16 years and sailed around the world twice before making Port Douglas her home. continue...
Poseidon Outer Reef Cruises Port Douglas
Poseidon Outer Reef Cruises offers a five star cruise to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The 24m, ultra modern high speed catamaran is the perfect vessel to experience the reef.
Poseidon departs daily, visiting three spectacular sites on the outer edge of the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. The Agincourt Reefs are renowned as being the best reefs accessible in a day trip. The crystal-clear waters, beautiful corals and incredible fish life found at the Agincourts, 70km North East of Port Douglas, enables Poseidon to offer the best possible day boat diving and snorkeling.
Poseidon caters to snorkellers, introductory and certified divers. Poseidon has limited passenger numbers which offers personal service and individual attention. Our guests are looked after by 10 highly qualified crew members to ensure there is plenty of help on hand to assist both experienced and beginner divers and snorkellers. continue...
GBR Helicopter Group
Let us take you on an unforgettable journey in our unique Tropical Region. GBR Helicopter Group is the largest & most experienced helicopter operator in Tropical Queensland with a fleet of 8 helicopters.
- Take our deluxe option & fly to Great Barrier Reef
- Large range of Reef and Rainforest scenic flights
- Indulge in luxury packages
Scenic flights are available from Cairns and Port Douglas. Airport transfers are available to TNQ islands and resorts. continue...
Stardancer II
Stardancer II is a 44’ Beneteau yacht, luxuriously appointed to give you a thoroughly enjoyable and comfortable tour of our spectacular reefs. On Stardancer charters you can choose where and when you go, and what you see and do, or you can simply leave it all to the captain.
Great sailing, spectacular snorkelling and absolute peace along with the most personal and informative of service is just part of the unforgettable experience. continue...
Spirit of Freedom
Enjoy the best in dive cruising on board the 120 ft luxurious Spirit of Freedom. Departures are from Cairns to the world famous Cod Hole and Australia's spectacular Coral Sea reefs. On board you will enjoy 5 star chef prepared meals, comfortable lounge areas and sun decks, and spacious cabins with ensuite bathrooms. Nitrox and digital photo facilities are available, and the 3 and 4 day tours include a low level reef flight to/ from Lizard Island. A recommended trip for discerning divers who appreciate the little extras, while enjoying Australia's best diving. continue...
Tusa Dive
Come experience the newest and most modern boat on the Great Barrier Reef; Tusa 5. The evolutionary Tusa 5 is a 24.5 metre custom built boat that can travel at up to 20 knots. This purpose-designed vessel offers guests comfort and style while travelling to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The 90 minute journey is made enjoyable with flat screen TVs providing reef education throughout the descent and the spacious design allows you to roam freely throughout the vessel. The hydraulic water level entrance makes getting in and out of the water a breeze and the air-conditioning is a nice relief from the hot weather outside. Although Tusa 5 has the capacity to hold 120 passengers, it only takes 60 to ensure personalised service and attention to its guests. continue...
Ocean Quest
Have you come all the way to Cairns to explore the Great Barrier Reef? Are you after more than just a day tour? Do you want to learn to scuba dive or advance your scuba diving skills? Do you want to find a boat that offers comfort and affordability AND that takes you to some of the best spots on the Great Barrier Reef?
Ocean Quest is a 34.7 metre luxury dive vessel and features three spacious decks. Choose from either a stateroom with a double bed, a twin room or a quad share room. In all rooms you can enjoy the comforts of having your own ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning, TV and intercoms. The boat also features a bar, saloon and spacious sun deck. Ocean Quest can accommodate for up to 48 passengers and departs Cairns daily. continue...
Wavelength
Wavelength is one of the longest established reef tour operators on the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas and caters exclusively towards snorkellers which is very rare. The benefit of travelling on a boat dedicated to snorkellers is you will be taken to sights that are suited for snorkellers instead of divers. Another benefit is a 100% focus on the snorkellers.
In an effort to reduce negative environmental impacts and to provide excellent customer service, Wavelength takes a maximum of 30 passengers on board. Taking only 30 passengers ensures that each person is uniquely catered for and those who are unable to swim or who are first time snorkellers are able to receive adequate guidance and care. Wavelength has the lowest group numbers of any other reef boat that visits the Outer Great Barrier Reef and offers guests a full 5 hours of snorkelling time when visiting the Great Barrier Reef. continue...
Sea Quest
Experience the Great Barrier Reef with Sea Quest. Sea Quest departs daily from Cairns at 8:30am and returns at approximately 4:30pm. During your day you will experience two diverse dive sights on the Great Barrier Reef with one of the lowest passenger numbers of any dive boats.
Sea Quest is a sleek and luxurious vessel catering for the discerning traveller. Sea Quest is one of the quickest boats on the reef and has a 1:4 guest to crew ratio which guarantees personalised and professional service for everyone on board, whether you are an experience scuba diver or a first time snorkeller. continue...
Reef Quest
Come join Reef Quest on a fantastic day on the Great Barrier Reef. This reef tour from Cairns gives passengers the best value for money with day trips starting from just $85.00. Reef Quest caters for snorkellers, scuba divers, sun-bakers and those wishing to try an introductory dive. continue...
Sky Safari
There is no better way to experience the majestic natural beauty around Cairns and Tropical North Queensland than on your own private aircraft. Whether it is the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage Listed Rainforest, Outback or everything in between; Sky Safari can make your dreams come true. continue...
Undersea Explorer
Australia’s most exciting liveaboard! We combine adventure diving with marine research, creating new dive experiences. Departing each Saturday from Port Douglas for 6 full days of diving (22 dives), we visit the Great Barrier Ribbon Reefs and magnificent Osprey Reef — an isolated atoll with spectacular visibility. Enjoy inspirational marine biologist presentations, and dive with whales, sharks and deep sea nautilus.
Rum Runner Dive and Sail Cape Tribulation
Leave the crowds behind as you step off the pristine sands of Cape Tribulation Beach and set sail for The Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by two breathtaking World Heritage areas, you will enjoy a relaxed, fun filled day with the friendly and professional crew of Rum Runner IX. Rum Runner IX is a 40 ft motor-sailer catamaran.
Green Island — Great Adventures
Just 45 minutes by fast catamaran with Great Adventures and you are a world away on Green Island — a beautiful 6000 year old coral cay in the Great Barrier Reef. With its unique reef and rainforest environment, it's a nature lover's paradise.
Choose from three Green Island Adventures or design your own with an exciting range of optional activities. Learn about the island ecology with a guided walk and discover the wonders of the reef in a glass bottom boat. Snorkel or just relax on the beach…
Optional activities include scuba diving, snorkel trips, helmet diving, parasailing and scenic helicopter flights. Departs 3 times daily from Cairns.
Haba
Haba operates daily Scuba diving and snorkelling adventures from Port Douglas. With a maximum of 100 passengers, our new comfortable high-speed wavepiercing catamaran visits 2 exceptional sites on Agincourt and the outer Great Barrier Reef. Now with a glass-bottom boat tours available at both reef sites. Haba is a multiple customer service award winning and national ecotourism accredited reef operator.
Seawalker Australia
Seawalker Australia is based on beautiful Green Island, 45 minutes from Cairns by boat. Let us take you to see the reef from underwater, without having to swim! Go for a walk underwater, to meet some of the reef’s inhabitants first hand. You won’t even get your head wet! No skills or training required, bring only your bathers! See you there!
Synergy Reef Sailing
Experience the Great Barrier Reef aboard Synergy's full day luxury sail & snorkel cruise. Catering for a maximum of 12 pampered guests, Synergy offers exclusive sites, superb cuisine and friendly, five star service.
Inclusive of morning and afternoon tea, barbeque lunch, in-water snorkelling tuition and guided snorkelling tour. Synergy is a ‘must do’ experience when you visit Tropical North Queensland.
Down Under Helicopters Australia
Down Under Helicopters proudly offer a wide range of exciting heli experiences featuring the most amazing sights on offer in Tropical North Queensland. Based upon our vision to provide a spectacular experience for our passengers — our staff, their experience, enthusiasm and the ability to make the impossible reality is what really sets our services apart.
Our tours comprise the reef, the rainforest and the outback, allowing us to provide your ultimate heli experience, whether that be something as simple as a scenic flight, or perhaps the creation of a complete itinerary.
Marcrista
Spoil yourself with a totally unforgettable experience aboard the 52ft. luxurious world class cruising yacht Marcrista, renowned internationally for the warmth and friendliness of her hospitality and her refined features. Enjoy a relaxing private day charter to beautiful Low Isles or join us for an extended charter as we cruise north to the pristine, secluded areas of the Great Barrier Reef and its most stunning jewel, Lizard Island.
Swim in crystal clear turquoise waters and blue lagoons, snorkel on magical tropical reefs and laze on shaded decks aboard your own private yacht.
Daintree Air
Daintree Air is a specialized air charter company providing 5 star service and quality products to the Tourism Industry.
Our Marine Life Spotting flight over the Great Barrier Reef departs Cairns four times daily. The flights are a perfect way to gain a full appreciation of the immensity of the Great Barrier Reef. Turtles, manta rays, dugong and sharks are spotted daily from our high wing aircraft. Minke whales, humpback whales and dolphins can also be spotted at certain times of the year.
Daintree Air also provide fast efficient air transfers to Queensland's many Island Resorts and Outback destinations, as well as Day tours to Lizard Island and the Cape York Peninsular.
