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Top Tours in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great barrier reef tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Snorkeling Cruise

2. Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

3. Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas

4. K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour

5. 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight

6. Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and Daintree Rainforest Day Tour

7. Whitsundays Whitehaven Beach Tour: Beaches, Lookouts and Snorkel

8. Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

9. ABC Snorkel Charters Port Douglas Snorkelling max 12 passengers

10. Airlie Beach sightseeing Tour

11. Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout

12. Ocean Free Green Island and Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise

13. Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

14. Quicksilver Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas

15. The Big Island Day Tour: Full day tour to Whitehaven Beach

16. Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge: Full or Half Day Tour

17. Ultimate Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest 45-minute Helicopter Tour

18. Fitzroy Island Day Tour from Cairns

19. Skip the Line Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

20. Remote Fraser Island Experience

21. Camira Sailing Adventure through Whitsunday Islands

22. Port Douglas Day Tour including Kuranda, Skyrail and Scenic Train

23. Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton Island Cruise from Airlie Beach

24. Full Day Tour to Sunlover Cruises Moore Reef and Fitzroy Island

25. Small Group Full Day Daintree Rainforest Tour from Port Douglas

26. Snorkelling and Glass Bottom Boat at Green Island from Cairns

27. 2-Night Whitsundays Sailing Cruise incl. Whitehaven Beach & Great Barrier Reef

28. Half Day Low Isles Snorkelling Tour from Port Douglas

29. Great Barrier Reef Day Cruise to Reefworld

30. Full-Day Whitsunday Sail and Snorkel Adventure with Lunch

What travellers are saying.

• Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise
• 1-Hour Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight
• K'gari (Fraser Island) Day Tour
• Silversonic Outer Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
• Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet Lookout
• Kuranda Scenic Railway
• Abc Snorkel Charters
• Wavelength Reef Charters
• Aquascene Magnetic Island
• Blue Dive Port Douglas & Cairns
• Ocean Rafting
• Reef Sprinter
• Passions of Paradise Reef Tour
• Keppel Explorer
• Prosail Whitsundays
• Pilgrim Magnetic Island
• Daintree Discovery Tours
• Get Around Island Boat Tours & Hire
• Cairns Canyoning

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Citizen science of the Great Barrier... - Coral Expeditions

• South Pacific    
• Australia    
• Queensland    
• Cairns Region    
• Cairns    
• Cairns - Things to Do    
• Coral Expeditions

This would have to be one of the best cruise companies around. the staff was outstanding led my... read more

Having the opportunity to explore with Coral Expeditions twice, once venturing to the breathtaking... read more

Citizen science of the Great Barrier Reef is the best and unforgettable voyage

We were on a Citizen science of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea expedition cruise by CORAL EXPEDITIONS recently from Cairns. It was such wonderful journey. We had a fabulous two weeks. My wife and I just fell in love with this expedition from the beginning. We have visited many desert small islands and coves with varied flora and fauna. CORAL EXPEDITIONS has exclusive rights on many of the reefs the ship visits so there is no overcrowding or damage done by too many visitors. The crew and staff was a highly experienced and professional team. The most important is we had guest lecturers (scientists) on the expedition. Every day we had very interesting and informative lectures about the Great Barrier Reef, scientific research, history. We made observations of fishes, corals, seaweeds and shared them with iNaturalist App. We travel a lot and it is true that snorkeling on GBR is the best in the world. We will return here if CORAL EXPEDITIONS organizes the same scientific expedition in 2025 or 2026. Moreover, many guests confirmed their desire to meet and relive these unforgettable moments of our expedition.

Thank you for the review, James. We appreciate you sharing your experience and are glad that you are keen to discover other destinations with Coral Expeditions. We have an upcoming Australian Circumnavigation voyage scheduled for October 2025. You can contact our friendly team on 1800 079 545 to know more. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you onboard soon!

Coral Expedition’s Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea Expedition aboard the Coral Discoverer was an amazing experience! Every time I entered the water I saw at least one species I had never seen before and thanks to the knowledgeable guest lecturers who taught us to use the iNaturalist citizen science app we could identify the species we saw and document it with our photo which may be used in research. Having mostly snorkeled Caribbean locations, I was awe-inspired by the healthy and abundant corals found at many of our stops especially the north point of Lizard Island and the John Brewer Reef. The crew went above and beyond to make our journey incredible and we always felt very comfortable and safe in the water. The guest lecturers were happy to share their knowledge and we were able to contribute to multiple citizen science projects. Huge thanks to the Coral Discoverer team and the fabulous guest lecturers for making this the trip of a life time!

Thanks for joining us and for the lovely review Leona. Our crew strive to be the best and the Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent place to operate. See you again soon we hope.

The itinerary of an upcoming cruise was fundamentally changed at the last minute by Coral Expeditions. The highlight of the cruise and the 'jewel in the crown' to quote the company's own marketing hype has been removed due to the inability to obtain a permit to visit Macquarie Island. This trip has been extensively marketed since early 2022. Had I, at any point, been advised that the necessary permits were not in place, i would have booked with a competitor - of which there are many. Passengers were not extended the courtesy of being informed of a lack or permit at the time of final payment - a courtesy that would have allowed me to make an informed choice. I was informed in a letter contained within the pre-departure documentation. Meantime, according to Coral Expedition's travel team, the phones are 'ringing hot' with complaints and yet senior management hide behind this team and a generic email address. I call on senior management to come out of hiding and actually manage their clients distress and growing anger.

Greetings Penny Our company directors have communicated via a letter and follow up calls and emails with all guests who have raised concerns with the situation of Macquarie Island. We have acknowledged how disappointing this circumstance is for our passengers and ourselves. This voyage is a 16-night exploration of the "Albatross Latitudes" with only 3 days of the adventure planned for Macquarie Island. We will continue our efforts to contact you. We would like to clarify that access to remote areas requires permits from varied governing bodies including federal, state, and regional landowner groups which are mostly issued annually. It is normal for permit approvals to come in the months prior to the season commencement each year, which does not correlate to the sales and release of cruise line itineraries. We also note that this is very true for other forms of travel touring in remote areas. So factually, no operator selling cruises for Macquarie Island has been in possession of approved permits. Our applications over the years have been willingly accepted by Tasmanian Parks, they have met the criteria for access and there was no precedence that indicated we would not receive permits to access the area. In fact, as the only Australian flagged passenger vessel seeking access, we are beyond disappointed with the news we have received denying us access to an Australian Territory. We have operated for 8 years in Tasmania without issue. We remain in escalation discussions with the government on the access denial. We have successfully operated our remote area expedition business for 40 years with a credible reputation for excellence. We are committed to working with all affected guests to resolve their concerns.

We had the best time on the Coral Geographer. Our trip was from Fremantle to Adelaide and we got to see the Bunda Cliffs from the water. The crew were fantastic as was the food. We really enjoyed going on the explorers as well. Would highly recommend Coral for a cruise

Thanks for joining us and we hope to see you again soon.

My wife and I had a fabulous time on this cruise aboard the Coral Geographer. The meals on board were very good to excellent and there was plenty of food to eat and alcohol to drink. Snacks and fruit were available between meals as was coffee and tea making facilities. The ship’s crew were friendly, especially the captain. We were kept busy with the daily activities, which we really enjoyed. Coral Expedition ships use Xplorer boats to take youon excursions. The Xplorer boats are held in a steel cradle at the back of the ship. To enter the Xplorer simply step from the rear deck onto the Xplorer. No need to climb into a boat being tossed around by waves. There was always something to do and you didn’t get bored. My highlights of the cruise were; - We got to see a crocodile eating a turtle at the Lacopede islands. The Horizontal falls run was a lot of fun travelling in the Zodiacs (rubber duckie). At Careening bay our Marine biologist guide rescued a baby turtle which was trapped in it’s nest and he set it free. We were able to watch the turtle swim away from the beach. At the Prince Regent river King Cascades a crocodile came out to greet us. We took the helicopter flight to Mitchell falls and went swimming there. We had great views of the falls in the air and on the ground. We saw aboriginal rock art as good as the rock art at Kakadu. The C53 Sky Trooper plane crash site was very interesting. The plane was a flying tin can, the plan’s aluminium outside sheeting is very thin. King George river gorge and the King George falls were spectacular. For me it’s high cliff walls and coloured rock layers were more stunning than Katherine gorge. On board ship we had a very nice cabin. The cabin was larger than the verandah cabin we had on the Princess Inside Passage Alaska cruise. We had the cheapest cabin with a porthole. I wondered why our cabin was cheaper that those above us. It was cheaper because part of the ships deck was above our cabin and occasionally, we would get some noise above us when people were running on the deck above us. I can highly recommend the Coral Expeditions Kimberley cruise for the sense of Adventure the daily expeditions bring and for the high standard of service and comfort on the cruise.

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience aboard the Coral Geographer. Glad to hear you had an amazing time exploring the Kimberly with us! Our itineraries, meals, and daily activities are carefully planned to ensure maximum guest satisfaction. We hope to see you again in the future!

I travelled on the Coral Discoverer for an Art Themed cruise from the Northern Territory to Cairns in far North Queensland. It was an outstanding experience. the comfort factor was high and I learned so much about Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous art. we visited many galleries and art centres, meeting artists and talking to them about their culture and work.

We appreciate you leaving such a positive review and look forward to seeing you onboard again in the future.

Great Barrier Reef

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Great Barrier Reef - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

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Great Barrier Reef Tours

Best great barrier reef tours & day trips.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise Deluxe $245

A visit to Australia’s tropical paradise Cairns is never complete without a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Join us on our Deluxe Great Barrier Reef tour where you can explore two outer reef sites to discover the colourful corals, vibrant tropical fish and charismatic marine animals that call this natural wonder home. Departing from Cairns on a state-of-the-art catamaran, our Great Barrier Reef Deluxe tour includes everything for a once in a lifetime experience on the reef. As well as unlimited snorkelling and equipment, this tour also includes a beginner or certified dive, yummy hot breakfast and lunch, Cairns accommodation transfers and more. Plus, our friendly crew are on hand all day with information about the reef and tips on how to make the most of your trip. Don’t miss out on exploring this spectacular underwater world! Book your Cairns Reef tour today.

Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour $239

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest living organism, and it just can't be fully appreciated without getting wet! Catapult yourself into nature's most spectacular wonder with our Great Barrier Reef Premium Snorkelling Tour, which will take you to explore this fascinating ecosystem in detail. Get ready for a full day out onboard our luxury sailing catamaran as we voyage through turquoise waters towards two unique reef sites. Once we've arrived, don your snorkel gear and jump in! You'll be surrounded by colourful fish that live in vivid coral gardens - better yet, upgrade to include diving with us so you can see what’s below sea level too. After lunch, there's another reef site just waiting for exploration. Then relax on deck as we head back to Cairns in the evening. For the best Great Barrier Reef snorkelling experience, book now!

1 Day Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Adventure $255

Get set to embark on an adventure of a lifetime aboard our modern catamaran to our all-weather pontoon platform! You'll have the opportunity to explore underwater marine life, take in spectacular views and experience hands-on activities. There is plenty of fun for everyone including Great Barrier Reef glass bottom boat tour, fish feeding presentation, and much more! Optional extra activities are available including helmet diving and snorkelling tour. With four hours to spend at Moore Reef, there’s loads of time to enjoy the reef in comfort and safety, wet or dry. Don’t miss out - book now for what is sure to be an unforgettable journey through one of Australia's most iconic natural wonders.

Small Group Great Barrier Reef Tour $209

The Great Barrier Reef is a must see for anyone travelling to Australia. Our $189 Small Group Great Barrier Reef Tour gives you the opportunity to explore this natural wonder without breaking your wallet, and with optional extras to suit you! Snorkel equipment and reef tuition are included, with optional dive upgrades available for travellers who want to see more. You’ll depart from Cairns, sail to Upolu Reef where you can dive or snorkel, enjoy a free catered lunch on board and have plenty of time to soak up some rays on the sun deck. Our friendly crew will make sure you get the most from your trip, offering plenty of information about the reef ecosystem and its colourful inhabitants, plus offering tips on snorkelling for first timers. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience in nature!

2 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Tour $585

This is your chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef in a way that few others ever will. Spend one night sleeping on this underwater wonder and explore more with two full days of snorkelling. Jump aboard our modern vessel for comfortable accommodation, chef prepared meals and evening drinks from the onboard bar. You'll spend two glorious days exploring the reef's top outer sites, swimming among marine life and colourful coral. Add a beginner or certified dive upgrade to make the most of your time exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. There’s even the chance for a night dive for a unique perspective of this strange world. Then in the evening, relax onboard and share a meal with your fellow travellers. This Great Barrier Reef Cruise includes liveaboard accommodation, all meals, unlimited snorkelling and upgrade diving options. It doesn't get better than this!

3 Day Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard Tour $825

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most impressive and diverse ecosystems on earth. Spend your next holiday exploring its colourful brilliance with our 3 Day Great Barrier Reef Tour that includes snorkelling at some of the best reef locations near Cairns, accommodation on the reef, freshly prepared meals plus more! Sleep onboard our comfortable liveaboard vessel and spend your days snorkelling and exploring the vast coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef. Include a beginner or certified dive package to admire the astonishing ecosystems from below. Then spend your evenings relaxing on deck under the starry sky and enjoying a drink from the onboard bar. Our 3 Day Great Barrier Reef Tour will ensure you get plenty of snorkelling time - so book now to join for an amazing underwater adventure!

Cape Tribulation and Daintree Tours

If you're looking for one of the most fascinating natural environments in Australia, look no further than the Daintree Rainforest. The forests are amazingly biodiverse and home to unique wildlife such as cassowaries and tree kangaroos. Let us show you the rainforest in a way that's never been seen before. You will get to enjoy guided walks, a river cruise and much more with our local guides who know this region inside out! Explore the area’s pristine beaches such as Cape Tribulation, swim in freshwater streams and be in awe of the fearsome crocodile on a wildlife spotting cruise. Discover the Daintree’s highlights with a one-day tour or stay overnight to sleep amongst the trees enjoy more time to explore the rainforests. Don’t miss your chance to explore this incredible tropical wilderness!

Cairns Tours

A picturesque paradise bursting with sun kissed beaches, tropical climate and adventurous activities, Cairns really has it all. While best known as a base point for trips to the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers plenty of other hidden gems you can’t miss. Spend a day chasing waterfalls, exploring lush rainforest and swimming in refreshing plunge pools on the Atherton Tablelands Day Tour. Relax under the palm trees on the postcard worthy beaches of Green Island or kayak the turquoise waters of Fitzroy Island in search of turtle on day trips from Cairns. There is stacks to do and see in Cairns. Check out our tours to ensure you don’t miss out on anything!