With a colorful array of coral teeming with marine life, and crystal-clear waters, the Great Barrier Reef stands as a natural wonder of unparalleled beauty.
Whether you’re a nature lover, adrenaline junkie, or simply want to see one of the most incredible places in the world, I have a hand-selection of tours perfect for you.
These 5 top Great Barrier Reef snorkel tours from Cairns are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the most impressive array of marine ecosystems. Let’s jump right in.
Best Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tours
| Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns | Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise | Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour | |
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| Location: | Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD | 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD | 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD |
| Start: | 8:00 AM | 7:15 AM | 8:00 AM |
| Duration: | 8.5 hours | 9 hours | 8 hours |
| Includes: | BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, and salads, 5 hours reef time at 2 outer reef locations, use of scuba and snorkeling equipment, glass of wine and snack | Luxury catamaran cruise to Great Barrier Reef, 6 hours at reef with 2 different stops, large lunch with seafood, fruit, cheese, and crackers, snorkel instruction, snorkeling gear, Marine Naturalist, glass bottom boat tour | Marine biologist presentation, snorkeling equipment, glass bottom boat tour & underwater reef viewing observatory, morning and afternoon tea, coffee, and water, hot and cold buffet lunch |
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Rated Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tours From Cairns For 2024
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
- Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
- Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour
- Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns
- Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour Reviews
1. Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Departure: Reef Fleet Terminal, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, and salads, 5 hours reef time at 2 outer reef locations, use of scuba and snorkeling equipment, 1 pre-booked drive (if dive package selected), free lycra/stinger suit hire, glass of wine and snack
Snorkeling and diving can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before – even more so if it’s in a foreign location. However, if you want to experience one of the most incredible world wonders up close, look no further than this first tour!
The Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns tour offers full training and instruction to ensure everyone stays safe and having fun while exploring the underwater wonders.
Starting at 8:00 am, we met up at the fleet terminal with our professional, attentive guides who were there to take us out to two different reefs.
You also have the option of upgrading to a diving and helicopter ride as well, though it is extra (though very much worth it!). We chose to add the helicopter ride which was about 10 minutes of breathtaking scenery out over the expansive, clear waters.
Once we hopped onboard our vessel for the day, we were served a delicious barbecue spread complete with fresh fish, steak, pastas, prawns, salads, and much more!
Our guides used their expertise to select 6 different reef locations based on our weather, time of day, and water conditions. It was amazing getting to don our snorkeling gear and head underwater to watch majestic manta rays and sweet sea turtles, along with tons of other amazing creatures!
We had the option of including the additional experience of a glass bottom boat ride, which I did not take but I do think it would be perfect for those uncomfortable with swimming while snorkeling.
As we returned back to the mainland, they provided us with tasty cheese and tropical fruit platters while our crew provided live music and entertainment! It was such a fun, memorable day, and that all paired with the natural wonders, was simply amazing.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
2. Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
- Duration: 9 hours
- Departure: 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Departure Time: 7:15 AM
- Includes: Luxury catamaran cruise to Great Barrier Reef, 6 hours at reef with 2 different stops, EMC and port fees, tea and coffee, large lunch with seafood, fruit, cheese, and crackers, snorkel instruction, in-water crew assistance, snorkeling gear, wetsuits or lycra suits, Marine Naturalist, glass bottom boat tour
Queensland, Australia is one of my favorite cities in the country, though you can’t visit without exploring the Great Barrier Reef!
There are countless tours as you could probably imagine, but if you want to see the natural wonder in style and comfort, I have just the tour for you.
The Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise perfectly balances education, awareness, thrills, and good food in one full-day adventure that I absolutely will partake in again!
We had to wake up at the crack of dawn to meet up with our guide and rest of the crew early in the morning, boarding a luxurious catamaran equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, spacious sun decks, shaded lounges, and much more.
This is definitely a cruise experience that offers relaxation and indulgence with a full bar and all kinds of refreshing drinks during the entire trip!
The crew was so much fun, so entertaining, and helpful, though I particularly appreciated the guided commentary by the Marine Naturalist about the sealife we encountered both in and out of the water!
Onboard, they had plenty of top-of-the-line snorkeling and diving gear (additional cost for diving), and we were able to explore at 2 different locations in highly-protected zones.
The snorkeling tour with our Marine Naturalist was so insightful, and I learned so much about the marine life and their behavior in their natural habitat. Seeing the Wonder Wall, hard and soft corals, reef fish, and giant clams was so amazing, though I do wish I’d snapped some videos!
Back on board our catamaran, I relaxed in the sun and enjoyed some freshly-made coffee with a Danish pastry to accompany it before lunchtime. They even included fresh fruit, cheese, crackers, and cake on our ride back to the mainland.
Every step of the way, I was so enamored and inspired by the beautiful world and people around us – definitely don’t pass this opportunity up!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
3. Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour
- Duration: 8 hours
- Departure: 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: Marine biologist presentation, snorkeling equipment including mask & snorkel, fins and wetsuit, glass bottom boat tour & underwater reef viewing observatory, morning and afternoon tea, coffee, and water, hot and cold buffet lunch, all taxes and fees
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders I feel everyone should be able to see at least once in their lives. The Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientiic & Cultural Tour is the best way to learn about this special place.
However, I’d say this is the perfect tour for the entire family, as you don’t even have to swim to have an amazing time you’re sure to never forget!
This unforgettable aquatic adventure starts by boarding a spacious vessel early in the morning, as we were welcomed by friendly crew members who let us know what to expect and answered all our questions.
With comfortable amenities, panoramic views, and plenty of space to stretch out and enjoy the scenery, it’s the ideal vantage point to really appreciate the surrounding turquoise waters.
The marine biologist presentation beforehand was incredibly insightful, and we learned how this complex barrier reef ecosystem is home to over 1,500 types of tropical fish and a whopping 400 types of coral!
After that, we stopped to take a snorkeling trip into the sheltered coral lagoon as well as a guided snorkel safari with the marine biologist!
However, you can choose to hang out on the deck and stay warm and dry while still enjoying the reef from the semi-submersible boat or an underwater observatory!
I thought that was super cool that they offered so many different ways to see the reef, even offering the additional glass bottom boat tour or Helmet Dive!
If you do choose to stay on the sundeck, I recommend buying a session with the onboard massage therapist and really let the stress melt away in the middle of the picture-perfect waters!
As I mentioned previously, I feel this tour is ideal for people of all ages and swimming skills, so please don’t hesitate to try this amazing tour! Oh, and not only that, but they even served us hot and cold buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and much more!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
4. Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns
- Duration: 8 hours and 30 minutes
- Departure: B Finger Cairns Marina, Marlin Parade, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Departure Time: 8:00 AM
- Includes: Snorkel equipment including wetsuit or stinger suit, refreshments include water, tea, and coffee, prescription masks, lunch
If you’re in Cairns, it serves as the ultimate gateway to one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural: the Great Barrier Reef.
The Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns Tour is a full day excursion balancing leisurely cruising with underwater adventure and exploration!
If you’ve always wanted to go snorkeling, this is also the perfect opportunity, as trained professional guides will be there to help every second of the way!
We made our way to the marina and felt the salty sea breeze blow through our hair, with excitement rising as we get ready to board the AquaQuest!
With a spacious dive deck and sunken platform, it’s specifically designed for diving and snorkeling, offering easier access and top-notch gear.
As we boarded, I immediately took advantage of the big sun decks to soak up the warm rays – however, there are plenty of indoor, shaded areas with AC and hot, freshwater showers to wash off afterward.
As we cruised along, our guides did a great job at sharing interesting facts about the complex ecosystems below, as well as specific information about the Great Barrier Reef.
Once we got to the perfect spot, we donned our snorkeling gear (with the help of the staff), heading underwater with assistants to ensure everyone was safe and comfortable. It was simply magical being able to see the enormous reef, colorful coral, sharks, turtles, rays, and so much more!
You also have the option of diving for an added price, where you get to take advantage of exclusive access to some of the reef’s most coveted dive sites along dive masters!
Back on board, we were treated to a tasty buffet lunch featuring an array of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and all kinds of refreshing drinks. With fantastic organization, I’m sure I’ll take this tour again in the near future!
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
5. Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise
- Duration: 10 hours
- Departure: 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
- Departure Time: 8:30 AM
- Includes: Morning and afternoon tea, lunch, professional guide, use of snorkeling and dive equipment (if option selected), tour with reef guide, use of prescription masks, Environmental Management Charge (EMC)
Last but certainly not least, I have another luxury experience that will take you to various sites to swim among the breathtaking panorama of coral gardens.
The Silverswift Dive and Snorkel Great Barrier Reef Cruise offers an up close and personal look into one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders while everything else is taken care of for you.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro, I know that you’re going to have just as much fun as I did! Our tour started out early in the morning so we could take advantage of the entire day on the water – and at 10 hours long, this tour is the lengthiest on this guide!
Something that I really loved about this tour in particular, was that we had the flexibility of customizing our tour to fit our preferences!
Depending on whether you’re a diver or a beginner diver/snorkeler, they’ll bring you to different dive spots based on your abilities and what you’d like to see.
We went to Flynn Reef, Thetford, and Milln, though this could change, depending on the weather, water visibility, and other factors that day.
If you’re a newbie, the staff will help fit you with a snorkeling mask and fins if you’d like to keep up near the surface, or head deeper into the depths with a dive.
If it’s your first time diving, you can take an introductory dive, while more experienced divers can take up to 3 over the course of the entire day.
My time underwater was absolutely incredible, with the vibrant coral reefs, thrilling encounters with colorful fish, turtles, rays, and so much more!
Once I got back on board, we reveled in a delicious buffet lunch, featuring all kinds of cuisines and small plates, so that everyone found something they liked. It’s a great way to balance adventure with tranquility, soaking in all that this special place and its natural beauty has to offer.
More Information & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience
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The Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise is our editors Choice for the best Great Barrier Reef snorkeling tour
