Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Islands
Experience the Great Barrier Reef your way. Our Great Barrier Reef day trips from Cairns and Port Douglas take you snorkelling over vibrant coral gardens, scuba diving alongside turtles and reef sharks, or simply cruising to a tropical island to relax on the white sand. From action-packed reef adventures to easy, family-friendly days on the water, there’s a day tour to suit everyone — whether it’s your first time in a mask or your fiftieth dive. Browse and compare the best reef day trips below to find the one that’s right for you.
Compare all Cairns reef tours →
Quick answers
“How long is a reef day trip?”
Most outer reef day trips from Cairns and Port Douglas are full days: you leave in the morning and are back in the late afternoon. Island trips can be shorter. Check the times on each tour.
“Should I go from Cairns or Port Douglas?”
Both take you to the outer reef. Cairns has the most choice, including island days to Green Island and Fitzroy Island. Port Douglas is the gateway to the Agincourt ribbon reefs. Compare Cairns reef tours and Port Douglas reef tours.
“I am not a confident swimmer. Which trip suits me?”
Choose a pontoon trip. You can snorkel from the platform with a flotation vest, and see the coral dry from an underwater viewing area. Try Sunlover from Cairns or Quicksilver from Port Douglas.
“Is snorkelling gear included?”
On most reef day trips, yes: mask, snorkel and fins are usually part of the price. Diving and some extras cost more. Check the inclusions on each tour before you book.