5 Cairns Boat Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Spend about eight and a half hours aboard Evolution, traveling from Cairns to two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with provided gear, enjoy a barbecue lunch, and add an introductory scuba session or 10-minute helicopter flight. Marine guides such as Indy and Phil may add useful reef insight.

“Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it was a sight to behold.”

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2.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

From Cairns, Passions of Paradise takes you by fast catamaran to two outer reef sites selected from Flynn, Milln, Norman, and Hastings reefs. Snorkel with crew support, try an introductory scuba experience, enjoy a fresh buffet lunch, and learn about reef life from guides such as Lily, David, and Le’a.

“It’s an experience of a lifetime! Everything went smoothly and you’re well taken care of. Very grateful for all the support received.”

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3.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Cruise from Cairns aboard a 25-meter catamaran to two Great Barrier Reef sites. Snorkel with guides such as Simon, Parker, or Harry, try introductory scuba from age 12, enjoy a buffet lunch, and hear a marine biology talk on the ride home.

“No complaints. Phoebe was very good and helpful in rough seas. Food was good. Safety review good. All crew friendly.”

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4.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181Best value

Board the 65-foot Ocean Freedom catamaran in Cairns for a full day at Upolu Cay and Wonder Wall. You’ll get reef briefings, guided snorkeling with a marine naturalist, a glass-bottom boat tour, buffet lunch, and optional certified or introductory scuba at extra cost.

“Great tour! Experienced instructors, well managed snorkeling & diving, and safety being maintained all the way. Plus the food is good : )”

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5.Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,467 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $183

Cruise from Cairns on Ocean Freedom’s fast 20-metre catamaran for six hours at Upolu Reef and Coral Cay. Snorkel above Wonder Wall, visit the Aquarium, join glass-bottom boat and drift snorkel tours, and choose certified or introductory scuba with guides such as Ollie, Paul, or Tori.

“The experience was Gold class. Instructors well drilled, friendly and hospitable.”

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