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Cairns Snorkeling

Our most recommended Cairns Snorkeling

From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

1. From Cairns: Full-Day Green Island Cruise

Climb aboard a modern catamaran to sail into Green Island National Park on a beach and snorkeling cruise from Cairns. Discover a hidden gem in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and explore its coral reefs with snorkeling gear. Choose to enjoy a buffet lunch and go on a semi-submarine tour. Make your way to the harbor to meet your friendly crew for the day and climb onto your catamaran. Relax in the sun as you set sail towards the Great Barrier Reef. Experience picturesque views of the ocean as you arrive at Green Island National Park. Stroll around the island and explore its tranquil beaches. Find a stop to relax and go for a dip in the ocean. Get access to snorkeling gear and take a peek into the region's thriving marine life. You can also opt to go on a semi-submarine or a glass-bottom boat tour to discover the colorful coral reef and fish in comfort.

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Tour

2. From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Tour

Explore the stunning biodiversity of the outer Great Barrier Reef on this diving and snorkeling tour from Cairns. Sail on s boat 3 sun decks, 2 air-conditioned indoor saloons, a spacious dive deck, and a sunken platform for easy water access. Have drinks and a packed lunch. Depart Cairns in the morning for the outer reef on this 8-hour tour. Whether you are a snorkeler, first-time SCUBA diver, or already certified diver, join a once in a lifetime adventure aboard a luxury day trip to the great barrier reef. Enjoy a light morning tea and a delicious pre-packed picnic lunch. Complimentary tea, coffee, and chilled water are served throughout the day (snacks, soft and alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase). Discover the Great Barrier Reef in the easiest way possible: with a snorkel - it is as simple as breathing. If you have never snorkeled before, don't worry, a briefing is held on board, explaining how to put and use the snorkeling gear. The private reef locations are approximately 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) offshore, these unique sites offer superb coral formations and an abundance of coral and marine life including inquisitive Nemos, Turtles, Stingrays and Wally the friendly Maori Wrasse. Visit 2 different reef locations daily, these are chosen en-route considering weather and sea conditions to ensure the best in-water experience. Visit either Normank, Saxon or Hastings Reef.

Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

3. Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

Step foot on a super-fast, luxury 20m CAT, feeling welcomed and pampered, and embark on an ocean-filled journey of discovery. After your early boarding from Marlin Marina, breathe in the morning ocean breeze as you sail to one of two snorkel and dive destinations. From there, explore the ocean's brilliant fish and coral reefs. At the stunning Upolu Coral Cay Reef, learn about graceful blue-spotted stingrays, tenacious green sea turtles, bright damsel fish, and other amazing creatures that call this reef their home, as you observe them from a glass bottom boat. You’ll then have the chance to see these inquisitive creatures up close, while snorkeling within the incredibly clear, turquoise water. The second snorkel and dive site is the fascinating ‘Wonder Wall’, located on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. Enjoy snorkeling on the top of the wall for easy viewing of all the marine life and coral. Sign-up for the optional, certified or introductory guided dive, encountering a huge variety of aquatic flora and fauna, including hard and soft corals, giant clams, fans, turtles and a vast assortment of colorful tropical fish as you descend and meander along the side of the wall .  In between visiting these two sites, enjoy a smorgasbord lunch fit for a king. Savor smoked salmon, prawns, three types of cold meat, a chicken platter, three fresh salads and a variety of breads. After a relaxed six hours of diving and snorkeling, spend the trip home indulging in even more delicious food, arriving back at Cairns at around 4:30 PM.

From Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour

4. From Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Adventure Tour

Discover Fitzroy Island on a day tour from Cairns. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride and explore the many hiking trails. Admire the marine life native to the coral reef as you snorkel or observe from a glass-bottom boat. Choose from a range of packages, including transfers for you to explore on your own, or a package including snorkel or glass-bottom boat activities. Explore the Island's 339 hectares of lush rainforest that covers 94 percent of the island and is protected and managed as a National Park. Walking trails are suitable for all levels of fitness, allowing you to explore areas of the island at your leisure. The fast catamaran departs from the Marlin Marina, with check-in directly on the vessel. Cruise south along the calm waters of the coastline to reach Fitzroy Island in just 45 minutes, giving you up to 7 hours to explore the tropical island.

From Cairns: Green Island Half-Day Morning Cruise

5. From Cairns: Green Island Half-Day Morning Cruise

Discover the lush rainforest of Green Island on this half-day tour and encounter some of the many marine animals that call the island home. Climb aboard the modern, air-conditioned 24-meter catamaran "Reef Rocket" to cruise over to this idyllic part of the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy a full-day reef tour just 45-minutes from Cairns. Snorkel and dive among the reef fish and coral gardens, or stay dry on a spectacular semi-submersible submarine or glass-bottom boat to discover the underwater life in comfort. Alternatively, simply laze on the white sandy beach and soak up the sun.

From Cairns: Afternoon Cruise to Green Island

6. From Cairns: Afternoon Cruise to Green Island

Board a catamaran in Cairns and set sail towards the idyllic Green Island. Discover the natural beauty of this 600-year-old coral cay in an afternoon and explore the very best of what the island has to offer. You decide how you'll spend your time once you arrive at Green Island. Indulge in a few hours of relaxation and lounge on white sandy beaches or take a self-guided walk through the island's lush forest. If you prefer to stay dry, join a tour of the island's reef on a glass-bottom boat. Feeling more adventurous? Make use of the snorkeling gear provided and view the thriving marine life and reef up close. 

Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Dive Full-Day Adventure

7. Great Barrier Reef Snorkel & Dive Full-Day Adventure

Climb aboard the Silverswift luxury catamaran, custom-designed for the thrill of diving and snorkeling, and enjoy a day of fun and adventure on the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Perfect for adventure-minded people, you’ll enjoy 5 hours of aquatic fun for unlimited snorkeling, up to 3 certified dives, and introductory diving. This is the fastest dive trip from Cairns to the outer reef, giving you more time to play. It is also the only day dive trip from Cairns that visits 3 sites in one day. Explore spectacular coral formations and underwater gardens awash with vibrantly colored marine creatures, as you visit the outer reef sites of Flynn, Pellowe, Milln and/or Thetford Reefs. Snorkel briefs are conducted at each site and a guided snorkel tour is included in your day. Introductory diving is available for those with no prior experience, and you’ll have an expert dive instructor by your side to guide you through an unforgettable adventure. Certified divers can experience up to 3 dives at 3 different sites, with all dives guided to maximize your experience. On board, your friendly crew will encourage you to relax and enjoy the vessel’s comforts, including a delicious hot and cold tropical buffet lunch. Silverswift also features spacious sundeck areas, hot freshwater showers, change rooms and a licensed bar. The large dive and snorkel platform provides easy water access for all water activities. With a state-of-the-art ride control system, a smooth journey is ensured, even when travelling at up to 32 knots.

From Cairns: Michaelmas Cay National Park Catamaran Cruise

8. From Cairns: Michaelmas Cay National Park Catamaran Cruise

Departing daily from Cairns, the beautiful 32-meter sailing catamaran sets sail for a day to remember at the picturesque Michaelmas Cay on the Great Barrier Reef. Encircled by fringing reef teeming with colorful marine life, this unique reef environment is also a bird lover’s delight and an important protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. As a National Park, daily visitor numbers and access to the cay is limited to preserve this special environment. Luckily, you will spend 4 hours at this beautiful location. Throughout the day, the beach buggy boat will transfer you between the catamaran and the beach. Snorkel directly from the beach in the cay’s protected shallow waters, cruise in the semi-submersible with commentary for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the fascinating island birdlife. For the more adventurous there is the option to experience an exciting introductory scuba dive or join the marine biologist for a guided snorkel tour. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can just relax on the beach or on the catamaran's spacious decks and enjoy a leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef. The choice is yours. An informative marine biologist reef presentation, delicious hot and cold buffet lunch and morning and afternoon teas are also included in your day. Your cruise will combine motor and sailing, depending on the day’s conditions. On the homeward bound journey, enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling wine under the sails. Then, return to Cairns for the end of the tour.

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Semi-Submarine Catamaran Tour

9. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Semi-Submarine Catamaran Tour

Explore the heart of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on this day trip from Cairns. Journey on a semi-submarine catamaran that's perfect for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers alike, with a range of onboard and water activities. Travel to a spacious activity platform moored at a site on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Spend 3 hours enjoying the activities and facilities of the platform and discover the marine biodiversity of the reef is at its most extreme. Snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens that are home to extraordinary marine life and rainbow-colored tropical fish. Enjoy easy access to the water from the snorkel platforms. You might even meet Wally, the most friendly fish in the reef. If you choose to stay dry, discover the reef from the underwater observatory. Enjoy the comfort of the air-conditioned semi-submarine with expert commentary.

Cairns: Full-Day Glass Bottom Boat or Snorkel Tour

10. Cairns: Full-Day Glass Bottom Boat or Snorkel Tour

Climb aboard a catamaran cruise on a day trip from Cairns. Get a fish-eye view of Green Islands' reef from a glass-bottom boat. Explore the marine life with the snorkeling gear provided. Take a guided boardwalk stroll in the rainforest. Upgrade your experience with a lunch and submarine tour. Climb aboard a modern, air-conditioned catamaran to cruise over to this idyllic part of the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a full-day reef tour, just a few minutes away from Cairns. Snorkel and dive among the reef fish and coral gardens or laze on the white sandy beach and soak up the sun. Walk across the secluded island rainforest on a guided boardwalk stroll. Additionally, choose between a spectacular semi-submersible submarine tour or a glass-bottom boat tour to make the most of your adventure on the water. Book an option with lunch included and forget about packing your own food.

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What people are saying about Cairns

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,218 reviews

Really nice tour with lots of freedom to create your day like you want. We had enough time to explore the island, go snorkelling and do a semi submarine tour. If you're booking via GetYourGuide, be prepared that you need to check in at the Reef Fleet Terminal to get your actual ticket.

The entire experience was fabulous. They staff were knowledgeable, very helpful, and seemed to enjoy their job. The boat, called the Evolution, was clean and large enough that it didn’t feel cramped. The lunch was excellent, and there was plenty for a second helping.

The tour was awesome! Loved the rooftop deck. Had enough time to explore under the sea. Just the seats were a lil bit narrow and there was no sofa couch like the pics.

Great crew that gives 100% effort. Very tasty food!

One of the most beautiful place I’ve ever been in.