Great Barrier Reef

Our most recommended things to do in Great Barrier Reef

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  1. Cairns: Full-Day Glass Bottom Boat Snorkel Tour

  Discover the lush rainforest of Green Island on this full-day snorkel tour and encounter some of the many marine animals that call the island home. Climb aboard the modern, air-conditioned 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. These are just a few of the many activities available at Green Island. The friendly crew will help you organize your day to make the most of your time at this stunning Marine National Park.

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  2. From Cairns: Green Island Eco Adventure

  Boasting a lush rainforest that is home to over 120 native plant species and colorful bird life, Green Island is surrounded by coral gardens and abundant marine life. The tropical island, just 45 minutes from Cairns offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest tour. And with the choice of 3 daily departures, the Green Island eco adventure is perfect for a half or full-day experience with up to 7 hours on the beautiful Great Barrier Reef island. Your cruise includes the choice of an informative glass bottom boat coral viewing tour, or use of snorkeling equipment to snorkel directly off the sandy white beaches. Whether you’re up for adventurous activities or island relaxation, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can explore the island’s lush rainforest with a leisurely self guided walk, see the reef from the glass bottom boat coral viewing tour, snorkel from the beach, o...

  I really enjoyed the day out to Green Island. It's a small, quiet, relaxing place to be. All the stuff of restaurants, shops, the boat are very friendly and informative. If you want to meet up with turtles, this is the place to go.

  Reviewed by Anonymous, 7/31/2020
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  3. Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon with Activities

  Take a cruise out from Cairns to the Great Barrier Reef. Encounter an outstanding landscape of marine life, and enjoy a choice of activities including snorkeling, a visit to the underwater observatory.

  Prior to departure from the marina, sup on some complimentary tea and coffee. Depart from Cairns’ Marlin Marina at 9:30 AM and enjoy a cruise out of the Harbour. Witness the stunning landscape before the catamaran makes its way out to open seas.

  Sail in air-conditioned comfort onboard the catamaran to the state-of-the-art activity pontoon at Moore Reef. Moore Reef is a prime location on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, abundant with soft corals and marine life. Learn about the reef and its diverse ecosystems on the outward journey with presentations given by resident marine experts. Upon arrival at the pontoon at 11:30 AM, choose from an array of activities sui...

  We had such an amazing experience, 10 out of 10, I wish I could give extra rating stars! The crew are super friendly, buffet was great, semi submersible tour is very cool! Highlight of the day was the guided snorkel tour, very knowledgeable guide, my wife doesn't swim at all and had a fantastic time! There's also an underwater photographer onboard who takes great photos!

  Reviewed by Kai, 7/25/2021
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  4. Cairns: Green Island & Reef Full-Day Sailing Cruise

  Board a classic sailboat with its crew and grab a Danish pastry, a piece of fresh fruit, and tea or coffee. Settle in the aft section or anywhere on the foredeck. Once all guests have boarded, the boat pulls away from the dock and the sails are hoisted. Lend a hand or just relax and watch. Enjoy the journey as your full-day program begins and Cairns disappears in the distance. Within 2 hours, arrive at the exclusive Great Barrier Reef mooring that’s just 1-kilometer off Green Island. From there, Pinnacle Reef awaits, and it’s just a step off the boat.

  After a snorkeling briefing, receive your snorkeling equipment, including a wet suit or lycra suit and snorkeling jacket. Be assisted as needed for the first snorkeling adventure. The crew will conduct many small, personal snorkeling tours that can be enjoyed throughout the day.

  Pinnacle Reef is a coral gar...

  We loved being spoilt by the crew! Only 25 people on the sailboat made it very enjoyable! The lunch was excellent! Snorkeling from the private mooring was superb! I highly recommend this sailing experience to any who travel to Cairns!

  Reviewed by Laurie, Australia, 6/20/2021
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  5. 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. 

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  6. Mission Beach: Great Barrier Reef Snorkel or Dive Cruise

  Begin your adventure to the Great Barrier Reef by boarding the Island Spirit between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. You will need to wear your swimmers to walk from the beach through water up to your knees. Take a quick 10-minute transfer to the beautiful Dunk Island and there you will board the MV Reef Goddess.  At 9:30 AM, have an introduction and safety briefing from your captain, then depart Brammo Bay at Dunk Island and head off to the East at 16 knots. Reach your first reef location in under 1.5 hours. In the water at your first Outer Great Barrier Reef location, you will have 1 hour to explore the untouched reefs with your crew on hand to assist with your gear and get going. A snorkel or dive briefing will cover what to do and what not to do to ensure your safety and enjoyment at the reef as well as the protection of the reef.  At 12:00 PM, depart the reef and take a 30-minute cruise to t...

  I was lucky enough to go diving in Mission Beach, with the family run mission Beach Dive, Nancy organised it for me, and my beautiful dive instructor was Matika(spelling?) she had a fabulous eye, finding huge white tip sharks to box fish and nudibranches, the reef was pristine, I was impressed with Matika, a lovely lunch was provided, and the rest of the crew were very safety conscious and fun to talk to, all in all an excellent experience

  Reviewed by Kath, 7/15/2021
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  7. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef 30-Minute Helicopter Flight

  Enjoy a spectacular view of Cairns city as you take off towards the world's largest coral reef system. Experience the sheer size and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and gain a true appreciation of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Sightings of manta rays, turtles and other marine life are not uncommon on the reef scenic flight and if you’re flying in the winter months there is even a chance of spotting whales. However, as the marine life are wild animals, this cannot be guaranteed. Your pilot will speak to you throughout the duration of the flight about the wildlife, view below and the aircraft. After a whole 30 minutes in the air, you will return to Cairns for the end of the tour.

  Really beautiful! The best way to see the reef and for some great lifelong memories :)

  Reviewed by Anonymous, Australia, 6/1/2021
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  8. Green Island Fly & Cruise Package

  Experience the best of both worlds with this Fly and Cruise package. GSL Aviation have partnered with Big Cat Green Island to offer an amazing full-day experience. Start your day with a birds-eye view of Cairns, Green Island, and the Great Barrier Reef. Soar overhead with GSL Aviation aboard a high-wing aircraft, with guaranteed window seats for everyone on-board. The 40 minute ‘Reef Hopper’ flight departs Cairns Airport and gives you an appreciation of the region that you can only get from the air. Following the flight and your complimentary bus transfer, you’ll find yourself at the Cairns Reef Terminal ready to depart on a full day adventure cruise to Green Island with Big Cat on board Reef Rocket. Your full day cruise includes everything you need for the day, with a range of extras and activities available for no extra charge. Included in your cruise is a buffet lunch, and glass bott...

  le vol était au top ! une vue incroyable et équipe au top aussi . excursion un peu moins bien mais l'île était superbe

  Reviewed by Duverger, 3/14/2020
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  9. Museum Of Underwater Art & Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

  Begin your journey from the Townsville Breakwater Marina, or from Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island. Sail to the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef on a custom-built day vessel. First, visit the Museum Of Underwater Art (MOUA) located offshore on the John Brewer Reef. Surrounded by the beautiful and colorful coral reefs, explore this underwater site which is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Learn more about conservation, restoration, and education about the issues affecting the reefs, with a strong emphasis placed on indigenous culture and history. See The Coral Greenhouse, the first submerged building design by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. After exploring the MOUA, explore other sections of the reef with dives ranging from a depth of 1 to 20 meters suitable for snorkelers, beginner, and experienced divers. See schools of baitfish as well as an abundance of colorful r...

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  10. Fly to Green Island: Full-Day Discovery & Cruise Return

  Marvel at the only coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef with its own rainforest, Green Island, a destination that offers the unique opportunity to discover both its Reef and Rainforest. This is a truly unique and picturesque part of the world that you will be able to see from a totally unique perspective.  Complete with helicopter arrival, the tour offers complimentary island-based activities and a scenic return cruise to Cairns via catamaran. This package is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef Island adventure.

  The chopper ride was amazing. And choosing the cruise back home gives you just the right time to enjoy the island. Didn't fee rushed or anything. The food though wasn't great. It was packed lunch of cold sandwiches and wraps. It would have been better if you just get your lunch from the island.

  Reviewed by , Australia, 6/19/2021