Great Barrier Reef Tours - All The Best Snorkelling & Diving Tours

View all the best Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island and the Whitsundays on the number one website for Australia's best Great Barrier Reef tours. Choose from scuba diving tours, snorkelling tours, sailing tours and luxury yacht charters in the Whitsundays. Swim with Dwarf Minke Whales from Port Douglas, dive with schools of sharks or book a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island. We are famous for our best deals on Family Friendly tours and our 2nd Child Travels Free Deals and our ever popular Reef & Helicopter Combo tours. Also don't forget to check our Hot Deals page and half day tours. Over 20 years of living locally and providing only the best tours and attractions on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland Australia. {{location}}

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Frequently asked questions about Great Barrier Reef Tours

Which Great Barrier Reef tour is best for first-time visitors?

For most first-time visitors, a full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef tour provides the best overall experience. These tours offer access to healthy coral reefs, excellent marine life viewing, snorkelling opportunities and activities suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. Families often choose reef pontoons, or half day reef tours, while couples may prefer sailing tours or island experiences.

What is the difference between an island tour and an Outer Reef tour?

Island tours combine reef experiences with time on tropical islands such as Green Island, Fitzroy Island or Low Isles. Outer Reef tours focus on visiting reef systems further offshore where coral coverage, water clarity and marine life encounters are often more extensive. The best choice depends on whether you prefer island relaxation, snorkelling, or a combination of both.

Can non-swimmers visit the Great Barrier Reef?

Yes. Many Great Barrier Reef tours cater for non-swimmers with glass bottom boat tours, semi-submersible vessels, underwater observatories and island-based reef experiences. You can also view the reef from a scenic flight for an amazing day on the reef. You do not need to be a confident swimmer to enjoy the reef.

Which Great Barrier Reef departure location should I choose?

Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach, Townsville, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays all offer unique reef experiences. Cairns and Port Douglas provide access to renowned Outer Reef locations, while the Whitsundays combine reef snorkelling with iconic island destinations such as Whitehaven Beach. Your ideal departure point depends on where you are staying and the type of reef experience you want.

How much time should I allow for a Great Barrier Reef tour?

Most visitors choose a full-day reef tour, which allows enough time to travel to the reef and enjoy multiple activities. However, half-day tours, island visits, overnight reef stays, multi-day liveaboard dive expeditions and private charters are also available depending on your schedule.

How long does it take to get to the Great Barrier Reef?

The travel time to the Great Barrier Reef depends on where you depart from and the type of reef experience you choose. Some island reefs can be reached in as little as 45 minutes, while Outer Reef adventures may take 60–120 minutes by boat.  If minimising travel time is important, island tours and fringing reef experiences are often the quickest options. If your goal is to experience some of the most spectacular coral gardens and marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, travelling further offshore to the Outer Reef is usually worthwhile.  You can also combine your reef tour with a heli & reef combo - and take a helicopter one way, or even both ways!