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Great Barrier Reef Sailing trips & boat tours

Our most recommended Great Barrier Reef Sailing trips & boat tours

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.

From Bundaberg: Barrier Reef & Lady Musgrave Island Day Tour

3. From Bundaberg: Barrier Reef & Lady Musgrave Island Day Tour

Visit Lady Musgrave Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef on this boat trip from Burnett Heads. Enjoy drinks, lunch, access to warm showers, a glass-bottom boat tour, and more. Snorkel in the unique coral lagoon surrounding the island and enjoy a guided island walk. Taking off from Bundaberg Port Marina, enjoy morning tea as you head to Lady Musgrave HQ, a new advanced eco-certified pontoon with snorkel and dive platforms, an underwater observatory, and a licensed bar. As you explore the coral reef lagoon, get plenty of opportunities to encounter manta rays, reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, and hundreds of tropical fish swimming in these coral gardens. Hop in the water to swim or take advantage of the included snorkeling equipment. As an added perk, non-certified introductory dives and certified dives are available if you wish to dive deeper into the coral reef (costs not included). Non-swimmers will love the three-level pontoon, glass-bottom boat tour, and guided island walk to experience the coral reef and marine life all without getting wet. After working up an appetite, a buffet lunch is available on board at your leisure, and you can freshen up with a warm shower after your snorkel and dive. On the boat ride back to the marina, enjoy another cup of afternoon tea.

Bundaberg: Lady Musgrave Island Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

4. Bundaberg: Lady Musgrave Island Great Barrier Reef Day Tour

Visit Lady Musgrave Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef on this boat trip from Burnett Heads. Enjoy drinks, lunch, access to warm showers, a glass-bottom boat tour, and more. Snorkel in the unique coral lagoon surrounding the island and enjoy a guided island walk. Taking off from Bundaberg Port Marina, enjoy a morning tea of pastries and fresh fruit as you head to Lady Musgrave HQ, a new advanced eco-certified pontoon with snorkel and dive platforms, an underwater observatory, and a licensed bar. Explore the coral reef lagoon and enjoy opportunities to encounter manta rays, reef sharks, stingrays, turtles, and tropical fish. Go for a swim or snorkel and, as an added perk, dive deeper with non-certified introductory dives and certified dives. Non-swimmers will love the 3-level pontoon, glass-bottom boat tour and guided island walk. Enjoy a buffet lunch available on board at your leisure. On the boat ride back to the marina, enjoy an afternoon tea of cheese, salami, and crackers.

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. 

Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Semi-Submarine Catamaran Tour

7. 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

8. 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.

Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

9. Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Tour the Outer Great Barrier Reef by boat with time to snorkel and explore this world-famous National Park. Complement your experience with a gourmet buffet lunch, glass of wine, and a light snack. Board your high-speed vessel, and visit some of the most beautiful spots in the Outer Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy a seamless experience with knowledgeable staff to ensure a safe and fun-filled tour. Stop at 2 spectacular Outer Great Barrier Reef destinations and snorkel with equipment and lessons provided. Feel free to jump in the water and explore this natural wonder up close. Later, sit down for a delicious barbecue lunch with salad before taking off for the second half of the tour.

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

10. From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Hop aboard a catamaran for a day trip to remember to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive, or swim in the water, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and take in the marine wildlife. Meet your crew at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, pay the reef levy, and hop aboard the luxury catamaran. The crew will select reef locations depending on the day's conditions from Flynn and Milne reef or further north at Norman and Hastings reefs. All offer diverse reef structures teeming with exotic marine life. Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail for the outer Great Barrier Reef. Relax with morning tea on the way, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine eco-system from a marine expert. Review snorkeling techniques with the crew during the journey. Arrive at the first outer reef location, where you can snorkel, dive or swim in the water. You may also choose to sunbathe, or chill on the boat on the upper sun deck or the netted deck trampoline at the bow of the boat. You can avail complimentary guided tours from the staff. A dedicated dive tender is available for experienced certified divers who want to explore deeper waters. All certified divers receive a complimentary dive guide. First-time divers will receive clear and concise scuba instruction in the water from qualified PADI professionals. Savor a fresh tropical buffet lunch prepared onboard. Treat yourself to a selection of hot and cold dishes including buffet meats, salads, and tropical fruit. Travel to the second outer reef location for the day for your choice of activity. Look out for corals, exotic marine life such as parrotfish, reef turtles and 'nemo' fish. End the day as the captain hoists the sails, and cruise back to Cairns. Enjoy a cold drink from the bar (own expense) and relax on the boom netting. Alternatively, watch presentations about the marine life from the passionate eco-certified staff.

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What people are saying about Great Barrier Reef

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.

Amazing day out - great respect and knowledge of the island. It was lovely to see the turtles and to understand the importance of the birds on the island

Excellent time out on the boat, lots to see lots to learn Thanks guys

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