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    14 best things to do in Cairns, Australia

  • Explore Cairns
  • Places to see
  • Things to do
  • Trip inspiration
  • Top sights
  • Attraction types
  • Outside Cairns

Fitzroy Island

Cairns Aquarium

Paronella Park

Michaelmas Cay

Barron Gorge

Trinity Inlet

Reef Fleet Terminal

Crystal Cascades

Cairns Botanic Gardens

Cairns Harbour

Dundee's Restaurant on the Waterfront

Nudey Beach, Fitzroy Island

Day trips

Island tours

UNESCO sites

Viewing points

Multi-day trips

Garden & park tours

Theme & amusement parks

Nearby destinations

Port Douglas tours

Cape Tribulation tours

Kuranda tours

Palm Cove tours

Daintree tours

Nearby sights

Daintree RainforestAttraction in Daintree National Park, Australia

Skyrail Rainforest CablewayAttraction in Smithfield, Queensland, Australia

Mossman GorgeAttraction in Daintree National Park, Australia

Kuranda Scenic RailwayAttraction in Kuranda, Australia

Green IslandAttraction in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Low IslesAttraction in Great Barrier Reef, Australia

  • Top experiences
  • Interests
  • Outside Cairns

Jungle tours

Snorkeling

Sailing trips & boat tours

Diving

Zoos

Rail tours

Aquariums

Kangaroo & koala experiences

Dinner & lunch cruises

Fishing tours

Sky diving

River rafting

Explore more things to do in Cairns

Sightseeing

Water sports

Extreme sports & adrenaline

Food & drinks

Safaris & wildlife activities

Hidden gems

Rainy-day activities

Explore more things to do in Cairns

Things to do in Port Douglas

Things to do in Cape Tribulation

Things to do in Kuranda

Things to do in Palm Cove

Things to do in Daintree

Explore more things to do in Cairns

  • Articles

14 best things to do in Cairns, Australia

Certified by GetYourGuide

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
2827 reviews
Activity provider:
Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef
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Certified by GetYourGuide
From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
2827 reviews

Set sail to 2 outer reef locations on a high-performance catamaran. Snorkel, swim, dive or just relax onboard as you spot turtles, fish, and exotic corals.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 9 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Small group available

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Martin – United Kingdom

Snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef. Got sea sick snorkelling so can’t comment on food

5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Chloe – Australia

Absolutely have to do while in Cairns. 10/10 experience, would highly recommend!!

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • 2 starting location options:

    Reef Fleet Terminal, Ports North

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Coffee, Tea, Welcome refreshments (30 minutes)

  • Catamaran

    (2 hours)

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Snorkeling, Scuba diving (2 hours)

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Lunch (1 hour)

  • Great Barrier Reef

    Snorkeling, Scuba diving (1.5 hours)

  • Catamaran

    (2 hours)

    Great Barrier Reef

    Beer, Wine, Cheese tasting, Local snacks (30 minutes)

    Optional, Extra fee
  • 2 drop-off locations:

    Ports North, Reef Fleet Terminal

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Visit 2 diverse reef destinations in the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spot marine life: turtles or a giant wrasse on the outer reef
  • Feast from a chef-prepared lunch, including fresh tropical fruit
  • Relax on board a luxury catamaran
  • Eco Tourism and Climate Leader Certified

Full description

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 chef prepared buffet lunch, and take in the marine wildlife.
Meet your crew at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal and hop aboard the luxury catamaran. The crew will select reef locations depending on the day's conditions from Flynn and Milln 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.
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.

Includes

  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Snorkeling tutorial/tours
  • Visit to two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
  • Flotation belts
  • Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
  • An on-board marine life presentation
  • Winter wetsuits or sunsuits in summer months
  • Prescription masks
  • Underwater camera hire/photography services with an 8GB SD card
  • Scuba dive
  • Souvenirs
  • Bottled water, snacks, and drinks from the bar
  • Hotel transfers

Not suitable for

  • People with pre-existing medical conditions

Meeting point

Meet at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Check-in is from 7 AM to 7:45 AM for an 8 AM departure. Parking is available across the street and costs approximately AU$11 per day.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Beachwear
  • Diving certification

Not allowed

  • Drones
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  •  All passengers must complete a QLD medical questionnaire on the boat before departure. Some medical conditions (both past and present) may preclude you from diving. Contact the supplier for further information regarding this
  •  If you are doing an introductory dive you need to fill out and sign a medical declaration form
  •  The minimum age for diving is 12 years old with parental consent and completion of a medical questionnaire
  •  Passengers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over 18 years old
  •  A moderate level of fitness is required as this is an in-water-based activity
  •  All certified divers must provide proof of certification
  •  At times it may only be possible to visit 1 destination (e.g. Hastings) due to inclement weather. The skipper will decide on the way to the reef and keep everyone informed of the sailing plans
  •  Infant tickets are free and can be booked with the supplier
  • Lunch includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Likely to sell out

From $176 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5
4.8 out of 5 stars

based on 2827 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

+230
Filter
By star rating
Sort by:
Recommended
Recommended
Most recent
Highest rated
Lowest rated
5
5 out of 5 stars
M
Martin – United KingdomJuly 15, 2025 – Verified booking
Snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef. Got sea sick snorkelling so can’t comment on food
5
5 out of 5 stars
C
Chloe – AustraliaJuly 12, 2025 – Verified booking
Absolutely have to do while in Cairns. 10/10 experience, would highly recommend!!
5
5 out of 5 stars
N
Nitin – United StatesJuly 10, 2025 – Verified booking
The crew was simply fantastic! They took great care of my daughter who was nervous by giving her a dedicated guide who would personally accompany her and take her to various spots, always lending a reassuring hand. The boat was magnificent and so was the lunch spread. Highly recommend this tour to all!

Product ID: 65125

Activity provider:
Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef
  • Australia
  • Queensland
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