Day Trips from Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef and home to an amazing diversity of animal life. There are a large number of tour operators that depart from Cairns depending on what you want to do.

Tusa Dive are a specialist dive boat, but also take snorkellers. They take a small number of people to the two best dive sites depending on the day's conditions. If you're a certified diver, they come highly recommended.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $130, Child (4-14yrs) - $80. Introductory dive: $195. 2 Certified dives: $220
Phone: (07) 4040 6440 | Website

Ocean Spirit have two catamarans - one that goes to Michaelmas Cay and one that goes to Upolu Cay. If you're looking for an inexpensive snorkelling day trip, the Upolu Cay trip is great value for money.
Michaelmas Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $179, Child (4-14yrs) - $87.50. Introductory dive: $95 (additional).
Upolu Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $110, Child (4-14yrs) - $75.50. Introductory dive: $69 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4031 2920 | Website

Reef Magic moors at a ponotoon on the outer reef, giving you 5 hours in which to spend doing what you like. They have semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory and offer scenic helipcopter flights (not included in price).
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $173, Child (4-14yrs) - $93, Family (2A & 2C) - $447. Introductory dive: $180 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4031 1588 | Website

Passions of Paradise is a modern catamaran that goes to the reef and Michaelmas Cay and is another inexpensive option.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $119, Child (4-14yrs) - $75, Family (2A & 2C) - $305. Introductory dive: $65 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4041 1600 | Website

Great Adventures is a large boat that has a number of different day trip options. You can choose to go straight to their outer reef pontoon, or you can also have a 2 hour stop over on Green Island. The Green Island option is good for people that may be uncomfortable with snorkelling and open water as you can get the feel of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet!
Outer Reef Only Prices: Adult - $174, Child (4-14yrs) - $87, Family (2A & 2C) - $441. Introductory dive: $125 (additional).
Green Island and Outer Barrier Reef Prices: Adult - $194, Child (4-14yrs) - $97, Family (2A & 2C) - $491. Introductory dive: $125 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4044 9944 | Website

Compass Cruises offer the budget option of going to the reef. They go to two different outer reef sites.
Prices: Snorkelling only:  $60. Introductory dive: $55 (additional). Certified dive: $30 (additional). Not included in the price is $20 reef tax and $7 city pick up.
Phone: (07) 4031 7217 | Website

Pro Dive are a specialist dive vessel offering 3-6 day liveaboards. Prices vary with the different dive schedules. Check the website for further information.
Phone: (07) 4031 5255 | Website

 

Day Trips from Port Douglas

 

Port Douglas Reef Charters

Has a comprehensive list of all operators for the Great Barrier Reef in Port Douglas for sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing and sightseeing. Get advice from a local who can book all your tours for you at no extra charge.

Port Douglas Reef Charters

Phone 0439 910133

 

If you do not want to dive, stick to the Snorkel only options. If you would like to try diving, but never have before, look for the companies that offer "introductory" or "resort" dives. And if you only want to dive, check out the specialty diving services.

Snorkel Only

Wavelength takes a maximum of 30 people on its tours and caters specifically for snorkellers.
Prices: Adult - $160, Child (2-12yrs) - $110, Family (2A & 2C) - $485
Contact: Phone - (07) 4099 5031 | Website

Snorkel and Dive

Silversonic takes a maximum of 80 people on its tours and visits three reef sites. It caters for certified divers, introductory divers and snorkellers.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $148, Child (4-14yrs) - $111. With Introductory dive: $210
Contact: Phone - (07) 4087 2100 | Website

Posiedon offer small groups and visits three reef sites. It caters for certified divers, introductory divers and snorkellers.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $150, Child (3-12yrs) - $115. With Introductory dive: $200
Contact: Phone - (07) 4099 4772 | Website

Haba offer small groups and visits two reef sites. It caters for certified divers, introductory divers and snorkellers.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $165, Child (4-14yrs) - $99. With Introductory dive: $220
Contact: Phone - (07) 4098 5000 | Website

Quicksilver Cruises take a large number of people and have a fixed pontoon on the reef. It caters for certified divers, introductory divers and snorkellers. It would be most suitable for people who are uncomforable in open water as it offers an underwater observatory, helicopter tours and semi-submersible tours.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $189, Child (4-14yrs) - $94.50. With Introductory dive: $134 (additional)
Contact: Phone - (07) 4087 2100 | Website

Specialty Diving

Undersea Explorer offer extended, liveaboard diving facilities. Prices vary with the different dive schedules. Check the website for further information
Contact: Phone - (07) 4099 5911 | Website