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Cairns is the closest mainland point to the outer Great Barrier Reef, giving divers easy access to world-class coral walls, tropical fish, and crystal-clear water. Each reef site reveals something different — from shallow coral gardens to deeper drop-offs alive with marine life.
With calm seas, warm water, and professional local operators, it’s the perfect base for both beginners and experienced divers. Spend a day exploring vibrant coral bommies or join a liveaboard and wake up to sunrise dives far offshore. Few places make diving this easy or this spectacular.
Full day • 3 Outer Reef sites • Up to 5 hrs at the reef • Snorkelling + diving options
Silverswift is Cairns’ fastest reef catamaran, visiting three different Outer Reef locations each day. Expect up to five hours at the reef, guided snorkelling, and optional introductory or certified dives (all diving guided and extra to the tour price). Snorkel gear is included, with morning tea, buffet lunch, and afternoon tea provided onboard.
Full day • 3 Agincourt Reef sites • ~4.5 hrs at the reef • Snorkelling + diving options
Fast, stable Port Douglas catamaran focused on maximum water time. Visits three Agincourt Reef sites with guided snorkelling included; optional introductory and certified dives (up to 3) are guided and additional to the tour price. Tour includes snorkel gear, lycra suits, morning tea, hot/cold lunch, and afternoon tea. Departs 8:30 am, returns 4:30 pm.
Full day • 2 Outer Reef sites • Up to 5 hrs at the reef • Sailing catamaran
Passions of Paradise is a locally owned and operated Cairns reef tour known for its friendly crew and relaxed sailing experience. The catamaran visits two Outer Reef sites each day, offering unlimited snorkelling and the chance to do one or two scuba dives. Morning and afternoon tea, a hot and cold buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and guided snorkel tours are included.
Full day • 2 Outer Reef sites • Up to 5 hrs at the reef • Snorkelling + diving options
AquaQuest is a modern, comfortable reef boat operated by Deep Sea Divers Den. The tour visits two Outer Reef sites each day, offering up to five hours at the reef with unlimited snorkelling and optional guided or unguided dives. Introductory diving is also available for beginners. Morning and afternoon tea, a hot and cold buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and guided snorkel tours are included. Departs 8:30 am, returns 4:30 pm.
Full day • 3 Outer Reef sites • ~5 hrs at the reef • Snorkelling + diving opti
Calypso Reef Cruises departs daily from Port Douglas for full-day reef adventures. The spacious, purpose-built vessel visits three Outer Reef sites, offering nearly five hours in the water with unlimited snorkelling and optional guided dives for certified or first-time divers. Morning and afternoon tea, a tropical buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and guided snorkel tours are included. Departs 8:45 am, returns 4:30 pm
Full day • 2 Reef sites • Up to 6 hrs at the reef • Snorkelling + diving options
Ocean Freedom is a locally owned Cairns reef tour offering the longest in-water time of any day trip — up to six hours at the reef. The tour visits Wonder Wall on Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay, providing unlimited snorkelling, optional introductory or certified dives, and even a glass-bottom boat tour. Morning and afternoon tea, a premium cold buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and guided snorkel tours are included. Departs 8:00 am, returns 4:00 pm.
Cairns offers direct access to some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most impressive dive sites. Each reef has its own highlights, from coral gardens to dramatic walls teeming with marine life.
Flynn Reef is a local favourite for its coral towers and turtles, while Milln Reef stands out for colourful soft corals and swim-throughs. Norman Reef lies further out with deeper dives and frequent reef-shark sightings. Closer to shore, Hastings and Moore Reefs feature calm shallows and bright coral plateaus ideal for snorkellers and beginner divers.
Together, these reefs make Cairns one of the world’s best places to explore the Great Barrier Reef — easy to reach, rich in life, and rewarding on every dive.
