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Cairns Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruises

The Outer Great Barrier Reef is one of the two separate sections of the Great Barrier Reef. This ‘outer reef’ is a hotspot for diving, snorkelling and wildlife enthusiasts, thanks to its stunning water visibility and vibrant coral life. We have shortlisted the best selection of Outer Great Barrier Reef tours in Cairns, perfect for anyone looking to cruise and explore this slice of natural gem. Choose from half and full day cruises, packed with activities like snorkelling, glass-bottom tours and pontoon fun.

The outer reef tours from Cairns are your ticket to the incredible underwater world that the Great Barrier Reef is renowned for. Swim alongside some of the most incredible fish species in the world, including a few large species found nowhere else! This underwater jungle is also home to giant clams, rays, sea snakes, dugongs, dolphins, and even the colossal whale sharks and whales!

Snorkelling is the major highlight of the Cairns outer reef cruises. Depending on the cruise, you’ll snorkel at various sites on the reef including Moore Reef, Mackay Reef and even the popular Green Island. Most tours include all your snorkelling gear and often throw in lunch and refreshments as well!

It's no secret that the Great Barrier Reef is Australia's greatest tourist treasure, so if you're looking for things to do in Cairns, cruising the outer reef should be high up on the list! Book your Outer Great Barrier Reef cruise today

4Hr Afternoon Big Cat Green Island & Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Reef Rocket cruise to Green Island. Enjoy pristine white beaches & guided a rainforest boardwalk. Free glass-bottom boat tour to discover coral gardens.

Duration 4hr

From $110

4Hr Morning Big Cat Green Island Cruise & Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Perfect for those with limited time – half day tour of Green Island from Cairns including glass-bottom boat tour, boardwalks, reef presentations etc.

Duration 4hr

From $120

8Hr Reef Magic Outer Barrier Reef Cruise

Cruise to an exclusive activity pontoon on Moore Reef! Enjoy snorkelling, semi-submersible, glass-bottom boat tours, lunch, beverages and more.

Duration 8hr

From $330

8Hr Sunlover Moore Reef Cruise

Explore the world-heritage Great Barrier Reef with friends or family on a fun floating pontoon. Snorkelling, water slides, touch-tank demos & more.

Duration 9hr

From $285

Ocean Safari Morning Great Barrier Reef Adventure

See two World Heritage areas alongside each other - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest! Explore the Mackay Reef with a small group.

Duration 4hr

From $215

Ocean Safari Afternoon Great Barrier Reef Adventure

See two World Heritage areas alongside each other - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest! Explore the Mackay Reef with a small group.

Duration 4hr

From $184

12Hr Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island Tour- Ex Cairns

Join an exciting small group tour of the Great Barrier Reef cruise from Cairns. Snorkelling safaris at Beaver Reef, guided tours & Dunk Island visit.

Duration 12hr

From $255

12Hr Dunk Island Day Tour From Cairns

Experience the ultimate tropical adventure on Dunk Island! Explore Muggy Muggy Beach, Mount Kootaloo, Palm Valley and more. Picnic lunch included.

Duration 13hr

From $179

8Hr Outer Great Barrier Reef & Dunk Island Tour - Mission Beach

Get ready to join an exciting tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Mission Beach. 2 snorkelling safaris, reef talks and time at tropical Dunk Island.

Duration 9hr

From $255

Half Day Heli Ride + Cruise Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour

Fly over the Great Barrier Reef, snorkel at Hastings Reef and cruise back with lunch & wine – all in a half-day tour! Perfect for those short on time.

Duration 5hr

From $489

Full Day Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour + Heli Ride

Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel, dive and explore this natural wonder, then take a stunning helicopter flight over its turquoise waters.

Duration 8hr

From $569

Great Barrier Reef, Skyrail Cableway & Daintree Combo Tour

Triple the fun with this 3-day combo tour — Great Barrier Reef snorkel, Skyrail rainforest cableway, scenic train ride & day trip to Daintree Forest.

Duration 9hr

From $550

Great Barrier Reef + Skyrail & Kuranda Train Combo Tour

2 Days, 2 World-Heritage wonders - snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, then explore the Wet Tropics with the Skyrail cableway & rail ride through Barron Gorge.

Duration 9hr

From $350

Daintree Rainforest & Great Barrier Reef Combo

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef & explore the Daintree Rainforest! It is a must-do combo for anyone looking to enjoy Queensland’s top natural wonders.

Duration 9hr

From $455

Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Helicopter Tour

A fun-filled reef tour including a scenic cruise, an exciting helicopter ride, snorkeling & more to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Duration 9hr

From $395

Blogs & Articles

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Reef-sponsible Adventures At The Great Barrier Reef

Absolutely, no doubt about it, the Great Barrier Reef is ethereal! This natural wonder is the ultimate crib for so many different marine species. Some of them are veritable reef celebrities – you can’t find them anywhere else on the map.

Posted on Sep 01, 2023

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© 2025 Australian Cruise Group