How to Visit The Great Barrier Reef From Cairns: Tours & Tips for 2023

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The Nice Barrier Reef is without doubt one of the seven pure wonders of the world and one of many principal causes to go to Australia.

It’s the identical size from Vancouver to the Mexican border, consisting of 900 islands and 2,900 particular person reefs.

It’s the world’s largest coral reef and the biggest residing construction on the planet. So wonderful, it may be seen from outer house.

However how do you go to the Nice Barrier Reef? A real surprise of the world that’s 2,300km lengthy?

For us, and lots of different folks, a go to to the Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns has been a bucket checklist for years.

Throughout our 18-month highway journey round Australia, we have been decided to expertise it in one of the best ways we may with our children.

On this information, we’ve shared our ideas for visiting the Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland, together with the completely different excursions you possibly can take and the right way to get there.

Go to the Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns

The Nice Barrier Reef is positioned a brief boat journey from Cairns and the quantity sooner or later journey you possibly can take.

The one approach to see the GBR is by taking a ship, after all, it’s positioned out within the ocean. In case you don’t have the posh of your personal boat, you’re going to want to search out one.

Most individuals go for a Nice Barrier Reef tour from Cairns as a result of it’s the most cost effective and most handy approach to see it in a day.

It’s attainable to constitution your personal boat and do it your self. With this, you possibly can attain the outer reef places, select your personal cruise itinerary, and have all of the crew working for you.

Sounds beautiful, proper? However it’s additionally costly. Not solely as a result of it’s extra luxurious however as a result of most personal boat charters can solely be rented for week-long cruises (they should make it price their whereas).

You possibly can constitution a non-public boat from the Cairns Customer Centre, which can assist you organise Luxurious Gameboats, Motor Yachts, and Crusing Yachts.

For the remainder of us with a modest price range, the one different approach to see the Barrier Reef is by taking one of many Nice Barrier Reef excursions from Cairns.

Our Expertise Visiting The Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns

I wasn’t certain if The Nice Barrier Reef would match its hype, but it surely did, in a much less glamorous however extra curious and awe-inspiring manner.

Our day tour from Cairns pulled up in the course of the ocean at Marine World on the Outer Nice Barrier Reef.

It was windy and uneven and there was a little bit of a swell – not the calm, pristine circumstances I’d seen within the brochure.

I felt slightly sinking worry and disappointment pondering I wouldn’t even see this magical world beneath the ocean as a result of there was no manner I used to be getting in.

All of it regarded slightly too out of my consolation zone.

Kalyra grabbed my hand, “Come on Mum, let’s go.“ She’s not even a assured or sturdy swimmer. After all, I couldn’t let her go on her personal, so on the rely of three, we held arms and slipped off the sting and onto the reef.

Wow.

We turned to one another beneath the water giving thumbs up, holding arms, and declaring parrot fish consuming on the coral and large purple clams.

It was a second.

It’s an excellent factor a snorkel was in my mouth as I had no phrases that might describe how great it felt to be swimming above brightly colored coral and rainbow colored fish with stripes and spots, snouts and outs, beaks and flapping fins.

An amazing huge Maori Wrasse known as “Wally” swam proper as much as the snorkelers as quickly as we dived within the water.

He was smiling to see the return of his each day mates and his physique twisted and snaked between our legs, his huge lips pouting in entrance of our faces as he got here up for a peak.

Kalyra and I squealed as we noticed him strategy. At this stage, I used to be nonetheless making an attempt to recover from the awe-struck feeling I had about my six-year-old daughter.

Then she pried herself away to snorkel on her personal.

It blew me away how assured she was and I quickly let go of my worry to only take pleasure in myself. Even after we swam on the outskirts of the reef over the deeper water she saved beaming and pointing and never letting the abyss scare her as a lot because it scared me.

Which Nice Barrier Reef Excursions From Cairns Are Greatest?

There are numerous other ways to expertise the Nice Barrier Reef from varied places alongside the Queensland coast.

First, let’s speak about the primary gateway to the reef, Cairns!

We’d been in Cairns for a few week and have been researching day excursions. We requested some locals on the Caravan Park we have been staying at, checked in with our Fb neighborhood, and jumped on-line to Journey Advisor to do extra analysis.

We’d at all times wished to go to the Outer Reef, as a result of that’s the place the perfect snorkeling and diving are. You may solely go to the Reef as soon as, however it would be best to see it at its finest!

Excursions vary from small boats the place you dive or snorkel off the boat, to greater excursions the place you moor at a pontoon and from there take part in many alternative actions.

Listed here are the perfect Nice Barrier Reef excursions from Cairns…

1. The Pontoon Expertise

As a result of we’ve two younger children, Kalyra was six on the time and Savannah solely two, we determined the pontoon expertise could be most sensible. We didn’t fancy being caught on a ship all day with our younger ones, it might have been annoying, and having access to the water would have been difficult.

We selected the pontoon expertise at Marina World primarily based out at Moore Reef with Reef Magic Excursions. After researching, we’d heard they have been most likely the perfect for households. The household worth was going to price us $495, however hey it’s the Nice Barrier Reef and it’s Australia.

The pontoon was an awesome alternative.

After our 90-minute high-speed catamaran journey out from Cairns our vessel moored at Marine World and we jumped on the pontoon.

It gave us all room to maneuver round with out being confined to a ship. Plus the steps that lead down from the primary deck to a submerged snorkel platform permit you to sit down and put in your masks and fins, making it simple to slip into the water.

2. Marine World at Moore Reef Tour

The all-weather Marine World platform caters to all exercise ranges and was an awesome base for the day.

We had our personal desk and chairs on the sundeck, use of freshwater showers and altering rooms and lockers, and a yummy morning/afternoon tea plus a full buffet lunch.

The very best half was the boldness Kalyra received by snorkeling within the sheltered coral lagoon. The snorkel space is supervised always, that they had snorkeler relaxation stations scattered round for those who wanted a break within the water, and we may clearly see the underside always.

3. Introductory Scuba Dive Tour

In case you’re going to go to the Nice Barrier Reef you’ve gotta do a dive proper?!

Craig determined this was a once-in-a-lifetime second and put his hand up for an introductory dive. This was going to be solely his second time ever diving, his first being one other introductory dive two years in the past at Shelley Seaside in Manly, Sydney.

On the way in which out to Marine World, his teacher launched the tools and briefed him on the fundamentals of scuba diving.

He received a 30-minute dive with an authorized diver teacher and only one different particular person. Intro dives have not more than 4 folks per teacher making it reassuring for any first-timers.

He liked it.

His dive reached a most of about 8 metres however was principally hovering across the 4-5 metre stage within the stunning coral lagoon, a sheltered space with dense coral cowl and a ton of fish life, together with a while swimming with huge WALLY!

“It’s one other world down there, I can undoubtedly see the dependancy to diving” he beamed.

After all, he needed to take the obligatory selfie:

Not solely did we snorkel and dive, however we have been capable of see extra of the reef on a glass backside boat and a semi-sub.

The semi-sub gave me the closest factor to a dive expertise. Getting nearer to the outer a part of the reef the place all the massive colleges of fish have been was superior with out me being within the water frightened in regards to the reef sharks ready to eat the massive colleges of fish!

We didn’t see any sea turtles, however they’re typically identified to swim in these waters, too!

We liked our household time out on the reef.

For many who need to keep dry Marine World additionally has an underwater observatory or you possibly can chill on the sundeck and possibly get slightly pampering from the one reef-based therapeutic massage therapist.

Regardless that little Savannah is simply too younger to snorkel she had slightly swim and will paddle within the purpose-built toddler space connected to the aspect of Marine World.

In case you or your loved ones are heading to Cairns Marine World is a superb choice. Moreover what we did, Reef Magic Cruises even have an journey snorkel safari and authorized diving packages.

4. Ocean Freedom Tour from Cairns + Glass Backside Boat Tour

In case you don’t need to get out of the boat and go swimming, and but you need to see all the attractive marine lifetime of the GBR, then a glass-bottom boat tour could be for you.

You’ll journey on a quick and cozy catamaran to one of many outer reefs, Upolu Reef. From right here, you possibly can search for marine life equivalent to large clams from a glass backside boat.

The Upolu Cay space is extremely protected and is without doubt one of the no-fishing zones on the reef, so that you’ll have the ability to see a number of little fish fortunately swimming within the corals.

After that, the tour takes you to the pure Coral Cay, the place you will get within the waters and snorkel or dive with the fish. Some former friends have stated they have been capable of see turtles and reef sharks on this tour.

5. Scenic Helicopter Flight

For all of your non-swimmers on the market, you possibly can nonetheless expertise the wonders of The Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns by taking a scenic helicopter flight.

It is a nice approach to see the magnitude and enormity of the reef, and for those who’re fortunate, you may even get a glimpse of the ocean wildlife from above.

Soar above the turquoise blue waters, fly over the rainforest and be marveled on the scenes under.

Hold your eyes peeled for whales, dolphins and extra!

6. Quicksilver Cruises

Quicksilver Cruises are one of many largest and most highly-rated tour operators in Cairns. The provide the possibility to cruise the GBR on a luxurious 30-meter (99-foot) Wavedancer crusing catamaran, which takes you across the idyllic Nice Barrier Reef island of Low Isles.

It is a extra enjoyable day journey on the GBR and is appropriate for {couples} and households with older children, who take pleasure in peace and quiet.

The Low Isles are an unspoiled coral cay island with calm waters, turquoise lagoons, and a thriving reef.

On this tour, you might be additionally launched to the reef by a marine biologist who provides you with the knowledge it is advisable go to the reef safely and see the reef with knowledgeable eyes. 

There’s additionally an choice to see the turtles from a glass-bottomed boat.

This tour leaves from Port Douglas, however a luxurious coach from Cairns will be supplied on the time of reserving.

7. Passions of Paradise Excursions

One other common Nice Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns is by Passions of Paradise, a top-rated tour operator in Cairns.

This tour provides an opportunity to snorkel or scuba diving on the Nice Barrier Reef on a luxurious catamaran.

POP has entry to greater than 26 areas on the outer Nice Barrier Reef and so no two days are the identical. Every day they may go to an space that’s finest suited to that day, primarily based on the ocean and climate circumstances.

You’ll get the possibility to dive with their skilled crew and consider the reef that’s alive with marine life and corals.

8. Ocean Walker Helmet Dive Tour

Wish to go to the Nice Barrier Reef in fashion? Then how a few helmet dive tour?

Helmet diving is the place you put on a specifically designed helmet that permits you to breathe underwater by a tube with oxygen. This lets you stroll on the ocean flooring and focus on the views, somewhat than respiratory.

On this tour, you’ll go to the beautiful Inexperienced Island, an island off the Nice Barrier Reef. From right here, it is possible for you to to decide on between a glass backside boat coral viewing tour, snorkeling from the seashores, or scuba diving – in addition to the helmet dive expertise.

Ensure you spend a while exploring the island too. Go to the Marineland Melanesia crocodile habitat or head to one of many resorts to swim within the pool or eat on the restaurant.

9. Combo Excursions of The Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns

In case you’re on the lookout for greater than a full-day tour of the barrier reef and need to see another elements of Cairns, it’s attainable to ebook a three-day tour that mixes a go to to the GBR and another common sights in Cairns.

On this three-day tour, you’ll expertise the UNESCO Nice Barrier Reef with an introductory dive. In case you don’t need to dive, you possibly can choose to snorkel as a substitute.

On the second day, you’ll head over to a different UNESCO heritage website and one among our favourite sights in Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, which is the world’s oldest constantly surviving rainforest.

The third and ultimate day will take you above the forest flooring and into the cover, as you expertise the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway earlier than heading to the village of Kuranda and again on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway.

It is a hassle-free approach to discover among the finest nature spots of Cairns, which is nice for households.

Different Locations To Go to The Nice Barrier Reef

It’s not nearly the great thing about what’s beneath the water, however the islands which can be part of the Nice Barrier Reef – a lot of which have been created by the coral itself.

It’s price exploring among the islands to get the entire expertise. Listed here are a number of different Nice Barrier Reef Islands that we’ve explored.

Inexperienced Island

We additionally spent the day on Inexperienced Island earlier than doing the Marine World expertise, positioned 45 minutes by boat from Cairns.

It’s a sand island and is nice for a calming day and for households. This was the primary place Kalyra snorkeled and she or he liked seeing a number of fish and stingrays!

You possibly can snorkel straight off the shore and we felt the realm close to the jetty was significantly better than snorkelling off the patrolled seaside. There’s additionally a pleasant boardwalk by means of the forest to the opposite aspect of the island, and while the kiddies performed within the water I loved a therapeutic massage.

There are three each day departure occasions and our household ticket price us $215 and we went with Nice Adventures.

Whitsunday Islands

I feel the perfect islands of the Nice Barrier Reef area are within the Whitsundays. How are you going to compete with world well-known Whitehaven Seaside which constantly ranks as one of many prime 5 seashores on this planet by TripAdvisor?

The photographs don’t even actually present how amazingly stunning it’s if you end up standing within the softest, purest, whitest sand on the planet.

There’s fairly good snorkelling across the islands as properly at Langford Island, Maureens Cove and Manta-Ray Bay.

Hayman Island

In case you’ve received deep pockets and desire a little bit of rock star expertise, keep at Hayman Island. Simply make sure you arrive by helicopter by way of Whitehaven Seaside, an unforgettable second. You too can entry well-known “Coronary heart Reef” from Hayman.

Daydream Island

There may be, after all, Daydream Island off Airlie Seaside, which many think about a bit kitsch, however regardless that we solely stayed for twenty-four hours I actually preferred it. It’s a particular household or {couples} resort vacation that provides you with nothing however enjoyable actions, stunning surroundings, and leisure.

In simply 24 hours we did snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking and received shut up with stingrays and child sharks at their schooling centre. The sunsets are fairly spectacular too!

I’m all for it.

In case you’re seeking to expertise the Nice Barrier Reef, don’t wait 40 years like we did. With the way in which the atmosphere goes and the function of Governments, it might have already seen it’s finest days.

We are able to’t wait to return and do extra diving and snorkeling.

FAQs About Visiting The Nice Barrier Reef From Cairns

Right here’s what folks normally ask us about visiting The Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns…

Earlier than You Go

So there you may have it, that is how one can go to the Nice Barrier Reef from Cairns, and as you possibly can see, there are lots of excursions obtainable and every of them provides one thing completely different and distinctive.

We hope this information has helped you slim down your choices and determine which is one of the best ways to go to the GBR from Cairns to your journey.

Earlier than you go, we simply need to remind you to put on reef-safe suncream. Sadly, many sunscreens hurt the coral reef and marine life, so for those who plan to swim, please ensure you apply reef-safe solar cream to maintain this thriving reef alive.

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