Cairns is the main city from where most boats depart for the Great Barrier Reef, either for one single day or several days. Dozens of companies share the cake and prices vary intensely with no obvious explanation. You might feel lost and confused trying to understand these price ranges. Do you really get more if you pay more? Are you really asking the right questions and getting the right information before handing over your credit card? Here is some information that will allow you to choose what suits you best. If you are staying a bit in Cairns, you can also read our article about what to do in Cairns and its region!
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Right Great Barrier Reef Tour
Set Your Budget
Excursion prices range significantly – from budget-friendly trips starting at around $120 to premium cruises costing $250+ per day.
Before comparing, check what’s included in the price:
- Snorkeling or diving equipment
- Meals and drinks
- Transfers from your accommodation
- Optional extras (glass-bottom boat rides, wetsuits, underwater cameras)
Some budget tours may appear cheaper but charge extra for essentials, so always read the fine print.
Define your interests
Ask yourself:
- Diving or snorkeling? If you’re a certified diver, you might prefer sites with deeper walls and varied marine life. Snorkelers will be happier with shallow reefs and vibrant coral gardens.
- Islands or outer reef? Some tours visit islands like Green Island or Fitzroy Island, while others head straight to remote outer reef pontoons.
- Wildlife encounters? Minke whales (June–July) and humpback whales (July–September) can sometimes be spotted from slower-moving boats.
Choose the Right Boat
An important aspect of your day is choosing a company, which means choosing your boat. There are no safety issues on board as the standards are high and strictly adhered to. Australia is the strictest country in the world for practicing scuba diving, so everything is very well supervised in each company.
However, not all boats are pleasant to travel on and they are not necessarily the cheapest! You have the choice between catamarans, motorboats, and sailboats to get to the Great Barrier Reef. The type of boat will affect your experience. Not all boats are fast; some boats will take 1 hour while others will take 2 hours to cover the same distance.
👍 Tip: Slower boats can sometimes attract more marine life as they create less disturbance.
Consider Group Size
- Small group tours (10–25 passengers) = more personal attention, easier access to guides, and flexible schedules.
- Large group tours (50–200 passengers) = cheaper but often more crowded and less flexible.
Check Eco-Credentials
The Great Barrier Reef is a fragile ecosystem currently facing numerous environmental challenges. Choose operators who are committed to protecting the reef and promoting sustainable tourism. Look for those with ecological certifications or who participate in conservation programs.
⚠️ Important ⚠️
It is illegal to remove coral or damage the reef. Penalties can be severe – fines up to AUD $700,000.
How Much Does a Great Barrier Reef Tour Cost?
Do You Need to Pay More to See More?
In the end, the most important thing is what you get to see and experience. Unfortunately; no matter how much you pay, companies cannot guarantee that you will see all the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef in a few hours. After all it is WILD life!! It is nevertheless what creates the magic and what makes diving or snorkelling so amazing and unique. As you already know, there are a multitude of reefs but what you might not know is that each company has its own specific area. To say that some reefs are more beautiful than others would be false, it is obvious that you will find the same families of corals or fish on each reef.
On the other hand, you have different forms of reefs, with different depths and sizes and this can influence what you may encounter. Take the example of one of the most expensive companies in Cairns: Ocean Freedom, 205 AUD a day that takes you to part of the Upolu Reef. You will snorkel in shallow water which is great and reassuring for non-swimmers but sadly it is not very deep and your chances of meeting a whale in 2 meters of water are relatively low…
So if you have a specific reef in mind try to find the company that knows it best.
Excursion rates
The rates for excursions can vary greatly depending on the duration of the excursion, activities, boat, departure city, etc. Generally, a day on the Great Barrier Reef will cost you at least $200. For a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, expect to pay around $280 per person.
Multi-day excursions are typically offered in the Whitsunday Islands.
Go through an agency to pay less
In order to save a bit of money, know that through an agency you can enjoy discounts on your excursion. It’s also an effective way to help you make your choice. As you have seen, there are many companies and it is not easy to know all the details of their services (day and time of departure, the possibility to do a dive or not, lunch included, number of people on the boat etc…). Many agencies will offer good tours and you might find the best one for the Great Barrier Reef there.
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Departure Points for Great Barrier Reef Tours
For most tourists, the obvious starting point is Cairns. The city has the largest number of tour operators and is well located for quick access to the Great Barrier Reef.
If you’re coming from the south, the other departure point for the Great Barrier Reef is Bundaberg. Since it’s a boundary with the rest of the Pacific Ocean, this part of the reef is less impressive but still worth visiting for snorkeling.
It’s also possible to depart from Port Douglas. The city is smaller, less touristy, and equally well-located. To reach the town, expect about a 1-hour drive from Cairns.
Additionally, the small town of Cape Tribulation also allows for some excursions, but the options are more limited and the town is less accessible. Expect about a 3-hour drive from Cairns.
Finally, Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, also allows for exploration of a part of the Great Barrier Reef. However, since it’s located on the southern part of the reef, it’s less rich/preserved. Therefore, for diving or snorkeling, it’s still recommended to go to Cairns, further north.
Best Time to Visit the Great Barrier Reef
The reef is accessible year-round, but conditions vary:
- April–November: Best visibility for diving/snorkeling, lower humidity.
- December–March: Warmer waters, higher rainfall, stinger season (wear protective suits).
Water temperature: 21°C (winter) to 27°C (summer).
Budget Tips & Alternatives
If you do not have a lot of money, you don’t have to worry, some companies offer day trips at around $120. This will give you the same chances to see turtles and sharks as any other tour on the reef. But beware, you’ll be in a big boat full of tourists …
Two other solutions are available to you:
- Volunteering: Some companies offer you to volunteer, and in exchange you can enjoy a moment of the Great Barrier Reef.
- Applying for a job in these companies: many positions with or without qualifications are available and sought after (kitchen, bar, sailor). It is also a source of training for scuba diving.
Final Tips Before Booking
- Always confirm the exact reef location your tour will visit – it can make a huge difference to your experience.
- Book midweek to avoid weekend crowds.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
- If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a larger, more stable vessel and take medication in advance.
⛵️ If you need help choosing your Great Barrier Reef tour, you can contact We Are Travellers, our trusted Australia travel agency:
📧 contact@wearetravellers.com.au
