As one of the seven wonders of the natural world, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef doesn’t really require an introduction. It’s an amazing kaleidoscope of tropical marine life and coral reefs that can even be seen from outer space! However, we think the best way to explore the beauty of the GBR is to dive right into her warm waters and witness one of earth’s most stunning displays of a natural ecosystem first hand. Here’s the Top 8 Great Barrier Reef Day Tours – directly from the sparkling Far North Queensland shores.
1. Poseidon Outer Reef Cruises
The Poseidon boat departs the Port Douglas marina daily and offers a personalised GBR snorkelling and dive service. The attentive and friendly crew aboard the Poseidon have access to over 30 spectacular reef dive and snorkel sites. NB: Day cruise passenger numbers are limited to ensure a unique and specialized GBR experience.
2. AquaQuest Diving & Snorkelling Cruise
AquaQuest is a brand spanking new luxury vessel, designed to meet the needs of keen Great Barrier Reef explorers. This day tour is exceptional value and features up to 4 hours of dive/snorkel time plus a scrumptious lunch. Certified PADI learn to dive lessons are available to guests over 12 years of age.
3. GBR Helicopter Tours
Add an element of sky high adventure to your Great Barrier Reef tour and book a scenic helicopter ride. Enjoy an exhilarating flight over world heritage listed rainforests before venturing over the sprawling blue seas and almost endless reef below.
4. Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise
A Calypso cruise tour caters for all ability levels of divers and snorkelers. We love the magic of arriving in style to up to three breathtaking sites at Agincourt Reef in Far North Queensland. The expert crew will ensure you experience the very best that a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef can deliver. A Calypso GBR tour is a maritime adventure to remember forever.
5. Sunlover Reef Cruises
Sunlover Reef Cruises is an established and reputable reef charter service dedicated to creating a fun and value packed adventure to the outer reef. With a strong focus on environmental education and super fast boat transfers to GBR highlights such as Fitzroy Island and Moore Reef – this is a day tour not to be missed.
6. Reef Magic Cruises
What’s in a name? Well, in this case the word ‘magic’ is more than appropriate. Reef Magic Cruises depart Cairns for the alluring beauty of the Great Barrier Reef daily. Board their smooth sailing catamaran and relax as you speedily cruise out to the all-weather Marine World platform; a floating pontoon base station situated in a prime reef viewing ocean location.
7. Down Under Cruise & Dive
The Down Under Cruise company is one Australia’s leading tour operators. They offer tailored trips to the reef that suit all ages, nationalities and abilities. A favourite adventure is an ocean journey aboard the EVOLUTION; a comfortable 3 level vessel, complete with bar and kitchen. Get your flippers ready for a top day out!
8. Quicksilver Cruises
Quicksilver is the biggest provider of Great Barrier Reef day cruises in Australia. Their world class, wave piercing catamaran expertly ferries guests out to the ribbon like weaving reef at the edge of the continental shelf. Expect to see a myriad of sea creatures and amazing coral formations in A plus health! This all inclusive cruise will suit anybody seeking a bucket list adventure.