14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Cairns (With Prices)

Cairns is arguably the gateway to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders: the Great Barrier Reef. This vibrant underwater world attracts divers, snorkelers, and boat lovers alike, offering an array of cruises and boat tours to suit all interests. Whether you’re after a luxurious day on a premium catamaran, a quick afternoon trip to Green Island, or a full-day snorkeling adventure, Cairns has it all. Personally, I’m partial to the Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran for its combination of comfort, eco-consciousness, and the chance to visit two reef sites—plus, it boasts a 4.8/5 review score, which says a lot.

For those who prefer a blend of reef exploration and scenic flights, the Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight stands out. And if you’re after a smaller, more intimate experience, the Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour offers just that with its limited guest numbers and personal touch. This guide covers an extensive list of options, each with its unique appeal—so you’ll find the right fit no matter your style and budget.

Quick Overview

Cairns’ cruise scene includes luxury day trips, eco-friendly tours, overnight adventures, and scenic flights. You can snorkel, dive, relax on tropical islands, or enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise along the river. Many tours boast small group sizes or specialized experiences like glass-bottom boat rides, indigenous storytelling, or gourmet dining. For example, the Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour emphasizes cultural insights alongside underwater exploration, while the Green Island & Reef Sailing Tour combines sailing with reef-viewing in an intimate setting. Keep reading for detailed descriptions of each tour.

1. From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

This 9-hour adventure on a high-performance, eco-certified catamaran takes you to two diverse outer reef locations. The tour offers snorkeling, swimming, diving, and relaxing onboard in luxury. With marine life sightings like turtles and large wrasse, you’ll get a true reef immersion. The chef-prepared lunch with tropical fruit is a highlight, along with complimentary coffee, tea, and wine tastings. The boat features eco-friendly credentials and a small group setting, ensuring a more personal experience. The itinerary includes multiple reef visits, snorkel and dive sessions, lunch, and a chance to unwind with local snacks. This tour is ideal if you want a full-day, high-quality reef experience with excellent reviews—4.8/5 from travelers. Bottom line: a premium choice for comfort and variety.

2. Cairns: Outer and Coral Cay Snorkel and Dive Cruise

This 9-hour day trip offers a swift but immersive reef experience on a speedy vessel. It visits two sites: Wonder Wall and Aquarium on Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay, perfect for snorkelers and divers seeking rich marine life. The highlight is the guided drift snorkel tour, which lets you glide among stunning coral formations and vibrant fish while supervised by passionate crew members. The tour includes a smorgasbord lunch featuring smoked salmon and prawns, making it a delicious way to fuel your underwater adventures. The focus on ecotourism and green travel ensures a responsible approach. With glowing reviews, travelers appreciate the plenty of time to spot turtles, barracudas, and stingrays. Bottom line: a fast-paced, well-organized reef adventure for energetic explorers.

3. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Premium Diving Full Day Tour

This full-day trip offers around 5 hours of water time split between two reefs, with an emphasis on snorkeling and optional scuba diving. The tour begins with an indigenous welcome and storytelling, giving cultural context to the reef. The boat is equipped for comfort, and the crew’s local knowledge enhances the experience, especially for those interested in the reef’s creation story. The tour is praised for its value—the inclusion of multiple reef sites and the chance to upgrade to scuba diving makes it appealing for both beginners and experienced divers. With a 4.7/5 review score from hundreds of travelers, this tour balances adventure, education, and relaxation. Bottom line: ideal for those who want a culturally rich, full immersion in the reef.

4. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Scenic Helicopter Flight

This 8.5-hour tour combines a luxury boat cruise with a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, offering a bird’s eye view of the reef and surrounding islands. The 35-meter superyacht takes you to two pristine reef locations where you can snorkel and scuba dive. The highlight is the helicopter ride over the reef, providing a perspective few get to see. Back on deck, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and biscuits while soaking in the scenery. The tour is praised for its spacious decks and smooth logistics. Reviewers love the extra touch of the helicopter, making it perfect for honeymooners or photo enthusiasts. Bottom line: a luxurious, all-in-one reef experience with stunning aerial views.

5. Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour

This 9-hour sailing trip limits guest numbers to just 25 people, making it highly personalized. The vessel sails to a private reef site where snorkeling and diving are the main activities, along with a guided marine naturalist tour. After reef time, the boat heads to Green Island for relaxation or self-guided exploring. The tour includes lunch and refreshments, with optional extra scuba diving. Its small-group feel is especially appealing for travelers seeking intimacy and expert attention. Travelers praise the personalized experience and the chance to spend time both on the reef and on lush island beaches. Bottom line: excellent for those who want a boutique-style reef adventure with a sailing twist.

6. Cairns: Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise

This 2.5-hour dinner cruise offers an elegant way to unwind after a day of exploring. Sailing along Trinity Inlet, the luxurious catamaran serves a hot and cold buffet featuring fresh seafood and local produce. The cruise offers scenic views of Cairns at dusk and a chance to relax with a welcome drink. The vessel’s outdoor decks provide perfect spots for sunset photos. It’s ideal for couples or anyone wanting a peaceful, scenic evening with good food. While not a long tour, the calm waters and delicious buffet make it a memorable wind-down. Reviewers mention the friendly crew and beautiful views. Bottom line: a classy, mellow evening option.

7. Cairns: Sunset River Cruise with Snack and Drinks

This 1.5-hour river cruise is perfect for an easy, relaxing evening. You’ll glide along Trinity Inlet, enjoying scenic views and informative commentary. A complimentary beverage and light snack make it a great way to unwind in the heart of Cairns. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a short, peaceful experience after a busy day. The calm waters and stunning sunset make this cruise a favorite for couples and those seeking a quick taste of Cairns’ local scenery. Travelers rave about the beautiful vistas and friendly atmosphere. Bottom line: a relaxing, light option to enjoy Cairns’ riverside beauty.

8. From Cairns: Half-Day Afternoon Cruise to Green Island

This 4-hour afternoon cruise offers a quick escape to Green Island. The catamaran takes you from Cairns, allowing time for snorkeling, relaxation, or exploring the island’s rainforest. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want a taste of reef and island life. The famous beaches and glass-bottom boat rides are highlights, and the tour provides a refreshing break from city sightseeing. The reviews highlight the ease of transfer and the quality of the reef viewing. Bottom line: a solid, half-day option for reef lovers on a tight schedule.

9. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island Boat Tour

Combine two iconic locations in one 9-hour tour. Starting with a visit to Moore Reef pontoon, you’ll snorkel, see a waterslide, and join glass bottom and semi-submarine tours. Afterward, explore Fitzroy Island, with options to swim or walk along self-guided trails. The buffet lunch at Zephyrs adds to the convenience. This tour appeals to travelers wanting diversity—reef, island, and underwater fun. Travelers appreciate the small group setting, and the interplay of reef and island experiences. Reviewers note the great value for combining two destinations. Bottom line: ideal for those seeking variety in a single day.

10. From Cairns: Green Island Half-Day Morning Cruise

This 4-hour tour offers a relaxing morning on Green Island. The catamaran transports you to the island, where you can snorkel, relax on the beach, or explore the reef via glass-bottom boat. It’s great for those wanting a quick getaway without a full day commitment. The tour’s simplicity and easy transfers appeal to travelers on tight schedules. Reviews mention the refreshing experience and the colorful coral. Bottom line: perfect for a half-day escape to the reef.

11. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Overnight Snorkeling Boat Trip

Spend a night on the reef with this overnight trip. It includes meals, snorkeling gear, and full tuition. The unique feature is the sharks-in-the-dark experience, providing an unusual opportunity to observe nocturnal marine life. The small group size and full amenities on board make it comfortable and immersive. Reviewers mention the distinctive experience of snorkeling in the dark and the relaxing overnight stay on the boat. Bottom line: best suited for serious snorkelers or those wanting an adventurous, extended reef experience.

12. From Cairns: Green Island Full-Day Cruise

This 6-hour full-day trip provides ample time to enjoy Green Island’s beaches, reef snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat rides. The leisurely pace allows for relaxation or exploring at your own pace. Ideal for families or travelers wanting a comprehensive island experience, it offers good value and flexible water activities. Reviews praise the ease of access and varied options. Bottom line: a balanced, full-day trip for island lovers.

13. Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef Dive and Snorkel Boat Trip

This two-day adventure features overnight sailing and access to 9 reefs from 25 moorings. It’s designed for divers and snorkelers who want an immersive, multi-day journey. The tour offers full meals, full tuition, and small group intimacy. Travelers enjoy the chance to spend nights aboard a yacht, creating a more personal experience than day trips. Reviewers highlight the excellent reef access and social atmosphere. Bottom line: perfect for dedicated underwater enthusiasts seeking a deeper, multi-day escape.

14. Green Island Fly & Cruise Package

Combine a scenic flight with a full-day reef experience on this 9.5-hour package. The Reef Hopper flight offers guaranteed window seats and aerial views of Green Island and Arlington Reef. After the flight, enjoy buffet lunch, glass-bottom boat, or snorkelling at Green Island. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting both a bird’s-eye view and close-up reef encounters. The courtesy transfers from Cairns add convenience, and the reviews praise the spectacular vistas and comprehensive experience. Bottom line: a top pick for travelers wanting an overview from above and below.

How to Choose the Best Cruise or Boat Tour in Cairns

When selecting your ideal tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a luxury experience with aerial views, the Reef & Helicopter Tour stands out. If you prefer a small-group, boutique feel, the Green Island Sailing Tour may be perfect. For multi-day diving enthusiasts, the 2-Day Reef & Snorkel Trip offers depth and extended immersion.

Think about activity level: do you want to snorkel and relax, or do you crave scuba diving and adventure? For example, the Great Barrier Reef Full Day Snorkeling Tour is great for underwater explorers, while the Sunset River Cruise offers a peaceful evening. Also, check review scores—most tours rank between 4.1 and 4.8 stars—so pick one that suits your style and budget.

Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours like the overnight reef trips or the scenic flights, which fill up quickly during peak season (May to September). Consider shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and better deals.

Final Thoughts

Cairns offers a diverse range of cruises and boat tours—from luxurious reef safaris and cultural explorations to laid-back sunset cruises and sailing adventures. For the classic reef experience, the Premium Catamaran Tour is a standout, offering comfort, variety, and eco-friendly credentials. If you want a more intimate reef experience, the Green Island Sailing Tour delivers personalized service in a small group. And for those craving an adventure-packed multi-day trip, the 2-Day Reef & Snorkel Tour provides immersive underwater exploration.

No matter your choice, booking early will ensure you secure a spot on your preferred tour. Cairns’ waters are waiting—so pick what suits your travel style and get ready for unforgettable underwater sights and island adventures.