15 Best Full-Day Tours In Cairns

Cairns is a fantastic place to explore beyond its city limits, thanks to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and rugged outback landscapes. What makes Cairns special for full-day tours is the sheer variety — you can snorkel among vibrant coral gardens, ride scenic railways through ancient rainforest, or explore caves and waterfalls deep in the wilderness. We particularly love the Outer Great Barrier Reef tours like Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch, which offers snorkeling at two exclusive sites on a luxury superyacht, complete with a gourmet BBQ lunch. The mix of adventure, comfort, and scenery makes it a standout.

If you’re after a combination of cultural and natural highlights, the Best of the Kuranda Rainforest Full-Day Tour & Lunch delivers scenic railway rides, wildlife encounters, and an authentic Aboriginal performance. For those wanting to avoid the reef but still experience Cairns’ wild side, the Chillagoe Caves and Outback Tour takes you deep into ancient limestone caverns and outback landscapes. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each tour, helping you decide which adventure suits your interests and travel style.

1. Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch

At number 1 on our list, this luxury superyacht cruise takes you to two exclusive Outer Great Barrier Reef sites, with over five hours of snorkeling. The boat, a 35-metre vessel, offers space and comfort, making it ideal for travelers who want a premium experience. The tour includes a chef-prepared BBQ lunch, with dietary options, and ends with a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and crackers on the way back. The itinerary features visits to Saxon Reef and Hastings Reef, with plenty of time for snorkeling, scuba diving, and scenic views. The crew is known for their friendliness and expertise, helping even inexperienced snorkelers feel safe and included. Reviewers mention the well-organized schedule and delicious lunch as highlights.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want to spend a full day exploring the reef in comfort, with high-quality amenities and expert guides. It’s a great choice for couples and groups seeking a memorable, all-inclusive trip.

2. Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from over 1,400 reviews, this tour offers a roughly 1.5-hour boat trip to two outer reef sites, with around five hours spent snorkeling. It includes all gear—wetsuits, prescription masks—and a tropical buffet lunch, plus morning and afternoon teas. The boat features hot showers, making it easy to stay comfortable throughout the day. The guided snorkel tours are ideal for those who want to learn more about the reef’s marine life, with friendly staff providing insights along the way. Reviewers praise the smooth organization and plentiful equipment.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a well-rounded reef day with excellent facilities and guided experiences, this tour balances value and quality. It suits travelers who want more structure without sacrificing freedom to explore.

3. Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

Offering about seven hours of leisure, this ferry trip to Fitzroy Island is ideal for those seeking flexibility. You can snorkel, hike, or relax on sandy beaches, with optional upgrades like a glass-bottom boat ride, snorkel gear, or lunch. The island’s coral reefs are close enough for easy exploration, and the rainforest trails provide a scenic escape. The island is perfect for families or couples who want to set their own pace, with plenty of activities or downtime.

Bottom line: A flexible, scenic day in nature, with options to customize your experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer independent exploration but still want the convenience of a guided ferry transfer.

4. Cairns: Best of the Kuranda Rainforest Full-Day Tour & Lunch

Rated 4.5 out of 5, this 10-hour tour combines scenic railway rides, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences. Starting with the Kuranda Scenic Railway, travelers enjoy spectacular views of waterfalls and lush rainforest. Stops include the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary and Koala Wildlife Park, where you can hold a koala or feed kangaroos. The highlight is the Aboriginal dance performance, plus a classic Australian barbecue lunch. The tour also features a rainforest walk and a chance to learn about indigenous culture.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in combining natural beauty with cultural insight. It’s a full day of scenic rides, wildlife, and local stories—great if you want a well-rounded experience.

5. From Cairns: Full-Day Kuranda Army Duck Experience Tour

Rated 4.5 out of 5, this 10-hour adventure uses World War II Army Ducks to explore Kuranda’s rainforest and water. The amphibious vehicles take you through lush terrain and into rivers, with guides explaining local flora and fauna. Afterward, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Cableway provide stunning vistas of the rainforest canopy. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy a unique, interactive transport experience combined with scenic views and wildlife spotting.

Bottom line: If you’re after an active, engaging day combining land and water, this tour offers a memorable journey into Kuranda’s natural and historical landscape.

6. Cairns: Ocean Spirit Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 134 reviews, Ocean Spirit offers a sailing cruise on a 32-meter catamaran to Michaelmas Cay. The trip includes a marine biologist presentation, a buffet lunch, and opportunities for snorkeling and marine viewing. The boat visits a protected seabird habitat, making it a quieter, more exclusive experience. You can try semi-submersible viewing or scuba diving, with a sparkling wine toast on the way back.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in a sailing experience with a focus on marine biology and wildlife, this tour combines comfort, education, and scenic sailing.

7. From Cairns: Chillagoe Caves and Outback Full-Day Tour

Rated 4.6 out of 5, this 11-hour tour takes you out into Queensland’s wild. Highlights include the Chillagoe Caves, fossilized coral reefs from 400 million years ago, and the Chillagoe Copper Smelters. You’ll also visit Granite Gorge to see rock wallabies and enjoy morning tea at Skybury Coffee Plantation. The tour offers a deep dive into outback landscapes and history, perfect for those wanting a break from reef tourism.

Bottom line: Ideal for explorers who want a full day of outback landscapes, caves, and history, away from the coast.

8. N. Queensland: Kuranda Rainforest Full-Day Tour

Rated 4.6 out of 5, this full-day excursion features the Scenic Railway and Skyrail, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy. You’ll also experience Aboriginal culture firsthand, with boomerang and spear-throwing demonstrations. The water-based adventure rides and a barbecue lunch round out the day, making it perfect for those wanting a mix of scenic beauty and cultural insight.

Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting an immersive rainforest experience with cultural elements and scenic train rides.

9. From Cairns: Green Island Full-Day Cruise

Rated 4.2 out of 5, this six-hour trip takes you to a tropical island within the reef. Perfect for those who love relaxing on the beach, snorkeling amid coral reefs, or exploring the island’s walking tracks. The tour includes snorkel gear, and you can see reef fish and coral from a glass bottom boat. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy the reef without the longer boat trips.

Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a shorter, relaxing reef experience with plenty of time on the beach and simple snorkeling.

10. Cairns: Full Day Great Barrier Reef Pontoon Experience

Rated 4.4 out of 5 for its excellent underwater platform, this tour offers a spacious pontoon in the reef with plenty of activities like snorkeling, semi-submarine tours, and scuba diving (minimum age 12). The buffet lunch offers panoramic views, and the air-conditioned vessel ensures comfort throughout the day. The reef’s coral gardens and vibrant marine life provide excellent photo opportunities.

Bottom line: Suited for those wanting a full immersion in reef exploration with easy access to underwater viewing platforms and flexible activities.

11. Cairns: Paronella Park Rainforest Full-Day Tour with Dinner

Rated 5 out of 5, this 10-hour tour takes you through rainforest walks, Babinda Boulders, and the legendary Paronella Park. The park’s story of Jose Paronella and the orchestral light show are enchanting, and you’ll enjoy dinner amid spectacular scenery. The day includes wildlife viewing, a cassowary sighting, and exploration of the historic park.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers interested in history, storytelling, and evening scenery, this tour offers a rich cultural experience combined with natural beauty.

12. Fitzroy Island: Full-Day Ferry & Snorkel Safari Guided Tour

Rated 4.4 out of 5, this active day includes a ferry transfer plus a guided snorkel safari. You’ll explore the island’s coral reefs, hike its trails, and relax on beaches. The snorkel safari is led by guides who highlight reef creatures and coral formations, making it a good fit for those wanting guided underwater exploration.

Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want a full day of snorkeling, hiking, and relaxing without the fuss of multiple bookings or transport logistics.

13. Kuranda Pamagirri Aboriginal Premium Full-Day Tour

Rated 4 out of 5, this enriching day emphasizes Aboriginal culture with dance performances, boomerang and spear-throwing, and art workshops. You’ll also ride the Skyrail and Scenic Railway, viewing rainforest from above and below. The guide’s storytelling adds depth to the experience, making it perfect for cultural enthusiasts.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who value indigenous culture and immersive experiences, with plenty of opportunities to participate actively.

14. Cairns: Green Island Full-Day Tour with Diving

Rated 4.8 out of 5, this tour offers diving and snorkeling in Green Island’s coral reefs, with buffet lunch included. It’s suitable for diving enthusiasts age 12 and older, aiming for those who want to explore the reef’s underwater world more deeply. The lush island also invites relaxed walks and sunbathing.

Bottom line: A solid choice for certified divers or those ready to try introductory diving, seeking an immersive reef experience on a beautiful island.

15. Cairns Full-Day Canyoning Adventure tour

Rated 4.4 out of 5, this action-packed day takes you through waterfalls, abseiling, and volcanic formations at Behana Gorge and Crystal Cascades. It’s physically demanding but rewarding for adventure lovers who want thrilling descents and natural water features.

Bottom line: Best for active travelers looking for a full day of adrenaline and exploration in pristine rainforest settings.

How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Cairns

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If reef exploration is your priority, tours like Ocean Spirit or Full-Day Pontoon offer immersive underwater experiences. For a mix of rainforest scenery and cultural insight, Kuranda Scenic Railway or Pamagirri Aboriginal are excellent options.

If you prefer independent exploration, Fitzroy Island or Green Island trips give flexibility. For those seeking adventure, canyoning or outback tours deliver thrills, but they require more physical effort. Book early, especially during peak season, and check whether the tour includes equipment, meals, and transfers to ensure you get the best value.

Final Thoughts

Cairns offers a diverse lineup of full-day tours that cater to adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, cultural explorers, and those simply wanting to relax on a tropical island. For a premium reef experience, the Cairns: Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch stands out, while the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Rainforest Tour combines scenic beauty with cultural stories for a well-rounded day. Active travelers might prefer the Cairns: Full Day Canyoning Adventure, which delivers adrenaline amid stunning waterfalls.

Whatever your style, Cairns’s full-day options promise memorable adventures. Planning ahead and booking early will help you secure the tour that matches your interests and ensures a smooth, stress-free experience. Now, it’s time to pick your favorite and start packing for some of the best days you’ll spend in Queensland.