Tour in Cairns: The Great Barrier Reef cruise

The Great Barrier Reef is Australia's most prized and visited natural destination and the largest formation of coral reefs in the world. Visible from space, it is a World Heritage site.

This 'Eighth Wonder of the World' with 2,900 individual reefs stretches some 2,000 km along the coastline of northern Queensland.

The reef is host to the most diverse collection of marine life in the world, supporting 350 species of corals and over 1,500 species of tropical fish.

The water is crystal clear, with visibility ranging up to 60 metres.

You could spend one day or multiple days of snorkelling, diving and admiring the Great Barrier Reef or just relaxing in this tropical paradise.

Departures to the Great Barrier Reef operate daily from Cairns and Port Douglas by speedboat, catamaran or under sail.

Cairns and Port Douglas offer a wide choice of reef trips to suit every taste and budget, from day trips to multi-day cruises on catamarans, yachts and speedboats, with diving, snorkelling, semi-submersible rides and fishing.

Option 1 - Catamaran cruise to a reef platform (8 hours)

One of the most popular day trips takes a fast, air-conditioned catamaran to Moore Reef, one of the best reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, 45 km from Cairns. There is an open upper deck for fresh air, instructors for snorkelling and certified diving, and marine biologists who tell you about the reef during the 90-minute cruise. You arrive at the platform at 10:30 am. The comfortable three-level floating platform (45 m long and 22 m wide) is set on the outer reef, with everything for snorkelling, diving, semi-submersible and glass-bottom boat tours, feeding the fish with a marine biologist, an underwater observatory and a buffet lunch. Moore Reef is known for the variety of its corals and extremely clear water. Snorkelling depth is up to 4 metres, and divers can explore the outer reef at depths of up to 30 metres, with walls, ledges, small caves and coral gardens. A 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef can be added (extra).

Option 2 - Luxury cruise with a private VIP cabin (8 hours, on request)

You are met by a concierge and shown to your own deck with a private enclosed cabin. The 8:00 am cruise on the vessel Evolution visits two reefs and includes snorkelling, a semi-submersible and an individual barbecue lunch of fish, prawns and meat with salads and fruit. Towels, bottled water, coffee and tea are provided. Diving is extra. The vessel returns to the Cairns wharf at 4:30 pm.

Option 3 - Catamaran cruise to three outer reefs (8 hours)

Recommended for strong swimmers who love snorkelling. The 29-metre Silver catamarans, the only vessels on the reef with a computer navigation system for a smoother ride, have open decks and air-conditioned lounges and travel at up to 32 knots. Instructors and marine biologists are on board (up to 85 passengers). You visit three outer reefs, chosen according to the weather from Flynn, Milln, Thetford and Pellowe, and spend five hours on the reef with a buffet lunch. Scuba diving is optional (extra).

All cruises include morning and afternoon tea and coffee and a buffet lunch.