Great Barrier Reef Tours & Trips
Have you dreamed about snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef? Swimming with sea turtles, seeing all those colourful fish darting through coral, exploring this massive underwater ecosystem. Australia's reef stretches over 2,300km - it's huge. You'll sail between islands, dive crystal waters and tick off one of those natural wonders everyone should see.
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Lorene • traveled in November
I'm in my 60s...this tour was a mix of comfortable accommodation and enjoyable light activities. It was a small group of like minded people. We loved it !!
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour - Z
Ziad • traveled in October
This tour was a fantastic experience, making new friends and seeing what the east coast has to offer. Lots of fun along the way and incredible sights and adventures up Australia's east coast.
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE - B
Brit • traveled in November
I had an amazing time with Intro Travel in Australia, the 28 days were packed but that ensures you see the most and do the most worthwhile activities around the east coast! All the activities included (as well as optional) were outstanding. Travelling for the first time can be scary, but everything was well taken care of especially due to our amazing tourguide Zack. He was always able to keep the group together, set a good mood, joker around helped out / fixed issues if needed and thus provided everyone with a sense of security. Honorable mention: 10/10 at card tricks and playing ****head, dad jokes and really bad puns
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
Table of contents
- The best Great Barrier Reef tour packages
- Travel Great Barrier Reef your way
- Best tour companies for Great Barrier Reef tours
- Popular Great Barrier Reef Cruise Ships
- Best places to start your Great Barrier Reef tour
- Discover Great Barrier Reef tours for every budget
- Great Barrier Reef tours for every type of group
- Top Great Barrier Reef travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Great Barrier Reef
- Contact our Great Barrier Reef travel experts
- What our customers ask about Great Barrier Reef Tours & Trips
The best Great Barrier Reef tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGreat Barrier Reef travel expert at TourRadar
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great way to see Queensland with a group of like-minded people - so much to see and so much to do!”
Anna, traveled in October
The Great Barrier Reef opens up with snorkeling options from Cairns (approx. $170), Whitsundays ocean rafting, and sailing adventures. Airlie Beach accommodations and reef diving opportunities (approx. $270) complete the journey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Brisbane, Fraser Island, Mackay, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $3,899
25% Off- NZ$2,924You save $975
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
49 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Phenomenal! Absolutely loved every second. It was such a great trip and had to do no thinking of my own which was brilliant!”
Saffron, traveled in January
Vibrant coral reefs stretch from Airlie Beach to Cairns. The Whitsundays' 74 islands beckon sailors, while Magnetic Island's koala trails and Mission Beach's adrenaline activities await. The journey peaks with snorkeling at two outer reef locations and chasing waterfalls in Atherton Tablelands.
Duration 28 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
25% Off- NZ$5,699
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
106 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My favorite part was K'gari. I already miss the people I met and above all my group leader Jenn.”
Sarah, traveled in November
Crystal waters invite snorkeling from Cairns, while sailing adventures await in the Whitsundays. Beach camping on Fraser Island, Mission Beach's rainforest, Magnetic Island's koala sanctuary, and Airlie Beach's lagoon create unforgettable memories.
Duration 36 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Ultimate Travel From
25% Off- NZ$6,323
【Cairns】& Port Douglas All-Inclusive 7 Days Touring Package
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent very happy.”
Ray, traveled in June
Moore Reef's floating pontoon serves as your gateway to Great Barrier Reef marvels, offering snorkeling, semi-submersible tours, and underwater observatory access. Glass-bottom boats showcase tropical fish and resident turtles in their natural habitat.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cairns, Kuranda, Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Delightful Travel From
25% Off- NZ$3,704
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great choice of cities in Australia. Tours in all three places were very good.”
Catherine, traveled in October
Fitzroy Island's coral gardens welcome snorkelers, while glass-bottom boats reveal underwater mysteries. The ancient Daintree Rainforest, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and tropical markets complete this adventure from comfortable lodgings.
Duration 10 days Destinations Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $2,438
20% Off- NZ$1,950You save $488
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree (10 destinations)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We managed to do everything we had on the schedule under the very unpleasant conditions.”
Sylvia, traveled in March
Marine biologists guide snorkeling expeditions at exclusive Great Barrier Reef sites. Solar Whisper cruise reveals Daintree River wildlife, while Kuranda's Skyrail offers treetop views. Aboriginal culture comes alive at Mossman Gorge, with comfortable Port Douglas accommodation.
Duration 5 days Destinations Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, Mossman, Palm Cove Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,330
25% Off- NZ$2,498You save $833
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The fellow group of travels were very diverse but got a long so well that it made so pleasurable.”
Danya, traveled in September
Underwater worlds open up through snorkeling adventures and glass-bottom boat tours. Flynn Hotel Cairns serves as base for ventures into Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation, featuring Kuku Yalanji cultural immersion.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia From $12,141
15% Off- NZ$10,320You save $1,821
Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was my first tour in over 10 years and if I had known what an amazing job Jason, Tara, and the rest of the crew at Via does each and every day.”
leslie, traveled in March
Flynn Hotel Cairns provides perfect base for reef adventures. Vibrant coral reefs, Whitsundays cruising to Whitehaven Beach, and Atherton Tablelands' crater lakes offer varied perspectives on natural wonders.
Duration 7 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Atherton, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Via Travel Australia From $4,715
15% Off- NZ$4,008You save $707
Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Snorkel To Adventure)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great dive instructors.”
Chiniel, traveled in March
Giant turtles, rays, and countless fish species populate the Great Barrier Reef's prime snorkeling locations. Expert-led sessions maximize marine encounters, while comfortable dive boat accommodation includes meals and professional guidance.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From
15% Off- NZ$935+$106 upfront costs
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tours that were booked for us everyday were interesting, and adventurous!”
Ashley, traveled in April
Agincourt Reef, Green Island, and Fitzroy Island showcase the reef's diversity. Semi-submersible tours, glass-bottom boats, and guided snorkeling provide different perspectives, with Southern Cross Atrium Apartments as home base.
Duration 12 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Fitzroy Island, Green Island National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
15% Off- NZ$5,194
Travel Great Barrier Reef your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Great Barrier Reef tours
The Great Barrier Reef really comes alive when you've got the right guides showing you around. From our experience booking these trips, Intro Travel tends to be a favorite - their guides Val, Eilish and Shannon consistently get mentioned in traveler feedback for going above and beyond with local knowledge and good energy. If you're heading to Byron Bay, Ultimate Travel knows how to do it right with their beachfront setup. Their guide Caro has this way of making everyone feel part of the group while keeping things moving smoothly through the day's activities. G Adventures takes a different approach - they've built solid relationships with local communities and focus on keeping things sustainable. Their guide Karly has a real knack for showing travelers the lesser-known spots and handling all the small details that make a big difference. Each of these operators brings something unique to exploring the reef. The nice thing about all three is they've found that sweet spot between being well-organized and letting you actually experience the place properly, rather than just rushing through the usual tourist stops.
Popular Great Barrier Reef Cruise Ships
Best places to start your Great Barrier Reef tour
Most of our travelers hop on their reef trips from Sydney, Cairns and also Brisbane, though plenty of our Melbourne folks make the journey up north too. Some prefer starting from Airlie Beach since it's closer to the action. Looking at thousands of our bookings, we've found that booking about 85 days out hits the sweet spot - it gives you enough time to lock in the exact dates and activities you want, which really matters when the good tours start filling up. May through October is when you'll get the clearest water and most reliable weather. The water sits at a nice 21-25°C (70-77°F) during these months, and the winds tend to behave better around the Whitsundays, making for smoother sailing. Our repeat visitors often tell us they love May and September best - you get all the good conditions but with noticeably fewer people around.
Discover Great Barrier Reef tours for every budget
Great Barrier Reef tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Great Barrier Reef travel itineraries to fit your plans
3 Day Itineraries
7 Day Itineraries
10 Day Itineraries
Demographics
Solo Travelers97 tours- Couples74 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours
- Seniors (50+)55 tours
Best time to visit Great Barrier Reef
- Winter 2025 / 2026
The Great Barrier Reef reveals its best side during winter, with several tour options that really shine. Multi-week journeys from Sydney give you time to properly experience the reef as you head north into warmer waters. Our travelers particularly love the 5-week tours that blend proper reef exploration and Whitsundays sailing. If you're watching your budget, the mixed hostel and guided reef tours work well - you still get expert guides who know exactly where to spot turtles, rays and also different fish species. For a more refined touch, small-group boutique options include comfortable hotels and private reef cruises with marine biologists leading the way.
- 30 tours
- 59 tours
- popular 74 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring brings clear waters and perfect reef conditions, with tours running 20-28 days from Brisbane being especially popular. These combine quality reef time with K'gari 4x4 exploration and also Whitsundays sailing. Our travelers often tell us about their guides - like Shannon who helped Julie overcome her 13-year fear of ocean swimming. The boutique options include premium vessels with space to relax between snorkels, expert naturalist guides and also high-end accommodation throughout. What really stands out in the reviews is how these smaller groups access quieter reef spots away from the usual crowds.
- 63 tours
- 62 tours
- popular 64 tours
- Summer 2026
For prime reef tours from Sydney, summer opens up excellent multi-week journeys that pair proper reef exploration with Whitsundays sailing adventures. Five-week tours give water enthusiasts the perfect window to experience diverse marine environments, visiting multiple snorkel spots while traveling up the coast. Our backpackers tend to choose combined hostel and guided reef packages, where expert guides point out the best spots for spotting turtles, rays and also countless fish varieties. Small-group boutique options elevate the experience with comfortable hotels, private reef cruises and marine biologists sharing their expertise. The 20-28 day tours departing from Brisbane have become a favorite, blending quality reef exploration with K'gari 4x4 adventures and also Whitsundays sailing. Our travelers often mention guides like Shannon, who helped one guest overcome a 13-year fear of ocean swimming through patient guidance. Premium vessels offer peaceful spaces between snorkels, and naturalist guides know exactly how to find those quieter reef spots away from the seasonal crowds.
- 66 tours
- 65 tours
- popular 68 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
Autumn delivers some exceptional Great Barrier Reef experiences, with multi-week journeys from Brisbane proving especially popular among our travelers. These tours combine dedicated reef exploration with K'gari 4x4 trips and Whitsundays sailing, giving you crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling. Our guides Shannon and Val excel at working with varied comfort levels, from helping first-timers overcome water anxiety to showing experienced snorkelers the finest coral formations. The boutique options feature premium vessels with ample deck space between snorkel sessions, specialist naturalist guides and also top-tier accommodation throughout. What our customers consistently highlight is how these intimate groups access secluded reef spots away from peak season crowds. The multi-day sailing elements shine particularly bright this season, with evenings spent stargazing from deck after full days discovering different snorkel sites. Whether you're joining an extended backpacker tour or selecting a premium small-group experience, autumn provides ideal reef conditions without summer's intensity or winter's strong winds.
- 65 tours
- popular 81 tours
- 79 tours
Contact our Great Barrier Reef travel experts
Hannah
Expert in Great Barrier Reef at TourRadar
Hannah is one of our seasoned Great Barrier Reef Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Great Barrier Reef tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Great Barrier Reef Tours & Trips
Is the Great Barrier Reef really dying?
You know what's amazing about the Great Barrier Reef? It's actually doing better than you might think. This incredible UNESCO site has over 3000 individual reefs and supports an incredible variety of marine life. We're talking about 1500 different types of fish and 411 species of hard coral. Sure it faces some challenges like coral bleaching but this ecosystem is pretty resilient.
Where's the best spot to see coral and marine life?
If you're looking to experience the best of the reef Cairns is your go-to starting point for the Outer Great Barrier Reef - it's got these amazing coral gardens full of fish turtles and giant clams. The Whitsundays especially around Border and Dumbell Islands are fantastic for snorkeling and diving. For something really special there are six exclusive mooring spots that tour operators pick based on weather and water conditions they're absolutely phenomenal with amazing reef contours and marine life.
Can I learn to surf near the reef?
While the reef itself isn't surfing territory you'll want to head down to Byron Bay for that. The 28-day Oz East Coast Adventure tour includes surf lessons with real Aussie instructors. Byron's got this perfect laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches that make it ideal for learning how to catch your first waves.