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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I recently completed my 5 week tour of the east coast and honestly that was probably the best 5 weeks of my life, I saw so many incredible things, met some amazing people and had numerous once in a lifetime experiences. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ellie our tour guide who made sure the trip ran smoothly and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best time possible everyday, even on Christmas Day she made it so special by personally organising a unique Aussie Christmas. To anyone who has Ellie as their guide in the future I can confidently say your experience up the east coast will be spectacular and led by the kindest, most caring person I have ever met. ❤️😁
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | UltimateReally incredible experience, done some incredible things, seen amazing places, tour is constantly busy so flys by, extra optional activities are there but never pushed to hard which I like, really recommend!
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 DaysWe had an amazing trip - Sydney & Great Barrier Reef Tour - , very well organized - thank you again @Russ for your great support. In Sydney our appartment had offer everything, you ever need on a holiday. On all our trips crew was always extremely friendly and supportive. We had an amazing time and learned a lot from this great continent. Thank you guys!
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
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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
The best Great Barrier Reef tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGreat Barrier Reef travel expert at TourRadar
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | Ultimate
“These 6 weeks that I spent with my wonderful travel group were some of the best things I have ever experienced.”
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
- US$4,161
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, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
- US$3,699
Aussie Icons Fly Stay Tour
“Blue Mountains, Cairns Great Barrier Reef and Daintree RainForest trips were the highlights.”
Rajah, traveled in October
Pristine reefs await at exclusive moorings, while ancient Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation's beaches create perfect contrasts. The Abbott Boutique Hotel provides luxury between Far North Queensland adventures.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Daintree National Park, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Phillip Island, Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd From
- US$3,178
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
“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, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Manly, Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park, Cape Tribulation, Fitzroy IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd From
- US$3,300
Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest - 9 Day Boutique Tour
“Very good overview of what Queensland can offer, spectacular views.”
Yves, traveled in July
Vibrant coral reefs reveal themselves through snorkeling adventures and glass-bottom boat tours. Paradise Links Resort Port Douglas serves as gateway to Daintree Rainforest's Cape Tribulation, featuring Solar Whisper cruise guidance.
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Mission Beach, Atherton, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, Port Douglas, Mossman GorgeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia From $4,269
10% Off- US$3,843
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
“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 $7,714
10% Off- US$6,942
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
“Sailing whitsundays was the highlight! Weather wasn't fantastic to begin with but trip was so much fun and well organised.”
Lydia, traveled in March
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, 75 Mile Beach, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,399
25% Off- US$1,799
Travel Great Barrier Reef your way
More travel styles:
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
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 Travelers94 tours- Couples77 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)25 tours
- Seniors (50+)51 tours
Best time to visit Great Barrier Reef
- 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.
- popular 30 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.
- 60 tours
- popular 61 tours
- 57 tours
- Winter 2026 / 2027
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.
- 56 tours
- 59 tours
- popular 71 tours
- Spring 2027
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.
- popular 66 tours
- 53 tours
- 51 tours
Contact our Great Barrier Reef travel experts
Joseph
Expert in Great Barrier Reef at TourRadar
Joseph 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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