Great Barrier Reef Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Great Barrier Reef tour packages
- What people love about Great Barrier Reef Tours
- 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
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This is an excellent trip to catch the best of east coast Australia.”
Steven, traveled in October
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
- US$7,116
The Great Barrier Reef's underwater realm opens up through snorkeling and semi-submersible adventures. Cairns Aquarium's exhibits and optional Skyrail Rainforest Cableway rides enhance your stay at waterfront Hilton Cairns near the vibrant Esplanade.
Duration 12 days Destinations Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $4,459
6% Off- US$4,209+$975 upfront costsYou save $250
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
106 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really really really great time up the coast.”
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
6% Off- US$3,706
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic trip. Very well organised and better than I had expected.”
ClareBoyle, 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, Mackay, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,399
10% Off- US$2,159You save $240
Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 9 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well organized and we were very informed on the areas visited.”
Shelley, traveled in March
The Great Barrier Reef region comes alive through snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and Whitsundays sailing. Observe reef marine life, relax at Whitehaven Beach, and walk through Daintree Rainforest. Beachfront stays in Mission Beach and Port Douglas provide comfort.
Duration 9 days Destinations Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Mission Beach, Atherton, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree National Park Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$4,525
What people love about Great Barrier Reef Tours
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
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 !!
- East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
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.
- Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
After two months of independent travel in Australia and NZ which I loved but sometimes also found a bit tiring I booked this tour as my very first 'everything's pre-organised/ you don't have to worry about ANYTHING' deal and to be honest I was very sceptical first whether took the right decision. In retrospect it was the best decision made at this stage of my travels. I was accompanied by some amazing guide (SHOUT OUT TO QUEEN B) and met a very colorful bunch of people while traveling the fantastic East Coast. I loved it!
Travel Great Barrier Reef your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through Great Barrier Reef. We have 9 adventures that vary from 5 days to 19 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Our multi-week East Coast tours blend reef experiences with coastal discoveries, running from Sydney or Brisbane all the way to Cairns. You'll spend 2-3 days out on the Great Barrier Reef, visiting different sites to see varied coral formations and marine life. What's great about these tours is how they work for everyone - our guides have a special way with first-time snorkelers, and many end up going back in the water multiple times. The journey mixes up water time with rainforest hikes, wild koala spotting on Magnetic Island and also Aboriginal cultural experiences in the Daintree.
Select from our extensive range of 104 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Great Barrier Reef with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Great Barrier Reef. We have 40 adventures that vary from 3 days to 25 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
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
Looking to explore the reef without breaking the bank? Our popular East Coast tours run 20-28 days and give you quality time at the reef without rushing. You'll get 2-3 full days of reef activities mixed with great coastal stops along the way. The guides are really good with first-timers - one of our customers mentioned how guide Shannon helped them get past a 13-year fear of ocean swimming. Beyond the reef, you'll sail through the Whitsundays, camp under stars on Fraser Island and also spot wildlife on Magnetic Island. While the tours use hostels, our travelers consistently tell us they're clean and in good locations. It's solid value since you're getting proper reef time plus all these other experiences.
The premium reef tours take things up a notch with smaller groups and top-quality boats. Marine biologists come along to share their knowledge about the reef ecosystems. You'll visit quiet spots away from the busy areas, with 12 different reef sites we can choose from depending on the day's conditions. The vessels are really comfortable with plenty of deck space and excellent food. Some tours add special touches like helicopter flights to see the reef from above. Our guests often mention how the guides remember everyone's names and adjust the experience based on how comfortable each person is in the water.
Great Barrier Reef budget tours
Great Barrier Reef tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
140 tours in Great Barrier ReefExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Great Barrier Reef. We have 140 adventures that vary from 3 days to 50 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
18 tours in Great Barrier ReefOur most popular reef tours blend intimate groups with expert naturalist guides, thoughtful vessel selection and carefully chosen reef sites. The boutique options span 10-17 days with marine biologists leading snorkel sessions at 12 reef locations, selected daily to match conditions and group preferences. The guides, including Shannon and Val, receive consistent praise from our travelers for helping novice snorkelers build confidence while maintaining a personal atmosphere. Premium vessels provide ample deck space between water activities, quality dining options and also access to less crowded reef sections. Additional touches often include private wildlife encounters and evening harbor cruises. The extended 5-week journeys allow travelers to fully experience the changing marine life across different reef zones, with chances for night snorkeling, wildlife observation and also glass-bottom boat tours. Our small-group approach lets guides adapt the pace and activities to match each participant's water comfort, whether you choose a focused reef experience or longer coastal exploration.
Private / Personalized
23 tours in Great Barrier ReefFor complete flexibility, private tours running 10-14 days let you set your own pace. Having dedicated guides means you can take your time getting comfortable snorkeling at spots like Green Island. The experience includes nice extras like evening harbor cruises in Sydney, local Aboriginal guides sharing their knowledge and also special access to wildlife sanctuaries. Our travelers really like how everything's taken care of - from airport pickups to restaurant bookings - while keeping things flexible enough to match their interests and energy levels.
Top Great Barrier Reef travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 3-day reef-focused trips pack in maximum water time for travelers on a tight schedule. You'll spend two full days exploring carefully picked reef sites with great visibility and rich marine life. The water teems with more than 1,500 fish species, 411 types of hard coral and plenty of rays gliding past. These boats come equipped with quality gear and experienced guides who help everyone feel confident in the water, from complete beginners to seasoned divers. At the end of each day, you'll head back to your comfortable Cairns accommodation to rest up for another day on the reef.
Week-long tours from Brisbane blend reef time with Queensland's tropical highlights. You get a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef - snorkeling multiple spots, learning about conservation and watching marine life from glass-bottom boats. These trips stand out for their variety - sailing the Whitsundays, spending time on Whitehaven Beach, discovering waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands and also visiting Mission Beach where wild cassowaries sometimes wander past. Our guests particularly value the guides who share their deep knowledge about the reef ecosystem and local wildlife throughout the journey.
The 10-day trips give you proper time at both the reef and Whitsunday Islands. You'll spend multiple days exploring different outer reef spots, each picked for its coral formations, fish populations and clear waters. The tour also takes you through the Daintree Rainforest, includes cultural learning at Mossman Gorge and features crocodile spotting on the Daintree River. Our customers really appreciate how these tours mix scheduled activities with free time to explore Port Douglas, Mission Beach and also Cairns independently.
Demographics
Our East Coast reef tours running 20-28 days really click with solo travelers. The guides have a knack for creating that perfect group vibe - they know how to get everyone comfortable both on land and in the water. You'll explore multiple reef spots with guides like Shannon and Val, who are great at helping complete beginners feel confident swimming. The journey includes nights under the stars on K'gari (Fraser Island), quiet coves on Magnetic Island and sailing through the Whitsundays. The hostels become social hubs where travelers often form friendships that last well beyond the tour.
If you opt for the 5-week version, you get more time to sink into reef life. You'll visit different snorkel spots across various regions, noticing how the marine life changes as you move along the coast. Tour leaders like Corey and Caro balance group activities with free time nicely - they're good at bringing everyone together while giving you space when you need it. Our travelers really like how they can join group dinners and activities but also have time to do their own thing with new friends.
Couples tend to love our smaller boutique reef tours - they're the right mix of relaxed and active. You'll travel on premium reef boats with marine biologists onboard, stay in quality spots and follow well-paced daily plans. The itinerary takes you to quieter reef areas away from the busy spots, includes evening sails and adds special touches like private wildlife encounters. Our guides know how to create a friendly group feeling while giving couples their own space. The balance of planned activities and free time to explore together is something our travelers mention often.
The 28-35 day active reef tours are particularly popular with young adults. You'll get plenty of water time - from snorkeling hidden spots to multi-day sailing in the Whitsundays. The schedule includes chances to try scuba diving, night snorkeling and spotting marine life from glass-bottom boats. Between reef visits, you'll drive 4x4s on K'gari's beaches, hike to Byron Bay's lighthouse for sunrise and learn to surf. Guides like Zack and Shannon create a fun atmosphere while making sure everyone feels good about pushing their comfort zone in the water.
The social side is just as good - you'll hang out at beach bars, hostel common rooms and group dinners. Everyone loves the overnight sailing parts; sharing stories on deck after a day of snorkeling as the sun sets is pretty special. Our travelers tell us they like having structured reef activities mixed with free time to explore with their new friends.
The 17-day boutique reef tours work really well for our senior travelers. These smaller groups use nice hotels and have guides who adjust the pace to suit different fitness levels. You'll experience the reef in various ways - from glass-bottom boat rides to guided snorkeling with marine experts. The schedule includes walks through rainforest paths, time with Aboriginal guides and wildlife watching. Our travelers appreciate how everything runs smoothly while keeping a laid-back pace that lets them really take in each place.
- Solo Travelers97 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples76 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours
- Seniors (50+)55 tours All tours for Seniors
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.
- 47 tours
- 59 tours
- popular 70 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.
- popular 60 tours
- 60 tours
- 58 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.
- 60 tours
- 59 tours
- popular 63 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 73 tours
- 73 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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+1 844 311 8331What 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.