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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This tour was jam packed with loads of different experiences so much fun!! K’Gari and Whitsundays were insane!!!
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 DaysWe had an absolutely incredible time on our trip to Australia. The tour was curated perfectly to meet our needs, every activity, private transport, and flight went off without a hitch, and our tour operators stayed in touch with us every step of the way to ensure that our trip was a success. We would recommend this tour to anyone looking to get an introduction to some of Australia's most beautiful locales!
Iconic Australia: A 12-Day Grand DiscoveryI‘ve just finished the 5 weeks East Coast Tour and it’s been an absolute movie. My favorite part was K‘gari. I already miss the people I met and above all my group leader Jenn. She was not only our group leader but also has become a really good friend and has always been there for us. Thanks for everything Jenn you made this experience incredible.
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | Ultimate
Traveler Photos & Videos from Great Barrier Reef tours
- Essence of Australia 14 Days
- Brisbane to Cairns with Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef - 7 Day Boutique Tour
- Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
- 2 Day / 2 Night Prosail Whitsundays Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
- Sailing Adventures through the Whitsunday Islands
- 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
The best Great Barrier Reef tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaGreat Barrier Reef travel expert at TourRadar
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
“Fun tour that covers practically all of East Coast Aus.”
Maddie, traveled in August
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
Iconic Australia: A 12-Day Grand Discovery
“We had an absolutely incredible time on our trip to Australia.”
Hillary, traveled in May
Duration 12 days Destinations Melbourne, Uluru, Cairns, Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
- US$2,535
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | Ultimate
“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
- US$4,041
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
“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, 75 Mile Beach, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,649
25% off- US$1,987
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
“We had an amazing trip, very well organized. We had an amazing time and learned a lot from this great continent.”
Henriett, traveled in October
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
25% off- US$3,205
Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
“The 3-week East Coast tour was absolutely fantastic! It was very well-organized and included a great variety of activities.”
Lisa, traveled in December
Adventures stretch from Airlie Beach through Whitsundays to Cairns. Whitehaven Beach's pristine shores, outer reef snorkeling, and Mission Beach's Tully River Rapids create thrills, with beachfront lodging and 19 meals included.
Duration 20 days Destinations Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
25% off- US$3,099
Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest with Islands & Reef Trips - 9 Day Boutique Tour
“The tour was amazing!! Given us a lot of history of the Australian East Coast, its flora and fauna as well as the local culinary aspects.”
Hanne, traveled in January
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, Cairns, Atherton, Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas, Kuranda, Mossman GorgeSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia From
25% off- US$4,125
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 Travelers96 tours- Couples78 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)26 tours
- Seniors (50+)52 tours
Best time to visit Great Barrier Reef
- 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.
- popular 56 tours
- 47 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.
- 52 tours
- 58 tours
- popular 70 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 68 tours
- 60 tours
- 63 tours
- Summer 2027
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 58 tours
- 50 tours
- 58 tours
Contact our Great Barrier Reef travel experts
Steffanie
Expert in Great Barrier Reef at TourRadar
Steffanie 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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