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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Sarah • traveled in December, 2024
I‘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 - D
Darina • traveled in September, 2024
For the price and the time we had, this tour was hands down the best choice! The group was fun and very welcoming, but I want to shout-out Lauren, our guide. She wasn’t just incredibly knowledgeable and organized; she felt more like a close friend who made every moment special. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better tour!
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays - S
Sandy • traveled in March, 2026
It was just ok, I’m comparing your trip to the other tours that I’ve been on through out Europe though. So maybe that’s not a fair comparison. Rick Steves tours, is my gold standard . I would have liked more narration about all of Australia, from early times to what’s going on in to days world in Australia. From politics to industry, to wildlife, to conservation . I would have liked to of heard more about Aboriginal life and customs, back when the English and other settlers first came to now. Even if the truth is hard to hear about. It would have helped to get a better perspective on the country.
Bucket List Australia
Traveler Photos & Videos from Great Barrier Reef tours
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
George
Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tourleslie
AAAleena
Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)George
Highlights of Australia with FijiTerri
SCSarah
Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tour
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)GeorgeJMJessica
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
NANicholas
Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)GeorgeMPMAUREEN
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree (11 destinations)
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATEKatie
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)RaffaeleMBMollie
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
EJEmma
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
- 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
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
- US$4,459+$975 upfront costs
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
107 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
- US$4,053
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Fitzroy Island, Green Island National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd From
- US$3,214
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, Mackay, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,549
25% Off- US$1,912You save $637
Moore Reef's underwater spectacle awaits with marine biologists and crystal-clear snorkeling spots. Ride to Kuranda village via scenic railway, float through Melaleuca wetlands, and savor a farewell dinner at Ochre Restaurant overlooking Cairns Harbor.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From $3,215
10% Off- US$2,894+$1,465 upfront costsYou save $322
Whitsundays, Reef & Rainforest - 9 days
2 Reviews 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$4,810
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
49 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Amazing tour, almost all the highlights of the east coast are included! Would recommend everyone to hop on an intro tour to Australia.”
Dennis, traveled in February
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, Bondi Beach, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Whitsundays, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
10% Off- US$3,774
Travel Great Barrier Reef your way
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for Great Barrier Reef tours
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 Travelers80 tours- Couples69 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours
- Seniors (50+)47 tours
Best time to visit Great Barrier Reef
- 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.
- 28 tours
- 37 tours
- popular 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
- 58 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.
- 59 tours
- 71 tours
- popular 72 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.
- 57 tours
- 57 tours
- popular 64 tours
Contact our Great Barrier Reef travel experts
Esteban
Expert in Great Barrier Reef at TourRadar
Esteban 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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