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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- Choose from 150+ Great Barrier Reef tours
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Margaret • traveled in October, 2025
What a great tour! Our guide, Linda, was knowledgeable, well organized, friendly and a great person. She went out of her way to accommodate people, was fun to hang out with and was an amazing guide.
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour - BR
Beatrice • traveled in July, 2024
War eine sehr abwechslungsreiche, sehr gut organisierte Reise mit vielen verschiedenen Eindrücken. Top Unterkünfte sogar mit Waschmöglichkeiten. Sympathische und engagierte Reiseleiter, tolle Gruppe!
Brisbane to Cairns Adventure - S
Sarah • traveled in December, 2024
I have just finished my 5 week east cost tour and it was just like a movie. I was able to see so many beautiful places and got to know so many lovely people who I already miss. First and foremost Jenn. She was not only a wonderful tour guide but has also become a really good friend. Thanks for everything Jenn you were amazing!!
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
Traveler Photos & Videos from Great Barrier Reef tours
2 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure (on Condor, Broomstick or Hammer)
Raffaele
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATEKatie
MPMAUREEN
Best of Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Daintree
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 DaysDaniella
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the WhitsundaysBorja
10-Day Australia Starter Package - PrivateLilbeth
Contrasts of Australia (9 Days)Deborah
Brisbane to Cairns - 7 Day Boutique Tourleslie
Contrasts of Australiatara
LPLauren
Australia: North Queensland Adventure (With Sailing)
AAAleena
Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
Highlights of AustraliaLinette
Highlights of Australia with FijiTerri
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
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 $7,221
15% Off- US$6,138You save $1,083
Pristine waters welcome snorkelers at Border Island, while Whitehaven Beach's white sands dazzle visitors. Mission Beach's palm-lined shores and cultural tours at Mungalla Station round out this coastal adventure with beachfront lodging.
Duration 8 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, 75 Mile Beach, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach, TullySee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,360
15% Off- US$2,856You save $504
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 $2,440
25% Off- US$1,830You save $610
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
106 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was so easy travelling from place to place and getting to tick off every item on my Australia bucket list.”
Lisa, traveled in August
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- US$3,761
Brisbane to Daintree Rainforest - 9 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $3,997
15% Off- US$3,397You save $599
Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
49 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“From start to finish, our tour leader Katie was professional, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience so enjoyable.”
Daniella, traveled in July
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
15% Off- US$3,574
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was absolutely amazing! Congrats to you guys for coming up with such a trip.”
Niklas, 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 $2,399
17% Off- US$1,991You save $408
A catamaran carries you to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Start at Cairns Aquarium's 71 exhibits before choosing between coral reef snorkeling, semi-submersible tours, or marine biologist talks. The bustling Night Markets cap your evening.
Duration 21 days Destinations Brisbane, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Melbourne, Phillip Island, LauncestonSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Globus From $8,699
6% Off- US$8,199+$2,123 upfront costsYou save $500
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
6% Off- US$4,565
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
6% Off- US$3,089
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- Couples73 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours
- Seniors (50+)56 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.
- 53 tours
- popular 69 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.
- 61 tours
- 62 tours
- popular 63 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.
- 65 tours
- 64 tours
- popular 67 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.
- 64 tours
- popular 79 tours
- 78 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!
- Choose from 164+ Great Barrier Reef tours
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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.