A Guide to Visiting the Great Barrier ReefBest Australia tours to Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef and Cairns

Found in tropical North Queensland, Cairns serves as the perfect gateway to one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders. Our expertly crafted tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life, stunning coral formations, and crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you're a seasoned diver, an enthusiastic snorkeler, or simply a lover of breathtaking scenery, our tours cater to all interests and experience levels. Beyond the reef, immerse yourself in the lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and rich Indigenous culture of the Cairns region. Each tour is designed to provide an unforgettable experience, blending adventure and relaxation. Join us for an exciting journey where every moment brings a new discovery, and let the natural beauty of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef captivate your senses. Book your tour today and embark on the trip of a lifetime!

Tours to Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef

Here are some of our most popular tours to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Explore some of the best of Eastern Australia on one of our Australia tour packages.

Australia

Save 10%

Want to explore more Australia tours?

Australia Tours

Wildlife - The Great 8 of the Great Barrier Reef

Clownfish

With their striking orange and white stripes, clownfish are iconic inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef. These small, colorful fish form mutualistic relationships with sea anemones, which provide them with protection from predators using their stinging tentacles. In return, clownfish offer the anemones food scraps and improved water circulation through their movements. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for both species' survival. The Great Barrier Reef's diverse ecosystem supports various clownfish species, each adapted to specific anemone hosts. This vibrant marine environment showcases the complex inter-dependencies that sustain its rich biodiversity, making it a vital natural wonder worth preserving.

Giant Clams

Giant clams, among the largest and most fascinating mollusk, are prominent residents of the Great Barrier Reef. These impressive mollusks can grow over four feet wide and weigh more than 500 pounds. They host algae within their tissues, which provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis, giving the clams their vibrant colors. In return, the clams offer the algae a safe habitat and exposure to sunlight. Giant clams filter feed by drawing in plankton-rich water, contributing to the reef's nutrient cycle.

Manta Rays

These majestic inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef are known for their graceful movements and large, wing-like pectoral fins. These gentle giants can reach wingspans of up to 7 meters and are often seen gliding through the water in search of plankton, their primary food source. The reef provides a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports manta rays, offering ample feeding grounds and cleaning stations where smaller fish remove parasites from their bodies. Snorkelers and divers visiting the Great Barrier Reef are often thrilled by encounters with these magnificent creatures, making manta rays a highlight of the marine experience.

Maori Wrasse

The Maori wrasse, also known as the humphead wrasse, is a prominent species in the Great Barrier Reef. Recognizable by its large size and distinctive hump on its forehead, this fish can grow up to 2 meters in length. Its vibrant blue-green coloration and intricate patterns make it a favorite among divers and snorkelers. Maori wrasse are known for their inquisitive nature and often approach humans. They play a crucial role in maintaining the reef's health by feeding on crown-of-thorns starfish, which can damage coral. Their presence highlights the rich biodiversity and intricate balance of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

Potato Cod

Named for its distinctive potato-like spots, these large, robust fish can grow up to 2 meters and are known for their friendly and curious nature, often approaching divers. The Cod Hole, a famous dive site in the reef, is renowned for encounters with these gentle giants. Potato Cod play an important ecological role, helping maintain the balance of the reef's marine life. Their presence is a testament to the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, attracting marine enthusiasts who seek to observe these impressive fish in their natural habitat.

Sharks

Species such as the blacktip reef shark, whitetip reef shark, and the larger tiger shark are commonly found in these waters. They regulate populations of other marine life, ensuring a healthy and diverse reef environment. Sharks in the Great Barrier Reef are often subjects of fascination and study, highlighting their importance and the need for conservation efforts. Encounters with these apex predators offer thrilling experiences for divers and snorkelers, underscoring the reef's rich biodiversity and the critical role sharks play in its sustainability.

Turtles

Turtles are beloved inhabitants of the Great Barrier Reef, with species such as the green sea turtle, hawksbill, and loggerhead frequently seen in its waters. These graceful creatures are known for their long migrations and can often be spotted gliding through the reef's clear waters or resting on the sandy seabed. Visitors to the reef may witness turtles feeding on seagrass and algae or nesting on the beaches. Their serene presence and gentle nature make encounters with these reptiles a memorable experience for anyone exploring the reef.

Whales

Whales are spectacular visitors to the Great Barrier Reef, with humpback and dwarf minke whales being the most commonly sighted species. These magnificent mammals undertake long migrations to the reef's warm waters, where they breed and give birth. From June to November, visitors can witness the breathtaking acrobatics of humpback whales or enjoy the unique experience of swimming with the curious dwarf minke whales. The presence of these gentle giants adds a magical dimension to the reef, captivating tourists and researchers alike. Observing whales in the Great Barrier Reef provides a profound connection to the majesty of marine life.

What to expect on a tour of the Great Barrier Reef

Diving the Great Barrier Reef

A tour of the Great Barrier Reef promises an unforgettable adventure filled with awespiring sights and experiences. As you embark on this journey, expect to encounter one of the world's most diverse and vibrant ecosystems, teeming with marine life and stunning coral formations.
Your adventure begins with a scenic boat ride from Cairns on a glass bottom boat, offering breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. Upon arrival at the reef, the crystal-clear waters reveal a kaleidoscope of colors as the sunlight dances off the coral and fish below. Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving are the highlights of any Australia package trip, allowing you to immerse yourself in this underwater wonderland. As you explore, you’ll encounter a vast array of marine species, from playful clownfish and majestic sea turtles to graceful manta rays and, if you're lucky, even a reef shark or two.
Expert guides will join you on this excursion, offering insightful commentary about the reef’s ecology, it’s delicate balance, and the many conservation efforts that are taking place to protect this natural marvel.

Why you should join a tour

Joining a group tour to the Great Barrier Reef offers an enriching and hassle-free experience. Group tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the reef’s diverse marine life and ecosystems. Travelers can benefit from the convenience of pre-arranged transport, equipment, and activities, ensuring a smooth adventure. Our tours include snorkeling or diving excursions, allowing you to explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter exotic sea creatures safely. Additionally, group settings foster social interactions, making the trip more enjoyable and memorable. Opting for a group tour ensures a well-organized, informative, and exciting journey to this world-renowned natural wonder.

Get exclusive deals, travel tips and more.

Conclusion

Embarking on a tour to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns is an unforgettable experience that promises adventure, natural beauty, and educational opportunities. Whether you're a snorkeling enthusiast, a diving aficionado, or simply someone who loves exploring pristine natural environments, these tours offer something for everyone. The Great Barrier Reef, with its vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life, provides an unparalleled underwater spectacle, while the charming city of Cairns serves as the perfect gateway with its tropical ambiance and rich cultural heritage.
Guided tours ensure you make the most of your visit, offering expert insights and well-organised itineraries. From the thrill of swimming alongside majestic sea creatures to the serene beauty of the reef's underwater world, every moment spent here is a treasure. Choose one of our tours that suits your interests and embark on an adventure that will leave you with lifelong memories of the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef and the captivating region of Cairns.