Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking tours in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef Tours
What’s the best Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns?
It depends on what you’re after. For a full-day experience with snorkelling and certified diving, Passions of Paradise and Silverswift consistently top our list. For families, Sunlover Reef Cruises is the most comfortable. Budget travellers do well with Reef Adventures. See our full reef tours comparison for detail.
How long does a reef tour take?
Most full-day reef tours depart around 8–9am and return by 5pm — roughly 8 hours on the water including travel. Half-day tours typically run 4–5 hours and depart around noon. If you’re prone to seasickness, a half-day is worth considering.
Do I need to be able to swim to join a reef tour?
No — all major reef tour operators offer glass-bottom boat viewing and semi-submersibles for non-swimmers. Snorkelling is optional on every tour, and life jackets are always available. That said, being comfortable in water means you’ll get far more out of the experience.
Is scuba diving included or an add-on?
Snorkelling is included on almost every reef tour. Certified scuba diving is also included on select tours (e.g. Reef Experience). Introductory dives — no certification needed — are usually an add-on at $50–$80 extra. Check individual tour pages for exact inclusions.
What’s the difference between Outer Reef and Inner Reef?
The Outer Reef sits 45–65 km offshore and has clearer water, more coral, and more marine life — but the journey takes longer (1–2 hours each way). Inner reef sites like Upolu Cay or Moore Reef are closer and calmer, better for young children or those prone to seasickness. Most full-day tours go to the Outer Reef.
What time of year is best for reef tours?
June to October is the dry season — calm seas, sunny skies, and water visibility up to 20 metres. November to May brings the wet season with warmer water (26–29°C) but occasional rough days. Tours run year-round and are rarely cancelled; operators reschedule in bad weather and issue full refunds.
Island Tours
Which Cairns island is best for a day trip?
Green Island suits anyone wanting a resort day with easy snorkelling — it’s only 27 km from Cairns and the coral is right off the beach. Fitzroy Island is better for hikers and kayakers. Frankland Islands are the most remote and secluded. Michaelmas Cay is unique for its seabird colony. See our island tours comparison for full breakdowns.
Can I stay overnight on the islands?
Green Island and Fitzroy Island both have accommodation for overnight stays. The other islands (Frankland, Michaelmas Cay) are day-trip only. Fitzroy Island’s resort is a popular budget-friendly option if you want to avoid a commute to the reef.
How far are the islands from Cairns?
Green Island is 27 km offshore (45-minute ferry). Fitzroy Island is 29 km (45 minutes). Frankland Islands are 50 km south (2-hour cruise from Cairns). Michaelmas Cay is 55 km northeast (2 hours). All depart from Cairns Marlin Marina or Reef Fleet Terminal.
Booking & Practicalities
How far in advance should I book?
During peak season (June–September) popular tours sell out 3–7 days ahead. Outside peak, 1–2 days is usually fine. We recommend booking as soon as your dates are confirmed — availability is shown in real time on each tour page.
What is the cancellation policy?
Most tours offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Cancellations within 48 hours are generally non-refundable. If a tour is cancelled due to weather, you’ll receive a full refund or be offered an alternative date. Always check the specific tour page for exact terms.
What should I bring on a reef or island tour?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a change of clothes, a towel, cash for onboard drinks or add-ons, and motion sickness tablets if you’re sensitive to boat travel. Most operators provide snorkel gear, wetsuits, and stinger suits. Leave valuables at your accommodation.
Are transfers from my hotel included?
Some operators include complimentary hotel pickup from central Cairns or the Northern Beaches — check each tour page. Most tours depart from Cairns Marlin Marina or the Reef Fleet Terminal, which is a short walk or taxi from most Cairns hotels.
Are tours suitable for children?
Most reef and island tours welcome children. Minimum age requirements vary by activity — introductory diving typically requires children to be at least 8–12 years old. Snorkelling is suitable for most ages. Check individual tour pages for age restrictions.
How does GuestTours work?
GuestTours is an independent review site and booking guide for Cairns tours. We research and compare tours so you don’t have to. When you book through our site, we earn a small commission from the operator — at no extra cost to you. Our reviews are based on research, operator data, and guest feedback, not paid placements.