Top Cairns & the Tropical North Cruises & Sailing

If snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef is on your bucket list, don’t miss this day trip from Cairns. The 35-metre superyacht, Evolution, departs Cairns with a record 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day! You’ll visit 2 different locations on the barrier reef for the chance to see tropical marine life in the clear waters. Lunch is included onboard the boat, and you have the option to upgrade to include additional adventures such as introductory or certified scuba diving or a helicopter flight over this UNESCO World Heritage site. Both water sports enthusiasts and novices are welcome. Includes instruction and equipment provided by friendly and professional instructors.

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge Upolu Reef. Take an Adventure Snorkel & Glass Bottom Boat Tour through the highly protected no-fishing zone sites in the Marine Park. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran before heading to your next destination, Upolu Cay reef. Enjoy the shallow azure blue waters surrounding this natural Coral Cay with both snorkeling or diving on offer. Be mesmerised by coral teeming with colourful fish.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and a lush island rain forest on this full-day catamaran tour to Green Island from Cairns. Create your own perfect day on this protected coral cay with a variety of activities including snorkeling, scuba diving, Seawalking, nature walks, and tours on a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to include a delicious buffet lunch on board the catamaran and/or a ride in a semi-submarine. It’s a fantastic way to discover the underwater wonders of the world’s most famous reef!

Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day cruise from Cairns. Relax on board your 80-foot (25-meter) luxury catamaran as your captain sails to two exclusive locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Choose to snorkel or dive, with full instruction provided by guides, and see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and corals. Your tour includes morning and afternoon tea, and a buffet lunch, with additional beverages available for purchase.

Sail on a 2-masted schooner from Cairns to Green Island for a full day of snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Have a choice of options for exploring Green Island, spending time in the water around the magnificent coral reefs, walking in the rain forest, or lazing on the white sandy beaches. Enjoy the expertise of the superb crew, in addition to buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and a glass of wine as you cruise back to Cairns.

Discover the underwater beauty of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour from Cairns. Glide across the Coral Sea on a catamaran ride to a premium outer reef location with diverse marine life. Spend hours at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef with exclusive access to an activity platform staffed by marine biologist guides. Snorkel, scuba dive, or opt to take a glass-bottom boat tour.

Enjoy the natural delights of the Great Barrier Reef on an activity cruise from Cairns that gives you several ways to experience this renowned underwater world. After traveling by catamaran to a pontoon moored on the reef, you can observe marine life on a glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel; go snorkeling to spot sea turtles; get your hands wet in the touch pool; upgrade to include a Seawalker Helmet dive; or upgrade to include an introductory or certified scuba dive. A buffet lunch is included, and the pontoon is equipped with showers.

Explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour to Fitzroy Island. After arriving from Cairns on a fast ferry, have free time to do what you choose: snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on the white-sand beach or see the coral from a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to add the Activity Pass Plus Lunch, which provides a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear, stinger suit, a glass-bottom boat tour.

Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.

Ensure a memorable experience on the Outer Great Barrier Reef on this full-day, all-inclusive cruise aboard a catamaran. Head for Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Outer Reef and plunge into the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef by snorkeling amongst its rich marine life. If you have selected the option, you can also include an introductory or certified dive. Includes morning and afternoon tea, as well as a buffet lunch.

If you want to experience the outer Great Barrier Reef away from the crowds, this full-day sailing trip is ideal. You’ll sail to Upolu Reef and a sheltered lagoon, where you can snorkel amid a vast array of coral, tropical fish, turtles, clams, and more. A guided snorkel is included if you’d like some extra support in the sea.

Immerse yourself in the natural wonders and Aboriginal heritage of Australia’s tropical north on this full-day tour from Cairns. First, head to the Mossman Gorge to take part in a traditional smoke ceremony with the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Then, enjoy a close encounter with native wildlife on the Marrdja Botanical Boardwalk and visit Cape Tribulation, the meeting point of the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest. After lunch at Cape Trib Beach House, embark on a scenic cruise along the Daintree River (optional).

Hop aboard for a luxurious evening catamaran cruise of Cairns and experience Australia’s northernmost city from the water. Sip a complimentary drink as you glide along the Cairns waterfront precinct and along the idyllic Trinity Inlet, then tuck into a delicious 3-course dinner on-board as you watch the mesmerizing sunset over the city.

Down Under Cruise and Dive by Evolution, a luxury 35-meter super-yacht. This package includes a full day to the outer Great Barrier Reef at two stunning reef locations, with 5 hours reef time plus a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight over the reef. You will experience the reef from above and below!

Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef or view it from a bit of a distance, this day trip to the outer reef has you covered. The activity platform at the reef provides opportunities to snorkel, dive, and swim, and to view it from the comfort of a semi-submersible and an underwater observatory. An ideal day trip for the whole family.

Green Island offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest experience, just 45 minutes from Cairns by fast catamaran. Home to over 120 native plant species and colourful bird life, surrounded by abundant marine life. Full and half day options available. Your day can be as active or as relaxing as you choose. As a Great Adventures guest, you’ll also be able to enjoy many exclusive inclusions such as the use of the island swimming pool and a self guided eco island walk to discover some of the island’s unique rainforest flora. The island’s well appointed day visitor facilities include a pool bar, plus restaurant and retail outlets. A delicious range of lunch and snacks can be purchased from the island’s food and refreshment outlets.

Venture into the rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands with an expert guide to observe Australian native animals in the wild. From Cairns, travel into the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics of Queensland to observe kangaroos, lizards, and possums by daylight, then continue after sundown to look for nocturnal critters like the elusive platypus and Lumholtz tree kangaroo. Enjoy afternoon tea at Lake Barrine and dinner at a country restaurant. This small-group tour is limited to 11 people, which ensures a more personalized experience with your guide.

Take a sailing trip off the beaten path and travel to some of the best remote reef sites around Cairns. This small-group, 2-night sailing trip is limited to 12 people and offers both certified and introductory diving, as well as certification courses, so that even beginner divers can experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef such as schools of iridescent fish, turtles, and colorful corals. Choose from private or shared accommodation on board.

Experience the wildlife and wilderness of Australia’s tropical north on a 45-minute cruise from Kuranda. Set sail down the Barron River, through the heart of the wet tropics rainforest and discover the region’s natural wonders with entertaining onboard commentary. Along the way, look out for freshwater crocodiles, turtles and water dragons, as well as a wide range of exotic birds.

First time in Cairns? Discover the gateway to Queensland’s tropical north on this 5.5-hour sightseeing tour. Visit city attractions like the Flecker Botanical Gardens and St Monica's Cathedral, and stroll along the scenic Cairns waterfront. Indulge in a delicious Devonshire afternoon tea (included) taking in the stunning views from the jetty at Palm Cove before taking a short hike through the Barron Gorge National Park. For the full experience, upgrade to include a 2-hour morning cruise to Green Island in the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef marine park. This small-group tour is limited to 20 people.

The only full experience tour Live commentary, storytelling & audio podcast Afternoon tea on the beach Cassowary wildlife spotting and stargazing Private tour of park and Hydro Power Station Free pick up and drop off from/to selected pick up zones  Impressive evening light show with music Dinner with a Country pub experience

Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a luxury catamaran cruise to Low Isles — no scuba certification required! Snorkel among sea turtles and tropical fish, view giant clams and coral gardens on a glass-bottom boat tour or join a guided nature walk around the island. You can also simply relax and soak up the sun on the beach. This delightful full-day tour includes a buffet lunch, morning and afternoon tea and round-trip hotel transport from Cairns or Northern Beaches.

Get an early start to take advantage of optimum conditions for a bird-watching cruise on the Daintree River. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top 10-seat boat, and use the provided binoculars to spot wildlife along the riverbanks. You might see rare birds, crocodiles, snakes, and the plant life that grows in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest.

This small-group tour includes transfers from your port or hotel to the amazing Skyrail Rainforest Cableway where you will glide over the rainforest canopy as you make your way to Red Peak Station. From there explore the World Heritage listed rainforest before re-boarding to the Barron Falls. View the magnificent Barron Gorge, falls & visit the Rainforest Interpretive Centre before re-boarding the cableway and making your way to Kuranda. You will be met there and transferred to Kuranda, the village in the rainforest (if you prefer, take a five-minute walk). There you will have two hours to eat, shop and explore. Later, make your way to the nearby Kuranda Railway Station to board the Kuranda Scenic Railway for a journey through the rainforest over 37 bridges & through 15 tunnels. From Freshwater Station you will be transferred back to your hotel or port. Alternatively, you may choose to travel onwards to Cairns Station and walk to your city accommodation.