The Great Barrier Reef is Ready to Explore

The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most precious natural assets.

If you haven’t ticked it off the bucket list, now is the perfect time to explore this incredible natural wonder.

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system, comprised of over 2000 individual reefs and home to an eye-popping 1500 different fish species. The area was off-limits during lockdown, but with restrictions easing in Cairns and Queensland borders open to most travellers in Australia, tours to the reef have recommenced. If you are planning a trip to this breathtaking natural wonder, check out the tours we have available now.

Outer Reef Tours

We have a number of tours ready and running to the outer reef, where you can explore the astounding coral gardens and discover the incredible array of marine life that calls the reef home. All tours include lunch onboard and snorkelling, with helpful crew to assist in and out of the water. All tours adhere to social distancing regulations and uphold the strictest hygiene standards. Not sure which tour is for you? Here’s a rundown of some of the outer reef tours we have available now.

• Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

  Get ready to explore the Great Barrier Reef in style with travel on a sleek sailing catamaran. Enjoy a presentation from an Eco accredited naturalist and a guided snorkel for a thorough understanding of the amazing reef ecosystem. Dive upgrades are available for travellers who want to discover deeper underwater, or you can laze about on the netted deck trampoline and soak up the sun. This tour is currently running a reduced schedule, so check the tour page for more info and travel dates.

• Sunlovers Cruises Full Day Reef Trip

  Travel to the reef’s premium platform with Sunlover Cruises for an incredible day of thrilling activities on the Moore Reef. On offer are a range of activities including fish feeding demonstrations in the underwater observatory, semi-submersible and glass bottom boat tours, a water slide and of course plenty of snorkelling. With so much on offer, this tour is the perfect option for families. This tour is currently running a reduced schedule, so check the tour page for more info and travel dates.

• Great Barrier Reef Diving Tour

  While snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef is an unforgettable experience, scuba diving offers you a new perspective of the rich underwater ecosystem. This tour includes a dive in the tour price, so you can enjoy a glimpse of life beneath the surface. Never dived before? Our beginner dives don’t require any previous experience and will take you to a maximum depth of eight metres with an experienced dive master to guide you all the way.

Island Tours

The Great Barrier Reef is made up not only of thousands of individual reefs, but also of over 600 islands. From Cairns, you can explore Fitzroy and Green Islands on a day trip, and both these tours are available now.

• Green Island

  This island is a popular choice for international visitors, so now is the perfect time to visit without the usual crowds. Spend the day snorkelling the incredible fringing reef or lazing about on the picture-perfect sandy beaches under the swaying coconut palms. Included in the tour are a trip in a semi-submersible and a glass bottom boat tour, not to mention lunch and snorkelling gear. Tours are currently running Friday and Saturday.

• Fitzroy Island

  “Fitzy” as it’s known locally, is another tropical paradise you can visit on a day trip from Cairns. Home not only to unique beaches and pristine fringing reef, Fitzroy Island is covered by dense tropical rainforest which you can explore via the various paths that snake across the island. You can also spend some time observing the admirable work done by the volunteers at the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre and get to know some of their patients. Tours are currently running Saturday and Sunday only.

Tips for booking your Great Barrier Reef trip

A number of tours are running a reduced schedule, so be sure to check the current operating days of the tour you want to join and plan your trip to Cairns with these dates in mind. All tours will also need to meet a minimum number of travellers to operate, so remain flexible with your tour dates in case you need to rearrange your travel day. To adhere with social distancing regulations, many tours have their maximum numbers capped, so book early to avoid disappointment.

If you have any questions about the tours, contact us and our friendly team will be happy to help you arrange your perfect day exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Related article: How to get to the Great Barrier Reef?