Dive with Turtles – Cairns Great Barrier Reef

Diving with Turtles on the Great Barrier Reef

Few wildlife encounters compare to swimming alongside a wild sea turtle on the Great Barrier Reef. On this day trip, even though we started in rainy Cairns, the reef delivered something truly special — turtles gliding through the water, casually snacking on moon jellies, and giving us one of those “pinch me” moments you don’t forget.

Whether you’re a diver or snorkeller, Cairns is one of the best places in the world to see turtles in their natural environment. Green and hawksbill turtles are common residents here, and if you’re lucky, you might catch them surfacing for a breath or gracefully feeding among the corals.

Watch the Video

This video takes you from Cairns’ marina out to an outer reef pontoon and then on to Fitzroy Island for an afternoon of snorkelling, wildlife encounters, and beach exploring.

Highlights from the Day

• Rainy start, sunny reef – Cairns weather changes quickly. A wet morning can still turn into a spectacular day offshore.

• Outer Reef snorkelling – crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, and plenty of turtles feeding near the reef.

• Moon jellies – harmless and fascinating, they drifted across the reef, with turtles occasionally stopping for a bite.

• Fitzroy Island – snorkelling under the jetty revealed lionfish, black tip reef sharks, baby rays, and giant clams.

• Rainforest surprise – a freshwater creek and mini waterfall running straight from the jungle into the ocean, the perfect way to rinse sandy feet after snorkelling.

Why Turtles Love the Great Barrier Reef

Turtles have lived in these waters for millions of years. The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven marine turtle species. Around Cairns, you’re most likely to see green turtles and hawksbill turtles, both of which thrive on the outer reef and around Fitzroy Island.

• Green turtles are mostly herbivores, grazing on seagrass and algae.

• Hawksbill turtles are reef specialists, often feeding on sponges and invertebrates.

• Their calm nature means snorkellers often get close encounters — just remember to keep your distance and let them approach you.

Fitzroy Island – The Perfect Reef + Island Combo

After time at the reef, we headed to Fitzroy Island, a rainforest-clad national park just 45 minutes from Cairns. Snorkelling under the jetty turned up lionfish, black tip reef sharks, and the elusive blue-spotted lagoon ray.

On land, the coral beaches and rainforest tracks gave us a chance to explore, with a freshwater creek trickling out of the jungle — one of those little secrets you only find by exploring.