Great Barrier Reef Tour Timetable | Departure and Return Times
Cairns Marlin Marina
From Cairns you are able to reach the Great Barrier Reef by one of the many day trips that are offered. The Great Barrier Reef can be found as close to the mainland as 30 kilometres, which will take you to the fringing reefs offered around Green Island whilst 60 kilometres will take you to the Outer Reefs including Flynn, Milln Reefs. Travel time can depend upon the speed of the vessel itself as well as the reefs that they visit.
If you are arriving on the day you wish to travel to the Great Barrier Reef then you will need to be aware of the check-in and departure times of the trips. If you are looking at a specific day trip from Cairns then we would recommend that you book in advance and arrive the evening prior to guarantee that you are not delayed for any reason.
We have compiled a table that offers you an approximate guide of what to expect on your day trip. Please note that these are a general guide only and your day may run differently at the discretion of your Skipper based upon the day’s conditions.
Complete Cairns Departure and Return Times
| Tour Type | Outer Reef and Sand Cay Diving and Snorkelling | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm | 1pm | 2pm | 3pm | 4pm | 5pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tusa Dive T6 | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Silverswift | Site 1 | Site 2 | Site 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reef Quest | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reef Kist | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Osprey V | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reef Experience | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ocean Freedom | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Passions Of Paradise | Site 1 | Site 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reef Magic | Pontoon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sunlover | Pontoon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Great Adventures | Island | Pontoon | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tour Type | Green Island Half Day and Full Day Tours | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm | 1pm | 2pm | 3pm | 4pm | 5pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Big Cat - Half Day AM | Island | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Big Cat - Half Day PM | Island | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Big Cat - Full Day | Island | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tour Type | Fitzroy Island Day Tours | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7am | 8am | 9am | 10am | 11am | 12pm | 1pm | 2pm | 3pm | 4pm | 5pm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fitzroy Flyer | Island | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cairns Reef Tour Departure and Return Times FAQ
Can I bring my own snorkel or dive gear?
Yes, you can bring your own equipment if you prefer. All operators provide high-quality, sanitised gear, but many experienced snorkellers and divers enjoy using their own mask, fins, or wetsuit for comfort and familiarity.
Are there age limits for snorkelling or diving on the reef?
Snorkelling is generally open to all ages, with parental supervision for children. Introductory diving usually requires participants to be at least 12 years old, while certified divers can be younger if they’ve completed recognised training. All diving is subject to a medical questionnaire and safety briefing on the day.
What should I bring on my reef tour?
We recommend bringing a towel, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness tablets before departure. Most day boats include snorkel equipment and lunch, but check your booking confirmation for details.
Do I need to know how to swim to go on a reef tour?
No, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef. Many tours cater for non-swimmers by offering flotation devices, life jackets, and guided snorkel tours from the boat or pontoon. Some vessels also have semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tours so you can experience the reef without getting in the water.
Should I book in advance?
Yes. Many boats have limited passenger numbers and can book out quickly—especially during public holidays, school breaks, and peak travel season (June–October).
Will my trip be cancelled in bad weather?
Only in extreme conditions such as cyclonic activity. Most operators will still run in rain or moderate wind, adjusting reef site selection for comfort and safety.
What happens if the weather is bad in Cairns?
Don’t let a little rain put you off—Great Barrier Reef tours operate in most weather conditions. Cairns often experiences showers while the outer reef enjoys clearer skies, so conditions can be very different offshore. Your skipper may adjust the itinerary to choose the calmest, most sheltered reef sites on the day, ensuring you still enjoy a safe and memorable trip.
Can I dive when it is raining in Cairns?
Yes, you can dive when it’s raining in Cairns, you are going to get wet anyway! Cairns has a tropical climate with an annual monsoonal ‘wet’ season. The weather is hard to predict and sometimes when it’s raining in Cairns, it’s not raining at the reef and vica versa. Rain itself will not impact on your day and diving.