Cairns Reef Tours for Non-Swimmers
Can’t swim? No problem: there are a range of Cairns tours and activities tailored to ensure non-swimmers can still visit, explore and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef.
Outer reef pontoons and Great Barrier Reef islands are definitely the best option for non-swimmers, providing the comfort and stability of being off the water on a stable platform or land.
Can Non-Swimmers Still Try Scuba Diving on the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes — you can still experience the reef, even if you can’t swim.
Most tour operators provide life jackets and flotation aids such as pool noodles, making it easy to get in the water safely and comfortably.
For extra support and confidence, many tours also offer optional guided snorkel tours where a professional guide stays with you the entire time.
And if you’re curious about scuba diving, take a look at our latest video below — it shows how even non-swimmers can try an introductory dive on the Great Barrier Reef.
- Glass-bottom boats & semi-submarines – enjoy a dry, safe way to view the reef and marine life.
- Helmet diving – walk on the seafloor with a fully air-supplied helmet, no swimming skills needed.
- Island visits – relax on Green or Fitzroy Island, with beaches, boardwalks, and resort facilities.
- Marine talks & observatories – learn from marine biologists and view coral gardens without getting wet.
Video: Learn how non-swimmers can scuba dive?
Join Clint from Cairns Dive Adventures at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal as he answers one of the most common questions we hear: “If I can’t swim, can I still scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef?” In this video, you’ll discover how non-swimmers can safely try introductory scuba diving, what to expect at check-in, the two best tour options (day boats and pontoons), and a hands-on look at the scuba gear you’ll be using underwater. It’s a must-watch if you’re curious but not confident in the water!
In this video: We walk you through the Reef Fleet Terminal, explain how day boats and pontoons cater to non-swimmers, and show you the exact scuba gear used for first-time dives. Even if you’ve never swum before, you’ll see how instructors support you every step of the way so you can enjoy the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.
REEF TOURS FOR NON-SWIMMERS:
Passions Of Paradise
Australian Tourism Award Winner. Daily dive/snorkel trips to Paradise Reef, Norman Reef, Hastings Reef, Flynn Reef, Milln Reef and Moore Reef. Enjoy a 25m sailing catamaran, includes all snorkel gear with Hot / cold buffet lunch.
Reef Experience
Enjoy 1 x FREE Introductory Dive! Cairns’ only fully inclusive day tour, including: hot cooked breakfast, trip to Great Barrier Reef, 6 hours on reef, 2 reef locations, meals, free scuba dive intro or cert dive, marine biologist presentation & all dive and snorkel equipment.
Ocean Freedom Cruise
Locally owned & operated. 5 star service. Up to 6 hours snorkel / dive time at 2 Great Barrier Reef locations. Best reef tour lunch in town. Friendly crew, glass bottom boat tour & much more.
Great Adventures: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
Perfect for cruise ship passengers Depart Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal 10:30am return to Cairns 5:30pm. Enjoy beautiful snorkeling and diving on the outer Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Semi-submarines, underwater observatory, buffet lunch and all snorkel gear!
Silversonic Dive & Snorkel – Port Douglas
Silversonic is a fast, modern dive and snorkel catamaran from Port Douglas, visiting three stunning Agincourt Ribbon Reef sites with up to five hours on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Perfect for snorkellers and certified divers seeking crystal-clear water and vibrant coral.
Ocean Spirit Cruises – Michaelmas Cay
One of Cairns best kept secrets. Ocean Spirit Cruises provide a luxury sailing catamaran to Michaelmas Cay. This trip is suited to swimmers, snorkelers and families. Often Sea Turtles are seen from the beach. All meals included. 90% daily sea turtle sightings!
Do you need help choosing?
Can't decide?
CALL US: 07 4041 1638
Or try the form below, we have personally been on every Cairns reef and diving trip. We can help you choose the best tour, to suit your experience and budget.
No Swimming? No Worries!
Cairns Great Barrier Reef activities for non-swimmers include glass bottom boat tours, semi-submersible tours, a visit to an underwater observatory and marine biologist lecture. These activities are all included in the outer reef pontoon tours with Reef Magic Cruises, Sunlover Cruises and Great Adventures. When you are not in the water, relax on the sun decks comfortable lounges, or chill out on the canopy covered main decks.
Semi Submarine
Glass Bottom Boat
Underwater Observatory
New technology also allows non-swimmers to go underneath the water in a fully-supervised helmet dive. It’s an updated version of the pearl-diving helmets of old and you can do it on its own, or with a motorised underwater scooter, to explore the Great Barrier Reef in comfort and safety. This is an additional cost to most day tours, but definitely worth the investment for non-swimmers.
Green and Fitzroy Island are another option for non-swimmers, who can explore these tropical Great Barrier Reef islands and relax on beaches facing the Coral Sea. Take advantage of resort facilities, including bars and restaurants.
Cairns Reef Tours for Non-Swimmers – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still enjoy the Great Barrier Reef if I can’t swim?
Are life jackets and flotation devices provided?
What is a semi-submersible or glass-bottom boat tour?
What is a helmet dive and is it safe if I can’t swim?
Which tours are best for non-swimmers?
Can non-swimmers try scuba diving?
What else can I do on a non-swimmer reef tour?
Is it suitable for children or elderly guests?
Still Confused? Need Some Help Choosing?
Not sure which reef experience is the right fit?
Our local team has dived and snorkelled on every Cairns tour, so we know exactly which options work best for non-swimmers, families, and mixed groups.
Use our free Cairns Reef Tour Finder service and we’ll match you with the perfect trip — whether that’s a stable outer reef pontoon with glass-bottom boat tours, or a tropical island with easy beach access. It’s fast, simple, and completely free to use, helping you book with confidence.
Please note: We are not affiliated with any of the boats. We are Cairns locals, trying to help visitors have the best time they can, on the amazing Great Barrier Reef. This website is funded and built by us: we make commission from your tour bookings. We hope the information is of some assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more advice on PH: +61 7 40411638 | reservations@cairnsdiveadventures.com
Sunlover Reef Cruises
Ocean Free Sailing
Big Cat Green Island – Full Day
Reef Magic Cruises
Great Adventures: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef
Big Cat Green Island – Half Day
Great Adventures: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruises
Great Adventures: Green Island – Half Day (8:30am – 2:30pm)
Great Adventures: Green Island Full Day Tour
Pure Snorkel – Half Day Reef Tour
Spirit of Cairns – Buffet Dinner Cruise
Moore Reef & Fitzroy Island Full Day Reef Tour
Two Island Explorer – Fitzroy Island + Green Island
Sunlover Reef Cruises
Ocean Free Sailing
Big Cat Green Island – Full Day
Reef Magic Cruises
Great Adventures: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef
Big Cat Green Island – Half Day
Great Adventures: Outer Great Barrier Reef Pontoon
Quicksilver Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruises
Great Adventures: Green Island – Half Day (8:30am – 2:30pm)
Great Adventures: Green Island Full Day Tour
Pure Snorkel – Half Day Reef Tour
Spirit of Cairns – Buffet Dinner Cruise
Moore Reef & Fitzroy Island Full Day Reef Tour
Two Island Explorer – Fitzroy Island + Green Island
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Cairns Reef Information
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Do you need help choosing a trip?
Can't decide? We have personally been on every Cairns reef and diving trip. We can help you choose the best tour, to suit your experience and budget.
Special
FREE UNDERWATER CAMERA HIRE*
Spend over $550.00 AUD on your Great Barrier Reef tour with us and receive the latest Digital Underwater Camera Hire. Take amazing High-Resolution images and 1080 HD Video. Only when you book online thru our website.
Not available for any tours to the Islands as fine white sand damages the seals on the cameras and makes them leak!
You need to come into our shop located on the Cairns Esplanade the day before departure to pick up the camera before 5:30 pm. You also need to supply your own SD Camera Card and drop the camera off back at our shop before 5:30pm.
Please Remember there is no other way to collect our cameras! All passengers must come into our shop the day before departure day before 5:30 pm.
