This is our diving day tour operator of choice from Cairns. It’s a dedicated dive boat (but snorkelers are well catered too as well) and one of the few to offer certified divers the choice between guided and unguided dives. This is great for experienced divers and those wanting to dive together and get some great underwater photographs. The boat and its equipment are well maintained, the Skipper and crew friendly and professional: nothing bad to say here. A great day on the Great Barrier Reef with a great operator.

Reef Encounter is a boutique floating hotel on Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef. Certified divers can take up to six (6) certified dives on an overnight trip, with plenty of time to snorkel and enjoy the amenities on Reef Encounter, which includes the spa and air-conditioned lounge with TV and library. This trip is suitable for scuba divers and snorkelers with seven water sessions during the trip. The friendly crew will go out of their way to make you feel welcome and ensure you have the very best stay and experience on the Great Barrier Reef.

For families with babies, toddlers and younger children, this is the only liveaboard option for spending a night on Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef. As well as being your only option, it’s an excellent option! The rooms are spacious enough to comfortably accommodate the port-a-cots and there are high chairs available in the dining room (ask at time of booking please). You’ll appreciate the ensuite shower and toilet facilities and the air-conditioned interior is a comfortable temperature for the little ones. They have fridges and microwaves on board to help out with cleaning bottles etc. The crew are very welcoming and helpful. An overnight trip gives Mum and Dad plenty of time to dive and snorkel, taking turns to watch the baby. An awesome family trip to the reef!

This is undoubtedly one of Cairns’ best diving day tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The crew are friendly, professional and importantly, helpful. The equipment is well maintained and yours for the day. The boat is spacious and comfortable, providing all the features you need to enjoy the day (including freshwater showers) and the reef sites were amazing. There was plenty of time to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef, as well as just relax and soak up the ambience of the day. Even though the boat was at full capacity we never felt rushed or crowded and on speaking with other guests, everyone had a wonderful day.

This is a great reef tour for people of all ages and abilities that are staying in Port Douglas. There’s lots of inclusions and activities (underwater observatory, semi-submersible tours, fish feeding and snorkelling) meaning swimmers, non-swimmers and scuba divers (diving is an optional extra) will all enjoy the day. The Quicksilver boat is large and comfortable, the pontoon is spacious and covered and the adjacent reef is good for snorkelers and divers. This is the only pontoon trip from Port Douglas.

Poseidon offers a tidy day tour operation from Port Douglas to the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, on the Great Barrier Reef. The three (3) reef sites offer a variety of things to see and do and this trip would suit confident swimmers / snorkelers and certified divers, who will certainly appreciate the spacious dive deck and large tanks. If you choose to do the three (3) dives then there isn’t much time for snorkeling, or relaxing with any non-diving companions, so a good idea to take this trip if everyone in your party is a diver (or all non-divers). The crew is professional and friendly and the boat comfortable.

This is a great value for money trip that is suitable for snorkelers and divers. The complimentary introductory dive (no experience needed) lasts 20-minutes while certified divers will enjoy the one (1) free cert dive, which is guided or unguided, with the option to book a second dive to maximise their experience. The BBQ breakfast and lunch is a nice touch, as is the complimentary cold drink (wine or fruit juice) at the end of the day. The reef sites were first class and the crew friendly and professional. A great day out from Cairns.

Green Island is a great reef day tour option for the family, especially those with young children and toddlers. Its sandy beaches slope gently into the sea and there are lots of shady trees. Several boats visit the island, but you must book Great Adventures to take advantage of the resort’s day facilities, including the freshwater pool.

Certified divers, who also happen to be parents, will see the very best of the Great Barrier Reef by taking a dive boat day tour.? Although these are not usually recommended by operators (who will suggest an island or pontoon trip as the way to go), we think if your baby is not yet crawling…

Reef Teach is a two-hour, educational presentation providing a fantastic insight into the Great Barrier Reef, its inhabitants and the evolution and survival of one of the seven wonders of the world. Did I mention it’s also fun and engaging? A great way to learn about the reef and why it’s so special.