catamaran cruise great barrier reef

The 7 Best Great Barrier Reef Cruises [2024 Reviews]

Not only is the Great Barrier Reef a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! As one of the largest living structures on Earth (even visible from space!), it consists of over 600 types of both hard and soft coral.

With threats such as pollution and increasing acidity, we unfortunately don’t know how long the reef will be around to visit, so I highly recommend doing so if you’re in the area.

I’ve detailed the 7 top Great Barrier Reef cruises available, that are well worth the time and money. Now, let’s jump right in!

Best Cruises of the Great Barrier Reef

Quick answer: the 7 best great barrier reef cruise tours for 2024.

• Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas
• Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran
• 2-Day Great Barrier Reef: Reefsleep Experience
• Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour
• Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience
• Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise
• Full-Day Cruise Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef Cruises Reviews

1. calypso outer great barrier reef cruise from port douglas.

• Duration:  8 hours
• Departure: 44 Wharf St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
• Departure Time: 8:20 AM
• Includes:  Lunch, afternoon tea & coffee, professional local guide, guided snorkel tour (Use of Snorkelling equipment) and Interpretive reef talk

Australia is full of fun in the sun, but if you really want to enjoy it to its fullest, look no further than this first tour.

Imagine cruising across the sparkling waters from Port Douglas, with the breeze blowing through your hair and the sun shining on your skin as you head to one of the most amazing natural wonders on Earth.

If that sounds like fun to you, check out the Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas tour ! Starting out around 8 am, you’ll meet at the wharf where your guides will escort you onto a beautiful, custom-designed vessel for a full-day cruise!

Depending on weather and water conditions, you’ll head to either Agincourt or Opal Reef to snorkel at 3 fantastic sites, with the option to do an intro dive, as well! This is perfect if you’ve never gone scuba diving before, and would like to try under the supervision of professional divers.

The cool thing is that this tour is really ideal for any experience level, as they customize the dive site visits and type of diving/snorkeling based on your specific skills.

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After we had time to snorkel around at our first stop and explore the beautiful underwater world, we had morning tea and set off to the second one. We then had a delicious lunch onboard, which was nice and varied – suiting everyone’s tastes.

We then had a break to digest and enjoy an interpretive talk about the Great Barrier Reef, which made me appreciate the natural wonder even more!

We then went to the third site for an optional snorkel tour, where we saw many big and bright, colorful fish! All in all, it was a wonderful experience that gave me a whole new perspective on sealife and the reef – oh, and I learned how to actually snorkel properly!

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. passions of paradise great barrier reef cruise by catamaran.

• Duration:  9 hours
• Departure: 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
• Departure Time: 7:00 AM
• Includes:  A stylish fast modern catamaran visiting 2 exclusive outer reef locations, coffee and/or tea, lunch, snacks, complimentary snorkel tour and tuition, use of Snorkeling equipment, marine naturalist presentation, all marine park fees and levies, winter wet suits or summer sun suits

If you’re looking for one of the most magical and convenient ways to see the wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, this is one of the best ways to go!

The Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran  tour is educational, with a fantastic crew that will make sure you’re safe and having a great time. This is a tour I’d recommend to even my dearest friends and family, so put it toward the top of your list if it’s your first time out here.

We started out by meeting with our crew at the Reef Fleet Terminal, where we did a quick check-in and received a briefing about what to expect. I immediately knew I’d made a good decision, with their incredible customer service and clear knowledge of the area.

I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of entertaining crews, and that’s exactly what you’ll get here. We then boarded the luxury catamaran, which was one of the most beautiful, sleek, and spacious of any I’d been on.

The crew has access to nearly 30 different destinations on the outer Great Barrier Reef, and they will select the best 2 of those, depending on weather and water conditions that day. We were also able to select if we wanted to snorkel or dive, depending on our preferences and experience level.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll receive full instruction by professional guides, who made sure we all felt safe and were well watched after in the water. We saw such a wonderful spectrum of tropical fish, turtles, and of course, corals!

Pair all that with morning and afternoon tea, a delicious buffet lunch, and many beverages available for purchase, you have everything you could want, and more!

3. 2-Day Great Barrier Reef: Reefsleep Experience

• Duration:  2 days
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 7:30 AM
• Includes:  Dinner, breakfast, overnight accommodation in a Reefbed, round-trip cruise, semi-submersible coral viewing with reef appreciation talk, underwater viewing chamber, use of snorkeling equipment, lunch (2)

This is hands-down the most immersive, comprehensive way to see the Great Barrier Reef. Imagine spending your days snorkeling among breathtaking marine life and the legendary coral, filling up on delicious meals, and waking up to incomparable ocean views.

You’ll get all that and more, with the 2-Day Great Barrier Reef: Reefsleep Experience tour .  Rather than have to head to a meetup point like the previous tours have required, this tour includes a convenient hotel pickup so you don’t have to lug your bags around.

The crew was amazing from the very get-go, making all of us feel welcome, setting the tone for a fantastic experience. We got to choose whether we took our high-speed catamaran to either the Port of Airlie or Hamilton Island (I personally prefer Hamilton as it tends to have less tourists).

One of the highlights for me was transferring to a cool pontoon that came with an interactive underwater viewing chamber, so we could see all kinds of sealife without getting wet!

It even comes with a semi-submersible and a big sun deck that I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the rays on while sipping on a cool beverage.

I had a fantastic time trying my hand at scuba diving, and felt comfortable and confident thanks to our experienced guides who showed me not only how to put on all the gear, but how to actually dive correctly.

When it was finally time for bed, we stayed in a swag, which is essentially a tent complete with a comfy mattress and bedding that zips up. With one breakfast, 2 lunches, and one dinner included (along with all the tea and coffee I could down),

I felt like literally everything was taken care of. We spent our evenings eating well, enjoying laughing and storytelling with the crew, and these 2 days flew by way too fast!

4. Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour

• Duration: 7.5 hours
• Departure: Marlin Parade, Cairns City QLD 4870
• Includes:  Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef, cruise morning & afternoon tea, lunch, mask, snorkel and fins, wet-suit or stinger-suit (seasonal), buoyancy vest and noodle, island access to famous Michaelmas Cay, guided snorkel Tour at Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef

I know that committing to a couple of days out on the Great Barrier Reef is not something that everyone is able to do. However, you can still get the full reef experience in just one day with the Seastar Luxury Outer Great Barrier Reef Island and Reef Tour .

This all-inclusive cruise has all you could ever want from a tour of this kind, and is the perfect outdoor activity if you’re only going to be in Cairns for a short amount of time.

Starting off early in the morning, we headed to the Cairns Marlin Marine, where we met up with the crew and boarded the beautiful Seastar. The crew was super friendly and knowledgeable, asking us about anything in particular we were interested in to try and tailor the day to us.

We were then served some tasty morning tea and set off toward Michaelmas Cay, known for its unique species of seabirds, giant clams, and more.

Not only that, but it’s known for being the biggest uninhabited coral cay in the area, by a long shot. As we arrived so early, we were actually the first vessel to arrive at the Cay, which already has very limited access due to the environment being so vulnerable to damage.

We got to choose if we wanted to go snorkeling or scuba diving, though no matter which one you select you can count on experienced guides to instruct you carefully.

We then stopped at Hastings Reef, which is part of the outer Great Barrier and is a typical outer reef with a shallow top and steep sides that look like cliffs! This one was actually pretty intimidating to me for some reason, though still absolutely fascinating to see and learn about!

After that, we headed back on board the luxury catamaran for a tasty lunch and drinks, making for the perfect day out on the water!

5. Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience

• Departure: Reef Fleet Terminal (Bottom floor, 1 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
• Departure Time: 10:00 AM
• Includes:  Snorkeling equipment, Glass bottom boat tour, Sunlover waterslide and spacious sun deck, Great Barrier Reef and fish feeding presentations by our marine experts, Underwater observatory and ocean enclosed pool, Lunch Coffee and/or Tea, WiFi on board, fresh water showers and change rooms, Environmental Management Charge (EMC)

If you’re in Cairns, please do yourself a favor and take a trip out to see the Great Barrier Reef! This natural world wonder is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whose beauty and promise of adventure call travelers from all over the world!

The  Sunlover Reef Cruises Cairns Great Barrier Reef Experience  will take you on a sleek and modern vessel across the Coral Sea, with professional guides to lead the way to the underwater wonderland.

Our tour started out by heading to the Reef Fleet Terminal around 10:00 am, which allowed us to sleep in more than we were able to with the other tours! After going through a briefing with the crew, we hopped on our air-conditioned catamaran and headed out to the reef.

If you’re on the hunt for a tour of the Great Barrier Reef that’s perfect for children or entire families, this one takes the top spot, for me.

I know that it can be a bit stressful thinking about kids snorkeling or diving around something as large as the Great Barrier Reef, but I’d recommend this tour to anyone with younger ones.

The guides do a phenomenal job at keeping everyone safe, with precise instructions, patience, and expert knowledge that will give anyone the confidence to venture underwater.

Expect to see plenty of neon fish, colorful coral, and other wonders under the sea.

With free inclusions like a glass bottom boat tour, a kid’s enclosed ocean pool, underwater observatory, fish-feeding presentation, and the only theme park waterslide on the reef, there’s no shortage of fun activities to participate in!

I enjoyed the pontoon that came complete with a large sundeck, and the buffet lunch was delicious, and filling. You can even choose to add on other activities like diving, Seawalker Helmet Dive, Guided Snorkel Safari, or even a breathtaking helicopter tour!

6. Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise

• Duration:  7 hours
• Includes:  Cruise from Port Douglas to Low Isles, Use of Snorkeling equipment, Guided snorkel tour with marine biologist, Glass bottom boat coral viewing, Guided beach walk with marine biologist, Lunch, Use of lycra suit, Morning tea/coffee on boarding, afternoon tea, Environmental Management Charge, Complimentary glass of sparkling wine on homeward journey

Next up is the Wavedancer Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise tour , which is another great option for entire families with kids. If you’ve never seen the Great Barrier Reef before and would really like to experience it to its fullest in one, well-organized tour, don’t pass this up.

You’ll get to learn from the best of the best, including participating in a marine biologist-led snorkel tour!

We met up with our guides at Port Douglas, which was very easy to get to and didn’t really call for a hotel pickup. We also started the tour at 10:00 am, which was definitely preferable as we had kids in our party that would definitely not have been emotionally ready any earlier than that.

Our luxury, 98-foot catamaran was nice enough that I probably would’ve been happy just hanging out onboard the comfy, air-conditioned cabins!

The highlight for me was the onboard presentation by the marine biologist about the unique landscape of the Coral Sea and the Great Barrier Reef: the largest collection of coral reefs in the world!

We arrived at Low Isles, where we were given all necessary snorkeling gear, heading onto the soft sand to explore the countless sea critters under the surface of the cool waters!

\If you don’t want to get wet, you can check out the dry cabin of a glass-bottom boat, or simply stroll along the white sand beaches (or the tropical forest guided nature walk!).

No matter which activity you choose, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite, so refuel with a tropical lunch buffet! There are unlimited soft drinks available, as well as a fully licensed bar if you’d like to purchase some tasty cocktails.

This was one of the most exciting tours I’ve ever taken in my life, so if you’re someone who gets bored easily, grab your tickets now!

7. Full-Day Cruise Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

• Departure Time: 8:00 AM
• Includes:  Use of Snorkeling Equipment, Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards, Guided Snorkelling Tour and/or Adventure Snorkel tour, Morning, afternoon tea and Tropical buffet lunch, Protection suits (seasonal)

Located right off the coast of Cairns sits one of my favorite places in Australia: the Frankland Islands. Full of breathtaking natural beauty, adventure, and opportunities to see rare native wildlife, you won’t regret taking the Full-Day Cruise Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef tour !

I loved this tour for how private and exclusive it felt, free of crowds, which isn’t always the case on these kinds of high-demand experiences!

Something that I really loved about this tour was that it started off with an early-morning hotel pickup, so we didn’t have to worry about calling a taxi or figuring out our way to a meet-up point.

Our guide was very outgoing and warm, answering any questions we had, and offering an educational commentary as we cruised along. We then got to our luxury boat, and as we got settled, cruised down the Mulgrave River, which was absolutely beautiful.

After that, there was a brief open water crossing, which lead us to our tropical island spot where we spent the next 4 to 5 hours.

This is a very secluded part of the reef, where just dozens of people are able to visit per day! It felt like we had the reef practically to ourselves, where we were able to choose if we wanted to hang out on the beach, or go snorkeling.

I chose to go snorkeling, and there was an expert marine biologist who gave us an amazing guide to the various corals and fish, breaking down how this complex ecosystem operates.

Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch right in the middle of this island paradise, along with endless coffee and tea. This was such a fun time and gave me a whole new appreciation for the reef and its inhabitants!

Boat Comfort

The Calypso Outer Great Barrier Reef Cruise from Port Douglas is our Editors Choice for the best Great Barrier Reef cruise

Krysha Thayer

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Passions of Paradise

Dive, sail and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns

ECO TOUR - Be a Marine Biologist For The Day

Full day Outer Reef Tour PLUS Be a Marine bio Experience – starting from $410

Great Barrier Reef Tours Cairns

Multi award winning tours – passions of paradise.

Experience the adventure of snorkelling, diving and sailing on the Great Barrier Reef with Passions of Paradise. The 25 metre high performance catamaran sails daily from Cairns to two unique outer reef locations, where you can dive and snorkel with turtles, colourful fish and see an amazing variety of corals.

Enjoy a personalised day on the Great Barrier Reef with a friendly crew dedicated to making your trip memorable and a local operator whose environmental credentials and attention to detail have earned many awards including the Australian Tourism Award for Adventure.

  Watch Our Tour Video

Phone 07 4041 1600.

• Book Online

Our Passion

We provide an unforgettable, highly customer focused tour of the Great Barrier Reef to small groups of like minded guests who are looking for a unique personal Cairns Reef tour experience

Our vessel is a modern, comfortable and efficient Sailing Catamaran which we actually Sail back from the Reef

We are passionate about Eco Tourism, and we practice what we preach. We are at the forefront of sustainable Reef Tourism

We are passionate about Reef education and we assist in real Scientific studies and surveys to help the Marine park authorities

Our Tour Includes

• Sailing on a stylish and fast catamaran to two unique outer reef destinations
• All Snorkelling equipment including a free guided Snorkel Tour
• Relax on our stylish upper deck or netted deck trampoline at the bow of the boat
• A chef prepared tropical buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes including fresh tropical fruit.
• Morning and afternoon tea provided
• Meet with our Eco accredited marine naturalist who provide presentations on coral fish and life

See Our Pricing

Check out our customer reviews.

Read our reviews on TripAdvisor & Facebook or leave us one yourself

“ We had such a great day on the reef with Passions of Paradise! The boat was comfortable and not too crowded. The crew was professional, knowledgable and approachable, and had high safety standards. They really took care of every passenger, from experienced divers to those who could not swim. You get plenty of time to snorkel at two reef locations, and scuba diving or glass-floor boat tours are optional extras. We had an experience of a lifetime, and would highly recommend it. Therese - TripAdvisor

“ We were unsure of which boat to choose for our tour of the reef, but knew we wanted to give the kids a sailing experience of some sort so ended up choosing Passions Of Paradise... We are so glad we did. From the friendly crew, who let the kids "drive the boat", to the water crew that made them feel comfortable having never snorkelled before, they were all amazing. The food onboard was delicious, organised and prepared by the well oiled machine that the crew really are. The best thing about it was how personal it felt... The crew were happy to sit and chat, answer both ours and the kids questions and generally make you feel part of their little family for the day... Great choice for all age groups, families, couples, young groups etc. The scenery was a bonus, exclusive reefs made it that bit more special. Thanks again POP! Can't wait to visit you all again! Love Hayley, Paul, Sam & Charli Hayley - Facebook

“ The whole team at Passions made our group feel so welcomed and relaxed. They were informative, and catered for a variety of people's needs; kids, through to grandparents. Locally owned as well. Would highly recommend these guys to anyone for an amazing reef experience. Elle - Tripadvisor

“ I went snorkelling back in February as part of a top deck group activity! I wasn't going to go because I can't swim and thought I would be in the way! I'm terrified of the water but I didn't want to leave Oz without seeing the Reef. All the crew on passions were so helpful, professional and encouraging. I wasn't made feel silly for being unable to swim, in fact quite the opposite! Kieran, a cool guy working onboard, looked after me. He took me out snorkelling and ensured me I was safe and nothing would happen to me! All I had to do was hold onto the life ring and he did the swimming! It was the best experience of my life! I felt so safe despite being terrified! I was so proud of myself. However I don't think I could have done it without Kierans help. Hopefully he reads this. Thank you Norma - Facebook

“ Excellent service from Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef experience operatin operating out of Cairns in Northern Queensland, Australia. I have just completed second day trip in a month with this company - taking groups of folks for SCUBA & snorkelling bon the reef. A local independent outfit, very professionally run with really positube and supportive atitudes from everyone on board and from the back office staff too. Many thanks to Mossy, Aelx, Nicky, Nichola, Sion & Kate - plus all of the others. I will definitely be recommending you to others! Best wishes from Michael Perrins in Cleveland, Ohio! Michael - Facebook

“ The Passions of Paradise tour exceeded all expectations. The crew is friendly, relaxed, extremely service-minded and passionate about the reef and its inhabitants. On top of all this, the lunch was of very good quality. I do recommend to bring something warm to wear after the snorkling though! Lina - Tripadvisor

“ Great day scuba diving and snorkeling. Knowledgeable crew with a sense of humor and a great passion for the reef. Not just involved in diving but devoted to the care of the reef and saving it. A pleasure to see and experience! Thank you to Mossy, Russel and Zoe. Debra - Facebook

Our Passion for Eco Tourism out shines the rest

Sustainability is not a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. Environmental sustainability is the life and soul of Passions of Paradise, and for many years positioning our business as a benchmark Eco-tourism operator has been at the forefront of our operation. As a single product operator, our fortunes are closely linked to exceeding the expectations of our clientele, and we are constantly endeavouring to become the name that everyone talks or hears about within the industry—a tourism operator that appreciates nature and gives back the environment. The Great Barrier Reef is not “What we do” but rather “Who we are.”

It is with that mindset that we invite our guests to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. We value our staff, who are constantly telling our story. We value our passengers, with whom we hope spread our message of conservation and appreciation. And we value our business, which we run with that core principle in mind: We give Mother Nature a say in everything we do

The Latest Reef News 

Keep up to date with Passions of Paradise news and information on everything you need to know about the Great Barrier Reef and Eco Tourism Cairns

Michaelmas Cay

The great barrier reef, michaelmas cay diving & snorkelling, set sail to michaelmas cay on the great barrier reef aboard the beautiful sailing catamaran ocean spirit. snorkel or dive in the fringing reef, filled with vibrant marine life, or spend some time observing the seabirds that call this protected sanctuary home..

Your Cruise

Your once in a lifetime day cruise on board Ocean Spirit; sailing the Great Barrier Reef and exploring Michaelmas Cay.

Island Activities

Scuba dive, snorkel, jump on board our Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat Reef Discovery tour or take a guided tour to explore the magnificent marine world.

Seabirds, Turtles, and hundreds of reef fish; discover the array of marine and bird life on and around this magical sandy cay.

Your Cruise to Michaelmas Cay

After a 2 hour motorised sail on board the 32 meter sailing catamaran, ocean spirit, you will arrive at michaelmas cay where there is so much to see and do. enjoy snorkelling in the cay’s protected shallow waters, try an introductory scuba dive in the fringing reefs, cruise in the semi-submarine/glass bottom boat for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation, observe the bird life or just chill out on ocean spirit’s spacious decks or on the beach. throughout the day, the ‘beach buggy shuttle’ will transfer you between ocean spirit and the beach..

What to bring

• Return Ocean Spirit cruise from Cairns.
• 8.5 hours experience with 4 hours on the Reef.
• Morning and afternoon teas.
• Hot and cold buffet lunch including fresh prawns.
• Fish feeding presentation on arrival
• Snorkelling equipment, Lycra suits & Buoyancy vests.
• Marine Biologist presentation.
• Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat Reef Discovery tour with commentary.
• Glass of complimentary sparkling wine served on the homeward journey, cheese and crackers.

Ocean Spirit Cruise Itinerary

Ocean Spirit operates daily, some times and scheduled activities may vary subject to conditions on the day.

• Hat and shirt for sun protection
• Swimwear and towel
• Cash or credit card for optional activities or on board purchases.
• Marine friendly sunscreen
• Camera (Drones not permitted)
• Professional photo service on board (additional cost)

Be active and enjoy all the included activities – snorkel in the cay’s protected shallow waters, cruise in the Semi-submarine/glass bottom boat for a diver’s view of the reef, watch the fish feeding presentation and observe the island bird life. Throughout the day, the “beach buggy shuttle” will transfer you between Ocean Spirit and the beach. To protect this renowned bird sanctuary, access on the cay is limited to the roped beach area. If you prefer a more leisurely day on the Great Barrier Reef, relax on the beach or onboard Ocean Spirit’s spacious decks. The choice is yours!

Snorkelling

Guided Snorkelling

Semi- Submersible

Introductory Diving

Included activities.

Snorkelling is fun way to experience the many treasures of the Great Barrier Reef. With easy access from the beach at Michaelmas Cay, people of all ages and experience, can enjoy the reef, quietly drifting over the myriad of corals and colourful fish.

Semi Submersible

Included activity

See the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet in an air-conditioned sem-sub! Seated just one metre below the waterline, you’ll be able to see a treasure trove of marine life going about their daily lives. Perfect for non-swimmers or anyone wanting to see the reef in air-conditioned comfort.

Optional  Activities

Optional activity

Take a guided snorkel tour of the reef surrounding Michaelmas Cay with one of our experienced Marine Biologists. As a small group you will be introduced to an abundance of marine life, from parrotfish to giant clams, and learn about the Great Barrier Reef eco system. Fun for individuals or the family.

Introductory Scuba Dive

Take the plunge with an introductory scuba dive and see the reef up close and personal. Glide past stunning coral formations, swim along with schools of fish and discover a whole new world. No experience is necessary to take a fully supervised, guided introductory dive.

Recent reviews from travellers

All the staff on the boat were so friendly and informative Pay extra and do the intro to dive or guided snorkeling tours. Heaps to see when out on reef. Amazing value!

This cruise is great for beginners. The water is very clear and you can see many different types of coral and fishes and marine life. The staff were extremely helpful and spoke different languages so everyone knew what was going on.

About  Michaelmas Cay

A low lying vegetated sand cay encircled by a spectacular fringing reef, michaelmas cay is a national park and a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. for a period during the late 1800s and early 1900s the island was used by sea cucumber pickers (beche-de-mer) and for guano mining. in 1937 it was declared a fauna sanctuary and formally a national park in 1975. the cay has cultural significance to the local gungandji, mandingalbay-yidinji and yirriganydji indigenous peoples. .

Penalty Free cancellation policy

If the weather takes a turn for the worse or if your plans change, you can cancel or change the travel date of your cruise with no penalty fee, as long as you let us know by midday on the day prior to travel. if weather conditions are a worry for you our reservations team have access to the 7-day outlook and will be more than happy to provide you with the information..

• Daily Departures
• Children 4-14 years. Children under 3 years free of charge
• EMC*: $0 per person Included in price

2 adults / 2 children

• Max of 2 adults and 2 children of the same family.

All taxes are included in the total price. *EMC: A Government Environmental Management Charge (EMC) of $0 per person applies to all adults and children 4 years and over entering the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area. This fee is included in the fare price. Surcharge: Due to potential significant volatility in supply and operational costs, a surcharge may be applied due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases any charge will be collected on departure. Credit card surcharge may apply.

Coach Transfers

Transfers from most cairns and northern beaches hotels/accommodation are available..

Cairns Coach Transfer

Return Coach Transfer from Cairns. Pick up times are advised on booking confirmation.

Adult $34.00 Child $21.00

Northern Beaches Transfer

Return Coach Transfer from Northern Beaches. Pick up times are advised on booking confirmation.

Adult $39.00 Child $22.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

 do you still go out if it is raining .

Yes we do. When you are going out to experience the reef you are more than likely going to get wet anyhow! Often when it is raining in Cairns, it can be fine offshore. If you are worried about the weather please call our reservations team as they will be able to let you know the latest conditions. You can change your date of travel without incurring any fees.

 How long does it take to travel to Michaelmas Cay?

Travelling time from Cairns to Michaelmas Cay is approximately 2 hours.

 Is Michaelmas Cay suitable for young children?

Yes! As Michaelmas Cay is a shallow sandy cay area, it is perfect for children and families. Guests are only allowed in the allocated area on the island which makes it easy to keep an eye on children whilst they are playing on the island. The water is quite shallow so it is also suitable for children swimming off the cay.

 Can I scuba dive with no experience? What is the minimum age?

You certainly can! In fact most people who scuba dive with us are doing it for the first time! We have highly qualified dive instructors who will teach you all you need to know about scuba diving in the shallow waters of Michaelmas Cay before you venture out into the deeper waters. Certain medical conditions may preclude some people from Scuba Diving and the minimum age to participate is 12 years. For further advice, please contact our office.

 Does it cost anything to change our travel date, what is your cancellation policy?

We have a penalty free cancellation policy . If the weather takes a turn for the worse or if your plans change, you can cancel or change the travel date, as long as you let us know by midday on the day prior to travel. Follow this link for more information on our cancellation policy .

 How long are we at Michaelmas Cay? 

We are at Michaelmas Cay for a full four hours which gives you plenty of time to explore the cay with all of the included activities - and time for some relaxation too!.

Not finding the answer to your question? 

Contact & enquiries, welcome to our enquiry section, please complete the form below for all ocean spirit cruises enquiries..

Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence St. Cairns, Queensland. Australia, 4870  Open Google in Map

Email: [email protected] Phone: (+617) 4044 9944

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Great Barrier Reef Cruises

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Luxury Cruises to the Great Barrier Reef

Cruises to the Great Barrier Reef will give you the opportunity to visit one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. Stretching for an impressive 1,400 miles, the reef is a sight to behold, with a dazzling array of bright corals and colorful marine life. Visible from space, the reef lies off the northeast coast of Australia, which is lined with white sand beaches and buzzing coastal cities.

On an Australia cruise that visits the Great Barrier Reef, you'll stop in Port Douglas, a tropical resort town that's rich in natural adventures and beautiful beaches. Get a first-hand perspective of the area’s incredible marine life on a snorkeling trip. Explore Airlie Beach and visit the Whitsunday Islands, where you can relax on pristine beaches or take a dip in azure waters. Take your vacation to the next level on a luxury cruise with Celebrity.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise Highlights

Port douglas.

Visit this charming seaside resort town, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and boutiques along chic Macrossan Street. Port Douglas is a popular starting point for trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park. A visit here would not be complete without taking a trip to the rainforest, where you can zip-line through the trees and visit the Wildlife Habitat to learn more about native Australian animal species such as kangaroos, wallabies, and crocodiles.

Islands of the Great Barrier Reef

Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef isn’t just about seeing colorful coral and schools of fish. You’ll also find tiny isles and islands located along the reef, many of them with dreamy white sand beaches. The Whitsunday Islands are especially popular, particularly the swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach.

On a Great Barrier Reef cruise, you’ll experience some of the world’s most spectacular snorkeling. Slide into the crystal-blue waters to swim alongside fish in shades of shimmering green and electric blue. You'll find colorful coral gardens and plenty of opportunities to see marine life such as stingrays and sea turtles in their natural habitat in one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

Great Barrier Reef Cruise Ports

Port Douglas, Australia

Cairns (Yorkey's Knob) Australia

Airlie Beach, Australia

Great Barrier Reef Cruise Itineraries

Sail to incredible ports along the Great Barrier Reef on these 10, 11, 13, 14, and 15-night cruises. You'll have plenty of time at sea to enjoy Celebrity's world-class service and luxury amenities, and visit top destinations like Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach. Cruises depart from Singapore and Sydney, with some itineraries including calls in Southeast Asia. 

Itineraries

Why cruise to the great barrier reef with celebrity cruises.

On a Great Barrier Reef cruise with Celebrity, you'll experience award-winning service, world-class dining, and luxury amenities throughout your journey. Indulge yourself with a rejuvenating massage at The Spa. Toast to new memories with friends at the Martini Bar as you sail to your next destination. Choose The Retreat, an exclusive experience offering fine dining at Luminae and access to The Retreat Sundeck, a stylish outdoor relaxation space. 

These cruises will bring you to exciting ports like Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach, and the Whitsunday Islands. You'll have ample time to explore ashore and take in the breathtaking local scenery that includes tranquil, reef-fringed islands, towns that bustle with local charm and culture, and activities that grant you access to the abundant biodiversity of the region. A luxury cruise with Celebrity is the perfect way to experience all that this natural wonder has to offer on a journey that will exceed your expectations at every turn.

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The Great Barrier Reef Tour

Cairns, Australia

Activity Level

Excursion Type

Wheelchair Accessible

Starting At

Minimum Age

Information Not Currently Available

Approximately 7½ Hours

Meals Included

Meals not included

Here's your chance to visit the world's richest marine habitat -- Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef .

Board a high-speed catamaran and in just 90 minutes you will arrive at a mooring on the outer Great Barrier Reef. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the reef is considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The many reefs and atolls that make up the reef are rich with coral, fish, mollusks, and visiting sharks, dolphins, and turtles.

A presentation by a marine naturalist on board the boat will prepare you for the exquisitely beautiful underwater world that lies ahead.

Don your snorkel equipment and jump into the water for an active Barrier Reef experience with plenty of time to swim and snorkel in the Outer Reef environment.

Witness the majestic panoramas of colorful tropical fish and intricate coral gardens.

Enjoy a tropical buffet lunch, served in air-conditioned comfort aboard the vessel.

The more adventurous may wish to try an introductory or certified scuba experience (at your own expense).

As part of your memorable day, you can choose to participate in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Eye on the Reef monitoring program . This is a chance to 'give back' and help make a difference to the reef as you identify and record the varieties of sea life discovered during your day. This information is used in studies and is a valuable tool in helping the Marine Park continually monitor the reef environment at various locations.

After you've spent a breathtaking few hours out at the mooring, a 90-minute journey will return you to the pier.

Swimming/snorkeling is undertaken in a deep-water environment from the back of a vessel, not from a sandy shore or pontoon. Access to the water is directly from the back of the vessel and instruction will be given to those who need assistance. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, sunscreen and a hat. Tour does not operate on holidays. Bring cash or credit cards for drinks and purchases.