There are many ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest reef system in the world. Home to around 10% of the world's fish species, this reef spans a massive 2,300km and features 2,900 individual reefs with 600 continental islands. Whether you're staying on an island along the reef system or you fancy a day trip from Cairns, this natural beauty deserves to be seen and marvelled at.Â
Our Cairns toursÂ
14 Days
From
3715
See the natural wonders of Queensland and New South Wales on an adventure through the...
8 Days
From
2067
Discover K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef, Mission...
5 Days
From
1720
Take a five-day adventure tour through the coastal wilderness of Kuku Yalanji land,...
13 Days
From
3650
Bask in the beauty of north-east Queensland on an adventure that takes you to the Great...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
How to see the Great Barrier Reef
If you're travelling with a young family then day trips are the way to go with full or half-day trips to the outer reef departing daily from downtown Cairns. These tours can be organised before you travel or whilst you're staying in Cairns. The hotel you're staying at might be able to facilitate your booking. Some of the trips that are available include a First Nations tour with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel.Â
If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous (and you don't have kids in tow), why not opt for an overnight 'sleep on the reef' trip? These trips run depending on demand and offer a good opportunity to experience the reef in all its natural glory.Â
Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef
Once you get to the reef, snorkelling is ideal if you want to get the full reef experience and see the marine life it has to offer. The majority of the reef is calm and safe to snorkel in and your tour guide will ensure you're in a good spot to capture all of the reef's beauty. This also means that you don't have to be an exceptional swimmer to enjoy the sights. The natural swell and push of the water is enough to move you around without you having to do too much swimming.Â
There are a number of different reefs to visit and choosing which ones you want to go can be quite overwhelming (with that many options, who can blame you?) Your guide will be able to take you to the most popular reefs, generally the ones that offer spectacular views of the reef whilst also being close to facilities for your convenience.Â
Click to return to Cairns FAQs
Read more about Australia
Nov 09, 2021
Raise a toast: 11 of the best Barossa...
Feel on cloud wine at these Barossa Valley wineries.
Dec 18, 2021
The 7 best day walks in Freycinet...
Discover the beauty of Freycinet National Park on these fantastic walking tracks.
Jan 20, 2022
6 of the best Northern Territory...
You'll never run out of fascinating natural wonders to explore in the Northern...
Feb 16, 2022
12 things to add to your Eyre...
The Eyre Peninsula ticks all the boxes for an ocean-meets-outback adventure.
Nov 06, 2021
A foodie’s guide to Margaret River
There are few places where you can go from surf to cellar door.
Nov 06, 2023
10 must-visit beaches in South Australia
Grab a pen, because these beaches are about to be scribbled on your bucket list.
Sep 17, 2021
11 fun things to do in Airlie Beach
This lively beach town offers a little something for everyone.
Nov 21, 2021
A foodie’s guide to Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a paradise for foodies, wine lovers and craft beer connoisseurs...
Sep 04, 2023
22 new ways we’re creating positive...
Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, is welcoming 22 new partners in 2023....
Apr 08, 2018
Why travelling Australia taught me...
Lauren Wigham's perceptions of Australia were skewed, and she completely...
Jul 12, 2023
The top 10 destinations to travel in...
From the iconic Incan ruins of Peru to the rolling Saharan dunes of Morocco, here...
Apr 14, 2022
6 First Nations bush foods you need...
Australia has a fascinating culinary history, and if you haven’t tasted First...
Aug 14, 2022
9 Byron Bay restaurants to get your...
Because exploring beautiful scenery is hunger-inducing...
Nov 23, 2021
4 epic things to see in the Bungle...
We could wander through the Bungle Bungles range all day. And here's how.
Jun 23, 2021
Family fun for every age in Australia...
Even if your family has already seen a lot of Australia and New Zealand, these kid...
Mar 17, 2019
Heading Down Under? Here’s how to see...
If your only experience of Australia is an old Simpsons episode and Fosters beer...
Aug 09, 2023
What not to do at Uluru
There are plenty of do's at Uluru, but there are also some don't's.
Feb 20, 2020
7 reasons you should explore the east...
Australia is an amazing country. Here are seven reasons to add Intrepid's Sydney...
Dec 14, 2015
The world’s best city rivalries: why...
Whether it’s based on landmarks, music, fashion, food, sport, literature, location...
Feb 07, 2016
Meet the couple that crossed the...
Trina and I sat on my mum’s couch in Manchester, listening to a family friend try...
Jun 21, 2023
Everything you need to know before...
You can't just rock up to Uluru (pardon the pun). Here's all the important stuff...
Aug 31, 2021
11 amazing things to do on K’gari ...
This ever-changing sand island promises an amazing outdoor adventure whether it's...
Jan 12, 2022
Reconnect: Explore Australia and...
Discover family holidays featuring life changing Aboriginal and Torres Strait...