The 15 Best Cairns Tours: Reef & Rainforest

Boat Trips and Cruises, Boat Trips in Cairns, Cairns Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Snorkeling and Diving, Snorkeling and Diving in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

1.Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,714 reviews · from $190Our pick

Review of Cairns’ Great Barrier Reef cruise, with two outer reef stops, snorkeling, optional scuba, lunch, and practical booking tips.

“I am an inexperienced snorkeler, so I was doubtful when I booked this cruise. My partner really wanted to do it though. I was pleasantly surprised. They had a guide in the water with a floater who took me around the great barrier reef so I could see all the best spots. I felt safe and didn’t have any anxiety.”

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From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

2.Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,567 reviews · 9 hours · from $190

Review of Passions of Paradise from Cairns, with two outer reef stops, snorkeling, scuba, lunch, marine guides, and practical booking advice.

“Fab, Crewe were amazing , so helpful, so friendly , so knowledgeable”

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Cairns Tours, Guided, Rainforest Tours, Rainforest Tours in Cairns, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

From Cairns: Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

3.Self-Guided Kuranda Trip with Train and Skyrail

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,392 reviews · 7 hours · from $127

Ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, explore rainforest markets, and glide over Barron Gorge by Skyrail on this well-organized Cairns day trip.

“It was excellent trip. Cable and train journeys were unforgettable. Kuranda village touch my heart. It was awesome. We will visit again next year.”

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Cairns Tours, Great Barrier Reef Tours, Helicopter and Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights in Cairns, Tour Reviews

Cairns: Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

4.Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,912 reviews · 40 min · from $169

See the Great Barrier Reef from above on a 40-minute Cairns flight with pilot commentary, reef views, and a chance to spot whales and turtles.

“Unbelievable!! The view was amazing.🤩 Our pilot, Sean, explained everything to us and made sure that everyone had a good view.”

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Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

5.Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,564 reviews · from $192Top rated

Review of Passions of Paradise, a full-day Cairns catamaran cruise with two reef stops, snorkeling, scuba, lunch, and marine talks.

“The crew were great, really informative and I felt confident with our guide Simon. We did a scuba taster session and enjoyed it so much, we paid for a 2nd one on the same trip. The reefs we visited were amazing and we got really close to them. There was loads of food provided, unfortunately I was too sea sick to eat anything but bread at lunch, but there were lots of fruit and snacks later.”

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Cairns Tours, Rainforest Tours, Rainforest Tours in Cairns, Tour Reviews, Tours

Cairns: Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

6.Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,485 reviews · 11 hours · from $145

Explore Mossman Gorge, the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and crocodile country on an 11-hour guided tour from Cairns.

“we had a memorable day. Samosas our driver/ guide was excellent. He was very informative and fun. Great day out with him- an excellent driver and a pleasant guide- a bonus we loved his stories and his music playlist. The activity was interesting- lovely views and walks through the rainforest. Dissapointing that we didn't see any wildlife though . The Daintree River cruise was dissapointing too but we did manage to see a baby crocodile. Highlight of the tour was the beaches Sambo the guide and lovely Daintree ice cream”

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Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

7.Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge Small-Group from Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,326 reviews · from $190

Explore Mossman Gorge, cruise the Daintree, visit Cape Tribulation, and enjoy rainforest walks, lunch, and wildlife on a small-group tour.

“An excellent tour, and Cam was a fantastic guide. Has everything you need to cover a day tour, walks, boat trips, scenic driving, and seeing plenty (crocs, snakes, spiders - all from a distance!) of wildlife. Small group which rices enough time to ask questions. Would not hesitate to recommend the trip, and hopefully you also land with Cam as your guide!”

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River Cruise

8.River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,980 reviews · from $37

Cruise Port Douglas on calm Dickson Inlet waters, spot wild crocodiles, enjoy local stories, and share a drink and snacks for good value.

“Kids got to steer the boat. Interesting to hear about the area and history of Port Douglas. Staff helpful”

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Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

9.Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, and Daintree Rainforest Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,961 reviews · from $164

Review of a full-day Cairns tour to Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, and Daintree Rainforest, with culture, lunch, a croc cruise, and hotel pickup.

“Great tour, loved the rainforest walk. Just wish we had more time to swim at the Gorge, felt a bit rushed.”

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Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

10.Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,895 reviews · from $181

Review of Ocean Freedom’s Cairns reef cruise, with two snorkel sites, glass-bottom tour, seafood lunch, gear, and practical tips.

“The reef was a disappointment but that was because of the recent storm. The boat and crew were outstanding!”

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Cairns: Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

11.Fitzroy Island Full-Day Trip with Optional Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,668 reviews · 8 hours · from $67

Explore Fitzroy Island from Cairns by fast ferry, with rainforest hikes, reef snorkeling, glass-bottom boat options, and up to seven hours ashore.

“We would definitely recommend the guided snorkeling tour. The Marine Biologists are great. The rest of the crew was nice and friendly as well. They took great care of everyone. Boat was fast and clean. We would recommend this tour.”

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Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

12.Solar Whisper Daintree River Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,663 reviews · from $25Best value

Cruise the Daintree River on a quiet solar boat, spotting crocodiles, birds, frogs, snakes, and fish with an expert local guide.

“Great experience travelling with family. Guide was well informed and toured the boat with good humour!”

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Cairns Tours, Kayaking and Rafting, Tour Reviews

Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

13.Barron Gorge White Water Rafting from Cairns or Port Douglas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,596 reviews · from $91

Raft Barron River rapids near Cairns with expert guides, rainforest views, hotel pickup, and beginner-friendly Grade II and III adventure.

“Exciting.. we enjoyed the whole experience. The guide is very experience. We can see the teamwork among the guides. We like our guide Hayden.”

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Cairns: Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

14.Premium Snorkelling and Diving Reef Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,528 reviews · 8 hours · from $166

Review of Divers Den’s Cairns reef trip, with two outer reef sites, five hours in the water, meals, gear, and practical booking advice.

“The tour was amazing, we spent whole 3,5 hours snorkelling the great barrier. The crew was really supportive and was always taking care of the passengers. Besides, as we were a really small group of people, we had the pleasure of exploring the barrier without crashing each other or even being bothered by somebody else while checking on something. I would highly recommend the tour and the team and planning on coming back next year to do some scuba diving.”

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From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

15.Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,521 reviews · 8 hours · from $162

Review of Billy Tea Safaris’ Daintree and Cape Tribulation 4WD tour, with crocodile cruise, rainforest swim, lunch, ice cream, and practical tips.

“It was fantastic. AJ is passionate, kind and very accomodating. He shared some very interesting stories and showed us the best sights. We also got to see 3 crocs! Wonderful experience, highly recommend Billy Tea Safaris and being guided by AJ if you are lucky:)”

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