The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef and home to an amazing diversity of animal life. There are a large number of tour operators that depart from Cairns depending on what you want to do.
Vagabond Dive 'N Sail is a 65' cruising yacht set up for diving, sailing and entertaining for a maximum of 11 guests operating out of Cairns. The trip is two days and one night which is spent aboard the boat out on the reef. Phone: (07) 4059 0477 | Website
Diversion Dive Travel is a specialised dive travel agency based in Cairns. All their consultants know the diving and the operators out of Cairns inside out, especially the extended cruises and dive training options. Their website has been online since 1994 and has up to date information. Phone: Aust. 1800 607 913 | Website
DiveTheReef.com has a complete index of all the dive operators in Cairns, organized so you can search and find the trip that suits you best. An online booking service allows for one-stop browsing and booking. Phone: USA 1-800-207-2353, Aust. 1-800-101-319, UK 0-800-234-6949 | Website
Tusa Dive are a specialist dive boat, but also take snorkellers. They take a small number of people to the two best dive sites depending on the day's conditions. If you're a certified diver, they come highly recommended.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $130, Child (4-14yrs) - $80. Introductory dive: $195. 2 Certified dives: $220
Phone: (07) 4040 6440 | Website
Ocean Spirit have two catamarans - one that goes to Michaelmas Cay and one that goes to Upolu Cay. If you're looking for an inexpensive snorkelling day trip, the Upolu Cay trip is great value for money.
Michaelmas Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $179, Child (4-14yrs) - $87.50. Introductory dive: $95 (additional).
Upolu Cay Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $110, Child (4-14yrs) - $75.50. Introductory dive: $69 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4031 2920 | Website
Reef Magic moors at a ponotoon on the outer reef with the lowest passenger numbers on the market, giving you 5 hours in which to spend doing what you like. Included in the trip is semi-submersible tours, an underwater observatory, all snorkelling equipment included and offer scenic helipcopter flights and diving (not included in price).
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $165, Child (4-14yrs) - $85, Family (2A & 2C) - $415. Introductory dive: $80 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4031 1588 | Website
Passions of Paradise is a modern catamaran that goes to the reef and Michaelmas Cay and is another inexpensive option.
Prices: Snorkelling only: Adult - $119, Child (4-14yrs) - $75, Family (2A & 2C) - $305. Introductory dive: $65 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4041 1600 | Website
Great Adventures is a large boat that has a number of different day trip options. You can choose to go straight to their outer reef pontoon, or you can also have a 2 hour stop over on Green Island. The Green Island option is good for people that may be uncomfortable with snorkelling and open water as you can get the feel of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet!
Outer Reef Only Prices: Adult - $174, Child (4-14yrs) - $87, Family (2A & 2C) - $441. Introductory dive: $125 (additional).
Green Island and Outer Barrier Reef Prices: Adult - $194, Child (4-14yrs) - $97, Family (2A & 2C) - $491. Introductory dive: $125 (additional).
Phone: (07) 4044 9944 | Website
Pro Dive Cairns is a specialist dive vessel offering 3-day liveaboards. Check the website for further information.
Phone: (07) 4031 5255 | Website
Reef Encounter is a boutique floating hotel offering 1 night or several nights surronded by the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef in style snorkel dive and learn to dive packages available Phone (07) 4051 5777 Website www.reefencounter.com.au
Reef Experience is Cairns newest day trip one all inclusive price of $145.00 includes breakfast, lunch afternoon tea, fast catamaran to the Outer Barrier Reef, 2 spectacular reef locations, clients choice of guided snorkel, certified dive or introductory dive, city transfers, wetsuit, glass bottom boat
Phone (07) 4051 5777 / Website wwww.reefexperience.com.au
Compass Cruises is Cairns best value budget trip to the Outer Barrier Reef price is $60.00 plus $20.00 for levies, trip includes snorkelling equipment, lunch, afternoon tea, boomnetting, 2 spectacular reef locations
Phone (07) 4051 5777 / Website www.compasscruises.com.au
