Clear seas and perfect winds make Cairns a top spot for Great Barrier Reef sailing.
Two outstanding tours stand out for their value and experiences:
The Green Island sailing tour packs a lot into 9 hours – you get a peaceful 2-hour sail, followed by 4.5 hours to explore the island. A marine expert guides you through snorkeling spots and glass-bottom boat views.
What we love: The unhurried pace and expert commentary.
For serious reef enthusiasts, the Premium Catamaran hits two outer reef locations. The 9-hour journey includes quality snorkeling gear, multiple swim stops, and a chef’s lunch onboard.
What we love: More time at the reef and fewer crowds.
Let’s explore these reef adventures in detail…
Key Points
- The 9-hour Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour offers a 2-hour sailboat journey, 4.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat tours.
- The Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran provides a 9-hour cruise to two outer reef locations with snorkeling, swimming, and diving opportunities.
- Both tours offer onboard amenities such as a smorgasbord lunch, afternoon tea, and bar service, as well as educational components like marine life presentations.
- The Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour includes a complimentary snorkeling excursion led by a marine naturalist, while the Catamaran Cruise offers guided snorkeling tutorials.
- Both tours have a high rating of 4.8/5, with the Catamaran Cruise having over 2,000 reviews, indicating excellent customer satisfaction.
Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour
The Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning natural wonders of the region.
This 9-hour tour departs from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Ports North and takes guests on a 2-hour sailboat journey to the picturesque Green Island.
Once there, visitors can spend 4.5 hours swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying optional activities like glass-bottom boat tours.
The tour includes a complimentary snorkeling excursion led by a marine naturalist and a large smorgasbord lunch featuring fresh seafood and salads.
Guests can also indulge in a tropical afternoon tea with fruit, cheese, and cake, as well as a glass of wine.
The tour offers both introductory dives for beginners and certified dives for experienced divers, with a minimum age of 12 years.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 338 reviews, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.
Read our full review: Cairns: Green Island & Great Barrier Reef Sailing Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran
Departing from the vibrant city of Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of this iconic Australian destination.
Priced from $169.83 per person, this 9-hour tour takes visitors to two outer reef locations, where they can engage in a variety of activities, including snorkeling, swimming, and diving.
Along the way, guests can spot an array of marine life, such as turtles, giant wrasse, parrotfish, and clownfish.
The luxury catamaran features onboard amenities like morning tea, a chef-prepared buffet lunch, and bar service.
Guided snorkeling tutorials and marine life presentations enhance the educational aspect of the experience.
With a high overall rating of 4.8/5 from over 2,000 reviews, this tour isn’t to be missed.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option make it easy to secure this unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Read our full review: From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Cairns offers unparalleled sailing experiences that allow visitors to explore the stunning Great Barrier Reef and the picturesque Green Island. With a range of tour options, travelers can choose the perfect adventure to suit their interests and preferences, from a relaxing cruise to an exhilarating sailing journey. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time explorer, Cairns provides unforgettable opportunities to learn about the beauty of Australia’s natural wonders.