Cruising is the perfect way to experience the natural wonders and scenic beauty of the Great Barrier Reef. There is a host of companies that operate day cruises and extended trips to a variety of reefs and cays.
The Great Barrier Reef is World Heritage listed and any reputable tour company abides by the strict policy of take only pictures and leave only footprints.
Cruises from Cairns
For those wanting to cruise the reef in style and enjoy 5 Star cuisine, 3, 4 and 7-night luxury cruises depart Cairns every week. The cruise visits Lizard Island, Fitzroy Island, Cooktown, (where there is the chance to tour the town), Dunk Island and several reefs including Two Isles and Ribbon Reef No. 5. There is plenty of opportunity for snorkelling and viewing the reef on glass-bottom boats.
There are day trips to the Outer Barrier Reef from Cairns, as well as 2 day / 1 night cruises aboard 40-metre vessels, which takes a maximum of 28 passengers. These cruises visit Norman reef, Saxon reef, Hastings reef and Michaelmas Cay. Cost includes twin share accommodation, all meals, linen, usually a video presentation and dive gear for those who are interested.
For those wanting to go further afield, there are 4 and 7 day cruises from Cairns up to Cape York and Thursday Island. The cruise includes camping and 4WD safari options and optional stopovers at Bloomfield Lodge and Pajinka Wilderness Lodge. The 7 day cruise visits historic Cooktown, Pixie Pinnacle / Cod Hole, Lizard Island, the Outer Barrier Reef, Cape York and Thursday Island.
If sailing is more your speed, overnight yacht cruises aboard comfortable 65ft yachts depart Trinity Wharf in Cairns regularly. These cruises visit Green Island and Fitzroy Island and cost includes accommodation, meals, linen and snorkelling gear.
Daily cruises from Cairns aboard luxury sailing catamarans are available. They travel to a range of reefs including the national park area of Michaelmas Cay. Cost includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, guided snorkelling tours, guided bird walk tours, semi-submersible tours, a marine biologist presentation and live entertainment during the trip home. These catamarans also cater for conferences and banquet charters.
Cruises from Port Douglas
Several companies run day sailing tours out of Port Douglas and sailing is the ideal way to travel across the tranquil waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Day, sunset and gourmet yacht cruises to Low Isles arre all on offer. Several catamarans also depart from Port Douglas daily.
Twilight and overnight cruises depart from Marina Mirage in Port Douglas on board yachts which take a maximum of 6 passengers.
