A visit to the Great Barrier Reef is probably at the top of your bucket list. With its colourful corals and tropical fish, it’s no surprise that it ended up being named one of the world’s natural wonders.

Let’s face it, the famous attraction is also a popular tourist destination. So how do you decide which tour to join? Here are our top three Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns.

  1. Evolution Great Barrier Reef Day Trip

Take a Great Barrier Reef day trip on the Evolution. This speedy and spacious vessel will take you exploring at two fantastic spots on the outer reefs.

Throughout the day, the large air conditioned boat takes you to two reef sites. These sites may include Hastings, Norman or Saxon Reef. Spend up to five hours snorkelling with the included equipment. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to upgrade with introductory or certified dives and get even closer to the reefs.

When you’re not in the water exploring the reefs, there is a lot to enjoy on the boat as well. There is tea, coffee and water provided all day. At lunchtime you will be provided with a delicious barbecue. On the way back to the mainland, you can enjoy complimentary wine, cheese, biscuits and fruit.

Be sure to bring sunscreen, swimming gear and a towel!

  1. Great Barrier Reef Day Trip with Passions of Paradise

This Great Barrier Reef day tour offers activities for anybody whether you want to be in or out of the water. Spend a day cruising around on a large catamaran with plenty of space to bask in the sun.

The captain of this vessel will take you to one reef site in the morning and another in the afternoon. The reefs visited will depend on the weather the day of your trip. To explore the reef, you can choose to snorkel or upgrade to a dive. Or if you prefer to stay out of the water, you can hop on a glass bottom boat. This is a great way to stay dry but still experience impressive views of the reef and marine life below.

This tour includes a morning tea, tropical buffet lunch and an afternoon cheese platter. You can also learn more about the area from an onboard marine naturalist.

This reef tour offers quite the magical experience!

  1. Ultimate One Day Great Barrier Reef Trip

This ultimate Great Barrier Reef day trip is great if you prefer to travel with a smaller group. It is also one of the few reef tours that has specific snorkel locations in the itinerary.

The first snorkelling location is at Upolo Cay. This is a secluded area surrounded by turquoise water and heaps of diverse wildlife. The second snorkelling location is called the “Wonder Wall” and is on the outer edge of Upolu Reef. Here you may see turtles and giant clams amongst the colourful marine life. If you want to get closer to it all, you can give diving a try.

Lunch includes a tasty self-serve buffet. There is also a morning tea and an afternoon snack. Additionally, you’ll have access to a marine specialist, glass bottom boat and flotation devices.

We know it’s difficult to choose the perfect reef tour, but you truly can’t go wrong with these top three day trips!