Vlasoff Cay, near Cairns, Queensland © Tourism Tropical North Queensland
8 must-do reef experiences near Cairns
There are endless ways to experience the reef. Here are eight of the best, all accessible from Cairns.
Whether you've visited once or several times, the magic of the Great Barrier Reef never fades. Experience it in a new way with a private island picnic, an underwater scooter adventure or an up-close whale encounter.
Here are eight ways to uncover the world's greatest coral reef from Cairns.
Discover a deserted island at Vlasoff Cay
Where: a 40-minute helicopter flight from Cairns to Vlasoff Cay.
Ever dreamed of your own private island? Here's your chance. A day tour from Cairns will begin with a helicopter ride to the breathtaking Vlasoff Cay. You'll get to see the reef as you fly, before landing and exploring the sandy inlet with snorkels and flippers. Then, take a seat on the sand for a gourmet picnic before being swept away back to Cairns.
Scope out the reef from a submarine
Where: a 45-minute ferry from Cairns to Fitzroy Island.
Did you know you can explore the reef without even getting wet? Hop into a three-person mini-submarine with Great Barrier Reef Submarines. The submarine launches straight from the beach, and you'll soon sink below the surface to spot coral, colourful fish, sea turtles and more. This is the perfect Great Barrier Reef experience for anyone who'd rather stay dry.
Stroll along the sea bed
Where: a 45-minute catamaran ride from Cairns to Green Island.
Swap the snorkel for a diving helmet with the Seawalker experience. On Green Island, a coral cay offshore from Cairns, visitors can walk along the sea floor in a reef experience unlike any other. The diving helmet is connected to the surface by an air hose, allowing you to comfortably breathe underwater. You'll have unrestricted views of the stunning sea life hidden within the reef. The experience is perfect for non-swimmers or those who require glasses, as they can be worn inside the helmet.
Ride an underwater scooter
Where: a 45-minute catamaran ride from Cairns to Green Island.
One of the most novel ways to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Scuba-Doo is a small motorised scooter with a large viewing dome that acts like a diving helmet and is supported by a float from the surface. Just climb on the scooter at the pontoon, just off the coast at Cairns, put your head in the dome and off you go. The scooters are easily manoeuvred and a guide dives alongside you for the whole journey.
Come eye-to-eye with minke whales
Where: Ribbon Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
Each year between June and August, a curious group of whales travel north to breed, birth and swim in the warm water off the Queensland coast. Dwarf minke whales are incredibly playful and inquisitive, often lingering near humans for a better look. Coming eye-to-eye with these incredible creatures is an indescribable feeling, so this is one wildlife experience that's truly life-changing. Book a snorkelling or diving trip with Mike Ball Expeditions, Deep Sea Divers Den and Spirit of Freedom.
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See the reef from a skydive
Where: a two-hour drive or shuttle bus from Cairns to Mission Beach.
If an underwater experience doesn't provide the thrill you're looking for, a skydive surely will. Skydiving at Mission Beach is a unique opportunity to witness the reef, surrounding beaches as well as the rainforest as you fly from 4,570 metres (15,000 feet) above. The exhilarating freefall experience is available with Skydive Mission Beach who have expert sky masters ready to guide you on the ultimate adventure.
Snorkel with spectacular marine life
Where: Moore Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef.
If you’re looking for a family adventure on the reef, Sunlover’s Moore Reef pontoon tour is a must during a visit to Cairns. On this action-packed trip you’ll spend a full day at Moore Reef, where the boat will dock next to a pontoon floating amid a natural fish-filled lagoon. Snorkel with magnificent marine life including turtles, clownfish and Māori wrasses’, or splash into the crystal-clear water from the catamaran's spiralling waterslide. If you’d prefer to see things from the land, check out the glass bottom boat and touch tank presentations where kids can get up close to Australia’s unique marine species.
Set sail for Green Island
Where: Green Island, off the coast of Cairns.
Ocean Free is the perfect tour for travellers who want it all – sailing, snorkelling, diving and more. Hop aboard and sail toward the beautiful Green Island, stopping along the way to snorkel at the exclusive Pinnacle Reef where the waters are teeming with marine life. If you're interested in diving a bit deeper, Ocean Free offers both introductory and certified scuba diving. Then, enjoy swimming, sunbathing or walking through the rainforest on Green Island.