Three people in wetsuits and snorkel gear stand on a boat above the Great Barrier Reef, posing for a photo taken by another person with a mobile phone; the ocean is visible in the background.
Back Highly recommendedVerified as Loop's Top 10Last reviewed October 2026

Reef Adventures – Great Barrier Reef Half Day Snorkelling Tour Cairns

from A$179
4 hours
Cairns
All ages (6+)
Free cancellation (24hr prior)

Spend 1.5 hours snorkelling Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches on a half day Great Barrier Reef trip from Cairns Marlin Marina, capped at 27 guests. A snorkel guide, gear, snacks, stinger suits in season and marine park fees are all included.

  • Three people in wetsuits and snorkel gear stand on a boat above the Great Barrier Reef, posing for a photo taken by another person with a mobile phone; the ocean is visible in the background.
  • Sunlight shines through clear blue water onto a vibrant coral reef with schools of small fish swimming above the corals, creating an unforgettable scene reminiscent of a Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour. | Aussie Loop
  • A sea turtle swims above a rocky, algae-covered seabed in clear, shallow water along the Great Barrier Reef. Sunlight filters through the surface, illuminating the turtle’s shell and the vibrant underwater scene.
  • A blue and yellow speedboat with passengers moves across open ocean water near the Great Barrier Reef under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A group of people in snorkel gear swim in clear turquoise water under a blue sky, exploring the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, with a boat floating in the distance.
  • Three people in wetsuits and snorkel gear stand on a boat above the Great Barrier Reef, posing for a photo taken by another person with a mobile phone; the ocean is visible in the background.
  • Sunlight shines through clear blue water onto a vibrant coral reef with schools of small fish swimming above the corals, creating an unforgettable scene reminiscent of a Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling Tour. | Aussie Loop
  • A sea turtle swims above a rocky, algae-covered seabed in clear, shallow water along the Great Barrier Reef. Sunlight filters through the surface, illuminating the turtle’s shell and the vibrant underwater scene.
  • A blue and yellow speedboat with passengers moves across open ocean water near the Great Barrier Reef under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A group of people in snorkel gear swim in clear turquoise water under a blue sky, exploring the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef, with a boat floating in the distance.

Quick read before you book.

  • Small group of no more than 27 guests
  • Reef site chosen for the best conditions on the day
  • Swim through coral gardens with a guide by your side
  • Back in about four hours, with the rest of your day free

What people say about this operator.

Google Reviews
4.9 Stars|761 reviews

What could be better?

Honestly, not much. It's a smaller, faster boat, so take seasickness tablets before you board if you're prone and pack a warm layer.

Summarised by AI, verify on Google Business Profile before booking

Included in this tour.

  • Boat transfer from Cairns Marlin Marina
  • 1.5 hours of guided snorkelling at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches
  • Snorkel guide
  • Quality snorkelling equipment and flotation devices
  • Stinger suit, in season
  • Snacks
  • Marine park fees and GST

Commonly asked questions.

The tour departs from Finger B at Cairns Marlin Marina. Departure times can shift with weather and tide conditions, so check your confirmation before you head down.

You'll get a full 1.5 hours in the water at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, with the whole trip taking about four hours.

Guests need to be aged between 6 and 65. Child rates apply from 6 to 14, and there's a family rate for 2 adults and 2 children.

A moderate level of fitness is required, as snorkelling can be strenuous. The tour isn't suitable for guests with pre existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are heavily pregnant.

Yes, stinger suits are included in season, and wetsuits can be hired for $8 if you'd like extra warmth. Our guide to stinger suits in Cairns explains when and why you'll wear one.

Yes, prescription masks can be hired on the day for $15.

Bring swimmers, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a card for onboard purchases. Snorkelling gear, flotation devices and snacks are provided.

If the tour is cancelled due to unfavourable weather, you can join on another day or receive a full refund.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure aren't refundable. Want more time on the reef? The full day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour from Cairns is another option.

More about this tour.

Short on time but not willing to skip the reef? This half day snorkelling tour gets you out of Cairns and onto the Great Barrier Reef with no more than 27 guests on board, spending a full 1.5 hours in the water at Upolu Reef or Breaking Patches, chosen for the conditions on the day.You'll board at Finger B, Cairns Marlin Marina and head out to the reef. Quality snorkelling gear and flotation devices are provided, a snorkel guide leads the way through the coral, and stinger suits are included in season. Snacks are on board, with drinks available to buy after your swim.Want extra warmth in the water? Wetsuits can be hired for $8, and prescription masks are available for $15. If you're visiting in the warmer months, our guide to stinger season in Cairns explains what to expect.You'll need to be aged 6 to 65 with a moderate level of fitness, as snorkelling can be strenuous. The tour isn't suitable if you have pre existing back, neck or hip injuries or are heavily pregnant. Marine park fees and GST are included, and the whole trip takes about four hours, leaving the rest of your day free.Explore the details below, then check availability for your date.This tour has multiple options;

Additional info.

  • Check in at Finger B, Cairns Marlin Marina. Departure times can shift with weather and tide conditions
  • Ages 6 to 65 only, and a moderate level of fitness is required
  • Not suitable for guests with pre existing back, neck or hip injuries or who are heavily pregnant
  • All participants sign a waiver before departure
  • Wetsuit hire available on the day for $8, and prescription mask hire for $15
  • Drinks available to purchase onboard
  • Bring swimmers, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and a card for onboard purchases
  • If the tour is cancelled due to weather, you can join another day or receive a full refund
  • Cancellation policy: no refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure