How to explore the Great Barrier Reef in a day

Cruise out to one of the state-of-the-art pontoons in the Outer Reef for a full day of action, where you can choose your own adventure from Master Reef Guided snorkel safaris and scuba diving to taking in the views from underwater observatories, glass bottom boats and even a semi-submersible craft. Pontoons experiences are great for trying a range of Reef activities, and are a particular favourite among families as there’s something for all ages and swimming abilities.

Cruise Whitsundays’ Reefworld pontoon is located on Hardy Reef, around 39 nautical miles from Airlie Beach; Quicksilver Cruises’ home-base is Agincourt Reef, around 90 minutes’ cruise from Port Douglas; Sunlover departs from Cairns to spend the day at Moore Reef; while the new Reef Magic pontoon offers Cairns-based travellers a unique experience with Indigenous guides.

On the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Experience has recently launched its own pontoon in the island’s calm lagoon, Lady Musgrave HQ (which even has accommodation on board for those who want to spend a night on the Reef!)

Dive beneath on a snorkel or dive day trip

Want to spend as much time as possible beneath the surface? A full-day snorkel or dive tour is for you – and there are endless options all along our spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Hop on board and you’ll spend your time cruising between Reef sites and jumping in to explore the marine world below.

Pro Dive Cairns is Australia’s premier PADI dive school and outer reef liveaboard operator, but they also offer action-packed day trips from Cairns and Port Douglas, visiting three dive/snorkel sites, selected from dozens of exclusive reef locations based on the best conditions of the day. While if you prefer to holiday in a quieter beachside destination, Mission Beach Dive will take you to remote reef locations when you’re not soaking up sun or exploring nearby hiking trails.

In Townsville? Discover secret coves, beaches and fringing reefs around Magnetic Island with Aquascene or head beneath the surface with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive – even to discover the Museum of Underwater Art at John Brewer Reef.

Ocean Rafting and Red Cat Adventures in The Whitsundays will jet you through the archipelago on day tours that combine reef snorkelling with time to soak up the region’s world-famous beaches, while Red Cat now offers a day reef adventure departing Mackay.

Explore the Keppel Islands and fringing reef from Yeppoon with Keppel Explorer and Freedom Fast Cats, or clock a few days of beach time near Gladstone before hopping on board 1770 Reef to Lady Musgrave Island.

Speed through a half day Great Barrier Reef adventure

There’s no shortage of Reef within reach from the mainland of our tropical north, even if you only have half a day up your sleeve.

For boat lovers who like to feel the wind in their hair, a half day spent sailing on a luxury catamaran to Low Isles with Sailaway Port Douglas will deliver an unforgettable afternoon of snorkelling and sunset views. Once you arrive on the coral cay, fill your afternoon with a guided snorkelling tour with a marine biologist (and possibly a turtle or two), a glass bottom boat ride and an Island Heritage Walk. 

For an exhilarating trip from start to finish, jump on board Reef Sprinter from Port Douglas and you’ll be snorkelling the Reef within 15 minutes.

Further north in Cape Tribulation, Ocean Safari offers half-day eco tours that depart morning or afternoon, so you can pair an adventure on Mackay Reef with plenty of time leftover to explore the Wet Tropics rainforest too. 

Set sail and snorkel

Looking to explore the Great Barrier Reef in a day but prefer the peace of a sailing trip?

The Whitsundays is Australia’s sailing mecca, so let the wind fuel your adventure on board Explore Sailing, where you’ll dip your toes into the silica sand of Whitehaven Beach and snorkel fringing reef off Chalkies Beach, with plenty of time to admire the views from top deck.

Holidaying in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef region? Set sail from Port Douglas to Mackay and Undine coral cays with Sailaway, or experience reef research in action sailing on the Passions of Paradise catamaran to the best dive and snorkel sites off Cairns. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from accredited reef naturalists, choosing to snorkel, try an introductory or certified dive, or even sign up to be a marine biologist for the day, lending a hand with reef monitoring projects. 

Spend a day on a Great Barrier Reef island

Prefer a solid, land-base to your Great Barrier Reef day trip? Those without expert sea legs or just looking to get a taste of island life should look to one of the many day tours to our Great Barrier Reef islands.

Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island promises more time in the water than getting to it, where you can snorkel fringing reef, swim at award-winning beaches and take a behind-the-scenes tour of a world-class turtle rehabilitation centre. Also a quick hop from Cairns is Green Island, a tiny 12-hectare coral cay surrounded by 710 hectares of reef. Take a few steps from the beach to start exploring by snorkel, or hop on a boat tour to access sites just a few minutes away. When you need a break from the mask and fins, spend time kayaking, on a glass bottom boat tour, or exploring the unique rainforest walking trails. Even non-divers can get in on the action with a helmet Seawalker dive.

For a day trip that has a bit of everything – reef, rainforest and river – Frankland Island Reef Cruises offers a diverse itinerary that won’t disappoint – and they’re the only operator with a license to go here. Departing Cairns daily, the tour starts with a boat ride along the rainforest-lined Mulgrave River before heading out into the ocean toward the protected national park – and the island has no shortage of things to do during the 4.5 hours you’re allocated to explore here. A guided snorkelling tour and tropical buffet lunch are included, but plenty more optional activities are available, including clear kayaks, a glass bottom boat tour and a guided island walk. Beginner and certified scuba divers are catered to as well.

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort makes it possible to explore the Great Barrier Reef in a day – even from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Accessible by air only, return flights touch down on this remote southern coral cay where you can take guided snorkel tours, dive trips or interactive reef walks.

Get caught up in the beauty and want to spend the night? All of these islands offer accommodation, ranging from resorts to off-grid camping.

Still having trouble picking which Great Barrier Reef tour suits you best? We’re here to help uncover our favourite tours and how to visit our best Reef locations.