Great Barrier Reef Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns

• Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

• Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

• ABC Reef Safaris

• Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns

There's no single admission price for the Great Barrier Reef—you'll need a tour to get out there, and costs vary depending on the experience. Most full-day snorkeling and diving cruises from Cairns or Port Douglas start at around US$150, with the most popular tours falling into the US$180–US$285 range. Short helicopter flights start at around US$380, while private charters top out at around US$1,800. Multi-day tours cost much more.

Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is absolutely worth visiting—it's one of the world's most remarkable natural wonders where you can snorkel over coral gardens, dive in waters dense with marine life, or take a scenic flight for a bird's-eye view. Tours depart from Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays, and booking one means you'll get expert guidance and access to the best reef spots.

Per one customer who booked the Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, "The crew was awesome and very knowledgeable about the ecosystems we were travelling through. The food and snacks provided were also great. The snorkeling experience in the Great Barrier Reef is a definite must if you are in either Cairns or Port Douglas, as we have the largest reef in the world, which is pretty spectacular!"

Queensland's balmy tropical heat means you can visit the world's largest reef all year round, but the best time for snorkeling and scuba diving is during the dry season (May through October). With minimum rainfall, maximum underwater visibility, and lower humidity, June is one of the best months to visit.

Dazzling bands of coral reefs, hundreds of sandy islands and cays, and pockets of lush rainforest—a tour of the Great Barrier Reef is simply unforgettable. Along with 2,900 coral reefs and 1,500 fish species, you can spot turtles, manta rays, whales, and rare and endangered marine life.

Yes. It's a smart idea to book your Great Barrier Reef tickets for a tour in advance, especially during peak season (June–July) or if you have a specific tour or activity in mind. But don't worry if you haven't booked—finding a day tour at the last minute is often still possible.

Look but don't touch is the main rule at the Great Barrier Reef. Take care not to touch or kick the coral, refrain from feeding fish and other marine life, don't take any natural "souvenirs," and wear reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve fragile natural ecosystems.

June and July are the most popular months for snorkeling tours of the Great Barrier Reef, and for good reason. Low rainfall and cooler temperatures mean underwater visibility is at its highest, making this the perfect time to admire the vivid coral formations and spot rare marine life.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Great Barrier Reef. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Cairns and the Tropical North:

• Green Island

• Kuranda Scenic Railway

• Mossman Gorge

• Daintree Rainforest

• Barron Gorge National Park

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Cairns and the Tropical North.