The 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

April 25, 2022 Merry Kessler

The world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef stretches almost 1500 miles into the Pacific from the tip of Queensland. Designated a Marine Park by the Australian government and a World Heritage Area by UNESCO, the reef is home to an extraordinary abundance of species and habitats. Snorkeling, diving and fishing are rightly popular along the reef, nowhere more so than on the Whitsunday Islands, where the silica sands and aqua waters of the Coral Sea create the perfect beach escape.
Restaurants in Great Barrier Reef

1. Townsville Sunset Sail Sailing Cruise Boat Tour

Townsville Yacht Club & Marina, 1 Plume St, South Townsville QLD 4810, Australia Casual Fare Sailing Charters Townsville
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Enjoy a small-group sunset sailing cruise for a maximum of 6 people departing from Magnetic island. Set sail for a 1.5-hours sunset sail, sit back and relax taking in the stunning views from the boat. BYO (bring your own food and drink allowed.

Inclusions: Bottled water, skipper and deckhand, 2 standard alcoholic drinks sparkling wine

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Tlmc03

Booking was cancelled due to not enough numbers booked and conditions. Has a week to rebook but received no follow up, eventually replied saying it was too windy. Plenty of other businesses sailed, next time will go elsewhere and avoid the stuff around and not miss out altogether. Did receive my refund.

2. Small-Group Afternoon Cairns City Tour with Harbour Dinner Cruise

Cairns Discovery Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Explore the highlights of Cairns by combining an afternoon city tour with an evening dinner cruise on the Spirit of Cairns. Your knowledgeable, local guide will help you discover this tropical city with a visit to the Cairns Museum, St Monica's Cathedral where you will marvel at the world’s largest themed stained-glass windows, guided tour of the Flecker Botanic Gardens (afternoon tea included). Lower Barron Gorge, Surprise Creek Falls and beautiful Palm Cove Beach, Return to Cairns to set sail aboard a newly refurbished, 26-metre catamaran as you cruise the calm waters of Trinity Inlet while enjoying live entertainment and a panoramic sunset. 3 course dinner (set menu included)

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup, Air-conditioned vehicle, 3 course dinner menu, Complimentary glass of sparkling wine, beer or soft drink on arrival

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Hotel drop-off

Reviewed By Alex B

We enjoyed the whole tour , in particular Palm Cove. The Driver/ Tour Guide, Eric was knowledgeable and informative and was fun to be with. Thankyou Eric.

3. Daintree - Cape Tribulation & Atherton Tablelands Tours From Port Douglas

Port Douglas Tropical Trips
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

Your Tropical North Queensland experience should be exciting, enjoyable and most of all informative.  When you choose your trip, you will want to go with people who give you personalised and " that little bit extra " special service and local knowledge.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Beverages, Buffet lunch, Afternoon tea, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: We include all food, beverages and fees and charges

Reviewed By Cy W

We took the Atherton Tablelands Experience with Adam and it was one of the best, most informative trips of our holiday. We happened to book on the second boxing day this year and think people were doing other things as we had the vechile to ourselves which made the trip more special Adam is very socialble and knowledgable and took us to places not listed, we got to see all the waterfalls, some hilltop lookouts and more wildlife spotting along the way. Couldn't have asked for a better day.

4. Airlie Beach Trike Tours

Airlie Beach - Cannonvale QLD, Australia Airlie Beach Trike Tours
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Personalise a Tour to suit yourself. Our Tours are just guides. If you’d like to go somewhere else, just ask the rider. Speak one-on-one with the rider and your travel buddy, with our Sena inhelmet Bluetooth system. Ask the questions. If we don’t know the answer we will find out. No other Tour like this in Airlie Beach

Inclusions: Use of Trikke, Private transportation

Exclusions: On our longer tours, food and drink from places we may visit are not included in your hire price

Reviewed By 126lynneb

Not only was the tour great (and my teenage son loved it!) but their customer service was incredible. Highly recommended!

5. Fraser Island Whale Watch Encounter

Tourist Terminal, Urangan QLD 4655, Australia Blue Dolphin Marine Tours
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5.0 based on 194 reviews

This seasonal whale watching tour takes you aboard a 24-passenger sailing catamaran from Hervey Bay to Platypus Bay at Frasier Island. An immersive platform lets you observe a humpback whale underwater while you listen to sound waves by hydrophone. Morning and afternoon tea are served along with a buffet lunch and beverage during the full-day tour.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Live commentary on board, Coffee and/or Tea, Lunch and beverage, Afternoon tea, National park fees

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By N542ZTveronicam

The champagne sunset sail was one of the highlights of our trip to Hervey Bay. Peter and Casey were fantastic hosts and made the whole experience so enjoyable. Would highly recommend this - it was such good value for money.

6. Private Airlie Beach Tuk-Tuk Tours

Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach, Queensland Just Tuk'n Around
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5.0 based on 135 reviews

Jump on a Tuk Tuk, it is a great way to see beautiful Airlie Beach and mingle with the locals. Sit back and relax as your local guide shows off their home town, taking you to the best scenic spots and venues. You have the choice of 30, 60, 90 or 120 minute tour's at various times through out the day,7 Days a week, we will work with you to get the best time and tour for you organised We have a special 45 minute sunset ride (departure time is dependant on sunset time). There is also a 3-hour progressive food tour where your insider guide will take you to some of Airlie's best venues. (Venues change according to availability)

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By BP-Aus

We did a one hour tour of the Airlie Beach area in late March 2021. Cost was $100 for two people. It was a fun experience, with a friendly guide, who was very easy to get along with. A great way to see a beautiful area. Highly recommended.

7. Whitsundays Guided Jet Ski Tour

38 Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia Whitsunday Jetski Tours
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4.9 based on 1,916 reviews

Multi award winning Whitsunday Jetski Tours offers exciting adventure tours in the Whitsundays and is the first and only guided jetski tour operating from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands. Guests can ride the latest model Sea-Doo jetski into the beautiful world heritage Whitsunday Island Marine Park. Three tours operate daily, the Airlie Adventure, also known as the ‘Turtle Tour’ with sea turtles often encountered, the Two Island Safari, exploring the waterways of South Molle and Daydream Islands and the Ultimate Island Trek, an epic jetski journey to the island oasis of Palm Bay Resort.  No license is required and no experience is necessary!

Inclusions: Use of Jet Ski, All safety equipment and full riding apparel, Professional guide, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off on Airlie Beach, Lunch on the Ultimate Island Trek, not included on Airlie Adventure or Two Island Safari, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks on Airlie Adventure and Two Island Safari, Hotel pickup and drop-off from Hamilton Island or other Whitsunday Island Resorts

Reviewed By Alex B

I did the sky jet just because I was free for a couple of hours in Airlie and I'm really glad to had done that! Amazing experience! You need to do this!!

8. Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout Full-Day Snorkeling Cruise by High-Speed Catamaran

Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia Red Cat Adventures
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4.9 based on 829 reviews

Join us on the "Adventure of a lifetime" around the crystal clear turquoise and untouched waters of the Whitsunday Islands. Departing Airlie Beach you will board "Thundercat" a certified climate action leader and custom-built vessel to suit your next adventure - say goodbye to seasickness! During this action-packed day you will explore the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, climb to Hill Inlet lookout and snorkel two epic locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Of course, during all of these activities, we will also provide snacks, water and a buffet-style lunch !!

Inclusions: Expert Local driver/guide with live commentary on board, Pickup & drop-off from designated meeting points. This tour does NOT pickup from Hamilton Island. , All activities and use of snorkeling equipment, National Park fees, Buffet Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Snacks

Exclusions: Drinks, Prescription Masks

Reviewed By paulcE6063FS

Had a GREAT day out in the THUNDERCAT , snorkelling , Whitehaven lookout , Whitehaven beach & more on a perfect day! With Cam as the most ENTHUSIASTIC captain I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, we all had a great day & even saw some spinner dolphins on our way back!

9. Morning Half Day Tour

Daintree Discovery Tours
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4.9 based on 59 reviews

We are the only company that can get you out to the stunning Cassowary Falls. It is only accessible through private property, keeping it nice and quiet for us.

Inclusions: Scrumptious scones, jam and cream, along with any beveridge (non alcoholic) of your choice., Noodles and rescue tube available to help float around in the swimming area.

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Reviewed By raxhs

Really enjoyable day, met some cool people, and the guide was knowledgeable and relaxed. The absolute highlight was 4WDing to a waterfall and taking a swim! So fun, and was absolutely beautiful.

10. Ocean Rafting Tour to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout & Top Snorkel Spots

Coral Sea Marina, Shingley Dr, Airlie Beach QLD 4802, Australia Ocean Rafting
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4.9 based on 2,980 reviews

"THE ORIGINAL AND MOST AWARDED TOUR IN THE WHITSUNDAYS" Visit three top destinations whilst having the ride of your life! Each Ocean Rafting day includes an exhilarating ride to world famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Beach and Lookout, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Parks walks, all in one day! The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing you to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays.  Ocean Rafting offers two different Whitehaven Beach tours to choose from, the Northern Exposure and the Southern Lights tour. The significant difference between the two tours is that the Northern Exposure offers more snorkelling time and the Southern Lights offers more Whitehaven beach time. Ocean Rafting is the only tour operator to have direct access to the stunning and iconic Hill Inlet beach and secret snorkel sites around the Whitsundays ensuring a memorable underwater experience.

Inclusions: Visit to Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and guided National Park walks, Inner fringing coral reef snorkelling, Reef and island naturalist talks by our Master Reef Guides,Eco Host and Marine Biologist , Courtesy bus transfers

Exclusions: Tropical lunch (AU$16) payable direct. Please add in booking notes if you would like to add., Hire sunsuits/wetsuits - $8pp to hire on check in (Students with ID, Senior & Children FREE)), Assorted Alcoholic and NON Alcoholic Drinks and snacks (available to purchase - Cash or Credit Card), Prescription Mask hire Available - $15 pp on check in

Reviewed By Rae F

We were made to feel welcome and got heaps of local knowledge from our guide and skipper. Thoroughly enjoyed our day. Thank you, would recommend to anyone and plan to use Ocean Rafting again in Cairns

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