Greater Barrier Reef Day Trip: Is It Worth Visiting?
Is the Great Barrier Reef Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is absolutely worth seeing! There are so many people that I know that have gone all the way Down Under, but haven’t had this irreplaceable, once in a lifetime experience. Sydney and Melbourne may be cool, but visiting the Great Barrier Reef while in Australia is a 1000% must do activity – and likely to be the one you’ll remember for years to come.
I remember being in Sorrento, stuck on one of their sweaty and sticky buses when I ran into a couple who met in Australia. He was English, she was American. They had been traveling the world together for three months, slowly making their way back to the U.K. and the States. Couple goals, am I right?
Anyways, the girl was telling me that she fled to Australia just because she needed a change. I loved both of them immediately, and we talked all the way till we hit the seaport for Capri. I asked them what the two of them did and how they met, and this was their simultaneously answer,
“Oh, we’re scuba diver instructors!”
“You mean… like, for the Great Barrier Reef?”
“Yep, that’s exactly how we met!”
“I’m going in January! Who knows, maybe I’ll be on your boat!”
It’s here where they told me that while they had left Australia for the time being, that they were still happy to recommend to me the best diving companies to pick when booking a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
What Are the Best Scuba Diving Companies to Go On A Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef?
Here are the top picks from two real scuba diver instructors who worked in Australia:
🐠 Best Great Barrier Reef Day Trip Companies 🐠
🤿 Down Under Dive
A top choice for certified divers and serious reef explorers. Down Under Dive offers longer dive times, smaller group sizes, and access to outer reef sites with vibrant coral and marine life. Ideal if diving is your main priority.
🚤 Silver Swift
One of the fastest boats to the reef, Silver Swift is perfect for travelers short on time who still want a premium experience. Expect multiple reef sites, high-quality equipment, and a smooth, well-organized day trip.
🌴 Passions of Paradise
A laid-back, eco-friendly catamaran experience that balances snorkeling, diving, and relaxation. Known for its friendly crew and relaxed vibe, this is a great option for first-time reef visitors.
🌊 Ocean Freedom
A spacious pontoon-based experience ideal for snorkelers, families, and those who want a more comfortable setup. Ocean Freedom offers stability, plenty of amenities, and easy access to the reef without feeling rushed.
I kept that list in my phone for sixth months, and flash forward to sixth months later – we ended up going with Ocean Freedom.
Do I Need to Book Tickets for the Great Barrier Reef in Advance?
Yes, you need to book tickets to go to the Great Barrier Reef in advance – or you may not be able to visit the infamous coral reef during your trip to Australia.
My dad and I arrived to Cairns midday; with the intent of doing the Great Barrier Reef the following day. If I could go back in time… I would’ve booked our tickets back in the states as soon as I came back from Italy.
Listen closely when I say that we got lucky when we scored the two last open seats on an Ocean Freedom tour. At first the receptionist told us that there were five seats left on Silver Swift and that she could book us no problem.
She went on hold for a minute to call another company to see what their arability was like, but by the time she redialed Silver Swift…
… the seats were gone.
Thus, if you’re able to get your snorkeling experience squared away before arrival – I recommend that you do so.
My dad & I ended up snorkeling on Ocean Freedom.
Can I Do a Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef?
Yes, you can do a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef! In fact, most people stay in Port Douglas or in Cairns and do the Great Barrier Reef from there.
The actual day trip to the Great Barrier Reef is great, as the ports are within walking distance of most hotels.
How Long is a Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef?
Most of the trips are 8 hour excursions; with included snacks and lunch on board.
Here’s a timeline of how most, 8 hour day trips to the Great Barrier Reef go:
⏰ Typical 8-Hour Great Barrier Reef Day Trip Timeline
🚤 Morning Departure from Cairns
Most Great Barrier Reef tours depart Cairns Marina between 7:30–8:30 am. Travel time to the outer reef typically takes 1.5–2 hours, depending on weather and how far offshore the reef sites are.
🐠 First Reef Stop (Snorkeling & Diving)
Upon arrival at the first reef site, guests usually spend 1.5–2 hours snorkeling or scuba diving. Certified divers may complete 1–2 dives, while snorkelers explore directly from the boat or platform.
🥗 Lunch Onboard
Lunch is typically served between reef sites or while anchored. Most tours offer a buffet-style lunch with vegetarian options. This break usually lasts around 30–45 minutes.
🌊 Travel Between Reef Sites
Boats then travel to a second reef location, which usually takes 20–45 minutes. This allows guests to experience a different coral ecosystem and increases chances of spotting diverse marine life.
🤿 Second Reef Stop
At the second reef site, guests spend another 1.5–2 hours snorkeling or diving. This is often the most relaxed part of the day, as everyone is settled into the rhythm of reef exploration.
⛴️ Return to Cairns
The return journey back to Cairns usually begins mid-to-late afternoon, taking another 1.5–2 hours. Most tours arrive back at the marina between 4:30–5:30 pm.
There are dozens of companies that d today trips to the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia.
The experience as a whole was fantastic… but I ran into a few technicalities, on the way.
Challenges of a Day Trip to the Great Barrier Reef
Can I Wear Contact Lenses to the Great Barrier Reef?
Many of the diving companies at the Great Barrier Reef will tell you it’s okay to wear contact lenses underneath your goggles, but I highly recommend that you don’t wear contact lenses to the Great Barrier Reef and opt for the prescription goggles instead. While the receptionist was booking our seats, she recognized that my dad was wearing glasses and asked if he wanted prescription goggles. Yes… companies offering day excursions to the Great Barrier Reef often offer prescription goggles. Pretty cool, right?
I asked if I needed the same; wondering if it was safe for me to wear contact lenses in the ocean. She assured me it was fine, and to come wearing contact lenses.
Well, hah… that… was a mistake.
The following morning as my dad and I were headed to the outback, I went to put on my contact lenses only to be followed by a searing sensation from the residue of the salty water. Yes, I’m dramatic – you don’t need to tell me twice. Long story short – when we arrived in Alice Springs and I tried to put them on a second time, thinking that they just needed to soak in some solution – but the burn was so bad that it flung somewhere in our bathroom, out of sight to the naked eye, and never to be seen again.
If you wear contact lenses, always pack an extra pair with you, when you travel.
And DO NOT wear your contact lenses in the reef; no matter what the receptionist or the divers tell you.
Onto to problem number two…
What If I Don’t See Anything at the Great Barrier Reef?
If you have trouble spotting Nemo or Dory by yourself when at the Great Barrier Reef, don’t worry – there will be kind instructors will to help you spot all of the ocean life!
Because I’m such a small person all around; the sizes of the masks weren’t fitting my face well.
I didn’t see anything at the first reef we stopped at. The good news is, they take you to two reefs – in the event that you’re like me and things don’t go so well for you the first round.
The view of the mountains that surround the Great Barrier Reef as the boat is en route to snorkeling destination number two; January 2019
The second time around, someone helped me. Since, I was having trouble getting my mask to stay on firmly due to my smaller-than-average-sized-head – one of the crew members ended up taking me out to the reef personally to ensure that I saw all that the experience had to offer.
I saw dozens of Nemo’s (clown fish, if you’ve never heard of Finding Nemo), Dory’s, a sting ray hiding in the sand, and a barracuda fish with an eye bigger than my hand.
With the bushy green mountains surrounding us, the pockets of the turquoise, sapphire, and Olympic colors of water in the midst of the electric blue coral sea, and the Australian summer sun beating down so hard on us… I had my pinch me moment.
Here I am. At the Great Barrier Reef… in Australia.
Never, anywhere, have I seen a body of water so electric with pockets of contrasting blues like I have at the Great Barrier Reef.
With our long-to-prevent-us-from-getting-stung-wet-suits on and the orange floaties in between us, I told her while squinting from the strong sun,
“You know, thank you so much for taking me out personally to show me all of this stuff.”
She had strawberry blond hair, freckles, and green eyes. As she responded, shaking the salty ocean water out of her hair, her simple Aussie words rang in my head,
“Ah, that’s alright… that’s alright…”
Dreams do come true.
Great Barrier Reef; January 2019
Alongside running on a rooftop in Barcelona, floating in the Dead Sea for the first time, standing on the T.V. tower in Berlin, and seeing the Swiss flag at the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch…
… the Great Barrier Reef remains one of my favorite video tapes to replay in my mind on a loop.
🌊🐠 Great Barrier Reef Day Trip FAQ
| 🤿 Can I wear contact lenses in the Great Barrier Reef? | You can, but wear them at your own risk. If goggles tend not to fit your face well, you’re much better off using prescription snorkel goggles — if your Great Barrier Reef tour company offers them. |
| ⏱️ How long is a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef? | If starting in Cairns, a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef is usually around 8 hours total, allowing you to return by late afternoon or early evening in time for dinner. |
| 💰 How much does a trip to the Great Barrier Reef cost? | While it depends on the tour company and package you choose, most Great Barrier Reef day trips cost between $250–$300 USD per person. |
| 🏝️ What city should I stay in to visit the Great Barrier Reef? | The easiest city to stay in for a Great Barrier Reef day trip is Cairns. However, you can also stay in Port Douglas or other nearby coastal towns and still access reef tours. |
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Last updated: January 2, 2026