10 of the most environmentally conscious Great Barrier Reef tours

Kristie Lau-AdamsBy Kristie Lau-Adams
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Be treated to world-class snorkelling and diving, or just sit back in total awe, by signing up for one of the best Great Barrier Reef tours.

Sprawled across more than 348,000 square kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef flows with rainbow coral gardens, robust marine life and sparkling turquoise waters. While the reef’s health has notably deteriorated in recent decades, coral restoration and water improvement efforts are working to secure the Far North Queensland marvel’s future. The best Great Barrier Reef tours are also doing a superb job in educating visitors while immersing them in its unique beauty.

Amid the admirable initiatives happening here, a string of environmentally responsible Great Barrier Reef tours are working to shine a light on the reef’s intricacies while showcasing just how special this place is. Focused on paving a sustainable future for the world’s largest coral reef system. Here are ten of our favourite tours to sign up for.

1. Reef Magic’s Reef Indulgence Package

abundant fish and coral reefs at Reef Magic Pontoon, Great Barrier Reef
Discover the horseshoe-shaped Moore Reef. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

Hear the ins and outs of conservation efforts straight from the horse’s mouth thanks to Reef Magic’s Reef Indulgence Package . Departing from Cairns via a chopper and destined for the company’s own pontoon located on the outer reef, the tour takes a bird’s eye view of this stunning corner of the world before guests take part in a lab tour led by a marine biologist. While fascinating intel is provided, so are canapes, champagne, a private snorkelling tour followed by lunch and a glass-bottom boat tour before guests are swept back up and over the reef to Cairns. Prices start from $1,499 per person with a two-guest minimum.

2. Wavelength’s Full Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour

vibrant and abundant coral reefs in Port Douglas
See vibrant coral reefs on a snorkel tour with Wavelength. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Departing from: Port Douglas

Speaking of first-hand wisdom, Wavelength’s Full Day Outer Reef Snorkel Tour offers a leisurely day on the outer reef led by marine biologists. While reef talks offer a genuine debrief on the Great Barrier Reef and the environmental threats it faces, guided snorkelling across three locations is also steered by the experienced experts. Expect morning tea, gourmet rolls for lunch, complimentary underwater photos and, if you’re travelling in the cooler months, even the odd whale sighting as the Great Barrier Reef tour familiarises guests in style. Prices start from around $298 per person.

3. Sunlover Reef Cruises’ Reef & Island tours

a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef with Sunlover Reef Cruises
Go on a scenic flight over the reef with Sunlover Reef Cruises. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

Sunlover Reef Cruises’ Reef & Island tours offer travellers an action-packed immersion while adhering to strict environmentally responsible practices. Choose from two varieties: the ’10-Minute Scenic’ which includes a 10-minute scenic flight over the reef, a buffet lunch at Fitzroy Island and plenty of time for snorkelling, or the ‘Fly Out | Cruise Back’ which includes a 25-minute flight from Cairns to a private pontoon, buffet lunch at Fitzroy Island, snorkelling and a catamaran cruise back to Cairns. Prices start from $475 per person.

4. Quicksilver’s Great Barrier Reef Tour

Departing from: Port Douglas

Spend a day onboard Quicksilver’s Great Barrier Reef Tour, where a catamaran will escort you to the underwater wonderland of Agincourt Reef, one of the best snorkelling and diving spots on the Great Barrier Reef. Prefer to stay dry? An underwater observatory and semi-submersible coral reef viewing platform means you can experience a diver’s view of the reef in air-conditioned comfort. A marine biologist presentation is also included, as is morning and afternoon tea, a buffet lunch and all snorkelling gear. Prices start from $325 per person.

5. Sailaway’s Great Barrier Reef tours

a Great Barrier Reef tour with Sailaway
Explore the dreamy Mackay Cay onboard a luxury catamaran. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Port Douglas

Leading eco-tourism operator Sailaway offers snorkelling tours with marine biologists as well as relaxing sailing tours, which – running mostly on wind power – offer the most sustainable way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. Various tours are on offer, including explorations of dreamy Mackay Cay and the white sand Low Isles coral cay, while your mode of transport comes in the way of luxury catamarans. Afternoon tea and a buffet lunch, plus snorkelling equipment and reef talks, are typically included. Prices vary a lot so check the website to find your tour’s current cost.

6. Passions of Paradise’s Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

a 25-metre sailing catamaran, Great Barrier Reef Tour with Passions of Paradise
All aboard the 25-metre sailing catamaran with Passions of Paradise. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

With its 25-metre sailing catamaran and a deep desire to spread reef protection education, Passions of Paradise’s Full Day Great Barrier Reef Tour is a great example of sustainable reef tourism. Journey from Cairns to two outer reef locations in search of sea turtles, colourful fish and a variety of corals. The Great Barrier Reef tour also provides an opportunity to meet with an eco-accredited marine naturalist, while all snorkelling gear, a chef-prepared lunch and fruit, morning and afternoon tea are also included. Prices start from $260 per person.

7. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel

diving at the Great Barrier Reef with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel
Join local Indigenous sea rangers on a Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel day tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

One of the few Great Barrier Reef tours to embrace Indigenous culture and creation stories as part of its reef showcase, Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel delivers a deeper understanding and appreciation of the largest living coral reef structure on Earth. You’ll visit two outer reefs within Gunggandji Sea Country, not before being treated to an Indigenous welcome and acknowledgement, and a morning tea spread. Then, once the first snorkelling location wraps, a buffet lunch will be served and it’s straight onto the second reef. Taste bush foods along the journey, too. Prices start from $225 per person.

8. Ocean Spirit Cruises’ Discover Michaelmas Cay tour

a sea turtle swimming at Michaelmas Cay
Swim with sea turtles at Michaelmas Cay. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

Combine boat and beach time on a chilled day out from Cairns with Ocean Spirit Cruises’ Discover Michaelmas Cay tour . A two-hour motorised sail onboard a 32-metre sailing catamaran will land you at Michaelmas Cay, a small sand cay encircled by a spectacular fringing reef. It’s also a protected sanctuary for migratory seabirds. Once here, opt for a snorkel in the cay’s shallow waters, try an introductory scuba dive, cruise the semi-submarine for a diver’s perspective on the reef, watch a fish-feeding presentation, observe the bird life or simply relax in your own little slice of paradise. This is both an eco-friendly and family-friendly option, with prices starting from $276 per adult and $144 per child.

9. Big Cat Green Island Reef Tours’ Full-Day tour

guests admiring marine life from a glass-bottom boat, Big Cat Green Island Reef Tours’ Full-Day tour
See the reef from a glass-bottom boat. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

For a day out on a rainforest-clad coral cay, just say yes to Green Island, 28 km off the coast of Cairns. Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises’ Full-Day tour whisks you over to snorkel, dive and swim in its bath-like warm waters, plus you can pay a little extra to see the reef from a semi-submarine or a glass-bottom boat. Green Island holds traditional and contemporary significance for the Guru-Gulu Gungandji people, so expect to learn how its Indigenous roots work in harmony within the wider Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. While you’re on the tiny island, snap up the chance to visit a crocodile sanctuary, home to the largest captive varieties. Prices start from $120 per person.

10. Frankland Islands Reef Tour

the Frankland Islands Reef Tour, Great Barrier Reef
Take a cruise to the pristine white sands of the Frankland Islands. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Departing from: Cairns

Start the day with a rainforest river cruise before a quick skip – the shortest open water crossing of any day tour from Cairns – to Normanby Island in Frankland Islands National Park on board the Frankland Islands Reef Tour . The Great Barrier Reef tour will place you right on the Great Barrier Reef with its vibrant fringing reefs teeming with all manner of marine life, including turtles, octopuses and anemone clownfish. Lunch and transfers from select Cairns accommodation are also included with prices starting from $250 per adult.

For more travel tips and itineraries, read our ultimate guide to visiting the Great Barrier Reef

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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8 experiences that make Moreton Bay the best getaway

    Rachel LayBy Rachel Lay
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    From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

    Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

    Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

    1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience
    Explore Bribie Island with G’Day Adventure Tours.

    G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

    Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

    End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

    2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

    Morgan’s Seafood
    It doesn’t get fresher than Morgan’s Seafood. (Image: Ezra Patchett)

    Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

    Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

    3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

    woorim beach bribie island
    Hang 10, or relax, on Woorim Beach.

    On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

    Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

    4. D’Aguilar National Park

    D’Aguilar National Park
    Admire the landscapes of D’Aguilar National Park.

    D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

    Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

    5. Arcade Wine Bar

    arcade wine bar moreton bay
    Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

    Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

    Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

    Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

    6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

    Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

    Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

    7. Farm Visits

    Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

    At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

    8. Miss Sprinkles

    Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay
    Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

    An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

    The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine.  Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

    To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.