Explore the very best of Tropical North Queensland with these unforgettable Cairns tours.

Seen the Cairns Esplanade, sampled the city’s dining scene and dipped your toes in the lagoon? It’s time to venture further. From the Great Barrier Reef and ancient rainforest to Indigenous experiences and scenic flights, these are the best tours to book in and around Cairns.

In short

If you only book one tour from Cairns, make it a full-day Great Barrier Reef cruise. There’s simply no better way to experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Great Barrier Reef tours

There are countless ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef, but these tours are among the very best, whether you want to snorkel, dive, cruise or see it from above.

Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel: Dreamtime Cruise

Best for: Exploring the Reef through an Indigenous lens

Deepen your appreciation of the Great Barrier Reef by experiencing it through the eyes of its Traditional Owners. Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel combines spectacular reef snorkelling with powerful Indigenous storytelling, as Gunggandji sea rangers share creation stories, song and dance that reveal their enduring connection to Sea Country.

Between reef sites, you’ll gain a richer understanding of how First Nations people have cared for and lived alongside the reef for thousands of years. A buffet lunch is included, making it one of the most rewarding ways to combine reef exploration with First Nations culture.

• Duration: Full day
• Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
• Price: From $225 for adults, $160 for children and $670 for families

Passions of Paradise: Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Tour

Best for: Learning more about the Reef

Walk down to Marlin Marina to meet the friendly crew onboard Passions of Paradise, for an award-winning full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef.

The 25-metre catamaran sails daily from Cairns to two unique reef locations where you can try an introductory dive, enjoy a fully guided snorkel tour to see turtles, colourful fish, and coral, and listen to a presentation from their eco-accredited marine naturalist about the Reef. A chef-prepared tropical buffet lunch is included.

• Duration: Full day
• Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
• Price: From $275 for adults or $175 for children

Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises

Best for: Families and first-time reef visitors

If you’re looking for an easy introduction to the Great Barrier Reef, Big Cat Green Island Reef Cruises ticks all the boxes. Departing daily from Cairns, the full-day tour combines a fast ferry ride with plenty of free time to snorkel, swim, explore rainforest boardwalks or simply relax on the island’s white-sand beaches. It’s an easy, family-friendly way to experience both a tropical island and the Great Barrier Reef in a single day.

• Duration: Full day
• Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
• Price: From $122 for adults, $61 for children and $305 for families
• Good to know: On the full day tour, choose between the free Glass Bottom Boat or snorkel hire.

Fitzroy Island Adventures

Best for: Island adventures

Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Cairns, Fitzroy Island feels a world away. Fitzroy Island Adventures offers full-day ferry transfers, giving you plenty of time to snorkel straight from the beach, hike to the island’s lookouts, relax on award-winning Nudey Beach or explore the fringing reef. Optional extras, including snorkel hire and glass-bottom boat tours, make it easy to tailor the day to your travel style.

• Duration: Full day or half day available
• Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
• Price: From $108 for adults, $62 for children and $278 for families
• Good to know: Pack reef shoes if you plan to snorkel straight from the beach.

Nautilus Aviation: Reef Scenic Flight

Best for: Seeing the reef from above

Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above is an experience unlike any other. Nautilus Aviation’s 30-minute scenic helicopter flight reveals the reef’s incredible scale as you soar over Green Island, Arlington Reef and the dazzling white sands of Upolu Cay.

From above, the swirling coral formations and vibrant shades of blue are impossible to fully appreciate from a boat or beneath the surface, making this one of the most spectacular ways to experience the World Heritage-listed reef.

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Departs from: Pier Heliport, 2 Pier Point Road, Cairns City
• Price: $487pp including $32pp fuel surcharge
• Good to know: Morning departures usually offer the calmest conditions and clearest visibility for photography.

Nature and culture tours

Meet local wildlife, connect with Traditional Owners and discover Tropical North Queensland’s incredible natural environments on these unforgettable tours.

Cruise the Daintree River in search of crocodiles

Best for: Wildlife encounters

One of the best ways to spot wildlife in the Daintree Rainforest is from the water. Head to the Daintree River Cruise Centre and leisurely glide along the river as a local guide shares their expert knowledge about the unique tropical ecosystem. Along the way, you’ll see native wildlife such as estuarine crocodiles in their natural habitat. Complimentary morning or afternoon tea is included.

Just a three-minute drive away is Daintree Ecolodge, where you can pick up a deluxe picnic hamper or stop in for a spa treatment or cocktail class.

• Duration: 60-90 minutes
• Departs from: Daintree River Cruise Centre, 2914 Mossman – Daintree Road, Daintree
• Price: From $40 for adults or $20 for children
• Good to know: Morning cruises generally offer the best chance of spotting crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre: Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk

Best for: Indigenous culture

Discover the Indigenous side of the Daintree Rainforest and make your way to the Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to join a Guided Dreamtime Walk. ‘Ngadiku’ means ‘stories and legends from a long time ago’ in the local Kuku Yalanji language, and the Dreamtime Walk provides a compelling narrative about the rainforest, including a demonstration on how to use traditional medicinal plants as well as how to identify native food. Traditional tea and damper follow.

After the tour, cool off in the crystal-clear waters of Mossman Gorge or tackle one of the rainforest walking trails at your own pace.

• Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Departs from: Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, 212 Mossman Gorge Road, Mossman Gorge 
• Price: From $105 for adults, $53 for children or $262.50 for families
• Good to know: Wear enclosed shoes and swimmers if you’d like to take part in the traditional river ceremony.

Mandingalbay Authentic Indigenous Tours

Best for: Cultural experiences

Discover a side of Cairns that many visitors never see with an immersive journey into Mandingalbay Yidinji Country. Beginning with a short boat ride across Trinity Inlet, this guided cultural tour explores ancient wetlands and rainforest while Traditional Owners share stories of Country, bush foods, traditional practices and the deep cultural significance of the landscape. It’s a fascinating opportunity to experience Indigenous culture just minutes from the city.

• Duration: Approximately 3 hours
• Departs from: Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
• Price: From $169 for adults, $89 for children and $427 for families
• Good to know: The tour includes short guided walks over uneven ground, so comfortable enclosed shoes are recommended.

Kayak with turtles off Palm Cove

Best for: Marine life enthusiasts

One of the most memorable ways to experience Palm Cove’s coastline is from the water. Pacific Watersports’ Kayak Turtle Tour takes you on a steady 30-minute paddle from Palm Cove Beach across a glimmering stretch of the sea all the way to the reefs that fringe Double Island.

Regular marine sightings include green sea turtles, eagle rays, shovel-nose sharks, blue-spotted lagoon rays, colourful fish and white-bellied sea eagles. Once you’re back on land, enjoy lunch at one of Palm Cove’s tasty restaurants.

• Duration: Half day
• Departs from: Pacific Watersports Trailer, opposite Pete’s Place on Williams Esplanade 
• Price: $119 for adults and $95 for children

Adventure tours

Looking for a little more adrenaline? From white-water rafting and waterfall adventures to hot-air balloons and jet skis, these tours will get your heart racing.

White Water Rafting Cairns: Tully River Rafting

Best for: Thrill-seekers

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience Tropical North Queensland is on the world-renowned Tully River, conquering awesome grade 3 and 4 rapids. Not only is a Tully River Rafting Tour guaranteed to thrill, but this full-day outing cascades at high speed through one of the most pristine pockets of rainforest on the planet. The day tour includes a hearty pub dinner at a traditional Queensland country pub. Short on time? There’s also a half-day rafting tour available on the Barron River.

• Duration: Full day
• Departs from: Transfer pick-up from Cairns or Mission Beach, or self-drive to Tully
• Price: $280 per person
• Good to know: No previous rafting experience is required.

Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon

Best for: Sunrise views

Floating above the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise is one of Tropical North Queensland’s most unforgettable experiences. As the balloon drifts over ancient crater lakes, rainforest and patchwork farmland, you’ll enjoy spectacular 360-degree views before celebrating with a light breakfast and a glass of bubbles on landing.

• Duration: Half day
• Departs from: A transfer coach will pick up guests from any Cairns accommodation
• Price: $420 per person
• Good to know: Flights are weather dependent and can be rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable.

Back Country Bliss: River Drift Experience

Best for: A rainforest adventure

Just 20 minutes north of Port Douglas, escape into the Mossman Gorge rainforest on the River Drift Experience tour. Starting with a river walk, you’ll then be provided with a river sledge so you can float and experience the varied pace of the river’s flow. From calm sections under a green canopy to navigating faster currents, it’s a refreshing way to experience the rainforest from a completely different perspective.

• Duration: 2 hours
• Departs from: Transfers available from Port Douglas and Mossman
• Price: $155 for adults, $115 for children and $495 for families
• Good to know: The minimum age is 4

Barefoot Tours by Cairns Waterfalls

Best for: Waterfall chasing

Skip the planning and let the locals show you the Atherton Tablelands’ most spectacular swimming spots. Barefoot Tours takes you beyond the city to a handpicked collection of waterfalls, crater lakes and rainforest swimming holes, with plenty of time to cool off between stops.

Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the region, visit lesser-known locations and enjoy a relaxed day exploring one of Tropical North Queensland’s most beautiful landscapes. Expect plenty of swimming, short walks and a few hidden spots you probably wouldn’t find on your own.

• Duration: Full day
• Departs from: Accommodation pick-up from Cairns
• Price: From $169 for adults and $144 for children

Good to know: Bring swimmers, a towel and comfortable walking shoes, as there are plenty of opportunities to swim throughout the day.

Terra Marine Adventure Co: Croc Spotting Jet Ski Tour

Best for: Adrenaline junkies

Swap sightseeing for speed on this one-hour jet ski adventure through the mangrove-lined waterways of Trinity Inlet. After a safety briefing, you’ll head out across the water in search of saltwater crocodiles basking on the mudflats, with plenty of opportunities to spot birds and other local wildlife along the way. No licence or previous experience is needed, making this an easy way to combine adrenaline with an unforgettable wildlife encounter.

• Duration: 1 hour
• Departs from: B Finger, Marlin Marina, Cairns City
• Price: $232 for a solo tour
• Good to know: Drivers must be at least 16, while passengers must be at least 8

Food and drink tours

One of the best ways to get to know Tropical North Queensland is through its food. These tours introduce you to the region’s tropical produce, local breweries and hidden foodie gems.

Cairns Brewery Tours: Cairns Walking Brewery Tour

Best for: Beer lovers

Sip your way around Cairns’ growing craft beer scene on a guided Cairns Walking Brewery Tour to discover two unique microbreweries and a local gin distillery. Located in the heart of the city, all businesses are independently owned and locally operated, with each venue offering its own amazing flavours and personal stories.

• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours
• Departs from: Hemingway’s Brewery, Wharf Street, Cairns City
• Price: $115 per person

Daintree Food Trail

Best for: Independent wanderers

Prefer to explore at your own pace? Embark on a delicious journey from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation, following winding roads through farmlands and small communities to taste the best of the Daintree.

From gelato and chocolate to barramundi and chorizo, the Daintree is home to an eclectic range of small farms, orchards, and growers often hidden from view. Celebrate fresh flavours and meet producers telling their stories.

• Duration: It’s self-guided, so a few hours, days, or weeks – it’s up to you!
• Departs from: Starts in Port Douglas
• Price: Purchase food items at your own cost