Boats and ferries in Cairns

Places

• Reef Magic Cruises

  Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street

  A full day on a pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef, about 90 minutes away by boat. Includes snorkelling gear, lunch and glass-bottom boat and semi-submersible rides.

  From A$325Adult (15+), low-season fare, full day, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Sunlover Reef Cruises

  Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street

  Daily ferry to Fitzroy Island, of about 45 minutes, and trips to the Moore Reef pontoon from A$317 per adult.

  From A$109Adult, return ferry to Fitzroy Island, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Great Adventures

  Departures from Cairns

  Daily trips to Green Island and to an outer reef platform. The reef day costs A$312 per adult and the island and reef combination, A$343.

  From A$112Adult, day trip to Green Island, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Big Cat Green Island

  Marlin Wharf, Reef Fleet Terminal

  Boats to Green Island with a full-day, half-day or transfer-only option, and a route that combines Green Island and Fitzroy Island.

  From A$109Boat transfer only; the website does not say whether this is the adult fare, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Fitzroy Flyer (Fitzroy Island Resort)

  Pier 20, Marlin Marina

  The resort ferry to Fitzroy Island, a national park with snorkelling from the beach, five trails and a turtle rehabilitation centre. Its website warns that the boat is under maintenance until 24 November.

  From A$108Ages 14 and over, day return, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Passions of Paradise

  Reef Fleet Terminal, Marlin Marina

  A catamaran that sails daily to two outer reef sites, with snorkelling and diving. The fare already includes the environmental and port charges and is valid until 31 March 2027.

  From A$275Adult, day trip; drinks, diving and transfers extra, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Reef Daytripper

  Office at 1 Spence Street

  A 9-hour trip to Upolu Reef for snorkelling or diving, visiting two sites if the weather allows.

  From A$269Snorkelling and diving trip; the website does not say whether this is the adult fare, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Ocean Freedom

  Departures from Cairns

  A 20-metre catamaran that visits Upolu Cay and the outer edge of Upolu Reef, with about 6 hours on the reef. Includes lunch, a glass-bottom boat ride and guided snorkelling.

  From A$289Adult (15+), A$269 plus A$20 reef tax, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Seastar Cruises

  Office at 75 Esplanade

  A small-group trip, with a maximum of 36 people, to Michaelmas Cay and Hastings Reef. Includes guided snorkelling and lunch on board.

  From A$280Adult, A$260 plus A$20 in charges, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

  Office at 319 Draper Street; bus from the centre

  A trip to the Frankland Islands with a river cruise, kayaking and snorkelling from the beach. The all-inclusive tour costs A$260 per adult.

  From A$185Adult, express tour with up to 2.5 hours on the island, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Tusa Reef Tours

  Departures from Cairns

  A half-day trip to the outer reef, limited to 60 people, with up to 2 hours in the water and equipment included. It also offers introductory dives.

  Directions

• Cairns Harbour Cruises

  Cairns waterfront

  Trinity Inlet tours: a 75-minute trip, a 90-minute sunset trip and a dinner cruise on the Spirit of Cairns.

  From A$70Per person, 75-minute Trinity Inlet cruise, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

• Solar Whisper

  Daintree River, south bank, next to the car ferry

  One- or two-hour cruises on the Daintree River. The two-hour cruise costs A$80.

  From A$301-hour cruise; the website does not say whether this is the adult fare, seen on 5 Nov 2026
  Directions

Details and prices seen on official websites on 5 Nov 2026. They may change, so check before booking. No link on this page pays us. Own a business here? For businesses.