Great Barrier Reef
- Address: Pier Marina, Pier Point Road, Cairns
- Hours: Open daily
- Admission: Free
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Must-Do Experience,
Nature & Wildlife,
Scuba Diving,
Swim & Snorkel,
Water Sports,
Monument - Natural,
Reef
Great Barrier Reef Reviews
We've found 172 Great Barrier Reef reviews from Viator.com travelers and members: what they loved, what they liked and what they think could be improved. It's all here to help you make the most of your next trip.
Review by Kathleen W, April 2013
Doing what: Private Helicopter Tour: Great Barrier Reef Island Snorkeling and Gourmet Picnic Lunch
For a special occasion, or even just because, this is a sensational trip to do. On time, professional pick up from our hotel, followed by a required safety information session, but it wasn't long til we were in the sky. Landing on Middle Cay just as the tide was receding was fantastic. While we snorkelled, our pilot laid out a picnic rug and champagne brunch - a very generous offering compared to others we have experienced! Having two hours to snorkle, swim, lie in the sun and just enjoy the reef was wonderful. An experience we couldn't recommend more highly!
Review by Kyle T, April 2013
Doing what: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns
They were wonderful! They were entertaining and always made sure we had what we needed. They also got in the water to teach my daughter how to snorkel. The food was plentiful, the attitudes were fabulous! The Great Bartier Reef was AMAZING! Money well spent for sure! I would recommend this tour to anyone, but especially if you have kids! It is a great family atmosphere!
Review by DJCraigPeter, April 2013
Doing what: Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Port Douglas
Quicksilver is operated very well. After jumping on the catamaran, you are driving an hour and a half to the outer reef. During that time a marine biologist will give you a lesson in the animal life on the reef; if not, you can site inside near the coffee and biscuits or outside and soak up some sun. The platform on Agincourt reef easily accommodates the 100+ people on your catamaran.
The staff on at the dock, on the platform and on the boat are friendly and helpful. GET IN THE WATER IMMEDIATELY! After an hour or 2, the overabundance of suntan lotion and stirring up the waters, makes the water cloudy and reduces the visibility of the coral and fish. Rent a stingersuit (wetsuit) too- depending on the time of year you go, you can be surrounded by stingers. Don't worry about buying a rashie beforehand, the stinger suit is very affordable.
Spend the extra money on a helicopter ride too- you can do the 10 minute ride while you're there but I suggest taking the helicopter back to the mainland. There's nothing like the feeling of being swept away on a helicopter in front of everyone else--- you feel famous! LOL The pilot sweeps around several reefs and will help you spot turtles, rays, sharks, etc. Plus, it whisks you home in 35 minutes after a long day in the sun and water.
Review by Alexander T, USA, February 2013
Doing what: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
Well organized. NOte this departs ex Port Douglas so if you leave from Cairns you'll spend about 2-3 hours on the bus. Spend 3 hours cruising and 3 hours at the reef. Excellent service, semisubmersibles, underwater observation deck and snorkeling are all included and much fun. Options include helicopter ride, guided snorkeling, helmet diving and Scuba diving. One of the pricier tours available but worth every buck even the locals recommend this!.
Review by Sheila D, February 2013
Doing what: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
A first class way to visit the reef. The ship was clean and modern, the staff helpful, friendly and knowledgable, a great experience overall. There were many things to do, even for the non-swimmer. We tried scuba for the first time and loved it. Verra was a great guide. She trained us, went at our pace, and even held our hands until she knew we were comfortable. An Excellent adventure! We stayed in Port Douglas after reading that the bus made so many stops along the way to pick up passengers. That was a good experience as well.
Review by nmsj51, USA, February 2013
Doing what: Outer Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise from Port Douglas
I will say in Cairns and Port Doglus Outer Great Reef Cruise is the best activity and the best cruise experience.
Review by Don K, February 2013
Doing what: 2-Day Best of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Loved the Great Barrier Reef and the helicopter ride. Great Day!!
Review by elaine, February 2013
Doing what: Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise from Cairns
The trip on the barrier Reef was absolutely excellent. Firstly the boat was the right size and the crew excellent, very friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them. All safety aspects were gone through and the equipment available from sting suits, floatation jackets, fins, masks and snorkels were of good condition. Breakfast was great with unlimited tea/coffee available throughout the trip. A bar was there and the prices were not a ripoff. The lunch was excellent, followed on the way back by fruit, cheese and biscuits finally slices of cake. An excellent glass bottomed boat trip of the reef with a very knowledgeable skipper. The two areas of the reef they took us to, there were only two boats there, so you were very private. There are only two points I would make. More information needs to be given regarding were to park and the costs. The carpark we used we had to pay in coins only and were chaseing round for 10 dollars in coins. Also were you need to go to check-in. We were then told there was an underground carpark which took credit cards. Other than this I would reccomend this trip to anybody. We would certainly use this company again.
Review by Harold P, USA, February 2013
Doing what: 2-Day Best of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
Great experience in Cairns. Karunda park was absolutely wonderful as well as thre great barrier reef.
Review by Michael C, January 2013
Doing what: Great Barrier Reef Scenic Helicopter Tour and Cruise from Cairns
We booked out tour with Viator (this being the first time). The whole day was perfect. We were picked up on time and brought to the marina for our reef snorkelling. What a awesome day and the highlight was being able to hire a underwater camera and have those photos put onto a cd to take home. The buffet lunch was very tasty and lots of food to go around. Morning and afternoon tea was also provided and that was very nice also. You did have to pay for stinger suits though which we highly recommend. The helicopter ride back was very nice and once landed we were brought back to our accomodation. The whole day was perfect and I could not have asked for anymore. Well done to all and highly recommend using Viator for your next booking. Happy travelling.
Review by Victoria.BC.Travellers, December 2012
Doing what: 2-Day Best of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
I LOVED snorkling the reef. It was amazing seeing all the beautiful corals , colourful fish a couple of giant clams and a white tipped shark. The helicopter ride over the reef was phenomenal. The Kuranda train and gondola ride were good and the rainforest tour and zoo were very interesting.
Review by Gaile W, December 2012
Doing what: Low Isles Great Barrier Reef Sailing Cruise from Port Douglas
Even though the sea was choppy, this was an amazing trip. I had a dream come true, which was to snorkel on the Barrier Reef. What more could you ask for?
Review by bk, December 2012
Doing what: Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns
Brilliant! There were 60 passengers on the boat so not a small tour but there were plenty of crew to help. Do not expect to have either a "trial dive" or a "guided snorkeling tour" with that many people but the reef is so amazing that this is not necessary. Lunch was also quite good. Thanks!
Review by Denise R, November 2012
Doing what: 2-Day Best of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
The best experience! Loved Kuranda Railway then the Skyrail back down. We loved the Rain Forestation with animals and aboriginal dance w/ excellent display of spear-throwing, boomerang and didgeridoo. Great lunch. As for the Great Barrier Reef, it was the greatest snorkeling ever!
Review by Redned08, October 2012
Doing what: Great Barrier Reef Diving and Snorkeling Cruise from Cairns
I visited the reef with my husband and stepdaughter. All three of us had a wonderful day. The staff were excellent and lots of fun. The reefs were awesome!! Lunch was lovely and the entertainment on the way back great. Would recommend this to everyone
