*Based on twin share accommodation. Single supplement available.
Immerse yourself in the world's largest coral reef system. This 5-day adventure offers unforgettable marine encounters, stunning island experiences, and expert-guided education about this UNESCO World Heritage-listed ecosystem.
Suitable for both snorkelers and certified divers, this trip includes multiple reef excursions, visits to pristine islands, and accommodation in the tropical city of Cairns.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's natural wonders and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Australia. This carefully crafted 5-day adventure lets you experience the magic of the reef from multiple perspectives while learning about its ecosystem and importance to our planet.
Based in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, you'll embark on daily adventures to different parts of the reef, each offering unique experiences and marine life encounters. From vibrant coral gardens to encounters with turtles, reef sharks, and countless species of fish, the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef will leave you awestruck.
This trip is rated as easy to moderate. You should be comfortable in the water and able to swim. Snorkeling equipment and instruction are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. For scuba diving, certification is required for independent dives, but introductory dives with an instructor are available for non-certified participants.
The Great Barrier Reef can be visited year-round. June to October offers the best visibility for diving and snorkeling with water temperatures around 23-26°C (73-79°F). November to May is the wet season, bringing warmer waters (up to 30°C/86°F) but occasionally reduced visibility and the possibility of stinger jellyfish (protective suits are provided during this time).
Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef through this carefully planned itinerary, balancing reef exploration with relaxation and cultural experiences.
Welcome to tropical North Queensland! Upon arrival at Cairns Airport, you'll be transferred to your centrally located accommodation. The afternoon is yours to settle in and explore Cairns at your leisure. Take a stroll along the beautiful Esplanade, visit the Cairns Lagoon for a refreshing swim, or simply relax at a waterfront café.
In the evening, join your guide and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant specializing in fresh Queensland seafood. During dinner, your guide will provide a briefing on the exciting days ahead and answer any questions you may have about your Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (or similar), Cairns
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast, we'll head to the Cairns Marina to board our high-speed catamaran for an exciting day on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The destination is a permanently moored activity platform on the outer reef, providing a range of experiences for all levels of water confidence.
Your day includes guided snorkeling tours with a marine biologist, where you'll discover vibrant coral gardens, countless tropical fish, and possibly encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and rays. Certified divers can enjoy guided dives at additional cost, while those preferring to stay dry can view the reef from the underwater observatory or semi-submersible vessel.
Enjoy a buffet lunch on the platform, and between activities, learn about reef ecology through educational presentations. We return to Cairns in the late afternoon, with the evening free to relax or explore the city's vibrant dining scene.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (or similar), Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we visit Green Island, a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Just a 45-minute catamaran ride from Cairns, this tropical paradise combines reef and rainforest experiences in one location.
Spend your day snorkeling directly from the white sandy beaches, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or stroll through the island's unique rainforest boardwalks. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are home to abundant marine life and colorful corals accessible even to novice snorkelers.
You'll have the option to enjoy lunch at the island's restaurant or café, or you can pre-order a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach. In the afternoon, return to Cairns where the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (or similar), Cairns
Meals: Breakfast
Today offers another day of reef exploration, but at a different and equally spectacular outer reef location. We'll board a luxury vessel that visits exclusive moorings at pristine reef sites with smaller groups for a more personalized experience.
These sites are chosen for their exceptional marine diversity and coral formations. Your experienced guides will lead snorkel tours pointing out unique marine life and reef features. For certified divers, this day's sites offer some of the best diving on the Great Barrier Reef (additional cost applies).
A gourmet lunch is served on board, and throughout the day, the marine naturalist crew provide insights into this complex ecosystem. Return to Cairns in the late afternoon, and in the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner at a renowned local restaurant.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Riley (or similar), Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before check-out. Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours to do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Cairns Night Markets or take a final stroll along the Esplanade.
Your transfer to Cairns Airport will be arranged based on your flight schedule. As you depart, take with you unforgettable memories of one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
Meals: Breakfast
Note: This itinerary may change due to weather conditions, local events, or other unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will arrange comparable activities or experiences.
Enhance your Great Barrier Reef experience with these optional activities (additional costs apply):
These can be arranged before your trip or during your welcome briefing on the first day, subject to availability.
On this trip, you'll stay at the Crystalbrook Riley (or similar property of equivalent standard), perfectly positioned on Cairns Esplanade with views over the Coral Sea.
This 5-star sustainable luxury hotel features modern rooms with private balconies, multiple swimming pools including a stunning lagoon pool with a swim-up bar, and several dining options. The property is committed to eco-friendly practices, making it the perfect base for your Great Barrier Reef adventure.
Urban King Rooms (included in standard package) feature:
Room upgrades are available at an additional cost:
Perfectly positioned on the Cairns Esplanade, you're just steps away from the city's dining precinct, shopping, the Cairns Lagoon, and the marina where your reef adventures will depart from.
This trip exceeded all our expectations! The Great Barrier Reef is truly spectacular, and Giddy's Travel made the experience unforgettable. Our guides were knowledgeable and passionate, the hotel was lovely, and the itinerary perfectly balanced. We even saw sea turtles and a reef shark! Highlight of our Australian holiday.
As a certified diver, I was looking for a trip that would accommodate both my diving interests and my wife's preference for snorkeling. This was perfect! We could both enjoy the reef in our own way. The accommodations were first-class, and the dive sites were some of the best I've experienced. Green Island was also a wonderful change of pace.
We traveled with our children (ages 8 and 11), and this trip was fantastic for all of us. The kids were thrilled with their first snorkeling experience, and the guides were so patient and supportive with them. The glass-bottom boat was also great for when they needed a break. The Riley hotel was beautiful, and we loved the lagoon pool. A perfect family adventure!
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