Month: March 2026

More than just Scuba Diving

Exploring the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns is an unforgettable experience, and while snorkelling remains the most popular way to discover this underwater world, there are a range of unique and exciting options that allow visitors to go even further. Whether you’re a confident swimmer or someone who prefers to stay dry, Cairns reef tours offer a variety of underwater experiences designed to suit all comfort levels and abilities.

Seawalker and Ocean Walker

For those who want to experience the reef up close without needing to swim or dive, Seawalker and Ocean Walker are among the most accessible and memorable options available. These guided underwater walking experiences allow you to stroll along the ocean floor wearing a specially designed helmet that provides a continuous supply of air. Think of them as the modern version of

Once you descend a ladder from a stable platform, you’ll find yourself standing on the sandy seabed, surrounded by coral formations and curious marine life. The helmet keeps your face and hair dry, and because there is no mouthpiece required, you can breathe and even talk normally throughout the experience.

Professional guides accompany you at all times, pointing out marine species and ensuring you feel comfortable. It’s an ideal option for non-swimmers, families, or anyone who wants a close-up reef encounter without the complexity of scuba diving.

Seawalker and Ocean Walker are available as options on Green Island and Outer Reef Pontoons

Scuba Doo

Scuba Doo is one of the most unique ways to explore the reef and is often described as riding an underwater scooter. Sitting comfortably on a motorised unit with a clear viewing dome, you are guided along the seabed while breathing normally through the enclosed air system.

This experience combines the thrill of movement with the ease of a controlled environment. There’s no need to carry heavy dive equipment or learn complicated skills—just sit back, steer gently, and take in the underwater scenery as colourful fish and coral pass by.

Scuba Doo is particularly popular with those who want a fun and slightly adventurous alternative to traditional snorkelling or diving, without needing prior experience. It’s also a great option for travellers who prefer a more structured and guided activity.

Scuba Doo is available at selected outer reef pontoons

Guided Snorkel Tours

While snorkelling is widely available on reef tours, guided snorkel tours elevate the experience by adding expert insight and direction. Led by marine biologists or experienced reef guides, these small-group tours take you beyond the surface-level experience and into a deeper understanding of the reef ecosystem.

Your guide will lead you to the best coral formations, point out marine life you might otherwise miss, and explain the behaviour and characteristics of different species. This can include everything from identifying types of coral to spotting camouflaged creatures like reef fish, sea cucumbers, and even turtles.

Guided snorkel tours are perfect for those who want to learn more about the reef while still enjoying the freedom and simplicity of snorkelling. They’re also a great confidence booster for beginners, as you’ll have support and supervision throughout the experience.

Introductory and Certified Scuba Diving

For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in the underwater world, scuba diving offers the most complete reef experience. Introductory dives are available for beginners, allowing you to explore the reef under the supervision of a qualified instructor without needing prior certification, the minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years old..

After a short briefing, you’ll descend into the water and experience the reef from a completely new perspective—gliding past coral bommies, swimming alongside schools of fish, and discovering hidden corners of the reef that are not accessible from the surface.

Certified divers can take the experience even further, with multiple dives available at different reef sites throughout the day. This allows for deeper exploration and the chance to encounter a wider variety of marine life.

Glass Bottom Boat and Semi Submarines

Many cruises, especially Island options, will offer a Glass Bottom Boat or Semi Submarine tour. Both options will allow you to see the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef without getting wet. A Glass Bottom Boat is just as the name suggests – a boat with a glass bottom. The Semi Submarine doesn’t actually go under water – it’s a boat with a deep hull, allowing you to sit under the waterline for a unique view of the underwater world. A great way of explaining the difference between the two is that with a Glass Bottom Boat you look through the floor and a Semi Submarine lets you look out the windows.

Choosing the Right Experience

With so many underwater options available, choosing the right one comes down to your comfort level, sense of adventure, and how you want to experience the reef.

If you prefer to stay dry or avoid swimming, Seawalker and Scuba Doo provide an easy and enjoyable introduction to the underwater world. If you enjoy being in the water but want expert guidance, a guided snorkel tour is an excellent choice. For those seeking a more immersive and adventurous experience, scuba diving offers unparalleled access to the reef’s hidden beauty.

No matter which option you choose, each provides a unique way to connect with one of the world’s most extraordinary natural environments. From the moment you step beneath the surface, you’ll discover a vibrant, living ecosystem that is as fascinating as it is beautiful—an experience that will stay with you long after your Cairns adventure ends.

Kuranda Skyrail & Train – So Many Options!

A visit to Kuranda is a must do when visiting Cairns. The Skyrail and Kuranda Scenic Train are the two ways to visit this little rainforest village. The day is not so much about Kuranda Village itself – it is more about the journey.

The Skyrail provides spectacular views over the canopy of the rainforest on its 45 min journey. There are 2 stops on the way – an info centre and a boardwalk, so we allow 90 mins to do the whole journey including the 2 stops. The Kuranda scenic train also takes about about 2 hours from Cairns Station and 90 minutes if using Freshwater Station.  There are only 2 departing each morning at either 8.30am or 9.30am and 2 trains down from Kuranda – 2 pm  and 3.30 pm .

Most people decide to travel 1 way skyrail and 1 way train which you can do in either direction.

How to choose the perfect Great Barrier Reef Cruise.

We can basically divide all the Great Barrier Reef Cruises into 3 categories

1. Island Cruises
2. Dive and Snorkel Cruises
3. Outer Reef Pontoons

 

Island Cruises

These cruises obviously visit an Island, either for the whole day or as part of the cruise. These are usually the best option for non-swimmers as they usually offer the most non-water activities such as island walks, beaches, glass bottom boat rides, semi submarine rides and animal attractions.

While they suit the non-swimmer all our island options will still offer snorkelling as an option. The snorkelling from an island is usually very easy and safe as you enter directly from the beach rather than directly into deeper water like a boat cruise. This allows first time snorkellers to learn how to use the snorkel equipment while standing in a depth they are happy with. Flotation aids such as life vests and pool noodles are usually available.

Many poor/non swimmers or 1st time snorkellers take advantage of an “Island and Pontoon” cruise to have a “practice” snorkel from the island before getting to the outer reef pontoon.

While Green & Fitzroy Islands are the most well know maybe check out the Franklands or Low Isles for a different island experience

 

Dive & Snorkel Cruises

These cruises don’t visit an Island or Pontoon, requiring all snorkelling to be done straight from the boat. Usually there will be a short swim across deeper water to get to the fish and coral. You don’t need to be an expert snorkeller or even a strong swimmer to take part – even non/poor swimmers can snorkel the reef using aids such as life vests and pool noodles to stay afloat. This does depend on how comfortable you are in the water.

Both Introductory and Certified scuba diving is available on most cruises. You don’t need any experience to have a go at an introductory scuba dive – just pass a short medical questionnaire.

While some of these style of cruises do offer options such as Glass Bottom Boats and Semi Submarines they are only a small part of the cruise and may not operate in certain wind/tide conditions.

Basically if you don’t intend to get in the water the other 2 types of cruise may be more suited.

 

Outer Reef Pontoons

Outer Reef Pontoons are man made structures permanently moored on the Outer Reef. Think of them as a small man made island.

While a great option for the non-swimmers they also offer loads of in water activities. We like to describe these as the “prefect compromise” reef cruise. They have something to suit everyone. A family of parents, grandparents, teenagers and younger children would all have something to do on these days, and everyone would have a different favourite activity.

The pontoon is your base for the day and has in water activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, helmet diving and even waterslides. Stay -dry activities include glass bottom boats, semi submarines, underwater viewing areas, touch tanks and fish feeding.

Many poor/non swimmers or 1st time snorkellers take advantage of an “Island and Pontoon” cruise to have a “practice” snorkel from the island before getting to the outer reef pontoon.