bigd1023

I am making a special 2 day trip to Cairns just to see the GBR. Ive heard of countless tours, but wanted to ask people who have been before which tour they recommend. I would like to pick a tour that stops at an island rather than a pontoon, but I would be happy to hear of any recommended tours. thanks!!

waggis

We took an unforgettable cruise on the Coral Princess from Townsville to Cairns but they do it in reverse, too. Check their website at www.coralprincess.com/au
I promise you it's the experience of a lifetime.

Louise

You can go through a ton of information and suggestions if you do a "search this forum" under the orange bar.

pat_woolford

You'll find Coral Princess more easily if you go www.coralprincess.com.au (with a dot after com, not a slash). But minimum cruise is 3 nights (Cairns-Townsville or reverse).

Many day trip reef boats go to neither island nor pontoon, you just snorkel off side of boat over reef and you'll find plenty listed here if you do a search. Snorkelling with Ocean Spirit to Michaelmas Cay on outer reef is from a sand cay so its like entering water gradually as you would from a beach, Frankland Islands are not outer reef but still have good coral and marine life. Ocean Spirit to Michaelmas also has a semi-submersible with marine biologist guide. Or you could fly Cairns-Lizard Island for snorkelling day trip with Daintree Air - much pricier than the other daytrip suggestions.

johstonfamilyby5

Hi bigd,

We had a day out on a boat on the GBR as well as a day at Lizard Island.
The best reef experience was the day on the Island.The reef and corals were colorful and healthy.

We swam over acres and acres of reef in a bay sheltered from the wind.
The guide knew where to take us to show us all sorts of marine life.
We enjoyed a marvelous lunch served up under the trees on the beach.

The flight to and from the Island from Cairnes was a highlight for all of us.
The views of the rainforests the reefs and Islands from the air were unforgettable.

My husband photographed a reef named Endeavour Reef from the plane.
The picture now takes pride of place in our living room.

The Lizard Island Day Tour was by far the best experience we had during an experience packed time during our tour of Australia.

Go to www.daintreeair.com.au and ask for Greg. He is the owner and very experienced guide who does the tours.

waggis

Sorry about the typo....it was late at night after a day's driving. Thanks pat woolford

Ours was a 4 day cruise with plenty of time for shore excursions to island resorts and uninhabited islands for beachcombing, swimming and a tropical barbeque.

First day out from Townsville to Orpheus Island, we were given an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with snorkelling & equipment on a little island.
Next day cruising the Hinchinbrook Channel and Family Group of Islands. Overnight at Dunk Island - walk in the rainforest.
Third day: full day spent snorkelling, diving, coral viewing, etc. Overnight at Moore Reef.

While the different phases of the reef were of great variety and interest, this third day was a magical experience. We were moored all day in open waters and swam with the fish. There was an open buffet and we just climbed out of the water for a bite to eat or drink and back into sea for more snorkelling or diving - truly a dream come true.

Also, the food was a treat in itself: an abundance of fresh fish and the most delicious fruits. We had a young and enthusiastic crew which accompanied us on our coral or island stops and led the nightly informative orientation sessions. We were a relatively small group of only 42 passengers - no chi-chi but comfortable accommodations.
Go for it....who knows how long we will be allowed to visit the reef in this manner....

wyness99

Quicksilver does stop at a pontoon, but it was a great trip! If you have time, do the Kuranda day trip - skyrail up and train back. Go to Rainforestation and hold a koala! Highlight of my trip to Australia - fantastic day of exploring....