Read all about our unbelievable day exploring and find out why we think we found the best great barrier reef snorkel excursion!
Have you ever looked at photos of the Great Barrier Reef and thought, “Is it really that colorful? That clear? That alive?” Well, after spending an entire day snorkeling through this underwater paradise with GetYourGuide, Shayne and I can say—it absolutely is. We think we found the best great barrier reef snorkel excursion and are here to give you all the details!
We’ve been traveling full-time for almost two years now, and we’ve had our fair share of pinch-me moments. But this snorkel excursion? It’s hands down one of the top highlights of our travels so far. I mean, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a treasure trove of biodiversity. Who doesn’t have this on their bucket list?
First some fun facts. Did you know that the great barrier reef stretches over 1,400 miles along the east coast of Queensland, Australia and is comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. We knew it was big, but we honestly had no idea that it was huge! On our tour, we learned that the great barrier reef is home to an incredible array of marine life, including over 1,500 species of fish and 400 types of coral.
We were in Cairns to start an epic campervan adventure and could not pass up the chance to see the great barrier reef up close. so whether you’re planning a bucket-list trip to Australia or you’re already in Queensland wondering what to do, let us take you behind the scenes of what we are calling the best Great Barrier Reef snorkel excursion!
Why We Chose This Tour
We partnered with GetYourGuide for this experience, and we’re so glad we did. With several different reef tours available from Cairns, we wanted something:
- All-day
- Family-owned and eco-conscious with lots of experience and great reviews
- With multiple reef stops
- And lots of time in the water, not just on the boat
Spoiler alert: This one delivered all that and more.
Departing from Cairns: Smooth Sailing & Big Smiles on the Best Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Excursion
We kicked off the morning walking to the marina in Cairns. The central business district is pretty compact, so you should be able to easily get here from your hotel. On a side note, Cairns does have a great bus system that is only $0.50 (USD) per trip. Our first stop was the tour building at the marina where the tour check-in process was a breeze—organized, friendly, and not too crowded.
We then boarded the Ocean Freedom and were immediately greeted by a cheerful crew who made us feel right at home. You could tell this wasn’t their first rodeo—they were relaxed, professional, and clearly passionate about the reef. While waiting to depart, the crew provided fruit and a selection of delicious pastries. Free water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate were available the entire trip. And the boat even had a bar where you could purchase wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and some snacks.
After a quick safety briefing, we were off! The boat ride out to the reef was smooth and stunning, with views of the Coral Sea stretching out endlessly in every direction. While in route, the staff conducted a snorkeling overview. Even though we have snorkeled countless times all over the world, we still learned some things from their briefing. They sized us each individually for the provided stinger suits, flippers and masks. Life jackets were also available for those that wanted to use them.
First Stop: Upolu Reef — Hello, Nemo!
Our first reef stop was Upolu Reef, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. The boat anchored at a stop with unbelievably clear turquoise water. Seriously, it looked like a screen saver.
As soon as we hit the water, we were surrounded by a kaleidoscope of marine life. Think:
- Bright blue parrotfish chomping on coral
- Clownfish darting in and out of anemones (Yes, we found Nemo!)
- Giant clams that looked like they were straight out of The Little Mermaid
- Sea turtles just casually swimming by us like it was no big deal
- Blue spotted fantail stingrays
The coral formations were out of this world—colorful, layered, and alive. Of all the places in the world we have snorkeled, this was by far the most colorful and plentiful. And the visibility? Crystal. Clear. It honestly felt like swimming in an aquarium.
The best part? The guides were right there in the water with us, pointing out species, answering questions, and making sure everyone was safe and confident. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned snorkeler, this stop is breathtaking. We just could not get enough!
Also included in the tour is the opportunity to go out in their glass bottom boat. We chose to spend our entire time here snorkeling, but many people enjoyed seeing the reef this way.
Back on Board: BBQ Lunch with a View
After about 90 minutes of snorkeling, we were ready to eat. Back on the boat, the crew prepared an epic lunch.
We’re talking:
- Roasted chicken, smoked salmon, and a meat and cheese platter
- Prawns (so fresh!)
- Pasta salad, garden salad, and fresh bread
- Veggie options for plant-based folks
There’s something about eating lunch at sea with salty hair and a full heart that just hits different. We grabbed a spot in the shade, ate until we were stuffed, and swapped snorkeling stories with new friends.
Second Stop: Outer Great Barrier Reef — Coral Gardens for Days on the Best Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Excursion
With full bellies and sunscreen reapplied, it was time for stop number two. This reef location was even more dramatic—deeper walls of coral, neon fish zipping everywhere, and a bit more current, which allowed us to drift snorkel.
We spent another 90 minutes in the water, drifting over the coral gardens, exploring different depths, and occasionally just floating still to soak it all in.
We spotted:
- Massive brain coral the size of a car
- Schools of yellow butterflyfish
- Fluorescent starfish (so cool!)
- More turtles
- A reef shark even swam right in front of us (don’t worry—they’re harmless)
At one point, Shayne and I just looked at each other underwater and smiled. No words. Just two people floating in the world’s most famous reef, living out a dream.
What to Expect (And What We Loved) on the Best Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Excursion
If you’re thinking about booking this tour, here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
✅ Full-Day Adventure
This isn’t a quickie snorkel session—it’s a full day, with two snorkel stops, a long boat ride, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy.
✅ All Gear Provided
From masks and fins to stinger suits (super important in jellyfish season!), everything is included and in great condition.
✅ Small Group Feel
Even though the boat can hold a decent number of guests, it never felt overcrowded. There was space to spread out and personalized attention from the crew.
✅ Eco-Conscious Operation
We love supporting tours that respect the reef. This company was clearly all about reef-safe practices and sustainability. They’ve been in business for over 30 years and are one of the few remaining family owned companies taking tours to the great barrier reef.
✅ Great Food
We usually don’t love the food on group excursions like this, but the food on this tour was plentiful and really pretty good. We started the day with pastries and fresh fruit. Lunch was delicious (see above) and plentiful. After the second snorkel experience, the crew passed out more fresh fruit and then on the way back to Cairns, they served amazing cakes. We went back for seconds on everything!
Tips for the Best Snorkeling Experience at the Great Barrier Reef
If this is your first time snorkeling the reef (or even your 10th), here are a few pro tips we picked up:
- Bring a waterproof phone pouch or GoPro. You’ll want to capture the magic!
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Protect your skin and the coral. Be sure to apply (and re-apply) at least 30 minutes before snorkeling so it can be absorbed into your skin and not get into the reef.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. You’d be surprised how thirsty you get in the sun.
- Eat a light breakfast. If you’re prone to seasickness, avoid greasy or heavy foods pre-tour and use medication, patches, bands, or whatever works for you.
- Relax and float. Don’t over-swim—let the current gently carry you and soak in the experience.
Budget-Friendly Luxury
We love showing that full-time travel doesn’t have to be all luxury hotels and private jets. This tour felt like luxury, but it was actually super affordable for what you get.
Cost per person: around $150 USD
What’s included:
✔️ Full-day reef tour
✔️ Two snorkel sites
✔️ All snorkeling gear
✔️ Delicious lunch & snacks
✔️ Tea, water & coffee
✔️ Crew-led guided snorkel tours and glass bottom boat ride
Worth every single penny.
Final Thoughts: You HAVE to Do This Best Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Excursion
Honestly, we can’t recommend this tour enough. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple like us, or even bringing your kids along—it’s a magical, bucket-list-worthy day.
The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder for a reason, and experiencing it firsthand is something we’ll never forget.
Ready to Book Your Adventure?
We did this tour with GetYourGuide, and you can book the exact same one here.
Trust us—you won’t regret it.
Let us know if you have any questions or if you’ve done a Great Barrier Reef tour you loved. Drop a comment below or shoot us a DM on Instagram @JetsetPetersons.
And if you’re dreaming of more travel—we’ve got you. Check out our other adventures and tips to start planning the life you’ve been craving.
Travel isn’t just about places—it’s about people, experiences, and making memories. Hi! We are Shayne and Shelly Peterson. As empty nesters, we’ve found new ways to connect with the world (and each other) through travel. Follow our journey at JetSetPetersons.comand let’s explore together! At Jet Set Petersons, we occasionally collaborate with brands, companies, and tourism boards to bring you content that aligns with our love for travel. Some of the posts on this website may include sponsored content, affiliate links, or gifted experiences.
We only partner with brands that we genuinely love and believe will bring value to our readers. While we may receive compensation in the form of payment, free stays, or complimentary products, all opinions expressed are our own. Honesty and transparency are at the core of what we do, and we would never recommend anything we wouldn’t personally use or enjoy.
