2-Day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tour
Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tour: yacht cruise, snorkel & rainforest from Cairns
Briefing
On the 2-Day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tour you’ll discover two of Australia’s most spectacular natural landscapes in one trip: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Over 2 days, you’ll explore two UNESCO World Heritage areas, combine snorkeling on the Outer Great Barrier Reef with a guided rainforest experience, and visit unique places such as Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
On the reef day, you’ll sail aboard the Evolution catamaran to two exclusive outer reef sites, where you’ll have up to 5 hours to snorkel, relax, and enjoy the ocean. On the rainforest day, you’ll travel by 4WD vehicle with a local guide through Daintree National Park, take a Daintree River cruise in search of crocodiles, walk along elevated rainforest boardwalks, and visit the famous Cape Tribulation Beach.
Why choose this tour?
- Explore two World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
- Snorkel at two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites with 5 hours on the reef.
- Visit Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef.
- Spot crocodiles and wildlife on a Daintree River cruise.
- Guided rainforest experience with local insights into flora and fauna.
- Suitable for both snorkelers and non-swimmers, with spacious viewing decks and onboard facilities.
- All equipment provided, making it an easy and hassle-free experience.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time in Cairns, covering the region's top highlights in two days.
Tour details
Included
- Yatch Cruise o two outer Great Barrier Reef locations
- 5 hours reef time at the outer reef
- Snorkel at 2 outer reef locations
- Snorkeling equipment, floatation devices and Free lycra/sun-suit hire
- BBQ lunch (fresh fish, prawns, steak, vegetarian options, and fresh salads (special dietary requirements available on request)
- Tea & coffee. Glass of wine and a light snack on return
- Professional dive instructors
- Local eco-accredited driver-guide
- 1 hour Daintree River Cruise
- Guided Daintree Rainforest boardwalk walk
- Lunch at a local cafe
- Freshwater swim in the rainforest
- Cable Ferry crossing across the Daintree River
- Homemade Daintree fruit ice-cream
Not included
- Additional dives (available as an extra)
- Scenic helicopter flight (available as an extra)
- Return transfers (available as an extra)
Important information
TRANSFERS: For the Great Barrier Reef tour, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but they are available as an extra; if you don’t add them, you’ll need to make your own way to the tour starting point in Cairns. For the Daintree Rainforest tour, pickup and drop-off are included from selected accommodations in Cairns, Northern Beaches, and Port Douglas. If you are staying in Cairns Southside, you’ll need to make your own way to the operational office. Cairns City (CBD).
TOUR ORDER: Please note that the Day 1 and Day 2 tours may be operated in reverse order depending on availability.
HELICOPTER: 130kg weight restrictions apply for helicopter rides and is a weather-permitting activity.
DIVING: All divers must complete a Queensland Medical Questionnaire onboard. Certified divers must show an internationally recognised scuba card. Minimum age for Introductory divers and dive courses: 12+ years and Certified divers: 10+ years. Divers over 65 years (or 45 years for PADI dive courses) must have medical clearance from a doctor confirming you are fit to dive. No refunds for voluntary uncompleted or attempted dives.
Cancellation policy
If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.
Tour itinerary
Day 1: Cairns - Outer Great Barrier Reef
Check-in: 7.15 A.M. - 7.45 A.M. at the Reef Fleet Terminal
Departure: 8:00 A.M.
Return: 4:30 P.M.
Board the Evolution superyacht in Cairns
Your day will start in Cairns, where you’ll board the Evolution superyacht, a spacious 35-meter vessel that will take you to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. During the cruise, you’ll travel to two exclusive reef locations, selected for their marine life, coral formations, and clear snorkeling conditions.
Once at the reef, you’ll have around 5 hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef, swim in tropical waters, and enjoy a snorkeling experience surrounded by colorful fish and coral gardens.
Snorkel at two Outer Great Barrier Reef sites
You’ll travel to two exclusive reef locations, selected for their marine life, coral formations, and clear snorkeling conditions. Once there, you’ll have around 5 hours to explore the Great Barrier Reef, swim in tropical waters, and enjoy a snorkeling experience surrounded by colorful fish and coral gardens.
Around midday, you’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch on board before continuing your Great Barrier Reef experience in the afternoon.
💡HOWLANDERS TIP: If you want to make the most of your reef experience, bring a reusable underwater camera or a waterproof phone case. The Outer Great Barrier Reef offers excellent visibility on many days.
Return to Cairns
After your reef adventure, you’ll cruise back to Cairns while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine and a snack on board.
Day 2: Daintree Rainforest - Cape Tribulation
Pick-up from accommodation in Cairns City (CBD): between 7.00 – 7.15 A.M.
Return: 6:30 P.M.
Travel to the Daintree Rainforest
On the second day, you’ll head north to discover the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation, the iconic place where the rainforest meets the reef. You’ll travel in a custom-built, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with a local naturalist guide.
Cruise along the Daintree River
You’ll join a Daintree River cruise and have the chance to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat, as well as other local wildlife.
Walk through the rainforest
Afterward, you’ll continue into the rainforest for a guided boardwalk tour, where you’ll learn about the unique flora, fauna, and history of this World Heritage-listed ecosystem.
Drive along the Bloomfield Track
The adventure will continue along the Bloomfield Track, a rugged 4WD route through the rainforest.
Visit Cape Tribulation Beach
You’ll enjoy lunch at a local Daintree Rainforest café and visit Cape Tribulation Beach, one of the most famous locations in Tropical North Queensland.
Daintree ice cream and return
On the way back, you’ll stop to enjoy homemade Daintree ice cream before returning from this full-day rainforest adventure.
What to bring to 2-Day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest tour
The climate in Cairns is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round, high humidity, and a wetter season usually from November to April.We recommend you the following list of what to pack to visit the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Forest:
Reef Cruise
- Hat & Sunscreen
- Spare Clothes
- Swimsuit and towel
- Cash/Credit Card for any additional items
Rainforest tour:
- Hat & Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Raincoat / Umbrella (in rainy season)
- Comfortable clothing & footwear (quick-dry)
- Water bottle with water
- Swimsuit and towel (optional)
- Cash/Credit Card for any additional items
If you are a certified diver, remember to bring your internationally recognized diving certification. We also recommend bringing any personal medication you may need during the day.
Where does the tour 2-Day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest start
The Great Barrier Reef tour starts at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns, where you’ll need to check in on your own unless you add hotel transfers as an extra. Check-in is between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM.
For the Daintree Rainforest tour, pickup and drop-off are included from selected accommodations in Cairns, Northern Beaches, and Port Douglas.
Questions & Answers
Do the tours need to be on consecutive days?
No, multi-day tours do not need to be taken on consecutive days. As different tours operate on different schedules, consecutive dates may not always be available. In such cases, the order of the tours can be swapped. Alternatively, if you prefer to take each tour on non-consecutive days, please contact us.
Does this 2-Day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tour operate every day?
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef Tour operates daily. The only days we do not operate are Christmas Day and New Years Day.
What if the weather is bad?
The rain in Cairns tends to stick to the mountains. Cairns is located in the wet tropics and attracts fairly high rainfall. However, as the reef is 40 km offshore, the clouds don’t collect, and the rain tends to stay away. However, even if t rains, it will usually be fine on the outer reef locations.
Which reef locations are visited?
Locations are chosen each day based on weather conditions and water clarity to ensure the best experience for all activities. Generally, the tour travels to one of our two outer reef locations in the morning (Norman Reef or Saxon Reef) then they head to North Hastings Reef in the afternoon to conduct Helicopter Flights and Semi-Submersible tours.
Which city is the closest to the Great Barrier Reef?
Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the perfect place to stay when you want to visit the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is the closest city so you reduce your travel time and spend more time at the reef.
When is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef and when is the best season to go scuba diving or snorkelling?
The best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef is from April to November, but it is really always a good time whenever you can travel. Temperatures around the GBR don’t usually drop below 26°C (79°F). In November, the mass spawning of corals is a sight to see snorkelling and scuba diving. Once a year after the full moon in November/December, the corals release eggs and sperm into the water creating multi-coloured underwater snowfall making this an unforgettable natural experience.
What are the child age restrictions?
Reef (snorkel), Rainforest and Outback Tours:
- Child 4 - 16 years
- Infants 0 - 3 years Free of charge
- Adult 17+ years
- Family 2 Adults, 2 Children (child age 4 - 16 years)
Child age for Scuba Diving:
- Introductory Dive: Minimum age 12
- Certified Dive: Minimum age 10 and must dive with parent, guardian or private guide.
- PADI Dive Course: Minimum age 12
What is served for lunch and are special dietary requirements catered for?
Lunch consists of an Aussie BBQ featuring prawns, fish, steak, vegetarian options, vegan options, and a selection of fresh tropical salads.
A range of dietary requirements can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Any special dietary requests must be advised at the time of booking, or at least 48 hours prior to travel.
Vegan meals are available on request only. Reservations must be notified at the time of booking, or no later than 48 hours before departure, so that a suitable meal can be arranged. As vegan morning and afternoon tea options may be limited, bringing personal snacks is also recommended.
What payment methods are accepted onboard?
VISA, Mastercard, and AMEX are accepted onboard. Cash is also accepted; however, EFTPOS is preferred to minimize contamination risks associated with cash handling.
What is the maximum group size for the Reef & Rainforest tour?
The Daintree Rainforest Tour operates with a maximum of 20 passengers. Group sizes are kept small to ensure a more personalised experience. During peak periods, more than one vehicle may be operating in the Daintree, so multiple tour vehicles may be seen in the area.
The Reef Cruise operates with up to 160 passengers during peak periods. The vessel is large and features two indoor saloon areas as well as three spacious outdoor decks, providing ample space for all guests.
Is this tour wheelchair or accessibility friendly?
Rainforest Tour: Passengers must be able to walk independently or with assistance from their own carer. Compact, foldable wheelchairs may be accommodated upon request and must be confirmed at least 48 hours before departure. Staff cannot provide lifting or mobility assistance.
Reef Cruise: Accessibility is subject to weather, sea conditions, and operational requirements. Guests requiring special assistance or alternative access arrangements should contact the reservations team before booking.
What level of fitness is required for this tour?
Rainforest Tour: A basic fitness level is required. The guided rainforest boardwalk walk covers approximately 1 km at a leisurely pace. Seating is available for guests who prefer not to participate in the walk.
Reef Cruise: A basic fitness level is required. Snorkeling participants must be able to swim, and scuba diving requires good health and physical condition. Review of the scuba diving waiver is recommended before travel.
Important Diving Information
- All divers must complete a Queensland medical questionnaire.
- Certified divers must present a valid internationally recognized scuba certification card.
- Minimum age: 12+ years for introductory dives and dive courses; 10+ years for certified divers.
- Divers over 65 years (or 45+ for PADI courses) must provide medical clearance.
- Medical clearance is also required for certain medical conditions or prescription medications.
- No diving is permitted until medical fitness has been confirmed.
- No refunds are provided for voluntary uncompleted dives.
- Flying is not recommended within 24 hours of the last dive (helicopter flights excluded).