Is it better to do the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns or Port Douglas?
There are a few east coast towns that off Great Barrier Reef trips, the most popular being Port Douglas or Cairns. Although Cairns is a vibrant and cool city and many reef visitors base themselves here, I recommend Port Douglas over Cairns.
How long is the boat ride from Cairns to Great Barrier Reef?
Reaching the Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas only takes from 35 minutes to one and a half hours depending on your boat type and the location you are going to snorkel and scuba dive, whereas from everywhere else on the east coast of Australia it takes two and half to three hours to reach the snorkelling and …
Can you visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?
The Cairns Marlin Marina which is on the edge of Cairns city has a variety of dive and snorkel tourist boats departing at all times daily taking tourists out to see the Great Barrier Reef, and this is where everyone needs to be to take a Great Barrier Reef tour.
Is snorkelling better from Cairns or Port Douglas?
While Port Douglas doesn’t have as many high paced adrenaline activities, it is still a great place to explore the reef. Port Douglas is actually closer to the outer reef than Cairns offering snorkelling, scuba diving and boating tours.
Is Port Douglas nicer than Cairns?
The Verdict: If it’s pure nature you’re looking for within the actual area you’ll be staying, it’s hard to recommend Cairns over the postcard-style natural surroundings that Port Douglas has to offer, with Port Douglas’ proximity to the Daintree Rainforest being an added bonus.
Do you need a wetsuit for Great Barrier Reef?
The waters off Cairns are quite warm. It is not necessary to wear a wetsuit when swimming and snorkelling.
How do I get to the Great Barrier Reef from Sydney?
There are 5 ways to get from Sydney to Great barrier reef (Landmark) by plane, ferry, train or bus
- Fly from Sydney (SYD) to Cairns (CNS)
- Take the ferry from Cairns to Great Barrier Reef Green Island.
Where can I go on an outer reef cruise in Cairns?
Three Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour operators have permanently moored outer reef pontoons, Reef Magic Cruises, Great Adventures and Sunlover Cruises. Cairns Dive Adventures has been on every Cairns outer reef cruise and pontoon.
Why book an outer Great Barrier Reef Dive tour in Cairns?
Cairns’ Outer Great Barrier Reef dive tours offer excellent diving conditions. Cairns operators are highly regarded in the dive industry, with a stack of records and accreditations to back-up their professionalism. Some have over 25 years experience and divers can be assured of safe diving with professional crew, boats and equipment.
Where are the best places to visit in Cairns?
Visit Outer Reef Pontoon at Moore Reef, with lots of inclusions: snorkelling, glass bottom boat and semi-sub tours, underwater observatory and more. Only Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour to visit 3 different reef sites in one day! Part of the Quicksilver Cruises fleet. Comfortable, high speed catamaran. Up to 5 hours at the reef.
How far offshore can you dive from Cairns?
Cairns Outer Reef Diving sites are generally around 60km offshore, which means good visibility year round (varies anywhere from 5m on a bad day, to 35m). Travel time to and from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef is anywhere between 90-minutes to 2-hours.