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  • The 8 Best Great Barrier Reef Tours

    Klook Team
    Klook Team
    Last updated 9 Nov 2022
    Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays, Klook, @hamiltonisland

    Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays, Klook, @hamiltonisland

    Get your daily dose of vitamin sea with the best Great Barrier Reef tours! Explore one of the seven wonders of the world, and don’t miss out on these chances to meet more than 1,500 species of fish and other marine life.
    We’ve curated a list of fascinating Great Barrier Reef tours that will simply take your breath away, including some cruises from the Whitsundays. From half-day to whole day tours, we’ve got you covered. All you’ll have to do is sit back and start booking the best Great Barrier Reef tours there is!
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    Check out our list:
    1. Great Barrier Reef cruises from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
    2. Great Barrier Reef scenic flight and cruise day tour in Whitsundays
    3. Thundercat Whitsundays day tour
    4. Scenic flight and Whitsundays sunset sailing from Airlie Beach
    5. Shared resort transfers for Whitsunday Islands and airports
    6. Hamilton Island family adventure and full-day cruise
    7. Whitsundays Cruise and Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island
    8. Whitsundays Reef and Island Scenic Flight from Airlie Beach

    1. Great Barrier Reef Cruises from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island

    Dive in and meet fish friends underwater! Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays
    Dive in and meet fish friends underwater! Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays
    Spend a day out in the sun aboard a high-speed catamaran that departs from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island, and journeys past spectacular islands en route to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Get up close with vibrant marine life below when you explore the vicinity in one of the best Great Barrier Reef tours.
    Choose the package you want to avail of—you can either take an introductory dive class, go on guided snorkelling tours, or if you're already a licensed diver, dive freely and enjoy the magnificent view underwater around the Hardy Reef Pontoon. You can also enjoy your own free time by booking a cruise without additional activities. All packages include a delicious buffet lunch, complimentary morning and afternoon tea, access to a semi-submersible, and an underwater viewing deck, plus a fun commentary by reef experts on how to take care of this great World Heritage Site.

    2. Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight and Cruise Day Tour in Whitsundays

    Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from up above! Image credits: @gsl_aviation
    Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from up above! Image credits: @gsl_aviation
    Get the best views of the Great Barrier Reef from up above and down below!
    Greet your morning with a picture-perfect bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef from above when you board a 60-minute scenic flight! Marvel at the kaleidoscopic colours of the 2,300-km long ecosystem made of thousands of reefs and hundreds of islands, and catch sight of iconic Whitsunday spots like Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef. Upon landing, you may enjoy your free time or try out different water and land activities such as snorkelling, a guided walk to Hill Inlet, a stroll along the coastline, lunch, and complimentary use of stinger/wetsuits and stand up paddleboards.

    3. Thundercat Whitsundays Day Tour

    Zoom across the waters aboard the Thundercat!
    Zoom across the waters aboard the Thundercat!
    Embark on one of the best Great Barrier Reef tours aboard a Thundercat catamaran, where the ride is so smooth, you don’t have to worry about seasickness!
    Travel around Whitsundays and get to visit the best locations such as the Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Lookout. Witness the magical underwater world when you go snorkelling in the clear waters of sheltered bays near the Great Barrier Reef. This day tour is inclusive of lunch, meals and beverages, and other necessary equipment.

    4. Scenic Flight and Whitsundays Sunset Sailing from Airlie Beach

    Go sunset sailing and enjoy the calm waters aboard the ProvidenceV.
    Go sunset sailing and enjoy the calm waters aboard the ProvidenceV.
    Who knew that a 60-minute scenic flight is one of the best Great Barrier Reef tours? 
    Be amazed by the gorgeous entirety of the Great Barrier Reef from up above aboard a small plane and marvel at famous landmarks such as Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach, and Heart Reef during the flight.  After landing, hop aboard a classic tall ship, the ProvidenceV, for a 2-hour sunset sail where you can enjoy a cheese and dip platter as well as a glass of bubbles as you chase the sunset.

    5. Shared Resort Transfers for Whitsunday Islands and Airports

    Marvel at the beauty of the ocean when you go on this hassle-free transfer!
    Marvel at the beauty of the ocean when you go on this hassle-free transfer!
    Enjoy hassle-free resort transfers to and from Whitsundays Island, and set sail to marvel at the picturesque view at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef!
    Sail aboard a comfortable luxury vessel with air-conditioning systems to help you cool down after a day in the heat and other amenities that will surely make your ride more enjoyable. Feast on an on-deck bar that serves a full range of drinks and snacks and meet other people who share the same passion for travelling as you! Make sure you don’t miss the stunning scenery of the ocean on the horizon as you mingle!

    6. Hamilton Island Family Adventure and Full-Day Cruise

    Let your kids enjoy the cool waters of Hamilton Island! Image credits: @hamiltonisland
    Let your kids enjoy the cool waters of Hamilton Island! Image credits: @hamiltonisland
    This Hamilton Island Family Adventure and Full-Day Cruise is the perfect Great Barrier Reef tour to spend with your family!
    Set sail to Hamilton Island, and enjoy a variety of activities with the family. Visit Wild Life Hamilton Island to meet native wildlife like the adorable koala, and then challenge your family to an exciting game of island bowling and try out other thrilling activities such as go-kart, jetryder, quad bike riding and more for an additional cost. Learn a thing or two in the guided tour provided as you tour around the island’s picture-perfect landscape. By the end of the day, you can relax and lounge by the beach or the island’s beautiful pools.

    7. Whitsundays Cruise and Whitehaven Beach Half-Day Cruise from Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island

    Lounge at the white sand beaches of Whitehaven Beach! Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays
    Lounge at the white sand beaches of Whitehaven Beach! Image credits: @cruisewhitsundays
    Embark on a spectacular half-day cruise to Whitehaven Beach, Queensland’s most beautiful beach! Be awed by the fantastic seascape as you board a luxury cruise departing from either Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island.
    Learn more about the history and natural wonders of the area thanks to the interesting informative commentary available on board! When you land on the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, you’re free to explore its white sand beaches that stretch over seven kilometres long. Did you know that part of your cruise fare goes to the protection and conservation of the Great Barrier Reef, too?

    8. Whitsundays Reef and Island Scenic Flight from Airlie Beach

    Look out the window and don’t miss the Heart Reef! Image credits: @gsl_aviation
    Look out the window and don’t miss the Heart Reef! Image credits: @gsl_aviation
    The Great Barrier Reef is undoubtedly one of the best sights in the world, but did you know that it’s best viewed from up above? With this Great Barrier Reef tour, you’ll get to witness its beauty unfold aboard a small plane!
    This 60-minute scenic flight offers breathtaking kaleidoscopic views of the 74 island wonders in Whitsundays, as well as the Great Barrier Reef, so expect to see the Shute Harbour, Molle Islands, Long Island, Dent Island, Hamilton Island, Daydream Island, and more! Admire how the azure waters of the Coral Sea, the fine white sandy beaches, and the lush evergreen forest views on the horizon contrast with each other as you listen to the in-flight commentary provided in the tour. This activity is available Mondays to Sundays, from 8 am to 4 pm!