Water Sports in Cairns & the Tropical North

Discover the treasures of Australia's Great Barrier Reef with this half-day tour to the lush paradise of Green Island, a protected coral cay. Cruise from Cairns aboard a luxury catamaran and enjoy 2 hours on the island to spend as you wish, from snorkeling to observe the underwater world where you might spot giant clams, tropical fish and coral gardens aboard a glass-bottom boat or semi-submarine tour. You can also explore the emerald rain forest on walking tracks or simply soak up the sun on sandy beaches!

Tackle the grade II and III rapids of the Barron River on this adrenaline-pumping half-day tour from Cairns or Port Douglas. Prepare to get wet and wild as you hurtle over the rapids, then float downstream past the jagged cliffs, plunging ravines and lush rainforest of the Barron Gorge National Park. Best of all: with gentle rapids and full instruction provided, this tour is suitable for all levels, including complete beginners.

Experience the fun and thrills of a half-day whitewater rafting trip on the Barron River, located just 20 minutes north of Cairns. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics as you raft through stunning terrain, including highlights such as Barron Falls. Your expert guide provides all necessary rafting equipment and paddling instruction for the 2-hour rafting trip, you simply bring clothes that can get wet. No experience needed for this fun and safe rafting excursion. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Cairns and the Northern Beaches.

Explore the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day tour to Fitzroy Island. After arriving from Cairns on a fast ferry, have free time to do what you choose: snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, lounge on the white-sand beach or see the coral from a glass-bottom boat. Upgrade to add the Activity Pass, which provides a picnic lunch, snorkeling gear, stinger suit, a glass-bottom boat tour, the use of stand-up paddle boards, paddle skis and a floating trampoline.

See the best of Cairns with a two-day package that provides the ultimate reef and rainforest experience. First, explore the town of Kuranda, traveling via the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Then discover the aquatic wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a 5-hour ocean cruise with stops for snorkeling and scubadiving. Return to Cairns by helicopter, taking a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Have the option to add on admission to Rainforestation in Kuranda to learn about Aboriginal culture and Australian wildlife.

Dive into the spectacular underwater realm of the Great Barrier Reef on this full-day snorkel and scuba cruise from Cairns. Travel aboard a luxurious catamaran to three renowned dive sites to swim among coral gardens and tropical marine life. All experience levels are welcome, and guides are on hand to assist with your choice of snorkeling, introductory scuba diving, or certified diving. A buffet lunch plus morning and afternoon tea on the catamaran are included.

Learn to scuba dive in one of the world's top locations for underwater wonders: Cairns, Australia and the Great Barrier Reef. Your professional and friendly instructors lead a 4-day PADI Open Water dive course for your small group limited to eight people. You'll gradually learn the skills you need to scuba dive and earn the internationally recognized PADI certification. Practice basic scuba skills in the classroom, a swimming pool, and on confined water dives, then discover the Great Barrier Reef on open-water dives. Hotel transfers are included each day.

Explore beautiful Fitzroy Island by kayaking, snorkeling and other means during a full-day tour that includes both guided tours and free time to do as you please. Leave Cairns early to enjoy a morning kayak and snorkel tour around Fitzroy Island’s pristine coral reef. Have the afternoon at your leisure for more snorkeling and beach time, a walk in the rainforest or other island activities before returning to Cairns in the late afternoon.