Great Barrier Reef tours for non-swimmers.
While you may think the Great Barrier Reef is only interesting from under the water and your a non-swimmer, you may be worried you will not have the opportunity to see this wonder of the world like others on your trip to Cairns and Port Douglas. Well there is no need to worry about that as we can offer you many ways to enjoy and explore the reef without even getting wet. Being a non-swimmer, you might feel it is a bit difficult to choose a suitable tour that won't leave you out of all the underwater action in discovering the beauty and magic the reef has to offer just because you don't want to, or cannot swim by yourself unaided.
Many also worry that they cannot bring large items such as prams or wheelchairs to the reef...WRONG!
Anything is possible and this collection of Cairns and Great Barrier Reef tours will assist you to find a suitable reef tour, no matter how constrained you are in the water or if you just do not feel comfortable swimming in the ocean and getting wet.
We have a selection of tours that cater well for guests that are disabled or have limited mobilty and unable to swim, snorkel of dive on their own.
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flights
Scenic Flights can be done from a helicopter, or a regular small fixed wing airplane. You can even combine doing a flight over the reef with a scenic flight over Cairns and it's beautiful surroundings including the Daintree Rainforest.
Why not make the most of your day and combine a scenic helicopter flight with your Great Barrier Reef trip by flying out to the floating pontoon and then cruising back by catamaran or even for the ultimate way to see the Great Barrier Reef, why not fly both ways! The views and photographic opportunities are amazing as you cruise only 500 feet above the crystal clear waters spotting marine life, boats and beautiful coral reefs.
This way of getting to see the Great Barrier Reef is perfect not only for non-swimmers but for guests that want to experience Mother Natures miracle from above as well as below the water.
Scenic flights are available on reef tours such as the outer barrier reef pontoons, Green Island and secluded sandy coral cays. Seeing the Great Barrier Reef from above gives the best vision and photographic opportunities of the massive coral structures and the huge array of marine life the the Great Barrier Reef supports.
Great Barrier Reef Reef Trips for Non - Swimmers
The Outer Barrier Reef activity pontoons are perfect for your Cairns and Port Douglas holiday as there is something for everyone to do on these reef tours.
We recommend non swimmers, mums and dads with young children and those who may be a bit frail to book a tour on an outer reef pontoon platform. They are big spacious and can accommodate folks who are not keen on swimming, but still wish to be with the rest of the family or group, and also enjoy seeing all of the wonderful parts of the Great Barrier Reef.
We also recommend these reef tours for guests that may be travelling in conference and incentive groups as the platforms offer so many ways to explore the coral reefs and see the marine life below.
For those guests who are keen on getting into the water, they can pre-book scuba diving, a guided snorkel tour, Seawalker or ride underwater scooters with Scubadoo
Some of our Great Barrier Reef platforms can also cater for disabled persons and families with young babies in prams
Optional Reef Tour Activities on the Platforms and Pontoons
- You may listen to a Great Barrier Reef presentation conducted by a marine biologist
- Enjoy a glass bottom boat or semi submersible submarine tour, guided by marine biologists
- Sit in the underwater observatory at the basement area of the pontoon and watch all the fish, snorkellers and scuba divers enjoying the reef
- Join the fish feeding presentation conducted by the boat crew
- Book a scenic helicopter flight out to the pontoon
- Some pontoons even include a touch tank of marine life and corals for the non-swimmers and children
The Great Barrier Reef Islands for Non-Swimmers
The Great Barrier Reef Islands give the comfort zone of the beach for the non swimmer and although most simply include a choice of glass bottom boat tours or snorkel equipment, you can create your own package and add those optional extras.
We suggest if available adding if not already included
- The glass bottom boat tour
- Semi-submersible submarine tour guided by a marine biologist
- The underwater fish and coral observatory (Green Island)
- A scenic helicopter flight from the beach (Green Island)
- A guided island walk with a marine naturalist
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Buffet lunch
Private Charter Yachts
Private Charter boats in Cairns and Port Douglas offer guests the experience of cruising on the gin clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef with your own skipper whilst being looked after by a professional boat crew. You may charter a 32 m super yacht with a helicopter and a seperate fishing tender for a day trip or an overnight extended cruise to Lizard Island, the Cod Hole or even the Solomon Islands for an exotic dive trip, or take a private charter fly bridge cruiser out to the reef for a day of Black Marlin fishing with your friends.
We have a selection of fine super yachts, catamarans, white boats, mono hulls and fishing boats available all year round from Cairns and Port Douglas for sunset charters, 1 day reef charters, dinner parties, dive trips and extended luxury cruising on the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef
Each private boat charter is personalised to the prime charterers requests and requirements and we can travel anywhere on the Great Barrier Reef and other regions as per negotiations
Although these boats do not include those extras such as the glass bottom or semi submersible submarine boat tours or underwater observatories like the commercial reef trips, a lot of them have toys on board that will certainly keep all guests amused
Call our private boat charter team on 1300 761 612 to discuss your Cairns or Port Douglas boat charter or take a look here at our selection of yachts
Port Douglas Reef Tours | Great Barrier Reef Tours | QS
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina Port Douglas
- Duration:
6.5 hours (approx.)
Port Douglas Reef Trip, Outer Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas with the most awarded reef cruise company in Australia Instant book on line or call 1300 761 612 MV - QS Cruises also has the added bonus of traveling out to one of the most spectacular Outer Barrier Reef pontoon sites on the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs from Port Douglas Queensland Australia. This reef trip is the perfect choice for those that suffer seasickness and those that wish to see and do as much as possible on the Great Barrier Reef in one day. Fly out or back in a helicopter to see the reef from above and then dive down below to see it up close. This is one Port Douglas reef tour you will remember for a lifetime.
Cairns Scenic Flight Lizard Island Day Tour | DAINA
- Departs From: Cairns General Aviation Airport
Have you seen in the holiday brochures how much it costs to stay on Lizard Island for a week and then gasped? Well here is your chance to take a low level scenic flight along the Great Barrier Reef and go and see what all the fuss is about for yourself. Take a hike on the heritage walks on the island and swim in the world famous Blue Lagoon. Enjoy a lunch on the sand and just soak up the ambience of the island for the day it's simply magnificent
Great Barrier Reef Tours | 2 In 1 Deal | Cairns Island and Outer Reef | GIGBRA
- Departs From: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street
- Duration:
7 hours (approx)
Non-swimmers, elderly folks, young kiddies just love booking a Great Barrier Reef tour that goes to an outer reef platform as it provides everything anyone would require for a great days adventure on the reef. Glass bottom boats, underwater observatories, semi-submersible submarines, fish feeding presentations, scenic helicopter flights, sun decks, cocktail bars and more
Cairns Reef Tours | Green Island Snorkel Tour | FULL DAY Great Barrier Reef Tour
- Departs From: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns
- Duration:
5 Hours on Green Island - 9:00am Departure (Big Cat)
4 Hours on Green Island- 11:00am Departure (Reef Rocket)Return to Cairns at 5:00pm for both tours
Green Island is a tropical island paradise on the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive and swim in the warm island waters, view the spectacular reef from a semi-submarine or glass bottom boat, explore the National Park or just relax on the idyllic sandy beach. Big Cat offers a range of full or half day tours which depart daily at 9am, 11am and 1pm from Cairns. Big Cat has Advanced Eco Certification and due to its zero carbon footprint has achieved Leader level Climate Action Certification.
Cairns Snorkel & Dive Day Tour Cairns | Pontoon | Great Barrier Reef
- Departs From: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal
- Duration:
8 hours (approx)
For non-swimmers we always recommend you book either an island tour or an outer reef tour where the boat takes you to a stable floating pontoon platform for the day. These pontoon have all the toys a non-swimmer can utilise to see the Great Barrier Reef just like all the fellow passengers in the water. Jump on the glass bottom boat then hop inside the semi-submersible submarine or view the action in the water from the underwater observatory on the platform. Be there when they do the fish feeding and marine talk. There is no need to miss the Great Barrier Reef is you are a non-swimmer or a little kids who has not yet learnt to swim
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Tours | Dive-Snorkel | Scuba Doo | Pontoon | GBRA
- Departs From: Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street
- Duration:
7 hours (approx) or less depending on options
Don't worry if you cannot swim we have all the toys on board our floating pontoon for you to explore the Great Barrier Reef just like all of our other guests. Best advise is book a Scuba Doo ride on our underwater motor bikes you will just love it. then jump in the semi-submersible submarine and cruise around the bombies. There are scenic helicopter flights and lots of other things to see and do on our reef trips for non-swimmers and little children
Great Barrier Reef Tours | Frankland Islands Reef Cruises | Snorkel & Dive
- Departs From: 169 Ross Road, Deeral, QLD 4871
- Duration:
9 hours (approx)
One of those idylic tropical islands you just never want to leave this is the Frankland Islands just south of Cairns Our reef trips include: Fresh Tropical lunch with seafood Glass bottom boat or semi-submersible submarine coral viewing tours Guided Island Walks with marine biologist Reef Ecology Presentation Maximum 100 People on the island each day making it perfect for that little getaway Wonderful for families and wonderful for non-swimmers All day snorkelling plus equipment Morning and Afternoon Tea
Cairns Great Barrier Reef Helicopter Flight | 30 Minutes | NT
- Departs From: Cairns
- Duration:
30 minutes approx.
Never been in a helicopter and never been to the Great Barrier Reef before? Well if you would like to see the region from the most perfect vantage point then jump on board our helicopters and we will take you for the flight of your life. Over the 30 minutes you will see beautiful reef systems and marine animals down under the waters surface so make sure you bring your camera along to show all your friends what you did today
Snorkel Tour Port Douglas | Low Isles Snorkel Reef Trip | WD
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Marina Port Douglas
- Duration:
6.5 hours (approx.)
Low Isles is a tropical island paradise that lays just a short distance from the world famous village of Port Douglas on the Great Barrier Reef Sit back in the club style seating and enjoy your cruise on the luxury 30 meter catamaran Wavedancer in air conditioned comfort A fabulous day snorkeling and exploring the soft coral reef that is home to a wide array of colourful tropical reef fish A fully catered day so you only need to bring your swimmers, towel, hat and sunscreen and a great sense of adventure
Great Barrier Reef Tour | Cairns Pontoon | Dive-Snorkel | Helicopter | Glass Bottom Boat
- Departs From: Reef Fleet Terminal Cairns
- Duration:
90 minute cruise each way
4 hours on pontoon
Times are approximate
Luxury travel to the reef on-board our air-conditioned catamaran; Informative presentation hosted by our marine naturalist; Delicious chef-prepared buffet luncheon featuring fresh seafood, hot dishes, salads and sumptuous tropical fruits; Guided coral viewing from our semi-submersible craft and glass bottom boat; On-board touch tank to experience unique marine life up close; All snorkelling equipment; Afternoon tea; Optional activities to personalise your day on the water including Certified and Introductory Diving, Seawalker® Platform Helmet Diving and Guided Snorkel Tours; Scenic Helicopter Flights are also available and may be booked onboard.
Superyacht Charters Great Barrier Reef | Luxury 115 Ft | 10 Guests | 5 Nights | EL
- Departs From: Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, 44 Wharf Street, Port Douglas
- Duration:
Minimum 5 Night multi overnight charter
Don't like swimming or wish to skip the crowds on the reef trips? Then why not charter your own private yacht for a day or two to explore the Great Barrier Reef? We have jet skis on board and can cater for other water toys on request. We can pop into deserted islands and enjoy fine dining on board with our talented chef. Call now and ask about our fleet of private boats we have for charter
Superyacht Charters - Cairns - Port Douglas
- Departs From: Townsville’s Breakwater Marina
- Duration:
Minimum hire 72 hours - 3 nights
Looking for that luxury superyacht for your next holiday on the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas or Cairns?
Port Douglas Private Charter Boat | Luxury Yacht Charter Snorkel Tour | INO
- Departs From: The Reef Marina, Port Douglas
- Duration:
Up to 6.5 hours (approx)
Catering for 12 privileged private charter guests this 13 metre French designed yacht sails smoothly across the waters of the Great Barrier Reef to island and coral cays where you may not see any other boats or tourists
Green Island Resort
1 Bedrooms 
1 Bathrooms 
Restaurant 
Pool 
Internet Access 
Disabled Access 
Cable Tv/Austar 
Bar 
Guest Laundry 
Day Spa 
Resort Shop 
Heated Pool 
Daily Servicing 
Family Friendly 
Free WiFi 
Breakfast Offer 
Stay overnight on the Great Barrier Reef at the luxurious Green Island Resort and enjoy the beauty of the Reef with the FREE island activities and FREE Ferry Transfers.
Ensure to ask us about our 3 Night Ultimate Package Deal with FREE Breakfast Daily and FREE Outer Reef Day Trip - Great for non swimmers & swimmers!
Fitzroy Island Resort
24hr Reception 
Elevator 
Beach Front 
Swim Up Bar 
Ocean Views 
Enjoy the beauty of Fitzroy Island Resort staying overnight on this Coral Cay only a short ferry from Cairns. Day trips also depart Fitzroy Island to the Outer Reef where you can experience the reef as a non swimmer along with snorkelling and diving options available for swimmers.
Lizard Island Great Barrier Reef
Fitness Centre 
Room Service 
Tennis Court 
Free Breakfast 
Lizard Island All Inclusive Resort located on the Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate Great Barrier Reef experience. Guests enjoy complimentary gourmet meals, beverages and island activities. Relax or explore the Great Barrier Reef in complete luxury and privacy. Non Swimmers and swimmers alike will cherish your time on this secluded piece of paradise.
Hilton Hotel Cairns
Carparks 
Wedding Venue 
Free Night Offer 
Located on Cairns' Waterfront Hilton Hotel Cairns boasts 5 star accommodation in a central location. Day trips to the Great Barrier Reef depart from the Reef Fleet Terminal at the door step of the hotel. Ensure to ask us about day trips to the Great Barrier Reef to suit swimmers and non swimmers - to ensure your holiday is memorable!
Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Wireless Internet 
BBQ Facilities 
Childrens Pool 
Weekly Servicing 
Free Car Parking 
Located on Cairns Esplanade, Mantra Trilogy offers a range of hotel rooms and self contained holiday apartments. A popular option for holiday makers and families Mantra Trilogy boasts a central location overlooking Cairns Lagoon and various dining venues. Explore the Great Barrier Reef with the Reef Fleet terminal and Cairns Aquarium a short stroll away.
Bay Village Tropical Retreat Cairns Resort
Bay Village Resort features comfortable accommodation a short distance from Cairns' Esplanade. Offering hotel rooms and holiday apartments Bay Village caters to couples and families with swimming pool and popular restaurant.
- Stay 5+ Nights and enjoy FREE Breakfast & FREE Dining Voucher
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Beauty/Hairdresser 
Novotel Oasis Cairns Resort is located in the centre of Cairns, and next door to the new Cairns Aquarium. Featuring a large resort style swimming pool with sandy beach, kids pool and swim up pool bar this is a popular resort for families and couples.
- Family Bonus - Kids Stay & Eat Breakfast for FREE (under 16yrs)
