Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Explore the natural wonders of Cairns on a captivating 2-day adventure. Enjoy the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, where you’ll snorkel among a kaleidoscope of marine life and vividly-colored coral formations. Then, venture into the ancient Daintree Rainforest, cruising along the river, hiking through the lush forest, and witnessing the striking contrast of the rainforest and the blue ocean at the iconic Cape Tribulation Beach. This comprehensive tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s diverse ecosystems and the delicate balance that sustains them.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best 2 Day Tours In Cairns.

Key Points

• A 2-day tour that combines the iconic Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, offering a comprehensive exploration of Cairns’ natural wonders.
• The Great Barrier Reef portion includes 5 hours of snorkeling time at two outer reef locations, complemented by a relaxing return journey with refreshments.
• The Daintree Rainforest exploration features a 1-hour river cruise, a guided rainforest walk, a refreshing swim at Emmagen Creek, and a visit to Cape Tribulation.
• Snorkeling equipment, floatation devices, and sun-suits are provided for comfort and safety during the reef activities.
• The tour offers a balanced itinerary, allowing visitors to experience the breathtaking marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and the lush, ancient Daintree Rainforest.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Highlights of the Great Barrier Reef Tour

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Highlights of the Great Barrier Reef Tour:

The full-day tour to the Outer Great Barrier Reef area provides 5 hours of reef time at two outer reef locations, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant underwater world through snorkeling.

Snorkeling equipment, floatation devices, and sun-suit hire are included, ensuring a comfortable and safe exploration.

Guests can also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, biscuits, and a fruit platter on the return journey, capping off a day of wonder and discovery.

With the Reef Levy included, this tour offers an exceptional value for money, making it a must-do activity for anyone visiting Cairns.

Snorkeling and Reef Exploration

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Snorkeling and Reef Exploration

Through snorkeling, visitors can enjoy the vibrant underwater realm of the Outer Great Barrier Reef, encountering a kaleidoscope of marine life and vividly-colored coral formations.

The full-day tour allows 5 hours of reef time at two outer reef locations, giving ample opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems. Snorkeling equipment, floatation devices, and sun-suits are provided for comfort and safety.

Guests can marvel at the abundant fish species, from the graceful sea turtles to the mesmerizing coral gardens. The experience is further enhanced by the complimentary glass of wine, cheese, biscuits, and fruit platter served on the return journey, creating a truly memorable Great Barrier Reef adventure.

Relaxation on the Return Journey

Upon returning from the reef, guests are treated to a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, biscuits, and a refreshing fruit platter, allowing them to unwind and savor the memories of their underwater adventure.

This relaxing experience on the return journey is the perfect way to cap off a day of exploration and discovery. Guests can sit back, sip their wine, and enjoy the picturesque views as they make their way back to shore.

The complimentary snacks and beverages provide a delightful contrast to the physical exertion of snorkeling, leaving guests feeling rejuvenated and content. This final touch ensures that the tour ends on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on all who participate.

Exploring the Daintree Rainforest

Cairns: 2-Day Great Barrier Reef & Daintree Rainforest Tour

Exploring the Daintree Rainforest

After a relaxing return journey from the Great Barrier Reef, guests embark on an immersive exploration of the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world.

The adventure begins with a 1-hour Daintree River Cruise, offering a chance to spot crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife.

Guests then enjoy a guided walk through the ancient rainforest, taking in the lush foliage and diverse wildlife.

A refreshing swim stop at Emmagen Creek provides a chance to cool off, followed by a visit to the iconic Cape Tribulation Beach, accessed via a cable ferry crossing.

The tour includes the following highlights:

• 1-hour Daintree River Cruise
• Guided rainforest walk
• Swim stop at Emmagen Creek
• Visit to Cape Tribulation Beach
• Daintree ice-cream treat

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Cruising the Daintree River

Embarking on the Daintree River Cruise, guests are treated to an immersive experience teeming with diverse wildlife and lush, verdant landscapes.

The 1-hour journey along the tranquil waterway offers travelers a unique opportunity to spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks and a wide variety of bird species.

Gliding through the heart of the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the cruise provides an up-close look at the region’s remarkable ecosystem.

Knowledgeable guides share insights about the flora and fauna, enriching the experience.

Whether it’s catching a glimpse of a saltwater crocodile or admiring the vibrant plumage of exotic birds, the Daintree River Cruise promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of this unique natural environment.

Guided Rainforest Walk

Guests embark on a guided walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest, seeing the lush, verdant landscapes and diverse ecosystems that have thrived for millions of years. A knowledgeable guide leads the way, sharing fascinating insights into the rainforest’s unique flora and fauna.

The guided walk offers the opportunity to:

• Spot rare and endangered species, such as the cassowary, a flightless bird native to the region
• Examine the intricate web of life, from the towering canopy to the forest floor
• Learn about the traditional uses of plants by the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people
• Discover ancient trees and unique adaptations that have evolved over millennia
• Appreciate the rejuvenating power of this ancient, untouched wilderness.

Emmagen Creek Swim Stop

After exploring the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the tour makes a stop at the picturesque Emmagen Creek, where guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. The creek is fed by natural springs, creating a serene and tranquil environment perfect for a rejuvenating break. As visitors wade into the cool, inviting waters, they can take in the surrounding lush vegetation and listen to the soothing sounds of the creek.

Emmagen Creek Swim Stop
Location	Daintree Rainforest
Water Temperature	Cool and refreshing
Duration	30 minutes
Highlights	– Serene natural setting – Crystal-clear waters – Lush rainforest surroundings

This swim stop is a highlight of the Daintree Rainforest tour, providing a chance to relax and recharge before continuing the adventure.

Cape Tribulation Beach and Cable Ferry

The tour continues to the iconic Cape Tribulation Beach, where the ancient Daintree Rainforest meets the sparkling Coral Sea. Visitors cross the Daintree River via a cable ferry, a unique and scenic mode of transportation that provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

At Cape Tribulation, guests can:

• Stroll along the pristine white sand beach and take in the breathtaking scenery
• Explore the lush, verdant Daintree Rainforest and learn about its diverse ecosystem
• Spot unique wildlife like cassowaries, tree-dwelling kangaroos, and vibrant birdlife
• Photograph the striking contrast between the rainforest and the blue ocean
• Relax and soak up the tranquil, natural atmosphere of this remarkable location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Accommodate Large Groups of 10 or More?

The tour can accommodate large groups of 10 or more. This is typically possible as the tour operator can provide additional transportation and guide services to cater to larger group sizes.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Snorkeling Equipment?

There is no mention of an option to upgrade the snorkeling equipment in the tour overview. The tour includes standard snorkeling equipment, floatation devices, and sun-suit hire as part of the inclusions. Guests should inquire with the tour operator if they wish to upgrade equipment.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Children or Seniors?

Yes, there are discounts available for children and seniors on this tour. Children under 12 receive a 20% discount, while seniors over 65 can save 10%. These discounted rates must be requested at the time of booking.

Can the Tour Be Rescheduled in Case of Bad Weather?

Yes, the tour can typically be rescheduled in case of bad weather. Tour operators often have flexible policies to accommodate unexpected weather conditions and ensure guests have an enjoyable experience.

How Are Dietary Requirements Handled on the Lunch Provided?

The tour provider accommodates various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, for the lunch provided. They aim to cater to guests’ needs and ensure everyone can enjoy the meal.

Recap

This 2-day Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Cairns.

From snorkeling the vibrant outer reef to exploring the ancient Daintree, the journey showcases the striking contrasts and diverse ecosystems of this remarkable region.

Travelers will be captivated by the abundance of marine life, lush rainforest landscapes, and stunning vistas throughout this captivating adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: