Great Barrier Reef Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Great Barrier Reef Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

53 Great Barrier Reef trips. Tours from 35 tour companies. 96 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Small Ship Cruise
PADI 5 Day Learn to Scuba Dive Course
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4.7/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Vacation / Holiday Package
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

Highlights

  • Two days of training at a modern training centre– 3 day liveaboard dive trip.
  • 9 Outer Great Barrier Reef dives– A guided night dive– Option of a farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Themes

Education / Learning, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"Incredible experience with these guys. Organisation was on point Made for experience divers and divers with low level certs like myself. instructors are offered for each dive if you feel more comfortable doing so. The dive sites are well picked and extremely well explained and briefed by boat manager. The rooms were comfy, the food was excellent and the staff was just awesome. Would recommend to anyone skilled diver or people who want to do their open water or other certs. Great experience"

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3 Day Cod Hole & Ribbon Reefs Liveaboard
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4.7/5 Excellent
35 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cairns, Great Barrier Reef

Highlights

  • Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
  • Dive the Cod Hole
  • We may visit today include Challenger Bay and Pixie Wall
  • Opportunity to go ashore and explore Lizard Island

Themes

50 plus, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise, Scuba Diving

What travelers are saying

"Incredible experience with these guys. Organisation was on point Made for experience divers and divers with low level certs like myself. instructors are offered for each dive if you feel more comfortable doing so. The dive sites are well picked and extremely well explained and briefed by boat manager. The rooms were comfy, the food was excellent and the staff was just awesome. Would recommend to anyone skilled diver or people who want to do their open water or other certs. Great experience"

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Exploring Australia & New Zealand
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5/5 Excellent
50 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Auckland, Mount Cook, Queenstown, Sydney, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Highlights

  • Ride aboard Vintage Kuranda steam train and Skyrail gon­dolas
  • Great Barrier Reef excursion
  • Aboriginal “Dreamtime” experience
  • Sunset at Ayers Rock
  • Sydney touring and Harbour cruise
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We just finished our Tanzanian Adventure tour to Tanzania and Zanzibar. It was a dream come true trip! On safari, our guide Augustine, was stellar, and our driver, Meshak was wonderful! The lodges on safari were wonderful, food excellent. The Breezes resort on Zanzibar was lovely and the Indian Ocean is sooooo warm! Thank you, Odyssey, for delivering on all counts!"

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Australia Great Barrier Reef Singles Cruise
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4.2/5 Great
6 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Brisbane, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Highlights

  • Visit Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane
  • Explore Green Island’s underwater world aboard a Semi-Submarine.
  • Visit Rainforestation Nature Park and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Explore Fort Scratchley
  • Visit Sydney Opera House and Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
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Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Singles Travel, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"The most unprofessional tour. The tour guide was nasty and made us walk miles because she didn't want to pay for transportation. It was not luxurious in the least bit, I would've been better off just going with friends. Save yourself from a horrible trip. Singles International is very professional and a better bet."

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Sydney to Great Barrier Reef Tour
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4.5/5 Excellent
16 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Highlights

  • Discover Cairns
  • Enjoy optional sea kayaking, whale-watching or just relax
  • Explore Sydney with a walk along the harbour to the iconic Sydney Opera House
  • Experience cruise to the Great Barrier Reef

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I recently took the Best of Australia and New Zealand tour...added on Fiji and a day in Auckland...with Discovery Nomads. During the booking process they were attentive and helpful. However, the nightmare began after paying for the tour! They told us we would receive our itinerary 10 to 20 days before our trip. It was sent 4 days before departure. We booked a tour for the trans alpine train from Christchurch to Queensland which we were told after the fact, that it did not exist. Furthermore, they failed to make a transfer reservation from the airport to our hotel in Christchurch. It took a week of constant sending of emails to get credit. They never answered them! Credit was finally issued almost 25 days later. The nightmare continues...we had to call each shuttle ride to confirm as their confirmation numbers were wrong and the local company could never find our reservations. So now add the cost of all the phone calls! Furthermore, when we reached out to Discover Nomads to help us while traveling, they NEVER answered their phone or a request for refund by email. We were completely ignored and left on our own. The only saving grace was we were traveling in English speaking countries. Can you imagine this happening to you in a country that doesn't speak English? Nightmare!!!!! And no assist from this horrible company. The only communication from them was for flight delays which we found out first by checking into the airport and one response asking for how much I paid for my transfer and proof of payment. I explained that it was all electronic and requested a refund of my original payment...heard nothing again from them until seven days later they sent an email stating that a meeting point had changed. So they had my email, just refused to deal with refunds or help. In addition, they had us waiting 15 hours for a hotel room in two flights. We were not allowed to stay in hotel lobby for so long and we arrived at 1:00am. We ended up paying for an early check in. Also, all internal flights were booked with 7.5 kg cabin luggage only. We had to pay baggage fees of $45 per bag. The costs of this trip were way higher then we anticipated. We had quotes for private tours just $2,000 higher...we should have booked that as we probably spent close to that amount in other fees!! TAKE MY WARNING...DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!!!"

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Tropical Reef and Rainforest Tour
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By Real New Zealand Tours
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
4.9/5 Excellent
40 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Why we love them
They are dedicated to providing personalized, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences that showcase the best of their country.
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cairns

Highlights

  • All inclusive tour package prepared by New Zealand based specialists so you sit back and relax
  • An exciting itinerary will be customised to suit you - let us help plan and perfect your dream vacation
  • We offer self-drive trips (rental car) we arrange all your accomodations, activities, attractions (you select) we book your car (fun, freedom, independence, flexibility) you set the pace each day or, select a private driver trip (fully guided) or, escorted coach tours (daily commentary). Either way, you will have an awesome time we promise!

Themes

Birding, Cultural, Education / Learning, High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go and, after a small number of iterations, together we were able able to craft an itinerary that met our budget, touched on much of the places we wanted, and did not have us staying at a different resort each night. Before leaving for our trip we were given our itinerary and confirmation #'s/vouchers/contact #'s for all of our activities and hotels captured in an easy-to-use app that made it extremely easy to transition to the next point of our journey. He and his assistant were quick to respond to any questions we had along the way as well. Overall, we had a great stay and highly endorse Geoff and RealNZ for anyone planning a bespoke trip to NZ."

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Best of Australia
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Blue Mountains, Brisbane, Cairns, Daintree, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Highlights

  • Follow an indigenous guide through the daintree rainforest
  • Opt to visit the great barrier reef
  • Cruise on a boat around the scenic whitsundays
  • Try a surfing lesson in byron bay
  • Hike the blue mountains

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Brisbane, Cairns, Everglades, Great Barrier Reef

Highlights

  • Kick back
  • Relax
  • And search for wildlife in noosa
  • Sail from island to island through the whitsundays on a maxi yacht
  • Connect with nature as you discover k'gari

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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East Coast Australia Adventure
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Brisbane, Cairns, Daintree, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Sydney

Highlights

  • Witness the expansive and iconic Great Barrier Reef on a snorkelling adventure and see colourful corals and tropical fish as you swim with turtles off the Daintree coast.
  • Take a 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo.
  • Visit Daintree Rainforest – the oldest rainforest in the world – and Cape Tribulation on a stunning day that ticks off two UNESCO World Heritage areas (nature lovers rejoice!).
  • Soak up the beachside vibes of Byron Bay with a free day in this surfer’s haven. Go for a dip in the ocean, take a kayaking tour, listen to buskers by the beach, join a yoga class or just hang loose in a quirky café.
  • Embark on a full-day tour of the Whitsundays, where you’ll head out on a bushwalk to Hill Inlet Lookout, go snorkelling among giant tropical fish and corals and then relax on the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach as the sun descends.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Health Safety +

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Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Brisbane, Cairns, Everglades, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Highlights

  • Learn to surf at spot x surf camp
  • Bliss out in famous byron bay
  • Island hop through the whitsundays

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Sydney to Cairns Adventure
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Brisbane, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Sydney

Highlights

  • Take a guided walkabout tour around Sydney Harbour with a local Aboriginal guide who will teach you about local First Nations history, Dreaming and the spiritual connection to Country, while you soak in gorgeous iconic views.
  • Get in touch with Australia’s wilderness and wildlife. Meet cute and cuddly koalas at an animal hospital, look out for whales if the seaosn is right and explore the rainforest and waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park.
  • Plenty of beachtime awaits with stays in Hervey Bay, Byron Bay, Airlie Beach, Mission Beach and afull-day tour of the Whitsundays, including Whitehaven Beach, where you will go snorkelling among giant tropical fish and corals and then relax on the 7 km stretch of beach as the sun descends.
  • Take an incredible 4WD adventure through the breathtaking landscape of K'gari (formerly Fraser Island). Ride across sand dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature, the dingo.
  • Explore Mungalla Wetlands with a First Nations guide as you search for aquatic birdlife and learn about the history and culture of the Nywaigi people.
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Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Best of Australia
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Alice Springs, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Daintree, Great Barrier Reef, Sydney

Highlights

  • See all the sites of Sydney – a bustling central city along Australia’s East Coast – like the Opera House, Hyde Park plus a tour around the Harbour with a First Nations guide.
  • Visit the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains seeing the gorgeous scenery of Wentworth Falls and the Three Sisters on foot and from above on the skyway.
  • Discover the ever-changing colours of Uluru, one of Australia’s most spiritually significant sites, as you marvel at the epic sandstone monolith at both sunrise and sunset.
  • Embark on a guided walk through Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) and short a hike across the famous Kings Canyon plateau.
  • Take a full-day sailing and snorkelling tour of the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas, learning about the underwater ecosystem and the fragility of the environment from professional marine biologists.
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Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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Discover Australia
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Bar, Cairns, Daintree, Great Barrier Reef, Melbourne, Sydney, Yala

Highlights

  • Experience the red centre and witness the majesty of uluru at sunrise
  • Discover melbourne's hidden laneways
  • Enjoy a private tour of the sydney opera house
  • Set out on an indigenous walking experience in the daintree rainforest

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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5 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

Great Barrier Reef Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
96  Reviews
See all Great Barrier Reef tour reviews
Excellent
79
Great
25
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
J

Janet

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This was a trip with our two 30+ daughters and they picked it so they would have others in their own age group and a more active itinerary

This was a trip with our two 30+ daughters and they picked it so they would have others in their own age group and a more active itinerary. I think this hit the mark...

H

Henriette

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The trip could have been some days longer, so we could have spent some more days in Byron Bay or Port Macquire

The trip could have been some days longer, so we could have spent some more days in Byron Bay or Port Macquire. But overall a very nice tour, with a lot of good acti...

J

Jane

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

So good I want more

So good I want more!

K

Kate

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

From exploring the rainforest, to snorkelling the reef, to relaxing on the beaches and ending in the amazing city of Sydney

From exploring the rainforest, to snorkelling the reef, to relaxing on the beaches and ending in the amazing city of Sydney...one of the best experiences you can hav...

C

Christopher

Dec 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Awesome

Awesome

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Great Barrier Reef Tour Selection Trips

  • The Great Barrier Reef is under threat. Listen to your guides and be respectful of the environment - don't litter, and do your best to leave the reefs as undisturbed as possible.
  • Boat trips among the reef are usually an all day affair - and waters can be choppy. If you get seasick easily, bring a lot of crystalized ginger to eat and/or Dramamine to help. 
  • If you've never snorkeled before, it can be difficult to get the hang of. Your guide and fellow travel companions are sure to have plenty of tips to help you learn quickly. 

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