[pink2]

I'm after recommendations and reviews (positive or negative) for Great Barrier Reef day trips out of Cairns in June. There are so many to choose from. We aren't interested in scuba diving, just snorkelling & viewing. Do all the boats head out to a permanent structure? We are 2 adults, a 9 year old & an 18mth old. Thanks in advance.

[elmo_mum]

i did one that "owns" an island

reef tour

it was quiet good

i did the half day - should have gone for the full day

This post has been edited by elmo_mum: 17/01/2013, 01:53 PM

[Beancat]

highy recommend Quicksilver for families. They have a structure out on the reef. They are one of the biggest operators but well worth it

[akkiandmalli]

We went with sail away from port Douglas to the low isles. It was fantastic . My friend came and she sat on the beach with dd and DS while DH and I snorkelled. Later in we went in a smaller glass bottom boat and say fish and turtles. . We did all day cruise which included lunch was great!!

[Anemonefish]

A day trip to Green Island is a good family-friendly option. It's closer to Cairns than the outer reef, so less travel time, which is better for young kids.
Check out: http://www.greenisland.com.au/
Their full day trip is reasonably priced and includes a glass-bottom boat tour. There's a restaurant, a couple of food stalls, swimming pool, an aquarium & crocodile show on the island.

A few operators (e.g. Quicksilver and Great Adventures) go out to a platform on the reef, but not all of them do.

[pink2]

Thanks for the replies.

[smultron]

second green island for young kids- we did a day trip some years ago and loved it! Nothing there except a luxury hotel but we were happy to paddle with the kids in the gorgeously clear and shallow water and we did the standard glass bottom boat tour that was included. It was a beautiful day which helped.