Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
A collaboration between Tabiara (travel guides) and divefever (dive-site atlases by a divemaster).
Cairns is where most reef boats leave from. Whether you book a day boat to the outer reef or a liveaboard to the Ribbon Reefs changes where you sleep, when you arrive and what you pack.
Below the surface: the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole by liveaboard from Cairns, dwarf minke whales in June and July, and further south the Yongala wreck.
One trip, two guides
The Tabiara guide plans Cairns on land. divefever's Great Barrier Reef atlas is in preparation.
Above water · Tabiara
Cairns Travel Guide – Complete Master Guide (PDF)
Arrival at Cairns airport, where to stay, getting around and ten day routes.
- Reef days and rainforest days in one plan
- Ten day routes for 3, 5 or 7 days
- English, Spanish or German edition
Under water · divefever
Tauchatlas Great Barrier Reef
A German-language dive atlas for the Ribbon Reefs, Cod Hole and the Yongala wreck, coming soon.
German-language edition
Day boat or liveaboard
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Day boat
From the Cairns marina
Out in the morning, back in the afternoon, usually two or three dives. You sleep in Cairns and keep evenings and rainforest days flexible.
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Liveaboard
Several nights on board
The way to the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole further north. More dives per day, and in June and July the chance of dwarf minke whales.
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Snorkelling
On the same boats
Most reef boats take snorkellers too. A good option if not everyone in your group dives.
Which month for the reef
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Dry season, no stinger seasonStinger season, wear a lycra suit
Queensland's workplace safety authority gives November to May as marine stinger season; stingers can occur all year. Summer water is around 28 °C, winter water in the low to mid 20s. Dwarf minke whales visit the northern reefs in June and July.
Everything for Cairns on land
Each title also works on its own.
Cairns Travel Guide – Complete Master Guide (PDF)
Cairns Itineraries – 10 Day Routes + 3, 5 & 7-Day Plans
Where to Stay in Cairns – Best Areas Compared
Cairns Airport to Hotel Guide – Arrival & Transfers
Cairns Travel Confidence Kit – Getting Around & Problem Solvers
Cairns Offline Place Guide – 23 Curated Places (PDF, CSV, HTML)
Cairns Travel Planner – Printable PDF + Excel Budget Workbook
Questions people ask
When is stinger season in Cairns?
Queensland's safety authority gives November to May, though stingers can appear all year. Reef boats provide lycra or wetsuits.
Can you dive the Great Barrier Reef in December?
Yes. The water is warm, it is stinger season and the start of the wet season, so wear a full suit and keep a spare day in case a boat is cancelled.
Day boat or liveaboard from Cairns?
A day boat if you want evenings in town and rainforest days; a liveaboard if you want the Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole and more dives per day.
When do you see minke whales?
Dwarf minke whales visit the northern reefs, including the Ribbon Reefs, in June and July.
More dive-and-travel articles
Practical articles on diving and travel.
divefever is an independent shop. Its dive-site atlases are published in German; Tabiara guides come in English, Spanish and German. Seasons and rules change, so check them with your dive centre and official sources before you travel.