Is snorkelling better from Cairns or Port Douglas?

In terms of proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is closer to the outer reef and has more tour options available. Port Douglas is about an hour's drive north of Cairns and is closer to the inner reef, which is better for snorkeling and beginner divers.



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There are a few east coast towns that off Great Barrier Reef trips, the most popular being Port Douglas or Cairns. Although Cairns is a vibrant and cool city and many reef visitors base themselves here, I recommend Port Douglas over Cairns.

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Cairns is the perfect home base for any trip to the Great Barrier Reef, but with so many accommodation options available for you, how do you know which is best for you? To help you on your search we've compiled our favourite Cairns hotels, BnBs and hostels below!

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Avoiding stinger season When you snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef during May to October you will avoid the peak stinger season. This is where box jellyfish and irukandji jellyfish are around. These jellyfish are around all year, they are more common during the warmer months.

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If you're after a city vibe, with a mix of beaches, shopping, nightlife, and a plethora of activities, Cairns is your pick. On the other hand, if you're seeking a laid-back, luxury, beachy vacation, with closer access to the Daintree Rainforest, Port Douglas is the go-to.

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However, Palm Cove is ideal for couples on a weekend getaway, in need of relaxation but with the option of adventure. Whereas we recommend Port Douglas for families or large groups with a car who are intending to stay for longer than three days. Or, if you still can't decide, why not experience both?

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Snorkelling Off The Beach in Port Douglas. There's not much to see off Port Douglas beach but yes, it can be interesting to snorkel there. Be sure to book a trip to the reef, but yes, for fun, you can snorkel off Port Douglas Beach at any time of year, so long as you don't put yourself in any danger.

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And now we come to what is going to be, for many, the major sticking point between the two destinations. It's with this in mind that we can safely say that Cairns is generally cheaper across the board than Port Douglas, particularly if you're willing to book into backpacker style accommodations.

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Port Douglas is famous for being so close to some of the top attractions in Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to the oldest rainforest in the world, Daintree Rainforest. You also have the Four Mile Beach which is almost like a tropical island.

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And incredible birds eye views of the reef can be seen along the way! So, back to the question… “How long does it take to get to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns?” The Short Answer: it takes anywhere between 30 min to 2 hrs to get to the Great Barrier Reef.

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We recommend getting there in the shoulder months of April and May and September and October. The weather is amazing at these times and you'll be beating the dry season crowds!

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