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Get ready for high-speed excitement on Cairns’ newest and fastest reef vessel, purpose-built to get you to the Great Barrier Reef in record time. With an afternoon departure, this half-day adventure is designed to maximize your time in the water — more snorkeling, less travel.
Your adventure begins with a unique Marine Biologist presentation, Cairns’ only pre-trip briefing of its kind, so you’ll be well-prepared before even getting in the water. Once onboard, your skipper selects the best reef sites of the day from a choice of 15 exclusive moorings. This ensures the best conditions and most vibrant marine life for your snorkeling experience.
With over two full hours in the water, snorkel alongside colorful corals, tropical fish, turtles, and possibly rays or reef sharks. Expert Marine Biologists and snorkel guides are on hand to offer tips, ensure safety, and enrich your understanding of this World Heritage-listed ecosystem.
All snorkel gear, including wetsuits in winter, lycra suits in summer, flotation devices, and prescription masks, are included. Freshwater showers, locally sourced snacks, and drinks (available for purchase) make this a comfortable and unforgettable way to experience the reef in just half a day.
The cruise departs from Cairns Marina at 12:00 pm and returns to Cairns at 5:00 pm.
Please come and check in directly on the boat on D Finger at the Cairns at Marlin Marina (1 Spence Street, Cairns City)
Check availability to see starting times.
Know before you go
Not allowed
Yes, first-time snorkellers can enjoy this experience if they are confident swimmers and comfortable in open water. You should be able to swim about 50 metres and stay afloat without assistance. The crew helps with equipment, snorkelling technique and in-water guidance, while flotation devices provide extra support.
Yes, it can be a memorable family reef adventure for children aged six and over who are confident swimmers. The small-group format and in-water guidance give families plenty of support, and children must remain under parent or guardian supervision throughout the experience.
The afternoon focuses on one carefully selected Outer Reef snorkelling site, giving you more than two hours to explore instead of spending the day travelling between locations. The crew chooses from 15 exclusive moorings according to wind, tides and surface conditions, helping you enjoy the best available snorkelling on the day.
The fast vessel keeps travel time short and leaves more of the afternoon for snorkelling. Open-sea conditions can sometimes make the ride lively, so guests who are prone to motion sickness may find it helpful to take their usual motion-sickness medication before departure, following the product directions. A warm, dry layer is also useful for the return journey.
Yes. A complimentary reef presentation takes place on the D Finger pontoon from approximately 10.30am to 11.00am. Arriving early gives you the opportunity to learn about the reef and the marine life you may encounter before the midday departure.
The vessel has two toilets, freshwater deck showers and some under-seat storage for small belongings. Space is limited, so it is best to bring only the essentials you need for the afternoon.
Most dietary needs and allergies can be accommodated for the included afternoon tea with at least 24 hours’ notice. Guests with very strict dietary requirements may prefer to bring a suitable snack. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.
Knowledgeable guides, great communication and equipment too! Very cool experience
Amazing trip, Staff had a communicative energy What to say about Great barrier reef? No word can describe! Swimming with tortulles was a special moment
Guides were really friendly and helpful. Easy to find boat and starting point. Good relaxed vibe in the boat and the guides made sure we had fun. Some fruit and snacks provided also after the snorkel which were amazing!
I absolutely loved the experience of swimming at the Great Barrier Reef! I wish I had more time there, but it was still amazing, it just made me want to do it all over again. The staff were all super friendly, helpful, and informative. I had a flight at 7 PM and the tour was scheduled to end at 5, so I was a bit worried about timing or possible delays, but we arrived exactly at 5 on the dot. The boat captain was fantastic — very kind and welcoming. I loved everything about the tour and would highly recommend it!
This activity was absolutely phenomenal! The staff were kind, attentive and competent! They focused on safety but also had fun and tried very hard to ensure everyone had a good time. I would definitely do this tour again and cannot recommend it enough – 5 stars aren’t enough!
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