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Set out from Cairns on a full-day adventure to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders. After a comfortable 90-minute cruise aboard the modern vessel AquaQuest, you’ll spend five hours exploring two exclusive dive and snorkel sites, chosen daily from Norman, Saxon, and Hastings reefs.
Encounter a dazzling array of marine life — from vibrant corals and schools of tropical fish to sea turtles, stingrays, and the famous Maori Wrasse. Whether you’re snorkelling on the surface or diving deeper below, the reef’s beauty will take your breath away.
Your day includes all snorkelling and diving equipment, with wetsuits, lycra suits, and even prescription masks provided. Join a guided snorkel tour for added insight into the reef’s delicate ecosystem. Between sessions, relax on spacious sundecks, enjoy air-conditioned lounges, or freshen up with hot showers.
Indulge in morning tea, a tropical buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes, salads, and fruit, followed by afternoon tea — the perfect fuel for a day of discovery on the Great Barrier Reef.
We had a great time though the water was rough and I can’t say the same thing for some of the other passengers. The crew were great handing out sea sickness tablets for those who needed it though, giving everyone the best chance possible to get out on the reef! We saw so much, this trip will be a cherished memory.
The whole tour was magical! I tried scuba diving for the first time and all of the instructors were very helpful, supportive and attentive. All crew members were super friendly and knew what they were doing. The food was great. The scuba diving and snorkelling were one of the best experiences I have had and would highly recommend this tour because the Great Barrier Reef was incredibly beautiful!
Please make your own way to the Cairns Marlin Marina (1 Spence St, Cairns) for an 8:00AM check-in on the vessel ‘AquaQuest’ which is located on “B Finger” at the Cairns Marlin Marina at 8:00 AM. Please ensure that you are on-board by 8:30AM, as the vessel will depart promptly at that time.
Check availability to see starting times.
Not allowed
Know before you go
Not suitable for
Choose snorkelling if you want the most freedom to explore at the surface. Choose introductory diving if you would like to try scuba for the first time with tuition and close instructor support. Choose certified diving if you already hold a recognised qualification and want to spend more time below the surface. Everyone travels on the same vessel and visits the same two reef locations, so couples, families and friends can select different activities and still enjoy the day together.
Yes, the snorkelling option can work well for first-timers and less-confident swimmers. Equipment tuition, flotation devices, guided snorkelling and attentive crew support help you settle into the water at your own pace. You should still be comfortable entering open water and able to follow the crew’s instructions. Introductory diving requires basic water confidence and completion of the diving requirements.
Yes. The introductory diving option is designed for first-time divers and includes a clear briefing, equipment tuition, surface skills practice and close instructor supervision. No prior certification is required. Participants must be at least 12 years old, comfortable in the water and able to meet the scuba medical requirements.
Bring a recognised scuba certification card and logbook. Diving equipment and tank fills are included with the relevant option. Certified divers may dive with a suitable buddy, while a shared professional guide can be added for an extra charge if you prefer more support and help spotting marine life.
Yes. Guests choosing different activities share the same vessel and visit the same reef locations. Snorkellers can explore from the surface while introductory and certified divers complete their selected dives, then everyone meets back onboard between sessions and for lunch.
The outer reef crossing takes around 90 minutes and open-water conditions can sometimes feel lively. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead and take your usual travel-sickness remedy before departure, following the packet directions. A light breakfast and fresh air on deck can also make the journey more comfortable.
Leave at least 24 hours between your final scuba dive and flying or travelling above 300 metres. This includes the Atherton Tablelands and the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This interval applies to introductory and certified diving, but not to snorkelling.
Loved this experience! Getting to see sharks, turtles, and huge fish at the reefs was a blast! Apart from getting seasick, this was my favourite adventure on my trip!
Great day out exploring the sea! Friendly crew knowledgeable and supportive guides
I had a wonderful day on the water. The crew was super nice and helpful. The Lunch was good and after the second stop we got some fresh fruit which was great.
Momo was our guide and she was so patient, knowledgeable, and kind! The other crew members were all friendly and helpful as well. They worked together as a team with smiles! No suggestion for improvements-what a class act!!!
There were quite a few crew members on the ship and they were all very helpful.
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