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AquaQuest Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour from Cairns

(14 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 8 hours

 

Highlights

  • Snorkel or dive at two exclusive outer reef sites on the Great Barrier Reef
  • All equipment included: wetsuits, lycra suits, prescription masks, and guided snorkel tour
  • Enjoy morning tea, tropical buffet lunch, afternoon tea, and fresh hot showers onboard

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What to expect

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.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

★★★★★

K
Kao

12 July 2025

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.

★★★★★

I
Ignė

29 Aug 2025

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!

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Up to 5 hours at the outer reef, visiting 2 exclusive reef sites
  • Snorkel equipment (masks, snorkels, fins, flotation devices, tuition, and briefings)
  • Guided snorkeling tour
  • Wetsuits/lycra suits
  • Prescription mask
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Tropical buffet lunch
  • Hot fresh-water showers
  • Coffee and tea
  • Intro Dive or Certified Dive (if option selected)

Extra

  • Digital camera hire and professional photo purchase (subject to availability and prices vary)

Time and Departure Location

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.

Important Information

Not allowed

  • High-heeled shoes
  • Pets
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Smoking
  • Drones
  • Mobility scooters
  • Intoxication
  • Smoking in the vehicle
  • Non-folding wheelchairs
  • Non-folding strollers
  • Smoking indoors
  • Vaping
  • Fishing
  • Walking frames
  • Littering
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Feeding animals
  • Electric wheelchairs
  • Touching marine life
  • Scooter
  • Firework
  • Explosive substances
  • Touching animals
  • Making fire
  • Nudity
  • Touching plants
  • Riding the animals

Know before you go

  • Children must be at least 12 years old to take part in the Introductory First-Time Scuba Dive Tour
  • If under 18 years and traveling alone, you will need a signed form by a parent/guardian. Only ages 16 and up are permitted to travel without a guardian (but must have a signed form)
  • Please specify any special dietary requirements or restrictions at the time of booking so that these can be catered to
  • If you are participating in an introductory or certified scuba dive, you must meet the medical questionnaire requirements, if you are unsure please contact the operator. Certain medical conditions or medications may prevent you from diving
  • Certified divers planning to scuba dive must bring their PADI or SSI qualification card to present on the boat. Please note, no compensation is offered if you should be unable to complete all offered dives

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

What To Bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Credit card
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash

Cancellation Policy

  • A full refund will be offered for customer-requested cancellations made up to 6 days prior to travel. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
  • Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
  • Please note that credit card processing fees paid at the time of booking are non-refundable.
  • Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently asked questions

Which activity option is right for me?

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.

Can I join if I am not a confident swimmer?

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.

Can I try scuba diving if I have never dived before?

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.

What should certified divers know before booking?

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.

Can snorkellers and divers travel together?

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.

What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?

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.

How long should I wait before flying or visiting higher-altitude attractions after diving?

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.

14 Reviews
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Calvin

Couple Traveller

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!

July 22, 2025

Michelle

Couple Traveller

Great day out exploring the sea! Friendly crew knowledgeable and supportive guides

July 15, 2025

Emily

Solo Traveller

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.

July 11, 2025

Holly

Family Traveller

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!!!

June 26, 2025

Timothy

Family Traveller

There were quite a few crew members on the ship and they were all very helpful.

June 5, 2025
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