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Great Barrier Reef Cruise on Premium Catamaran from Cairns

(49 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 9 hours

 

Highlights

  • Visit 2 outer reef sites with snorkeling, diving, or swimming options
  • Enjoy a chef-prepared tropical buffet lunch with hot & cold dishes
  • Relax aboard a luxury catamaran with eco-certified marine guides

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What to expect

Set sail on a luxury catamaran for a full-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Departing from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, your experienced crew will select the day’s two reef locations from Flynn, Milln, Norman, or Hastings reefs, ensuring the best conditions and most vibrant marine life.

As you cruise toward the outer reef, relax with morning tea and enjoy expert commentary from marine biologists about the reef’s ecosystem. The crew will also provide snorkeling tips to help you make the most of your experience. Feel the breeze on the open deck, sunbathe on the trampoline netting, or simply soak up the ocean views.

At the first reef site, dive into crystal-clear waters to snorkel, dive, or swim among parrotfish, angelfish, and anemonefish. Turtles, giant wrasse, and reef sharks are also commonly spotted. Afterward, savor a chef-prepared buffet lunch with hot dishes, fresh salads, and tropical fruit.

Continue to a second reef site for more underwater exploration or simply relax on board. On the sail back to Cairns, enjoy a drink from the bar (own expense), chat with the crew, or attend an eco-presentation about reef conservation.

The cruise departs from Cairns Marina at 8:00 am and returns to Cairns at 5:00 pm.

Please note: The minimum age to participate in scuba diving is 12 years old.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 49 reviewsRead all reviews
Simon

Good value for money. The food was very good. The boat was quite stable despite the weather. Sufficient time for snorkeling. Good snorkeling gear. I would recommend it.

Neesha

Passion adventures really lives up to the name, the whole crew are passionate about the day and care about everyone. The whole day was well organised, and you always knew exactly what was happening and when. I was travelling solo and snorkeling for the first time, and it was made so easy thanks to Shay's support. A hero without a cape, he swam with us and gave us a guided tour around the reef so we could enjoy it without worrying about staying afloat and swimming in the choppy water. I'd recommend this company 1000% over the others, you won't regret it, thanks Shay!

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Guided snorkeling tour
  • Sailing on a stylish and fast catamaran to two unique outer reef destinations
  • Flotation belts
  • Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
  • An on-board marine life presentation
  • Winter wetsuits or sunsuits in summer months
  • Prescription masks
  • 1 x Introductory / Certified Scuba dive (if option selected)
  • Guided Eco Discovery Snorkel tour with a Marine Biologist (if option selected)

Extra

  • Underwater camera hire/photography services with an 8GB SD card
  • Souvenirs
  • Bottled water, snacks, and drinks from the bar
  • Hotel transfers

Time and Departure Location

Please check in at Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (1 Spence Street, Cairns City)

Check availability to see starting times.

The cruise departs from Cairns Marina at 8:00 am and returns to Cairns at 5:00 pm.

Important Information

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • All passengers must complete a QLD medical questionnaire on the boat before departure. Some medical conditions (both past and present) may preclude you from diving. Contact the supplier for further information regarding this
  • If you are doing an introductory dive you need to fill out and sign a medical declaration form
  • The minimum age for diving is 12 years old with parental consent and completion of a medical questionnaire
  • Passengers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over 18 years old
  • A moderate level of fitness is required as this is an in-water-based activity
  • All certified divers must provide proof of certification
  • At times it may only be possible to visit 1 destination (e.g. Hastings) due to inclement weather. The skipper will decide on the way to the reef and keep everyone informed of the sailing plans
  • The minimum age to participate in scuba diving is 12 years old.

What To Bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Beachwear
  • Diving certification (if certified dive option selected)

Cancellation Policy

  • Customer-requested cancellations made at least 6 days prior to travel will receive a refund of 95% of the total booking amount. The remaining 5% will be retained as a non-refundable administration and booking fee. 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.
  • 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

How much time will we spend at the Great Barrier Reef?

You can expect around four and a half to five hours at the Outer Great Barrier Reef, split between two locations. This gives you two separate opportunities to snorkel, swim or dive, with time to enjoy lunch and relax on the catamaran between reef sessions.

Is this tour suitable for first-time or less-confident snorkellers?

Yes. A snorkelling briefing, equipment fitting, flotation belts and a guided snorkel are included. First-time and less-confident snorkellers can ease into the water with crew support, while non-swimmers can use a flotation device and stay with a guide in an easy-to-navigate area.

Which booking option should I choose?

Choose the standard snorkelling option if you want to explore both reef locations from the surface, with equipment and a guided snorkel included. Choose an introductory dive if you would like to try scuba diving without previous certification. Certified divers can select the certified dive option and will need to bring proof of certification. The Eco Discovery option is ideal if you want a more focused guided snorkel with a marine biologist.

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

Yes. The introductory dive option is designed for guests without previous scuba experience. Instruction and equipment are provided, with introductory divers entering from the catamaran under close instructor supervision. Participants must be at least 12 years old and meet the required medical questionnaire conditions.

How are the two reef locations chosen?

The two locations are selected on the day from a network of 24 private Outer Reef moorings. The skipper considers the weather, wind, tides and sea conditions when choosing the locations, helping you experience the most suitable reef sites available that day.

Is this tour a good choice for families?

Yes. The spacious catamaran, guided snorkelling, flotation equipment, buffet lunch and marine life presentation make the day enjoyable for families with different interests and swimming abilities. Children who do not want to spend the whole session in the water can relax on the upper deck or bow trampoline between activities. Guests wanting to scuba dive must meet the minimum diving age and medical requirements.

What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?

The catamaran offers a more stable ride than a traditional single-hull vessel, and its sails can provide additional stability during suitable conditions. Seasickness prevention is most effective when taken before departure, so speak with a pharmacist and take your preferred remedy before boarding. Seasickness tablets are also available to purchase onboard.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian hot and cold dishes are normally available as part of the tropical buffet lunch. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.

49 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Luca

Fantastic experience, the whole team was knowledgeable, friendly and always available. Special thanks to Roberto, who was truly super professional and ultra helpful. Definitely a must do activity in Cairns with them.

September 4, 2026

Simon

Good value for money. The food was very good. The boat was quite stable despite the weather. Sufficient time for snorkeling. Good snorkeling gear. I would recommend it.

July 17, 2026

Giuseppe

A wonderful experience. The boat is very spacious, and there was plenty of room despite the large number of people. The team were always supportive and professional. The lunch and the various snacks offered throughout the day were very good. Obviously you take the tour to see the coral reef from the water, we opted for snorkeling only, and it was still lovely to swim near the reef. I highly recommend this agency, one of the very few entirely run by a local team.

June 9, 2026

Maja

We had an absolutely amazing day. Great, informative and helpful staff, lovely food, and an awesome bonus with the prescription goggles. Can’t recommend enough! 😍

June 8, 2026

Neesha

Passion adventures really lives up to the name, the whole crew are passionate about the day and care about everyone. The whole day was well organised, and you always knew exactly what was happening and when. I was travelling solo and snorkeling for the first time, and it was made so easy thanks to Shay’s support. A hero without a cape, he swam with us and gave us a guided tour around the reef so we could enjoy it without worrying about staying afloat and swimming in the choppy water. I’d recommend this company 1000% over the others, you won’t regret it, thanks Shay!

April 26, 2026
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