![]()
Step aboard the high-speed catamaran Reef Experience for Cairns’ only all-inclusive Great Barrier Reef day tour. Your adventure begins with a convenient hotel transfer and a tropical breakfast as you cruise toward the Outer Reef.
Throughout the day, you’ll visit two spectacular reef locations, each alive with colorful corals and fascinating marine life. Snorkel directly from the boat or enjoy your FREE introductory scuba dive, designed for both beginners and experienced divers.
Never snorkeled before or can’t swim? The friendly crew will guide you every step of the way, fitting your equipment and even joining you in the water to ensure you feel safe and confident. For experienced swimmers, the crew can point out the best coral gardens and hidden marine marvels.
Between reef sessions, refuel with a freshly prepared lunch and later relax on deck with a light snack on the return journey. This all-inclusive experience guarantees an unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef.
Sample itinerary
7:30 am – Board the Reef Experience vessel at the Marlin Jetty, Cairns
8:00 am – Depart Cairns for the Outer Great Barrier Reef
8:30 am – Breakfast is served, followed by a Marine Biology Presentation and a briefing on scuba diving and snorkelling
9:30 am – Arrive at the first reef site for snorkelling and diving
12:30 pm – Enjoy a buffet-style lunch onboard the boat
1:00 pm – Arrive at the second reef site for more snorkelling and diving
3:00 pm – Depart the Outer Great Barrier Reef and indulge in some refreshments on the journey back to Cairns
4:30 pm – Arrive back at the Marlin Jetty in Cairns
My trip to Great Barrier Reef was amazing. Got to do scuba diving for the first time. The staffs were very helpful and nice, especially Danae. She has a good service mind and very friendly. Recommended guys.
Insane value for money! Can’t believe we could go for a dive for that price!
PUBLIC HOLIDAY SURCHARGE
*Payable onboard the day of travel
*Prices subject to change without notice.
Pick Up: Check-in starts at 7.30 am, please go directly to Reef Experience located at Marlin Jetty “A” Finger.
Return transfers are included from Cairns CBD hotels. Please check availability to see pick-up points. (If your hotel is not on the list of available pick-up locations, please contact the tour operator after booking to arrange an alternative pick-up.)
Returns: Approx 4.30pm to Cairns
Know before you go
Yes. No previous scuba experience or certification is needed for the included introductory dive. You’ll begin with a clear lesson and basic skills practice before entering the water with a qualified instructor. Guests must be at least 12 years old and meet the diving medical requirements.
Absolutely. The dive is optional, and you can spend the day snorkelling at both outer reef locations. Equipment, a wetsuit or lycra suit, instruction, flotation aids and in-water assistance are included, making it easy for both experienced snorkellers and first-timers to enjoy the reef at their own pace.
Allow at least 24 hours between your last scuba dive and flying or travelling to altitude. If you are flying sooner, you can still enjoy both reef locations by snorkelling instead of diving.
The high-speed catamaran usually reaches the outer reef in around 90 minutes. Sea conditions can vary, so it is worth preparing before departure if you are prone to motion sickness. Complimentary ginger tablets are available onboard, and stronger motion-sickness medication can be purchased.
Yes. Families can enjoy shallow snorkelling areas, children’s life jackets and flotation noodles, in-water crew assistance, a marine biology presentation and plenty of indoor and outdoor space between activities. Children aged 12 and over who meet the medical requirements can also try the introductory scuba dive.
Yes. Breakfast and buffet lunch are prepared fresh onboard, with dietary requirements catered for when arranged in advance. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.
Really good day out on the sea. Plenty to see out there. Tonnes of fish and coral that’s really colourful.
You get a little better than what you pay for. It’s not the best boat out there, but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than the rest! If you haven’t been diving before and just want to see the reef this is a good way to start.
A really good day out on the reef for not very much money. I heard they all cost a lot more than this so this was a nice surprise, especially doing my first scuba dive
We are visiting up from Adelaide and had a great day out on the Reef Experience boat. Had a brief showing from a little reef shark so that was really exciting.
1st time id ever done scuba diving and it was really good. going to try do more in cairns but none are as cheap as this one!
Share your thoughts with other travellers
We need your email to verify that your review is genuine. We won't spam you.