Day Tour
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Great Barrier Reef Snorkel and Dive Day Cruise from Cairns

(23 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 8.5 hours

 

Highlights

  • Cruise to two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef sites aboard a high-speed catamaran
  • All-inclusive package with hotel transfers, meals, snorkeling gear, and one FREE scuba dive
  • Expert crew support for all levels — from first-time snorkelers to certified divers

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What to expect

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

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 23 reviewsRead all reviews
Sofie

What a great day! Saw my first ever sea turtle and loads of really pretty little fish. It was amazing doing my first ever scuba dive and now I want to get my license

Adele

What a nice time on the water. The staff were really nice and the sea was so beautiful. It was lovely being out on the sea and seeing all the fish and turtles. One of my Australia highlights.

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Catamaran cruise
  • FREE Pick up and Return to Cairns City Accommodation
  • Up to 6 hours at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
  • Unlimited Snorkelling at morning and afternoon locations.
  • All equipment INCLUDING wetsuit hire & lycra suits
  • FREE Scuba Dive (Medical Conditions do apply)
  • FREE Marine Biology Presentation
  • Breakfast consisting of barbecue bacon & egg rolls, coffee, tea and fruit platters
  • Delicious Buffet BBQ lunch with an assortment of fresh salads
  • Cheese & fruit platter & complimentary wine on the return journey

Extra

  • 2nd Introductory/Resort Scuba Dive  – $75.00
  • 2nd Certified Dive – $55.00
  • Dive Guide for Certified Diver – $15.00
  • Marine Biologist Tour – $40.00
  • Prescription Masks – $10.00
  • Underwater cameras are available to hire (including SD card) from $89
  • Drinks, snacks, cameras, souvenirs, t-shirts etc.
  • Professional photos

PUBLIC HOLIDAY SURCHARGE
*Payable onboard the day of travel

  • (a) A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December every year – Christmas Day
  • (b) A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to the following days:
    • 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
    • 3, 4, 5 & 6 April 2026 – Easter Weekend
    • 26 December 2026 – Boxing Day
    • 26, 27, 28 & 29 April 2027 – Easter Weekend

*Prices subject to change without notice. 

Time and Departure Location

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

Important Information

Know before you go

  • The minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years of age. Certain medical condition, medications and height restrictions may prevent some people from participating in this activity.

What To Bring

  • Swimsuit and towel
  • Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Light jacket during the cooler months

Cancellation Policy

  • All bookings are non-refundable
  • 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

Is the included scuba dive suitable for first-time divers?

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.

Can I spend the day snorkelling instead of using the included scuba dive?

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.

How long should I wait before flying after scuba diving?

Allow 24 hours after your last dive before taking a commercial flight, helicopter transfer or travelling to altitude. The dedicated reef-and-helicopter experience is an exception and allows guests to dive and fly within the same package.

What should I expect from the boat journey if I get seasick?

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.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

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.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

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.

23 Reviews
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Dave

Group Traveller

Really good day out on the sea. Plenty to see out there. Tonnes of fish and coral that’s really colourful.

August 18, 2025

Adam

Group Traveller

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.

August 13, 2025

Lloyd

Group Traveller

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

August 8, 2025

Blake

Group Traveller

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.

July 24, 2025

Toby

Group Traveller

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!

July 15, 2025
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