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Outer Great Barrier Reef Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Cairns

(15 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 8.5 hours

 

Highlights

  • Cruise aboard a 35-metre luxury superyacht from Cairns to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
  • Snorkel at 2 exclusive reef sites with equipment, lessons, and 5 hours of reef time included
  • Indulge in a chef-prepared BBQ lunch and unwind with wine, cheese, and biscuits on the return cruise

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What to expect

Step aboard a 35-metre luxury superyacht for a full-day Outer Great Barrier Reef adventure from Cairns. Begin your day with tea, coffee, and morning tea as you cruise in comfort toward two exclusive reef moorings carefully selected for their pristine coral and abundant marine life.

Spend up to five hours exploring the reef with all snorkelling equipment provided, along with professional instruction for beginners. Jump into the crystal-clear waters to swim alongside colourful tropical fish, vibrant corals, and maybe even a sea turtle.

Back onboard, refuel with a chef-prepared barbecue lunch featuring fresh prawns, fish, steak, salads, and bread. In the afternoon, enjoy more time at the second reef site before cruising back to Cairns. On the return journey, relax on deck with a complimentary glass of wine accompanied by cheese and biscuits.

With a qualified, friendly crew ensuring safety and comfort, this luxury superyacht tour combines indulgence, adventure, and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef for an unforgettable day on the water.

Sample Itinerary

7:15am – 7:45am: Check-in, Reef Fleet Terminal
8.00am: Evolution departs Cairns
9.45am: Arrive at reef location 1
11:30am: Enjoy a BBQ buffet lunch onboard
1:00pm: Evolution arrives at reef location 2
3:00pm: Evolution departs for Cairns
4:30pm: Evolution arrives back in Cairns

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 15 reviewsRead all reviews
Amber

Best thing we did in Australia. Lunch was delicious and catered to my allergies of gluten and dairy which can often be tricky! All staff on boat was kind and helpful. Both snorkelling spots were great! Don’t miss out and sign up

Nicola

We swam at 2 sites on the Great Barrier Reef. Well snorkelled and it was so well organized. Great guides, all the crew were amazing and made sure you had a great time. Lunch was incredible, steak cooked to perfection and king prawns were delicious. Salads were great. So glad we booked this tour. The Evolution was an incredible boat. So much room and so comfortable.

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • Full-day reef cruise
  • 2 outer reef site visits
  • 5 hours of reef time to snorkel
  • Snorkel and dive equipment (depending on option selected)
  • One introductory or certified scuba dives (depending on the option selected)
  • Lycra suits
  • Safety briefings and tutorials
  • Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
  • Morning tea, coffee, and muffins
  • 1 glass of wine with cheese and biscuits on the return trip

Extra

  • Semi-submersible tour
  • Marine biologist tour
  • Underwater camera hire

Time and Departure Location

Checkin at the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns from 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM. The vessel departs at 8 AM and returns at approximately 4:30 PM.

Check availability to see starting times.

Important Information

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • The minimum age for introductory diving is 12 years old
  • This activity is dependent on the weather
  • All divers are required to complete an onboard medical questionnaire
  • Divers over 65 must have medical clearance from a physician confirming they are fit to dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and any prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor’s name and practice, and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition
  • Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted
  • Special dietary requirements should be confirmed directly with the activity provider
  • Languages spoken onboard: English, German, Japanese, Chinese Mandarin.

What To Bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Swimwear
  • Change of clothes
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash

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

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

Yes. Every snorkeller receives an equipment fitting, safety briefing and practical guidance before entering the water. Flotation vests and noodles are available, while snorkel supervisors monitor the water and can assist when needed. Let the crew know if you would like extra support, then begin at a pace that feels comfortable.

Can I enjoy the reef if I prefer to stay dry?

Yes. You can relax in the air-conditioned lounges or across the outdoor decks while the boat is moored at the reef. An optional semi-submersible tour also lets you view coral and marine life below the surface without entering the water. This experience is available at an additional cost and is subject to conditions and availability.

Is this tour a good choice for families with children?

Yes. Families can combine snorkelling with time in the air-conditioned lounges and spacious outdoor deck areas. Child-size masks and fins are available, along with flotation aids and beginner guidance for children who would like extra support in the water. Guests under 18 must travel with an adult, while scuba diving has separate age and medical requirements.

How are the two reef locations chosen?

The two Outer Reef locations are selected each day according to weather, sea conditions and water clarity. The itinerary generally visits Norman or Saxon Reef first, followed by North Hastings Reef later in the day. This flexibility helps the crew choose the best available locations for snorkelling and marine-life viewing.

What should I do if I am prone to seasickness?

The 35-metre catamaran provides a more stable ride than a smaller vessel, but the open-water crossing can still become choppy. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking a suitable preventative before departure and ask a pharmacist which option is right for you. Seasickness tablets are also sold onboard, but they work best when taken before the boat leaves Cairns.

Can I snorkel if I wear glasses?

Yes. Prescription snorkel masks are available free of charge with a refundable deposit, with lens powers ranging from -3 to -7. Ask the crew during the journey to the reef and they can help fit the closest available option.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free lunch options can be arranged alongside the onboard barbecue selection. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.

15 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Amber

Family Traveller

Best thing we did in Australia. Lunch was delicious and catered to my allergies of gluten and dairy which can often be tricky! All staff on boat was kind and helpful. Both snorkelling spots were great! Don’t miss out and sign up

July 22, 2025

Monika

Couple Traveller

I booked the snorkel and discovery dive – and it was truly fantastic. Mike was a very knowledgeable and empathetic dive instructor and made me felt safe under water. The crew on board was kind and very respectful with each other. Unfortunately the sea was quite rough and a few people got sick. I recommend checking the weather conditions before booking if you tend to get sea sick.

July 17, 2025

Arun

Couple Traveller

Lot of time for snorkeling. Two reef sites and experienced team.

July 14, 2025

Susan

Group Traveller

We had two great stops, with lots of sea life, swam beside turtles, saw a reef shark, dog tooth tuna and got a great photo with Wally the massive Māori wrasse

June 24, 2025

Maria

Group Traveller

Awesome! Had a lovely time snorkeling at two locations. Got some scones and muffins before departure and a buffet lunch between the two sites. All equipment was provided by the crew. Recommend bringing two towels. Only comment is that the guy in charge for the day talked a lot, in great detail, about seasickness. To the extent that if you were to be someone who needed to buy seasick tablets, you did not have time because he talked about it for so long that that 20 min window closed. So bring your own tablets if you’re unsure!

June 21, 2025
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