Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia

Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package

Outty Ranking 65 4.8 · 63 traveler reviews8.5 hoursFrom $799
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

65/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 63 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package worth booking?

Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package is a 8.5-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $799 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 63 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
65 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (63)
Duration
8.5 hours
From
$799 per person

Be our VIP’s for the day! Cruise to the Outer Reef onboard superyacht, Evolution, with access to your own private Gold Class lounge for the day with lots of inclusions. Dial up the luxury with VIP access to the exclusive

What you get

  • Semi-Submersible Tour for each guest (weather permitting)
  • Cruise onboard the fastest, most luxurious catamaran visiting two exclusive outer reef locations
  • Mini-bar with complimentary snacks (chocolates, chips etc.)
  • Lunch
  • Private coffee machine with coffee and tea amenities
  • 5 hours reef time with an included guided snorkel tour

About this experience

Be our VIP’s for the day! Cruise to the Outer Reef onboard superyacht, Evolution, with access to your own private Gold Class lounge for the day with lots of inclusions. Dial up the luxury with VIP access to the exclusive Gold Class Lounge, located on the second level a luxury catamaran for the day. Enjoy all the benefits of a large, stable, fully equipped catamaran with the feel and service level of a private charter but at a fraction of the cost. Complete with dedicated concierge service and a range of value adds, the Gold Class lounge delivers an unparalleled experience for couples, honeymooners, multi-generational families, small groups of friends (up to 8 guests), or anyone seeking a premium Great Barrier Reef experience without the high-end price tag. This lounge is unique to Cairns and one of a kind.

What's included

Included

  • Semi-Submersible Tour for each guest (weather permitting)
  • Cruise onboard the fastest, most luxurious catamaran visiting two exclusive outer reef locations
  • Mini-bar with complimentary snacks (chocolates, chips etc.)
  • Lunch
  • Private coffee machine with coffee and tea amenities
  • 5 hours reef time with an included guided snorkel tour
  • Exclusive access for up to 8 guests to the GOLD CLASS luxury lounge located on the second level
  • Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
  • $20 Admin/Fuel Levy
  • A glass of wine, cheese and biscuits on return journey
  • Dedicated concierge service for the day
  • Complimentary lycra/sun suit and towel hire
  • $20 per person onboard credit to use how you wish

Not included

  • Scuba Diving - optional add-on up to 3 Introductory or Certified Dives - contact reservations
  • Discounted Helicopter Flights - optional add-ons, contact reservations POA
  • Return Transfers - optional add-on, contact reservations
  • Additional guests - price is listed for 2 adults. Call Reservations to add more guests (costs apply)

What you'll see and do

  1. Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal between 7.15am - 7.45am. Once checked in, you can make your way down to the boat, Evolution. Be greeted by your dedicated concierge for the day, who will show you to your private VIP lounge and provide you with masks and snorkel. Enjoy arrival tea, coffee and muffins before departure as well as your own private tea and coffee machine and complimentary snacks. Complimentary towel hire and sunscreen are provided in your room as well.

    60 minutes here

  2. Evolution departs Cairns at 8 am. You will have a private safety briefing from your concierge team member for the day inside your private lounge. After your safety briefing, cruise for 1 hour and 30 minutes, before you arrive at the first reef location. This will either be Saxon Reef or Norman Reef based on weather conditions and water clarity, to ensure the best experience for all activities. Enjoy snorkelling the Outer Reef. Included in the Gold Class package, you can experience snorkelling with one of our guides. They can show you all the best spots and marine life! Dial up the adventure and add a scuba dive (additional costs apply).

    180 minutes here

  3. Great Barrier Reef

    Enjoy a BBQ lunch onboard (special dietary requirements catered for). The spread features an Australian barbecue with fresh fish, steak, prawns, and a variety of salads, and breads.

    60 minutes here

  4. Evolution arrives at the second reef location for more snorkelling and/or scuba diving (scuba diving is an additional cost). Marvel at the incredible richness and diversity of marine life as you snorkel at another Outer Reef location. If you prefer to stay dry, sit back and enjoy the views with our three deck spaces available for lounging. Dial up the adventure and choose the package with the 10-minute scenic helicopter flight to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above! Additional costs apply for the helicopter flight - please ask Reservations when booking.

    120 minutes here

  5. As you return to the mainland after a full day in paradise, enjoy complimentary afternoon tea of cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine as you toast to a great day visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Evolution arrives back to Cairns at approximately 4.30pm.

    90 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Cairns & the Tropical North

Please make your way to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street for check-in between 07:15-07:45. Evolution departs 8.00am. Accommodation transfers are available at additional charge however most inner city hotels are easy walking distance from check-in.

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Please make your way to the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street for check-in between 07:15-07:45. Evolution departs 8.00am. Accommodation transfers are available at additional charge however most inner city hotels are easy walking distance from check-in.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
de, cmn, ja, en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Every day
Group size
Up to 15 travelers per booking
Operated by
Down Under Cruise and Dive

Know before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 2Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 3Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 4Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 5Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 6Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 7

Good to know

Duration
8.5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
22
Verdict
Solid Choice

Who runs this experience

Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 74.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

See everything Down Under Cruise and Dive runs

Why this scores 65

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
Review evidence (18% weight)55
Booking momentum (14% weight)48
Value for money (12% weight)0
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)62
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.

How much does Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package cost?

+

Prices start at $799 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package take?

+

Plan for about 8.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.

Is Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package worth it?

+

It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 63 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package?

+

Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package suitable for kids and families?

+

Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package?

+

Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

+

Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 8.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package start and how do I get there?

+

The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?

+

On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?

+

Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?

+

Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

+

Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

Ready to lock in your spot?

Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Great Barrier Reef Cruise - Gold Class VIP Lounge Package.

Pick your date