Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 3,917 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns worth booking?
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns is a 8.5-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $170 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 3,917 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (3,917)
- Duration
- 8.5 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. This 35-metre luxury fast superyacht departs Cairns with 5 hours spent exploring 2
What you get
About this experience
Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. This 35-metre luxury fast superyacht departs Cairns with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day. Visit two different outer reef locations on the Great Barrier Reef for the chance to see tropical marine life. Delicious fresh BBQ lunch, tea, coffee, light snack and glass of wine on the return journey is included. Upgrade to include additional water adventures such as introductory or certified scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight. Top quality equipment and instruction provided by friendly and professional instructors.
What's included
Included
- Free lycra/stinger suit hire
- 5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
- 1 pre-booked dive (if dive package is selected. Additional dives can be added once onboard)
- Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
- 10-minute Scenic Flight (if selected)
- All Fees and Taxes
- Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
- BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
- Use of snorkeling and scuba equipment
Not included
- Transportation to the meeting point
What you'll see and do
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 friendly crew, who will provide you with masks and snorkel, and then enjoy arrival tea, coffee and muffins before departure.
60 minutes here
Great Barrier Reef
Evolution departs Cairns at 8 am with a safety briefing on your way to your first reef location. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will 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.
180 minutes here
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
Evolution arrives at the second reef location for more snorkelling and/or scuba diving. 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!
60 minutes here
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
Check-in is from 7.15am to 7.45am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Evolution departs 8.00am sharp. Return transfers are available for an additional cost. You must contact Down Under Dive to book.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Check-in is from 7.15am to 7.45am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Evolution departs 8.00am sharp. Return transfers are available for an additional cost. You must contact Down Under Dive to book.
Options you can book
One Certified Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Snorkeling and Heli Flight
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef including a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight and free time to snorkel
One Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Cruise, Intro Dive and Heli
Cruise, Dive and Heli Flight: Outer Barrier Reef Cruise including 1 introductory, a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, and buffet lunch.
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel gear.
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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Down Under Cruise and Dive
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Check-in is from 7.15am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please make your way to the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter to check-in. Boat departs 8.00am.
- All divers are required to complete a Medical Questionnaire. In a commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years must have a medical clearance with a physician the confirms 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, doctor's signature and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel. Please note your Dive Instructor will conduct their own risk assessment on the day of travel to ensure the safety of all divers. This means the instructor has the authority to cancel a dive if they feel there is any risk involved, regardless of prior medical documentation.
- Children aged and under 12 years (introductory) and 10 years (certified divers) are not permitted to participate in onboard diving activities as per Queensland Australian Law.
- Children under the age of 18 must be in the immediate company of a parent or legal guardian.
- For Certified Diving, evidence of dive certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) is required from all divers day of wishing to participate in a certified dive.
- Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
- Due to comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg. Please contact the supplier directly for further information.
- Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to travel directly with the tour operator. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options are available.
- If you chose a package with a dive, this includes 1 pre-booked dive only (note: dives are not included with snorkel-only packages). Additional dives can be purchased onboard on the day or direct with the operator prior to travel.
- For the intro dive, no experience is needed
- No refunds for voluntary uncompleted or attempted dives.
Photos
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
- Price range
- $170 to $530
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1,371
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns cost?
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Prices start at $170 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 Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns take?
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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 Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 3,917 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns?
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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 Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns suitable for kids and families?
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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 Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns?
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Around 1,371 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?
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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 Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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