Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 2,047 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour worth booking?
Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour is a 9-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $160 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 2,047 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (2,047)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $160 per person
Enjoy the most guest-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a fast travelling stylish and comfortable catamaran from Cairns! A "barefoot luxury" and stylish snorkel and dive experience, visiting 2 very different and unique Great Barrier Reef Sites. "Wonder Wall" on the outer edge Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay reef area - an aquarium style coral garden with the most beautiful clear blue azure waters. Spend six hours (more than any other reef tour) to snorkel or scuba dive (see options below) these Green Zone Marine Park highly protected areas. Absolutely no rush in the day. Enjoy complimentary Glass- Bottom Boat tour (subject to sea conditions) and Adventure Drift Snorkel tours with your onboard marine naturalist. This cruise is limited to 75 guests, ensuring quality customer service and passenger comfort. An all day "feel good" reef tour - come and experience our hospitality - we would love the opportunity for you to travel with our local family reef tours!
What you get
About this experience
Enjoy the most guest-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a fast travelling stylish and comfortable catamaran from Cairns! A "barefoot luxury" and stylish snorkel and dive experience, visiting 2 very different and unique Great Barrier Reef Sites. "Wonder Wall" on the outer edge Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay reef area - an aquarium style coral garden with the most beautiful clear blue azure waters. Spend six hours (more than any other reef tour) to snorkel or scuba dive (see options below) these Green Zone Marine Park highly protected areas. Absolutely no rush in the day. Enjoy complimentary Glass- Bottom Boat tour (subject to sea conditions) and Adventure Drift Snorkel tours with your onboard marine naturalist. This cruise is limited to 75 guests, ensuring quality customer service and passenger comfort. An all day "feel good" reef tour - come and experience our hospitality - we would love the opportunity for you to travel with our local family reef tours!
What's included
Included
- Tea and coffee throughout the day
- Wetsuits or lycra suits (depending on season)
- Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood
- Platters of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers
- Freshwater showers
- Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees
- Snorkeling instruction and in-water crew assistance if required
- Six full hours on the Great Barrier Reef with stops at two uniquely different reef locations
- Snorkeling tour with a marine naturalist in a highly protected Marine Park zone of the GBR
- Snorkeling equipment (snorkel, marks, flippers, and buoyancy vests)
- Informative Glass Bottom Boat Tour On Great Barrier Reef site (Subject to weather conditions)
- Guided interpretative Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour (Subject to weather conditions)
- "Barefoot luxury" Great Barrier Reef experience on a fast stylish catamaran
Not included
- Confectionery, Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Only Pre-book diving if no medical conditions/taking medication - some may preclude you from diving
- OPTIONAL Diving : x1 or x2 cert dives / x1 or x2 Intro dives
What you'll see and do
Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom Reef Tours
After check-in board the vessel, grab a coffee, a Danish pastry, fresh fruit & settle in. After just over an hour we arrive at our first Great Barrier Reef destination - the beautiful "Wonder Wall " on the outer edge of Upolu reef. Snorkel, SCUBA (extra) this stunning Great Barrier Reef site teaming with fish and marine life. Experience an informative complimentary Glass Bottom Boat & Adventure Drift Snorkel tour with our very attentive guides. After a morning of activities enjoy a large scrumptious lunch as we cruise to Upolu Cay. Snorkel this "coral garden" tropical oasis - look out for turtles & sting rays! When conditions allow you can even land on this glistening white coral Cay! Enjoy six hours of snorkelling, relaxing between these 2 uniquely different reef sites. After a magical day we return to Cairns serving fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and cake arriving back in Cairns by around 4.15 pm . We are thrilled to now have you as part of our ever growing Ocean Freedom family!
30 minutes here
Great Barrier Reef
Our Marine Guides will enthrall you on a reef and marine life discovery on an a highly informative and engaging Adventure Snorkel Tour and Glass Bottom Boat Tour at our two unique Upolu Reef sites - "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge Upolu Reef and our "Aquarium" coral garden reef site amongst the beautiful shallow, azure coloured waters of Upolu Cay Reef. These sites are in Marine Park highly protected zones where no fishing is allowed, hence the abundance of fish and marine life. Come and find your favourite Hollywood Nemo character! With 6 hrs of actual un-rushed reef time you have plenty of time to do both complimentary activities and continue exploring yourself under the guidance of our attentive crew!
360 minutes here
Ocean Freedom travels to two Great Barrier Reef sites - "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge of Upolu reef (a truly magnificent snorkel and dive site) and Upolu Cay Reef - a beautiful shallow turquoise coral garden site. Upolu Cay site is truly magnificent - picture a coral garden reef with lots of colourful reef fish darting in and out of the staghorn coral as you snorkel in these crystal clear shallow waters surrounding Upolu Cay. Look out for turtles popping to the surface for a breath of air, stingrays eagerly scouring the bottom for food. Sometimes you can stand thigh deep on the Cay in the middle of the ocean, other days we can land on this glistening white beautiful coral cay - each day a little mystery of nature but always we have the stunning turquoise waters to snorkel in and around this magnificent Great Barrier Reef area. Make sure you have your camera ready for this truly picturesque site!
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
Starting point is at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (RFT) located 1,Spence Str Cairns .
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Starting point is at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (RFT) located 1,Spence Str Cairns .
Options you can book
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + Two Certified Dives
Two Certified Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + Two Introductory Dives
Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Snorkel Family Pack (2ad+2ch)
Snorkel only Family Pack: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise Family Pack from Cairns including snorkeling (2 adults + 2 children 4- 14 years)
Tour + One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Snorkel Tour
Snorkel only: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise from Cairns including snorkeling
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A maximum of 75 people ensures a unique and personalized experience
- The order in which the snorkeling and dive sites are visited may changes as it is dependent on the conditions on the day
- Guests come from many countries and many only have a small opportunity to visit the reef. The vessel will operate in all weather conditions (apart from gale force and severe weather warnings) and has extra procedures to make the day the best possible. If you are concerned about the weather, please visit www.bom.gov.au cairns coastal report - it will give you a 4 day forecast. 10-20 knots is a normal good day. Date of travel can be changed subject to availability and also full refund if cancelling with minimum 24hrs notice. Our vessels are open air with good boat movement so less likely to suffer seasickness than some other closed vessels however, if prone to motion sickness we recommend taking travel sickness tablets 20 minutes before boarding the vessel.
- The operation of the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour is subject to weather conditions and may not operate in rough seas.
- If intending to take part in diving all divers (whether certified or introductory diver) will be required to fill out a diving medical questionnaire on board. If diving is an important option for you, please advise if you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medications so we can advise if any QLD diving medical clearance is required prior to day of travel . Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. It is imperative for your safety that you answer the questions on the form truthfully.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,047 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
2,047 verified traveler reviews for Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best Day Ever
My friends and I had the best time on our Great Barrier Reef tour with Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom! The crew was amazing, the food was great, and both the snorkelers and divers in our group loved their experiences. I would recommend this to anyone considering a Great Barrier Reef tour (especially those new to snorkeling)! They also encouraged our group to have a belly flop competition off the back of the boat, which was a hit!
Response from the operator: Hi Maria, Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you and your friends had the best day ever exploring the Great Barrier Reef with Ocean Freedom! It’s wonderful to know that both the snorkelers and divers in your group had such a great experience, and that you enjoyed the food and our amazing crew. We especially love hearing that our team helped make the experience enjoyable for those new to snorkelling! And of course, we’re glad the belly flop competition was a hit! It sounds like there were plenty of laughs and unforgettable memories made on board. Thank you for recommending Ocean Freedom to others. We’d love to welcome you and your friends back again for another fun-filled day on the reef!
via Tripadvisor
Book your tour!
Highly recommend Ocean Freedom! One of the top highlights of our trip to Australia. Super helpful and knowledgeable crew, lovely glass bottom boat tour, and plenty of time to snorkel. I especially want to thank Tori, Ollie, and Marie for how supportive they were, we were a little nervous to get out there in the water and they really helped us to get comfortable.
Response from the operator: Hi Shahrzad, Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear that your day with Ocean Freedom was one of the highlights of your trip to Australia. It’s especially lovely to hear that Tori, Ollie, and Marie helped you feel comfortable and confident in the water. We know that trying snorkelling can feel a little daunting at first, so it’s fantastic to know their encouragement and support made such a difference to your experience. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to them! We’re delighted you enjoyed the glass-bottom boat tour and had plenty of time to explore the incredible Great Barrier Reef. We hope to welcome you back on board for another memorable reef adventure in the future!
via Viator
Absolutely amazing day...
Absolutely amazing day out with the crew on Ocean Freedom. The entire crew were brilliant, attentive and nothing was too much for them. Food provided was of an excellent quality and provided all day. I couldn’t recommend this package enough, you absolutely won’t be disappointed!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing day out with us on Ocean Freedom. Our crew will be delighted to know their attentiveness and care helped make your experience so special. It’s also wonderful to hear you enjoyed the food on board! Your kind words and recommendation mean a great deal to our whole team. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another unforgettable day on the reef!
via Viator
Amazing!
I had the most incredible experience the staff was so friendly, supportive and honestly couldn’t do more for us. We had two amazing snorkels where they supported us through all the reef life and animals. We also had the chance to go on a glass boat. The food provided was incredible and I could not have asked for a better experience . If you want a Great Barrier Reef experience this is the one!
Response from the operator: Hi Lucy, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear you had such an incredible experience with us on Ocean Freedom. It’s lovely to know our crew made you feel welcome and supported throughout your snorkelling adventures, and that you enjoyed exploring the amazing reef life, our glass-bottom boat tour, and the food on board. Your kind words mean a lot to our entire team, and we’re especially grateful for your recommendation. Thank you for choosing Ocean Freedom to experience the Great Barrier Reef! We hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another unforgettable reef adventure!
via Viator
Loved it
Absolutely amazing day. Great crew especially Reece who took great care of my kids who were snorkelling for the first time
Response from the operator: Hi Nancy, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had an absolutely amazing day out on the Great Barrier Reef with us. It’s wonderful to know that Reece took such great care of your kids and helped make their first snorkelling experience a memorable one. We’ll be sure to pass on your kind words to him! Thank you for choosing Ocean Freedom for your reef adventure. We hope to welcome you and your family back on board!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $160 to $468
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 716
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour cost?
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Prices start at $160 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 Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour take?
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Plan for about 9 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 Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 2,047 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 Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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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 Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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Around 716 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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour 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 Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, 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.
What is included in Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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Included: Tea and coffee throughout the day; Wetsuits or lycra suits (depending on season); Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood; Platters of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers; and Freshwater showers. Not included: Confectionery, Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Only Pre-book diving if no medical conditions/taking medication - some may preclude you fr; and OPTIONAL Diving : x1 or x2 cert dives / x1 or x2 Intro dives. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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Starting point is at the Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal (RFT) located 1,Spence Str Cairns . Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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Across 2,047 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, good for families, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
What booking options are available for Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Tour + One Introductory Dive, Tour + Two Certified Dives, Tour + Two Introductory Dives, Snorkel Family Pack (2ad+2ch). Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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