Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 2,676 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran worth booking?
Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran is a 9-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $175 per person. It scores 93 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 2,676 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 93 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (2,676)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $175 per person
Dive, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef with an award-winning company with 30 years’ experience operating personalized day tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The 80-foot catamaran sails from Cairns to two unique loca
What you get
- Complimentary Snorkel tour, tuition, and marine naturalist presentation
- Winter Wet Suits/Summer Sun Suits/Prescription Masks/Snorkeling Equipment Available
- Visit two exclusive Outer Reef locations for snorkeling and exploration
- Cruise aboard a stylish, modern high-speed catamaran
- All marine park fees and levies
- Indulge in a hot and cold chef-prepared buffet lunch onboard
About this experience
Dive, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef with an award-winning company with 30 years’ experience operating personalized day tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The 80-foot catamaran sails from Cairns to two unique locations where you can choose to dive or snorkel with colorful fish, turtles and an amazing array of coral. With a choice of 27 outer Great Barrier Reef destinations your friendly crew can select the location best suited to the weather offering you the best possible Great Barrier Reef experience on a luxury purpose built catamaran!
What's included
Included
- Complimentary Snorkel tour, tuition, and marine naturalist presentation
- Winter Wet Suits/Summer Sun Suits/Prescription Masks/Snorkeling Equipment Available
- Visit two exclusive Outer Reef locations for snorkeling and exploration
- Cruise aboard a stylish, modern high-speed catamaran
- All marine park fees and levies
- Indulge in a hot and cold chef-prepared buffet lunch onboard
- Enjoy tea/coffee on arrival, plus light snacks served during the day
Not included
- Soft drinks and alcohol available at the bar (cash and credit cards accepted)
- Cairns City Transfers
- Northern Beaches Transfers
What you'll see and do
Great Barrier Reef
Passions of Paradise have access to over 26 destinations on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Each day you will visit 2* of these locations chosen for their suitability to the weather conditions. Snorkel or dive with our experienced crew and view an underwater world teeming with marine life and spectacular coral reefs.
540 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cairns & the Tropical North
Please check in at the Passions of Paradise desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street Cairns. Check in is open from 7am and closes at 7:45am. Hotel transfers are available at an additional cost. Please contact us directly to arrange.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Please check in at the Passions of Paradise desk inside the Reef Fleet Terminal at 1 Spence Street Cairns. Check in is open from 7am and closes at 7:45am. Hotel transfers are available at an additional cost. Please contact us directly to arrange.
Options you can book
Cruise and Snorkel
Snorkel: Includes all snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel tour. No experience Required!
One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Includes one certified dive Certification Required : Proof of scuba diving certification is required prior to undertaking the experience
One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive (12yrs+): One introductory dive - minimum age 12. MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS: Prescription medication & certain medical conditions will preclude you from scuba diving without a Queensland Dive Medical.
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Passions of Paradise
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please bring swim wear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat!
- Check in will commence at 7.00am at the Reef Fleet Terminal and closes at 7:45am for an 8am departure
- Please note: prescription medication and certain medical conditions, both past and present, will preclude you from scuba diving in Queensland without a Queensland Dive Medical. These conditions include, but are not limited to, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, lung problems, ear problems, high or low blood pressure, current cough, cold or flu, chronic sinus conditions, fainting or seizures, plus the use of prescription medication including those used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Please contact us directly to discuss your suitability for diving.
- The minimum age for scuba diving in Queensland is 12 years
- Scuba Diving in Queensland; prescription medication and certain medical conditions, both past and present, will preclude you from scuba diving in Queensland without a Queensland Dive Medical. These conditions include, but are not limited to, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, lung problems, ear problems, high or low blood pressure, current cough, cold or flu, chronic sinus conditions, fainting or seizures, plus the use of prescription medication including those used for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
- Scuba divers must allow 18 hours between their last dive and a flight. You cannot participate in scuba diving if you plan to travel by air within 24 hours of your trip. This includes participating in sky diving activities.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,676 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
2,676 verified traveler reviews for Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Top Notch Snorkeling Tour
This was a great experience. Everyone of the crew were so friendly, helpful and fun. They took us to 2 snorkeling spots. We snorkeled about 1.5 hours in the morning and then an hour in the afternoon. Both spots were great. In between they served a very good buffet lunch. After the 2nd snorkeling session they gave a presentation about the reef. Very informative. Also on the way back they spotted some whales and slowed so that everyone on the boat could see them. Top notch tour!
via Tripadvisor
Great day on the reef....
Great day on the reef. The crew were friendly and knowledgable. Food was great too. I highly recommend!
via Viator
Magical reef experience
I cannot begin to explain in words how amazing this crew was. Marco was the best dive master I have ever had! Shout out to Andie, Joss, Parker, and JT for being so awesome! Truly such a wonderful day. Incredible diving incredible food, I love it all.
via Tripadvisor
Great Day on the Passions
Beautiful day! Great crew! Amazing gourmet meal! Rosie was a fabulous guide. Reef & lots of colorful fish! Thanks!!
via Tripadvisor
Great day on reef
We had a fabulous time. The crew was wonderful. You are able to snorkel before and after lunch so you may want to bring two towels. The lunch was fresh with six different salads.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $175 to $379
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 937
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 93
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.
How much does Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran cost?
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Prices start at $175 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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran 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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 93 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 2,676 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?
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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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 9-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?
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Around 937 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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran 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 Ocean Free: Small Group Great Barrier Reef & Green Island Tour, Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour, Barron River Rafting: Cairns, Port Douglas 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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