Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia

Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

Outty Ranking 90 4.9 · 2,695 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $19790+ Club
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Outty Ranking

90/100

90+ Club. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 2,695 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 $197 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 2,695 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
90 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (2,695)
Duration
9 hours
From
$197 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 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    • 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.

    • Cruise and Snorkel

      Snorkel: Includes all snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel tour. No experience Required!

    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 30 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

    Relax on our Sun Deck and Boom Nets, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the Tropical NorthEco Discovery Snorkel Tour, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the Tropical NorthPassions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 4Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the Tropical NorthSnorkel the Great Barrier Reef, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the Tropical NorthJoin our crew for our marine life presentations on the way home!, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran in Cairns & the...

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 2,694 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    4 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    2,694 verified traveler reviews for Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,510
    4 star
    107
    3 star
    34
    2 star
    15
    1 star
    28
    Sort
    983liddyr · October 2026

    Absolutely Amazing

    As a non-swimmer and someone afraid of the ocean, I didn’t think I would ever experience the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. But Passions of Paradise made it happen. Our guide, Rosie, and Sofia (another friendly crew member) made it such a wonderful experience. They were so good that I was comfortable even before I entered the water. The Great Barrier Reef was nothing short of amazement. Thank you Rosie and Sofia and to all the friendly crew at Passions of Paradise.

    Response from the operator: G’day, Thank you for sharing such a special experience with us! Knowing that you were able to overcome your fear of the ocean and discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef really means a lot. It's wonderful to hear that Rosie and Sofia made you feel so comfortable and reassured before you even entered the water. We'll make sure they both hear your lovely feedback. They'll be so happy to know they helped make something you never thought possible become a reality. We're so glad you took that leap and joined us. What a fantastic memory to take home! Tropical regards 🌴 Passions of Paradise

    via Tripadvisor

    Brooke_A · October 2026

    Great crew!

    It was fun but there were 95 people on the boat so the experience was not very personal but the crew was super friendly!! #parkerslastday

    Response from the operator: G’day, Thanks for joining us and sharing your feedback! We're glad you had a fun day exploring the Great Barrier Reef and found our crew so friendly. We understand that having 95 guests on board can make the experience feel less personal than you'd hoped, and we appreciate you sharing that with us. And a special shoutout to Parker on his last day! We're glad you got to share it with him. Tropical regards 🌴 Passions of Paradise

    via Viator

    Pav-Chi · October 2026

    Worth every cent

    This is my third time snorkelling at the GBR over the 25 years and it was the best. Staff were helpful and made the people who couldn’t swim feel at ease and confident. We saw a so many different corals and fish. The best was we swam with a turtle.

    Response from the operator: G’day, What a compliment to hear this was your best Great Barrier Reef experience in 25 years! Thank you so much. We're really pleased our crew helped everyone feel comfortable and confident in the water, regardless of their swimming ability. And swimming alongside a turtle must have been a wonderful moment, especially with all those beautiful corals and fish to discover! Thanks again for choosing to explore the reef with us. We're so glad we could make your third visit such a memorable one! Tropical regards 🌴 Passions of Paradise

    via Tripadvisor

    dineshsX3867SY · October 2026

    Fun and easy day snorkeling on the reef

    Fun day snorkeling on the reef and Passions handled everything smoothly! Huge shoutout to Robbie for spending time specifically with us and being a fantastic guide. Crowd was the expected ~100 people, but they managed it well and in an organized way. Got to see a shark, sea turtle, and lots of different fish as well

    Response from the operator: G’day, Thanks so much for the great review! Sounds like you had some fantastic marine life encounters out on the Great Barrier Reef. A shark, turtle and plenty of colourful fish certainly make for a memorable snorkelling trip! We're really pleased you felt everything ran smoothly, even with a full boat. Roberto will be delighted to hear your kind words, and we'll be sure to pass them on. Thanks again for joining us. We hope to see you back for another reef adventure! Tropical regards 🌴 Passions of Paradise

    via Tripadvisor

    FallLeaf · October 2026

    Fantastic trip

    We had a fantastic trip exploring the great reefs and snorkeling around it, saw a lot of fishes. Their service and safety are excellent. My husband and I just turned 60, and we haven’t snorkeling for a while, but the people there made me feel safe and easy. They provided suite, gears and a floater for me. When we were in the water, they have guards in the water to help if needed and people on the boat to monitor. Also coffee/tea snacks and lunch were served. I would recommend the trip to anyone, young or not so young :)

    Response from the operator: G’day, Thank you for such a lovely review! It's wonderful to hear you and your husband had a fantastic time exploring the Great Barrier Reef and spotting so many colourful fish. We're especially happy that you felt safe and comfortable getting back into snorkelling after some time away. Our crew love helping guests of all ages and experience levels enjoy the reef, so it's great to know the extra support and flotation equipment made a difference. We're glad you enjoyed the food and hospitality on board too. Thanks again for joining us and for recommending the experience to the young and the young at heart! Tropical regards 🌴 Passions of Paradise

    via Tripadvisor

    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
    $197 to $379
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    943
    Verdict
    90+ Club

    Why this scores 90

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)93
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)72
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)79
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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 $197 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 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 2,695 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?

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    Around 943 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 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 Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive, Ocean Freedom: Great Barrier Reef Stylish Snorkel, Dive Reef Tour. 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.

    What is included in Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?

    +

    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; and All marine park fees and levies. Not included: Soft drinks and alcohol available at the bar (cash and credit cards accepted); Cairns City Transfers; and Northern Beaches Transfers. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?

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    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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran offered in?

    +

    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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?

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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.

    Is Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran if the weather is bad?

    +

    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 Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?

    +

    Across 2,695 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including One Certified Dive, One Introductory Dive, Cruise and Snorkel. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran.

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