Water activity

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Water activity

From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran

Likely to sell out

From US$ 156.40 per person

Likely to sell out
Eco-certified

Set sail to 2 outer reef locations on a high-performance catamaran. Snorkel, swim, dive or just relax onboard as you spot turtles, fish, and exotic corals.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 9 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Visit 2 diverse reef destinations in the Great Barrier Reef
  • Spot marine life: turtles or a giant wrasse on the outer reef
  • Feast from a chef-prepared lunch, including fresh tropical fruit
  • Relax on board a luxury catamaran
  • Sail back from the reef with the wind in your hair
Full description

Hop aboard a catamaran for a day trip to remember to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive, or swim in the water, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and take in the marine wildlife.

Meet your crew at the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, pay the reef levy, and hop aboard the luxury catamaran. The crew will select reef locations depending on the day's conditions from Flynn and Milne reef or further north at Norman and Hastings reefs. All offer diverse reef structures teeming with exotic marine life.

Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail for the outer Great Barrier Reef. Relax with morning tea on the way, get to know the crew and learn all about the marine eco-system from a marine expert. Review snorkeling techniques with the crew during the journey.

Arrive at the first outer reef location, where you can snorkel, dive or swim in the water. You may also choose to sunbathe, or chill on the boat on the upper sun deck or the netted deck trampoline at the bow of the boat. You can avail complimentary guided tours from the staff.

A dedicated dive tender is available for experienced certified divers who want to explore deeper waters. All certified divers receive a complimentary dive guide. First-time divers will receive clear and concise scuba instruction in the water from qualified PADI professionals.

Savor a fresh tropical buffet lunch prepared onboard. Treat yourself to a selection of hot and cold dishes including buffet meats, salads, and tropical fruit.

Travel to the second outer reef location for the day for your choice of activity. Look out for corals, exotic marine life such as parrotfish, reef turtles and 'nemo' fish. End the day as the captain hoists the sails, and cruise back to Cairns.

Enjoy a cold drink from the bar (own expense) and relax on the boom netting. Alternatively, watch presentations about the marine life from the passionate eco-certified staff.

Includes
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Snorkeling tutorial/tours
  • Visit to two Outer Great Barrier Reef locations
  • Flotation belts
  • Chef-prepared lunch (allergies catered for on request)
  • An on-board marine life presentation
  • Winter wetsuits or sunsuits in summer months
  • Prescription masks
  • Underwater camera hire/photography services with an 8GB SD card
  • Scuba dive
  • Souvenirs
  • Bottled water, snacks, and drinks from the bar
  • Hotel transfers
Not suitable for
  • People with pre-existing medical conditions

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet at the Reef Fleet Terminal. Check-in is from 7 AM to 7:45 AM for an 8 AM departure. Parking is available across the street and costs approximately AU$11 per day.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Beachwear
  • Diving certification

Not allowed

  • Drones
  • Unaccompanied minors

Know before you go

  •  All passengers must complete a QLD medical questionnaire on the boat before departure. Some medical conditions (both past and present) may preclude you from diving. Contact the supplier for further information regarding this
  •  If you are doing an introductory dive you need to fill out and sign a medical declaration form
  •  The minimum age for diving is 12 years old with parental consent and completion of a medical questionnaire
  •  Passengers under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over 18 years old
  •  A moderate level of fitness is required as this is an in-water-based activity
  •  All certified divers must provide proof of certification
  •  At times it may only be possible to visit 1 destination (e.g. Hastings) due to inclement weather. The skipper will decide on the way to the reef and keep everyone informed of the sailing plans
  •  Infant tickets are free and can be booked with the supplier
  • Lunch includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 1147 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Service
    4.8/5
  • Organization
    4.8/5

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I really enjoyed this activity. The boat was nice and did not seem packed at all. The instructors were all amazing and care about your safety and that you have fun. This was my first dive and they made it very easy. One warning is that if you are on any medication they need a doctors note to let you dive, so make sure you have that. They also and a professional photographer that takes photo of dives and snorkeling that you can purchase at the end. Overall, I would recommend.

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May 29, 2023

A most enjoyable day out on the reef. Captain Craig and crew were all excellent in their management of the trip. Safety was always on display. A special thank you to Corinda for her care and patience with an oldie who hadn’t snorkelled for years. The lunch was delicious, healthy and plentiful. The company is also very climate change and conservation aware which is reassuring in these times. Highly recommend this Great Barrier Reef excursion, particularly as it is a Cairns owned enterprise.

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May 5, 2023

Amazing experience. Very professional and organised crew. Snorkling at very good spot where you can see what you are imagining when thinking about Coral reef. If you go first time scuba diving, absolutely nothing to be afraid off. Instructors will give you all important information and you will have a lifetime experience. Short lecture session about coral facts is very interesting and you will learn a lot about it. Food onboard is great and well prepared with snacks and bevarages. Absolutely brilliant all together. Special thanks to all crew members, they are great 😍

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May 3, 2023

Product ID: 65125