Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Overview
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9 hours
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Enjoy the most guest-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a fast travelling stylish and comfortable catamaran from Cairns! A "barefoot luxury" 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.
Additional Info
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.
What To Expect
Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom
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!
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!
Options
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 + Two Introductory Dives
Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
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
Tour + Two Certified Dives
Two Certified Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
What‘s 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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,972 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fantastic day!
Kirsty F,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic day on Ocean Freedom. The crew were all really friendly and helpful and made sure that everyone was stocked up on anti-sickness tablets, as it was a choppy day. The snorkelling on the reef was fantastic and Tamara pointed out many interesting fish and sea-life to look at. It really felt like we had plenty of time to snorkel too, which was great. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone.
The highlight of our Australia trip
k7vidya,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I met Taryn at the end of 2023 at a travel event. I got in touch with her again in February 2024 regarding my trip. After a few emails back and forth, we've confirmed it in May. The service has been first class from the beginning to the actual experience in late August. We went to the service desk the day before to pay and the lovely Camille at the desk was so patient with my 100s of questions. I had another family booked on the same tour through Viator, and she made sure to put a note about their dietary requirement and prescription goggles for their son as well as for my daughter too. The check in and boarding was really easy and quick. Skipper Mike was fantastic. My special gratitude goes to the crew who looked after my daughter who was seasick, got her water, held her back and checked up on her. What I liked the most was that there was always someone keeping an eye on those who might need some extra support in the water. They made sure everyone who went into the water had a partner, regardless of their swimming ability. They also helped those who can't swim well to experience the Great Barrier Reef. My brother in law can't swim, but he went with a crew and spent so long in both locations and came back with a big smile on his face! However, I have to say, despite Molly's attempt to get me to see the reef failed massively. I was too scared and panicking to actually listen to her and follow her lead, and got back to the boat, which I regretted the minute I got back! I have to mention the food too. I was pleasantly surprised to see we had our vegetarian food kept in separate bowls with our names on them. Usually, places/tours like this, they would simply let us have whatever vegetarian options on the buffet and if we get to the buffet late, we may not have any left for us. But this way, they made sure we had something separate. I know this is a very late review, but the company & the team deserves this shout out even if it is this late.
Unforgettable Experience !!
Navaneeth J,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ocean Freedom and crew made this such a wonderful experience for both my wife and myself. Crew were very friendly and knowledgeable, learnt a few things about corals and marine life during the glass bottom tour which was included. Safety was at the forefront of all crew members. Thoroughly enjoyed the day, this wouldn't have been possible without the support and guidance of crew members. Special thanks to Amber for being with me throughout the snorkeling tour. Highly recommend them for experienced as well as first time snorkelers.
This is the tour you want.
876mattd,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fantastic day! They crew are all very knowledgeable and courteous. The sites they chose were terrific, and we saw all kinds of life on the reef. This is a great, family-friendly option. The crew will also facilitate nearly all swimming abilities. I’ve done a few different snorkelling tours on the reef, I highly recommend Ocean Freedom.
Great Tour company
nickdG6871UJ,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Better than expected . Would rate a 5 star. The crew were all very helpful and went out of their way to make sure everyone on board go to have a great time . Reese , was amazing
Why Ocean Freedom should be your first choice!
Gaurav M,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly highly recommend Ocean Freedom as your chosen scuba diving instructors. They undertake their responsibility very seriously yet kindly. Ann, Mia, Amber, Mike and Archie deserve a special mention. My kids were very scared of scuba diving, and Mia patiently walked them through it. She helped them throughout with the dive ensuring a really really good experience for them, despite their anxieties. She was kind, patient and helpful. Ann and Amber also helped pacify my wife when she felt scared and ensured she completed her first snorkeling experience. We did the glass bottom tour, snorkeling and scuba diving. It gave us a great introduction to the flora and fauna at the reef. I was not able to do my pre booked dive experience due to a medical condition and they promptly refunded my cost of dive. Apart from being amazing instructors for the water activities, they went above and beyond in terms of service. We were served fresh fruit,danish, cheese crackers and cake and the heavy lunch. They were very accommodating of allergen requirements. Despite such a long day, they always wore smiles on their faces. Leaving at the end actually felt like saying goodbye to people we knew for a long time. Their warmth, their expertise and their patience made our journey to the Great Barrier reef so so memorable. We cannot thank them enough for their kindness. Highly recommend Ocean Freedom regardless of your group type or swimming knowledge. Be assured that you are in the best of the hands that are trained well and understand anxieties you might have if it's your first time.
A fabulous experience
Q1506MXangelal,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was fortunate to experience the most spectacular conditions for snorkeling. Staff were professional but extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Lunch was beautiful and there was lots of food.. Would highly recommend Ocean Freedom and was very pleased to support a locally owned business.
Average experience not premier
damienrA3954LC,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Although a great experience I would not label this a premier or luxury experience .. the boat is not Modern , the food is average and the only Good Part is the small group size
FANTASTIC Experience
Kristen D,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! We were first time snorkelers, ranging in age from 11 to 6-*mumble mumble*. The crew was so friendly and upbeat. They were helpful, and I truly felt like they kept a watchful eye on everyone's safety. One of the guides went out of his way to make sure my mom got to see the reef shark, and they all shared interesting tidbits or swam down to point out special fish. There was a ton of yummy food to enjoy. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so happy we did it!
Great experience
Paul W,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a fabulous day, they were great with us a rocky ocean day, tried to scuba dive, but couldn't relax enough, but the kids loved the scuba experience, I went snorkeling and they pointed out all the great fish
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours