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9 hours
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Discover the magic of the Great Barrier Reef on our Cairns Outer Barrier Reef tour! Visit two breathtaking outer Reef locations (wetaher dependant), perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving. One 20-min introductory or 40-min certified scuba dive is included (subject to medical conditions), giving you an up-close encounter with vibrant coral gardens and exotic marine life. Start your day with a freshly prepared breakfast egg & bacon roll and enjoy a hearty BBQ lunch made onboard by our dedicated cook. As you cruise back to Cairns, unwind with crackers, cheese, and a glass of wine. Our fun and passionate crew ensure an unforgettable experience filled with expert guidance, laughter, and adventure. This is truly the BEST VALUE day trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns!
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
7.30am Boarding Starts directly at the vessel, located on A Finger at the Cairns Marline Marina 8.00am Depart 8.30am Breakfast is served & briefings conducted
Great Barrier Reef
Travel to the Great Barrier Reef! 1.5 hours travel time. Please note we are also a transfer vessle to our overnight liveboard Reef Encounter. This usually take about 15 minutes. Visit Hastings, Saxon, or Norman Reefs We have access to multiple sites across these reefs. The skipper will choose the best two locations on the day, depending on the weather.
Delicious BBQ lunch with fresh salads- alll made fresh onboard
Snorkelling time at 2 Outer Barrier Reef locations
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Tea and Coffee whilst vessel is stationary
Bacon and Egg roll, Vege roll, Fruit Platter
1 Scuba Dive (20-min introductory or Certified, subject to medical conditions)All equipment included
Fuel surcharge
Restroom on board
Marine Biologist presentation of the reef
Afternoon Tea- Cheese, Biscuits and Fruit Platter
2nd Introdcutory Scuba Dive $70 AUD ($75 as of 1st April 2026)
2nd Certified Scuba Dive $50 ($55 as of 1st April 2026)
Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour $40
Guided Dive, per Certified Diver $15
Outer city/ Northern Beaches Return bus transfers - $40 p/p ($45 as of 1st April 2026)
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
235swapnag,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Last minute cancellation due to mechanical failure No issues with getting refunded but was a bummer to find out last minute.
495bengtoveb,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked a package trip from Sweden with flight-hotel-excursions to Australia where this excursion was included. When we boarded, we were immediately asked to pay 150 AUD for a weekend supplement. We had no money with us because it was "all inclusive" and information about this was given to us. The fault also lies with the travel agency but why doesn't Reef... charge the full cost? There were problems and we had to visit their office afterwards and pay. Bad Experience! In addition, the concept of "All inclusive" took on a new meaning. Breakfast sandwich was served but with it only tap water. Had expected, for example, juice. There was nescafe but could only be picked up when the boat was stationary. Would have been nice otherwise for breakfast. Lunch was served and had expected a beer or soft drink but no, only tap water. The food was not enough for everyone - cole slaw and regular salad ran out. A glass of wine from the bag-in-box was included on the way home - completely ok. if you wanted another glass it cost 7 AUD. When we asked the bar staff about a drink for our 15 year old, the answer was "we only have wine but maybe there is milk". The wife got angry and asked another staff member who brought out a coke. There were soft drinks to buy for 4 AUD and there would have been good information on the website so we would have known the conditions. There is much more to complain about unfortunately - the briefing that was done by security etc. on the way out was impossible to hear depending on weak voices and engine noise. Having said that, the snorkeling was great but we leave the trip with a bad aftertaste.
Victoria D,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Organized, efficient, pleasant, professional + helpful staff . Great experience snorkelling with incredible views of reef fish + brilliant coloured coral . The trip was everything I had hoped it would be. 🙏

susanwG7848RD,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
A bit disappointing. Only stopped at one spot, not two, with no explanation as to why. A person in our group took the scuba dive, but was in the last group in the afternoon and photographer only took photos in the morning. Price of photos was over the top - $35 for one digital photo. Boat was overcrowded with no space to put belongings - snorkels, stinger suits, flippers all got mixed up as everything was piled on top of one another. Not enough space to sit outside. Food was average.
W219YAsandrar,,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Beautiful boat/snorkel tour to the Great Barrier Reef. The boat or group was very large. The organization was good, though somewhat impersonal (numbering and division into groups, which are then called). The inclusive scuba dive for people without a diving license was very short (felt about 20 minutes) and you were only allowed to dive a few meters deep. Afterwards, it was advertised that another dive could be booked at a high price, during which the dive would be longer and deeper. I was very pleased that food intolerances were asked at the time of booking. In my case celiac disease/gluten-free, not even anyone on board knew which food could at least be gluten-free. The food was too little overall and was not enough for all persons.
suttosnax,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had a fantastic day, 2x adults 1x 3yo. We both got a chance to scuba, while the other looked after our little girl, which was great. Thank you so much to the crew for making this possible. Everything about the dive was great, from the friendly comms with the staff in office, to the crew on the boat. Food was delicious. Honestly couldn't fault the whole day. Thank you so much. Especially dive leader Jasmine and Team captain Cisco.
corrienne n,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
Don’t go out on rough days, not a pleasant boat ride on rough seas, many people were vomiting and unwell Staff not overly friendly, looked tired and like they didn’t want to be there
Shauna O,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
The snorkelling was really cool, the boat itself was nice, and the food on board was tasty. Unfortunately, the day as a whole felt very unorganised. Staff seemed flustered, often arguing with each other about roles and responsibilities, and weren’t particularly friendly or welcoming towards customers. A big disappointment was the introductory scuba diving. Many people, including my boyfriend, were sent back after not passing the quick skills test. When he asked what he was doing wrong, he wasn’t given any explanation — just told he couldn’t do it. For something advertised as beginner-friendly, it felt frustrating and unclear. Overall, while the reef itself was beautiful, the lack of organisation and customer care really let the experience down.
Yagmur G,,Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing experience and very comfortable first dive. The team was really supportive and took care of my safety at all times!!! Special thanks go to Santi and Rodrigo for the super nice instructions 😊💪🏻

diegovV6556IG,,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The single greatest experience i have ever been on. I whish i could rate it higher that a 5/5 I would rate it a 100/5. There is no better trip worth the price other than this on. Such amazing staff and crew, super respectful and knowledgeable. I would 100% go there again with them.


Operated by Reef Experience