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7 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. From Great Adventures' spacious reef activity platform moored at the majestic Outer Reef, the coral and marine biodiversity is at its most extreme. There’s an abundance of activities for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy. Snorkel and dive or stay dry and discover the reef in the underwater observatory or from the air-conditioned semi-submersible.
There’s also a great range of exciting optional activities including scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter - these are an additional cost paid on the day.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity. We recommend informing crew of any medical conditions.
The minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years. Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from participating.
After a single dive a wait of 12 hours is recommended before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater. If doing multiple dives an interval of 24 hours is suggested.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hot and cold buffet lunch, including prawns
Reef education presentation
Use of snorkelling equipment, buoyancy vests and instruction
3 hours at the Outer Reef platform
Return fast catamaran transfer from Cairns
Semi-submersible coral viewing tour
Environmental Management Charge
Underwater observatory
Morning and afternoon tea
Hotel pick up and drop off
Optional activitiés
Great Barrier Reef
Great Adventures will take you to an exclusive and spacious activity platform on the majestic Outer Barrier Reef. Snorkel, dive, view the reef from the underwater observatory and semi-submersible tour.
Great Barrier Reef
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. From Great Adventures' spacious reef activity platform moored at the majestic Outer Reef, the coral and marine biodiversity is at its most extreme. There’s an abundance of activities for all ages, swimmers and non-swimmers to enjoy. Snorkel and dive or stay dry and discover the reef in the underwater observatory or from the air-conditioned semi-submersible. There’s also a great range of exciting optional activities including scuba diving, scenic helicopter flights and the exclusive Scuba-Doo underwater scooter - these are an additional cost paid on the day.
3 hours at our Outer Reef Pontoon. Includes 1 Certified Dive, snorkeling gear, semi-sub tour, buffet lunch and more.
Reef Pontoon Tour: Enjoy 3 hours at our Outer Reef Pontoon. Includes snorkeling gear, semi-sub tour, buffet lunch, and more.
3 hours at our Outer Reef Pontoon. Includes 1 Intro Dive, snorkeling gear, semi-sub tour, buffet lunch and more.
128 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lesley W,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
Amazing trip to outer reef pontoon via Green Head. Perfect weather calm and no wind. Not too many people snorkeling on top of each other. Lunch great
Jeff B,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
Very good crew on this excursion! Loved the Great Barrier Reef. We were not going to be back in time to board our ship due to a time change for boarding. We took the helicopter ride that was offered on the excursion itself and loved it!! Flew over the Reef and got back to Cairns in plenty of time.
Ian k,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
Despite being a cloudy day the water was warm and we thoroughly enjoyed our day on the Reef. Well organised nad would do again.
Ferida M,
Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Catering was poor quality. The underwater observatory was crammed and hardly saw anything. The only experience I enjoyed was the skoobydoo and it was not included in the package. I had to pay $185 extra for that.
Sarina M,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
I appreciate how professional and responsive the team was throughout our communication. It really made a difference during a stressful situation.
v34962,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I booked a trip with Great Adventures, pro driver Cairns to the outer reef. I am a scuba diver, certified instructor in the CMAS system with over 300 dives and having myself guided and led numerous divers underwater. I have dived internationally in numerous locations including tropical, temperature and cold water locations. I had never done the great reef and needless to say my expectations were high. whereas I have nothing to say about the overall organisation of the tour (Very professional) and the friendliness of the staff, my driving experience was poor at best. First, driving the great reef is a money making machine. The companies are not so much about the experience than they seem to be about the number of people who pay. In short, I did three dives. 40 minutes (not a minute more) each. My first five included 10 minutes of sand time when I could see coral on the side. My dive guide later justified this was due to current, a poor excuse given the relatively weak prevailing current. However, the second and third dive were a little better. But all dives were about quickly zooming past reefs rather than taking time to observe... And especially being back after exactly 40 minutes. Second, European divers be aware. This is the typical PADI run business, where much of the recommendations make no sense. You turn back at 120 bars when you are less than 15m deep on average for said security reasons, but at the same time- if you are low on air, the security brief says the guide will wave you bye bye and you surface on your own and make your way to the ship so that others let enjoy the rest of their sprint experience. Not that it would matter, since most of us surfaced with 100 bars or more. Under water, you are solo if you did not come with a buddy. Being an instructor, I do not mind as I have a good idea of what to do if something goes wrong. For the less experienced diver, this may be somewhat distressing. No DSMBs used to surface, but you do have one without a rope you can inflate at the surface... (What is the sense in that, except if you have surfaced half a km full the boat). Third, I did not have my own gear with me so was forced to take the full gear package... I did post the full price, but for what gear? A half battered half wetsuit, regs that are rubbish ( luckily dives are not deep) and flippers that could barely be named as such (I hope you like useless effort)? The whole experience was hurry, hurry, hurry, We're here to make money. Thanks for your cash, well take some pictures of you underwater holding a ridiculous reef sign, pay some more money, and so long. In short, beginners will likely find the experience great. For experienced divers ( especially those averse to PADI / SSI training), I would normally say avoid. But since there doesn't seem to be that many other options to dive the outer reef, at know what you have paid for. For me that had high expectations, it was an overall highly disappointing experience. I much more recommend Polynesia for a tropical experience, and besides, the reef is in a much greater health
Justin P,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
The organization and crew were fantastic. They were very attentive to each guest. It was a great day.
Mike L,
Apr 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Staff was nice, reef was stunning, snorkel/scuba diving was world class and helicopter ride was amazing. If I had it all to do over I would request a helicopter ride with no more than 4 plus the pilot. We had 6 which took away from the experience. The group after us was a party of two. They could have easily of had two groups of 4. Overall a great experience.
748maykas,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Amazing staff and service! Really nice instructores and facilities! Good lunch and the cheese and biscuits on the way back was also a nice way to finish the experience. Thank you!
B7579VJbenk,
Mar 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Great Barrier Reef Adventure from Cairns offers an exhilarating snorkeling experience in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. With crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, snorkelers can explore vibrant coral gardens, encounter playful fish, and even spot majestic sea turtles. The knowledgeable guides provide valuable insights into the reef's ecosystem, making this adventure both educational and unforgettable.
Operated by The Quicksilver Group