Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Avoid the crowds and experience The Great Barrier Reef the way nature intended. No other operator in this category can offer you this superb personalised service. Join us, and our fun loving crew, for an amazing day on the Great Barrier Reef. Our destination, Upolu Reef, is a very beautiful location situated on the edge of the Outer Barrier Reef, and is teeming with a large variety of interesting marine life and a beautiful array of corals. In the sheltered lagoon you will see a multitude of; giant clams, turtles, sea stars and reef fish. This offers a perfect snorkelling or diving experience in warm clear protected waters. A complementary snorkel guide is available, which offers a fun and informative addition to the day’s exploration.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Ability to swim is required for this tour
Unfortunately due to Reef Daytripper’s fixed schedule and for logistical reasons we are unable to accommodate cruise ship passengers.
Guests aged 65 and over are required to wear a snorkel vest during in-water sessions
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Morning Tea
Exposure suit
exposure suits are price inclusive for children - up to 14 years
Tropical Style Buffet Lunch
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Complementary Guided Snorkel Tour
Complemetary Fruit, Cheese Selection & Crackers
What To Expect
Being OWNER OPERATED means we take an active interest in the safety and well being of our customers, and our crew are considered a part of our family. We take great pride in delivering enthusiastic and friendly hospitality to our guests. We aim to visit two sites (weather permitting), allowing plenty of time to snorkel, scuba dive or just simply relax in the bow nets on the boat.
Options
Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Sailing Trip from Cairns
Reviews
401 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A great day out without the crowds
369mareer,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely personal experience on the reef with operators that truly care for and respect the reef. I saw more fish and live coral than I expected. I’m 62 and a good swimmer but found the current at this particular reef very strong so it was tiring trying to swim against it all the time.
Wonderful
C7294WDzacharyb,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paul, Julian, and Luke were a great crew, and the small group was such a great, personal, and intimate way to share the reef with people! We had a fabulous time at both spots and really enjoyed the slow stroll out and into Cairns that gave us time to enjoy all the beautiful views and conversations!
Great Day on the Reef
P7371REtoddh,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great snorkling trip. Friendly crew who explained things very well. The provided all we needed, including wetsuits and made it simple. We visited two areas saw lots of fish, a turtle, shark, coral...plenty of variety of marine life big and small. The captain and 2 crew were very attentive to each person on board helping as much or as little as needed. My wife and I would definitely recommend.
A Wonderful Experience
sairz101,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was absolutely amazing. The small group made it feel personal and relaxed, and the guide was fantastic—friendly, helpful, and full of great info. Sailing on the yacht was smooth and peaceful, and snorkelling over the reef was unforgettable. The colours, the fish, and the calm water made it feel like another world. A simple lunch was provided, which was great—one less thing to worry about during the day. One suggestion: it would be nice if the snorkelling included a few pause points, so people could catch up or just float and enjoy the view at their own pace. Overall, a beautiful day out on the reef. Highly recommended!
Highly recommended, a...
taylor c,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommended, a perfect group size for a relaxing trip to some great spots on the reef. The crew were attentive and knowledgeable about the reef, and made sure to point things out throughout the trip. The food was also great. Highly recommend!
Amazing
C1712PSlucac,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful experience, highly recommended! The crew was professional and super attentive. I will return one day in the future.
Incredible experience
Sharon R,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience in a small group. Really spectacular! Don’t miss out if you can possibly take this excursion.
Perfection from start to finish!
teresacarmenb,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome trip to the Great Barrier Reef with an awesome crew! Lunch was simple but filling and you can go for seconds, cheese nuts n crackers pair with champagne !!! Cheers! You have it all! Plus it’s privately owned so you get better service because we are the select few not 100 patrons on board.
65 years plus take notice
Kay B,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Avoid if 65 or older. Firstly, the crew were wonderful, food was great. However, the policy that anyone 65 years or older must wear a "snorkelling vest" is disappointing on two counts as there was no proviso for strong swimmers and experienced snorkellors to prove themselves. The "snorkelling vests" are just life jackets which make snorkelling unpleasant and deep diving is impossible. They DO NOT provide snorkelling vests, a specialised vest that fits more securely than a life jacket and can be fitted so it does not ride up in the water like a life jacket, no matter how tight it is made. This spoilt my day. Conditions on the reef were very cloudy and rough, so that added to the disappointment of the day. If you do decide to do this tour, do take some sort of motion sickness treatment. 6 out of 8 of the people were motion sick due to the rough conditions on the day - one to the extent that he was unwell, was throwing up in the water as we were trying to snorkell, and then slept for the rest of the day. It's around a two hour trip out under a small sail and motor, perhaps a bit quicker back in depending on conditions. Once again, a fantastic, caring crew. The owner of this business was not present but his crew were great.
Awesome day
N3362QSsandyb,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day in spite of rough waters. The crew was amazing, and the food was good. Very safety conciouse, boat was well equipped and gear was on good shape
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Operated by Reef Daytripper