Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Join Divers Den for an unforgettable day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, around 90 minutes from Cairns. Explore two exclusive reef sites on the Norman, Saxon, or Hastings reefs, where you’ll encounter vibrant corals, with frequent sightings of turtles, stingrays, and more. Whether you're snorkelling, trying an introductory dive, or enjoying certified dives, AquaQuest, our modern vessel, offers comfort and convenience with a spacious deck, easy water access, and state-of-the-art equipment. Relax on sun decks, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and freshen up with hot showers as you create unforgettable memories on the reef.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
No minimum age, child rate is 4 - 14 years
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of customer on cruise ship
Evidence of dive certification is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive
Please bring hat, towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses and credit or debit card
It is required by Queensland law that you must wait at least 24 hours after diving before going to altitude or flying – there is no guarantee that following these recommendations will prevent decompression sickness. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some medical conditions can pose a hazard during diving, and it is recommended that individuals with these conditions undergo evaluation by a physician, as they may be unable to dive.
Tours are subject to the risks and perils of scuba diving in changeable conditions in an open water environment. The operator reserves the right, for customer safety and/ or the safety of our crew or other scuba divers, to prevent any customer’s participation in scuba diving if they are deemed physically or medically unfit to do so or in their sole discretion. The operator does not refund for failed dive medical questionnaires.
No compensation is offered if you should be unable to complete all offered dives
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Use of Wetsuits/Lycra Suits
Fresh hot showers
Tropical buffet lunch
All snorkel/dive equipment
Morning Tea & Afternoon Tea
Digital camera hire & professional photo purchase (subject to availability)
Bar facilities including snacks
Guided Diving
What To Expect
Experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on a day trip from Cairns with Divers Den. Whether you’re snorkelling, a first-time diver, or certified, you'll enjoy an unforgettable day. Discover the outer Great Barrier Reef, just a 90-minute boat trip from Cairns. Spend up to five hours exploring two stunning dive sites carefully selected from our exclusive moorings on the Norman, Saxon, and Hastings reefs. Encounter diverse marine life, from vibrant corals to curious Nemo's, turtles, stingrays, and majestic Maori Wrasse. AquaQuest, is purpose-built for diving and snorkelling, featuring a spacious dive deck and a sunken platform for easy water access. Choose safe and enjoyable snorkelling, introductory dives with comprehensive pre-dive instruction, or certified diving with options for three spectacular dives. Enjoy the comfort of large sun decks, air-conditioned indoor spaces, and hot freshwater showers throughout your day on the Great Barrier Reef. After a morning of exploration, savour a generous buffet lunch with a variety of hot and cold dishes, salads, rolls, and tropical fruits to recharge for the afternoon adventures.
Options
1 Introductory Dive
Book this if you are not certified and want to try a dive, Medical may be required
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is the easiest way to discover the Great Barrier Reef, it is as simple as breathing. If you have never snorkeled before, don't worry, a briefing is held on board
2 Certified Dives
Add the GBR to the list of places you've dived at! Book 2 Dives if you are certified diver (cert card required)
Reviews
1,299 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Do it!!
Journey03963170498,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip suitable for anyone from scuba diver to novice snorkeler. We were lucky and had great weather and calm seas and it was a true bucket list experience.
A Great Day!
S6675NTkk,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day! I was with this company 6 years ago and was so impressed then, that I decided to do it again with my wife. Diver’s Den quality and professionalism was just as I remembered it. The quality of safety is very high and they explain things really well. The staff are personal and outstanding! My wife was hesitant going snorkelling and they took the time and care to give her the confidence to try it which she did. She really enjoyed it! The snacks and food are really good too. They do not skimp on the quality or quantity. The star of course is the Great Barrier Reef. Words cannot do it justice - you have to go to see it yourself. Diver’s Den is a company that makes that experience fantastic.
Brilliant trip.
A4562YLnicks,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful day snorkelling on the outer reef. The crew were great, the weather was perfect and the variety of life under the surface was absolutely amazing:
Wonderful day
Kim R,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a lovely experience. The crew made everyone feel comfortable especially the introductory divers. Appeared very safety conscious. Everyone was friendly and helpful. The underwater photos were fantastic.
Great single day Cairns Dive experience
clintosdulio,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a single spare day in Cairns so headed out on the single day reef trip. The whole operation was very well run and organised, especially when it came to managing groups signed up for different activities. Very friendly and attentive crew, super friendly and detail/safety focused. The boat itself, Aqua Quest, is as well appointed as any dive boat you will find. Of course if you aren’t familiar with diving in Cairns you need to be aware that dive boats here are BIG. You will be on a boat with maybe 100 other people, not all will be divers and not all will be hugely competent. That is diving in Cairns so have realistic expectations. I had all my own gear but I did take note that all the on board rental gear looked to be very well maintained and of quality. We had 3 dives at Norman reef (two sites) and all were 40-50 minutes, solid length for tourist dives. The morning dives were pretty rapid fire, short surface interval then back in for the second dive. We are talking 12-15m dives so no drama there at all. Then it was a fairly run of the mill buffet style lunch, simple but tasty whilst changing sites, followed by third dive. This isn’t a boutique ultra length 30m dive experience, you are in Cairns, but for a fun day out, super casual nice dives in lovely warm waters it was great. I have to mention my guide Baeksong. They were so good at looking after the entire group. Trying to manage a diverse experience level underwater with everything from freshly open water through to an experience rescue diver is no easy talk. BK took the time to ensure I was still having great dives even if they were pretty simple and I really appreciated that. They certainly made my day out on the water. Every dive is great dive if you are having fun. Wouldn’t hesitate to head out with Divers Den again in the future.
My cheeks still hurt....
Ailish D,
Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My cheeks still hurt. Partly from holding the snorkel in my mouth, partly from smiling so much. It was such an amazing experience. Would definitely recommend. I did get a little sea sick on the way out as conditions were rough, but that did not takeaway from the spectacular coral and colourful fish.
Excellent
Desmond M,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00All the staff were very friendly and helpful. I was snorkelling for the first time, so there was lots of care and I felt very safe. Thank you,
Great experience
Chiara P,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00That was a wonderful experience with an amazing team ! They brought a good energy throughout the day, they were always making sure that everyone was having a good time I did snorkeling and it was so beautiful, that was actually on my bucket list to snorkel at the great barrier of reef and I don’t regret it I would definitely recommend to anyone, and hopefully I’ll be back in town to try scuba diving!
Intro Dive and Snorkelling
Sulaman Q,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my first time snorkelling and diving and the team made me feel super safe the entire time. I enjoyed the intro dive so much that I decided to do a second one in the afternoon location as well.
Great trip to the reef. ...
Steve B,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip to the reef. All staff aboard were extremely friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend Divers Den for your reef experience
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