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 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.
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
Options
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)
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
Reviews
1,315 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A fantastic experience
Paul E,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic experience. Staff was very professional and prioritized safety. Well organized, staff made sure everyone had a good experience on the reef area. Lunch was good. Fantastic photos.
The snorkeling experience...
Himanshu G,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The snorkeling experience was amazing. The crew was very professional and gave us enough time in the reefs to explore at marine life. Special shoutout to Miwa who was our guide. We were non swimmers and neverous about getting into the ocean. But Miwa was with us the whole time guiding us through the reefs and made sure we feel safe and comfortable. Thanks Diver's Den team and Miwa
Excellent tour
Stacey G,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour, all the crew were helpful and lovely whilst keeping everyone safe. Food was good too with morning and afternoon snacks. The two different spots at the reef were fantastic and crew were quick to point out cool things to see like reef sharks!
No music
Theresa A,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00They should have music!!! Food was ok. The snorkeling was good. It would also be better if they had more covered outdoor seating so you’re protected from the sun.
Great Barrier Reef Full Day Tour from Cairns
Aruna P,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly recommend Divers Den tour operator. Well planned tour. They have high safety standards which is very important for snorkeling and scuba diving tour.
Great first diving experience at Great Barrier Reef!
245caties,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First time divers - great 4 to 1 ratio with an instructor and easy instructions to feel comfortable with diving. Great crew & easy transportation!
An underwater tour...
Sylvie F,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00An underwater tour of incredible corals and multicolored fish. The team is playful and attentive. Security is very respected
Great Experience
Charles S,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely experience, great reef with a number of fish species and breathtaking underwater scenery. Friendly and helpful guides who made even first timers comfortable and ready to venture out in the water to snorkel.
No need to bring your own...
David M,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00No need to bring your own equipment. They have everything here and great quality. Scuba staff was great and very helpful. There are a lot of tour companies to choose from, but I was so comfortable I will not choose anyone else. No disappointments at all
Once in a lifetime...
JMYousuf S,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Once in a lifetime experience. Anyone plans to visit Australia must keep this tour in his/her bucket list.
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