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
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)
1 Introductory Dive
Book this if you are not certified and want to try a dive, Medical may be required
Reviews
1,329 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Snorkeling in rough conditions
Gregory T,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00If you are Snorkling, check the wind conditions and consider your 24 hour cancelation policy. We went out on a very windy day and if you aren't a strong swimmer you are going to end up sitting on the boat. Snorkeling in rough water is not fun. The rough seas wouldn't have affected the divers in the same way as they are under the surface. If you are planning on snorkeling I would suggest you attempt to book the day before if possible or maybe look into pure Snorkling boats. I realize you can't control the weather but inquiring under what conditions would the tour operator cancel the outing for snorkling maybe helpful. I gave an average rating as the crew really were fantastic.
Would recommend...
Terri S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Would recommend snorkelers should get a boat that is just for snorkeling. Food was good staff were friendly. Probably should have canceled due to weather. Very ruff ride on the way out and back. Hard to swim to the reef. But good for the conditions.
Nice operation but lots of people
EricSmd,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The dive operation has as many as 80 people on a boat, which is alot. Somehow they manage to keep the chaos to a minimum with that many people. I would think this would be a bit overwhelming for someone new to diving or anxious as the process of getting so many people in the water is alot. They do a great job of predive explanation, checking equipment, looking after folks and conducting the dives. I did a guided trip and the American guy giving the guided tour did a very good job of staying attentive to the divers and peoples air consumption. Its a very well run operation but there are 100 to 100's of people on a reef in a given day. It seems like a lot of the critters were hiding or moved to a quieter place. Most of what I saw was sessile ie sponges, anenomes, etc. Cairns had received a lot of rain so visibility had taken a big hit. The only sharks I saw were little 3' black tip and white tip reef sharks.
Fantastic Dive with Divers Den
Maria C,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic dive with Divers Den! The reef absolutely delivered. We saw whitetip sharks cruising by, clownfish in the anemones, and some stunning coral formations. Shout out to Kim who was excellent underwater. Right at the beginning of the 2nd dive I had a mask issue and was honestly ready to abort, but he calmly stepped in, helped me sort it out, and got me comfortable again so I could continue the dive. I really appreciated his calm and professional approach. Great crew, very well organized operation, and an unforgettable experience on the reef. I would happily dive with Divers Den again.
Fun tour
Lynn p,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Provided everything you needed. Friendly and helpful staff. Plenty of food and beverages. Provided pictures for purchase or cameras for rent.
Great tour!
Sofia S,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience to see the Great Barrier Reef with the family. The entire staff at Divers Den made us all feel safe and took the time to show us the various fish and corals we saw while snorkeling.
Great crew, amazing dives
Joel B,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bucket list adventure to dive the GBR! Great staff and crew with Diver’s Den. Nanako led two of my 3 dives. Great guide and sweet, humble person. I didn’t get to see as much sea wildlife as I’d hoped, but did see a turtle and a white tip shark along with dozens of fish of all size, shapes and colors. The coral was fantastic! Colorful, amazing diversity. I highly recommend Divers Den for your scuba trip in the Great Barrier Reef
Very nice
Jessica P,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very orderly and very pleasant experience. The crew took good care of the participants whether you were going snorkeling or diving with tubes. It was served a good lunch, fm and em snacks/fika.
This was such a well...
COLETTE H,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was such a well organised tour. The staff were fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly and took the time to have a chat with the guests. Clean boat with access to have a hot shower. Staff provided sunscreen and alway refilling cold water. Food was tasty and so much of it. The boat was very roomy with access to 3 levels which gave the option for aircon, shaded areas and sun. Would highly recommend this tour.
Outstanding water adventure
Jack K,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful experience with very good team members getting everyone on the boat ready for our dive/snorkle adventure. Safety a priority, relatable to everyone involved, friendly and knowledgeable. Able to deal with all ages and abilities, would recommend this to everyone.
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