Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Overview
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8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. This 35-metre luxury fast superyacht departs Cairns with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day.
Visit two different outer reef locations on the Great Barrier Reef for the chance to see tropical marine life. Delicious fresh BBQ lunch, tea, coffee, light snack and glass of wine on the return journey is included. Upgrade to include additional water adventures such as introductory or certified scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight. Top quality equipment and instruction provided by friendly and professional instructors.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check-in is from 7.15am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please make your way to the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter to check-in. Boat departs 8.00am.
All divers are required to complete a Medical Questionnaire. In a commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years must have a medical clearance with a physician the confirms they are Fit To Dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, doctor's signature and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel. Please note your Dive Instructor will conduct their own risk assessment on the day of travel to ensure the safety of all divers. This means the instructor has the authority to cancel a dive if they feel there is any risk involved, regardless of prior medical documentation.
Children aged and under 12 years (introductory) and 10 years (certified divers) are not permitted to participate in onboard diving activities as per Queensland Australian Law.
Children under the age of 18 must be in the immediate company of a parent or legal guardian.
For Certified Diving, evidence of dive certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) is required from all divers day of wishing to participate in a certified dive.
Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
Due to comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg. Please contact the supplier directly for further information.
Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to travel directly with the tour operator. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options are available.
If you chose a package with a dive, this includes 1 pre-booked dive only (note: dives are not included with snorkel-only packages). Additional dives can be purchased onboard on the day or direct with the operator prior to travel.
For the intro dive, no experience is needed
No refunds for voluntary uncompleted or attempted dives.
What To Expect
Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal between 7.15am - 7.45am. Once checked in, you can make your way down to the boat, Evolution. Be greeted by your friendly crew, who will provide you with masks and snorkel, and then enjoy arrival tea, coffee and muffins before departure.
Great Barrier Reef
Evolution departs Cairns at 8 am with a safety briefing on your way to your first reef location. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at the first reef location. This will either be Saxon Reef or Norman Reef based on weather conditions and water clarity, to ensure the best experience for all activities.
Options
Snorkeling and Heli Flight
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef including a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight and free time to snorkel
One Certified Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel gear.
Cruise, Intro Dive and Heli
Cruise, Dive and Heli Flight: Outer Barrier Reef Cruise including 1 introductory, a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, and buffet lunch.
One Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
What‘s Included
Free lycra/stinger suit hire
5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
1 pre-booked dive (if dive package is selected. Additional dives can be added once onboard)
Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
10-minute Scenic Flight (if selected)
All Fees and Taxes
Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
Use of snorkeling and scuba equipment
Transportation to the meeting point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,859 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience!
Christina B,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing day of snorkeling and seeing the reef. The staff and crew were awesome, fun, and ensured everyone’s safety came first. My partner did the intro scuba and could not have had more fun! Definitely worth it if you’re thinking of doing that. Overall this was a great experience and we got to witness the great barrier reef up close (literally!).
Amazing day on the reef
Sini G,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with family and semi submarine was great adition to our 7 year old,who thought the waves at the reef were too big to snorkel.Food was great as well and staff was good and funny.
Solotraveler + celiac
Liva A,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went alone with no special expectations. Was greeted by very nice staff who gave me a designated table as my base. There were other solo travelers, with whom I became very well acquainted, we were added as a family when we were of all ages, which made the experience even better. I have celiac disease and I told you when I got on board. It was pure beef, fish and shrimp that I could eat + GF banana bread. It was never a problem to have celiac disease which was absolutely fantastic. Good seats, places in the sun where you can work with the color brown or seats outside under the roof, or completely inside. Good cleanliness! They sell seawater tablets and waterproof cover for your mobile so you can film when snorkling in GBR. Recommended.
The whole day was put...
Megan H,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The whole day was put together very well. The crew worked hard to tell everybody had the best day possible. They also took safety very seriously.
Such a great experience!...
Meg B,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a great experience! Staff were lovely. Couldn’t have asked for a better crew to take us out to see the reef
Bucket list item, Great Barrier Reef
Sue H,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an absolutely amazing excursion. The staff were GREAT from the moment we boarded until we disembarked. A true bucket list item. Do the helicopter tour as well, you will NOT regret it!
Worth it!
Anonymous,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lunch is great and all you can eat, all supplies are provided for you, I would avoid the educational private tour guide fee they offer you on the boat. Not worth the money. The overall trip is worth it!!
Great day
Jennifer L,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Water was very rough and should be advised to pack seasickness meditation as appropriate. Snorkeling water was very rough and guidance should have been given for that to maximize the experience.
Trip was nice, weather...
Bruno V,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Trip was nice, weather even better. If you have a chance, this is definitely a thing to see! As a bonus, they have prescription scuba diving masks on the boat.
Trip of a lifetime
David C,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience. Great food too! Unbelievable water, great fish pics and reef pics. Can’t wait to go again!
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive