Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Overview
Available languages
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 and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.
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 is required from all divers 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Free lycra/stinger suit hire
5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
All Fees and Taxes
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)
Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
Use of snorkelling and scuba equipment
BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
Private transportation
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
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.
One Certified Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Reviews
3,660 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The day was perfect all...
Bron F,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The day was perfect all staff were amazing they explained everything through out the day and the food was great had the best day snorkelling it was just fantastic
Super friendly and...
Charlotte R,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Super friendly and experienced Evolution staff!! Felt safe and at ease at all times, would definitely recommend if on holiday in cairns/surrounds.
Organized and Unforgettable tour!
saachi,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Kind staff, very organized, helpful tips and options for add ons to the tour. Overall wonderful experience and would highly recommend!
Simply amazing
Brian M,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What a beautiful place to visit! The boat ride was amazing, all of the stuff was super friendly and helpful. Had a great time
Terrific day. 2nd reef trip with this boat.
msmomaha,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Terrific day. Crew was very attentive and helpful to us new snorkelers. Plenty of time to explore 2 different reefs. Rain clouded water at second stop but first stop was spectacular. Mature adventurers (68 years young) but that did impact enjoyment…exertion was only moderate to see everything. Lunch was simple and filling….steak, fish or prawns with potato salad, cold pasta or garden salad. Take your own snacks..long day and they will be helpful to keep energy up…selection on board is limited. May be hot and humid outside but air conditioning inside brings a chill especially if you’re wet…bring a light jacket or coverup. Try to dry your towel outside if possible.
The reef experiences were...
Chad L,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The reef experiences were magical, and even though the boat was packed, the swims did not feel crowded. Fun crew, good meal and snack, a great day on the reef.
Great day!
Monika C,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were a group of five and had an amazing time! Everything was so well organised. The staff were friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable. Check-in was quick and easy, and with allocated seating, we didn’t have to worry about a thing! You could honestly turn up with just your swimmers and sunglasses—they’ve got everything else covered! We enjoyed a delicious morning tea, a yummy Aussie BBQ lunch, and light afternoon refreshments, including cheese and crackers and a complimentary glass of wine. Sunscreen was provided too. We had three kids in our group, and thanks to the great sun protection and care from the crew, none of them got sunburnt! Snorkelling time was long enough, and we always felt safe with the staff keeping a close eye on everyone, including doing headcounts throughout the day. Overall, we had an absolutely wonderful experience, memories to last a lifetime. Thank you!
Fantastic
782rekhaa,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely awesome!! From beginning to end all the crew were fantastic. There are so many people I can mention. Aaron, Shan, Corey, Tom!! The best day / experience ever. Such a fantastic experience- thank you !!
Beautiful reef
John B,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent snorkeling. I was very happy to see thriving coral. So much has declined in the Carribean. Beware, if you want to SCUBA dive and are 65÷, you are required to have a doctor's written ok. Dumb, in my opinion Some people in their 40' s are in worst medical condition than me. That requirement is not so obvious on their web page. Bad news if you come a long way.
Absolutely Awesome!!
Rekha A,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely awesome!! No words can describe what an amazing day we had from start to finish!! Thank you !!
From A$265.00
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive