Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Overview
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8 hours 30 minutes
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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 (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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
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.
One Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive 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.
Reviews
3,704 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
Cassie J,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I am an inexperienced snorkeler, so I was doubtful when I booked this cruise. My partner really wanted to do it though. I was pleasantly surprised. They had a guide in the water with a floater who took me around the great barrier reef so I could see all the best spots. I felt safe and didn’t have any anxiety.
Reef diving and snorkling
Sanna A,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a wonderful time. Everything was planned nicely. Special thanks to great diving instructor Lauri for guiding our family.
The Great Barrier Reef...
Thien T,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Great Barrier Reef tour was absolutely amazing. The staff were hilarious and made the day so much fun. Scuba diving was the highlight for us, and our instructor was extremely experienced and made us feel safe and confident even though it was our first time scuba diving.
Execllent
Viralkumar P,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organised, crew members very supportive. I was a non-swimmer and the instructors took care of taking me out to reef for snorkelling was an amazing experience.
Great tour, well run...
Daniele D,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, well run and organized, maybe a bit overpriced, but I understand that the tour offers many things, so the cost is justifiable, however they could at least include souvenir photos sent by email, instead of charging them. Also there should be the possibility, for those like me, who had difficulty diving with the tank, to try again at least a second time alone with the instructor, to be better followed, instead of in groups of 8 people.
Amazing tour - would recommend to anyone
William L,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an amazing experience for all age ranges. It’s important to note that they need confirmation from a doctor if you are over a certain age in order to dive (this information is sent to you in multiple emails prior to the tour). We visited two reef locations and had an outstanding time on our brief introductory dive (we had no prior experience). The crew were all amazing. The food was alright - but it’s unlikely you’re taking this tour for that reason anyways!
Awesome! Go for it!
Aravind B,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience. The staff onboard the ship were extremely nice, helpful and encouraged all to snorkel and see the coral and sea life. Kudos to each one of the staff for their support. Additionally, we took the helicopter ride to see the reef and it was a sight to behold.
Interesting.
Nikolaos G,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The only thing we complain about is that we visited only one place and no one informed us about this in good time. Otherwise quite OK
If windy and big waves beware.
steve b,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Waves were pretty bad, but the entertainment and snorkeling were great. If big waves and strong wind skip and rebook. Great experience.
Great Snorkeling Experience
Derek G,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good experience. Professional crew, a clean boat, and good quality snorkeling equipment. The snorkeling was great, and we seen a huge variety of fish. Remember to take a sea sick pill before you get on. The boat ride out and back can be a little rough with big waves. We’ve been snorkeling in a lot of different places, but this one was by far the best.
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive