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.
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
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.
Snorkeling and Heli Flight
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef including a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight and free time to snorkel
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.
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel 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
3,842 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Barrier Reef experience
Michael A,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00This tour was really well organised, the crew were super friendly and were there for you to help of answer any questions , the food was brilliant and the day went so smoothly. The only additional feedback I could give relates to the reef itself. More emphasis should be placed on the importance of looking after the reef, how fragile the coral is and what swimmers need to do when swimming over the reef
Great way to experience the reef
Wander50669819380,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this day trip to the outer reef on our recent trip to Cairns and it was awesome! All the crew are super friendly and they create a really nice atmosphere on board. We spent the most time chatting to Jack and Rueben who were both lovely but everyone was very welcoming. The check-in process was super easy at the marina and the evolution boat is beautiful and massive - it easily accommodated the 100+ guests and crew and never felt crowded. We went to the Norman and Hastings reef spots and they were both really beautiful, heaps of tropical fish, starfish, giant clams and different coral structures to explore. We also saw a wobbegong shark, black tip reef shark and Wally the resident Māori wrasse which were highlights of the trip. You basically get free rein to explore the reef spots at your own pace or the crew can ferry you around if you prefer. The boat also has a ladder which makes it super easy to get in and out of the water. After the first swim, you have lunch on the boat and it is soo good - steak, fish, prawns, bread, multiple salad and there is heaps so you definitely won’t go hungry. Would definitely recommend the top deck while the boat is cruising, such a nice way to soak up the sun and Sea views. (Added some pics but they definitely don’t do justice to the day)
Wow
chantallt2025,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It’s was truly a phenomenal experience. The crew were wonderful and knowledgeable. It was a full on day but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
An Unforgettable Great Barrier Reef Experience!
Clarissa F,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From the moment we walked into Down Under Cruise & Dive, we were impressed by how organized, professional, and friendly the entire team was. We booked an introductory dive, and the crew made the whole process incredibly easy, comfortable, and fun for first-time divers. The boat itself was fantastic—very spacious with dedicated areas for divers, which helped everything run smoothly. The crew got us fitted for fins and equipment quickly and thoroughly explained everything we needed to know. We ended up enjoying our first dive so much that we signed up for a second dive on the spot! The snorkeling was beautiful as well. Even when we weren't diving, there was so much to see, and the reef was absolutely stunning. It was clear that the crew genuinely cares about protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Throughout the day, they emphasized responsible reef practices and showed a real passion for preserving this incredible ecosystem for future visitors. Safety was clearly a top priority throughout the day. The crew conducted multiple head counts and safety checks, and we always felt well looked after both in and out of the water. The optional photography package was well worth it. The photographer did an amazing job capturing our experience, and we were thrilled with the photos. The food exceeded our expectations. We were welcomed onboard with coffee, tea, and muffins, followed by a delicious lunch with steak, fish, shrimp, and plenty of sides. On the trip back, there was cheese, crackers, and complimentary wine. Additional snacks were also available for purchase throughout the day. We also loved that there were additional experiences available for other guests, including a submersible tour and helicopter flights over the reef. Overall, this was one of the highlights of our trip to Australia. The crew was exceptional, the boat was excellent, the food was great, and the diving and snorkeling were unforgettable. We would absolutely recommend Down Under Cruise & Dive to anyone visiting the Great Barrier Reef!
Dive 7.6.26
R1887HDjacks,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really good day trip with 3 dives. Indi and Ben were awesome. Really knowledgeable and fun. Food was also class on the boat prawns and steak can’t go wrong
Great
Alexandra W,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great trip, I snorkelled and my husband did the diving, saw soo many wonderful and colourful fish, and turtles! For the number of people on the boat they are very organised.
Excellent!
Georgia41111,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great excursion! The boat is very big, modern, and plenty of room. We had a beautiful calm day so I know that helped, but we felt little movement. The time flew by to get to the first reef stop. Snorkeling was beyond amazing! The staff was very safety oriented and helpful. The second stop was equally good but I chose to do the semi submersible instead. It was good. Not amazing and the windows weren’t the clearest for viewing but it was informative and a way to see the reef from a different perspective. Lunch was also good with plenty to go around. This is a very well run excursion and I felt very safe and in good hands.
Book this one!
Ashleigh F,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Would 110% recommend, crew were super friendly and the experience overall was perfect! Facility’s and equipment were all in good condition also.
Fantastic Snorkel Day!
Belynda H,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day on the reef with a super helpful and friendly crew. We loved every bit of our time snorkeling!
The crew were the best!
Raymond W,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was amazing! Simon, Frankie, Jack, Elin, Maja, Ayumi, Ruben, Amber and so many more were absolutely amazing! They were exceptionally helpful, kind and knowledgeable
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