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 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.
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
Reviews
3,802 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We had an amazing day and...
Mandi N,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing day and the crew were brilliant especially given the rocky conditions! Despite needing the sick bags due to the weather; I had a brilliant time snorkelling once the boat stopped. Hubby had the best day too. Thanks everyone. Thoroughly recommended
Don’t Book If Not A Strong Swimmer
Mary W,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00My husband and I were very disappointed with this snorkeling tour. We are both not strong swimmers, but are able to snorkel with life vests and our own snorkeling face masks. However, we were in the water for only 10 minutes when we realized the strong under current prevented us (like many other guests on this boat) from swimming out to the reef. The staff on the boat did not seem to be very concerned that a lot of people had paid a lot of money to snorkel the reef, but were unable to go out because of the conditions. I learned later that a guided snorkel was offered, but was an additional fee. But the guided snorkel was canceled due to the conditions. We had a second snorkel trip with another outfit the next day. When we handed in our paperwork to the staff member, he immediately asked about our ability to snorkel on our own. We told him about our experience with Down Under. He asked if we would like to be pulled out to the reef with life buoys and have a personalized tour. We said absolutely. Mind you, we were not required to pay an extra fee even though this snorkeling trip was the same price. We were able to snorkel the reef which had been a bucket list for us. The two days had similar weather conditions and the same number of passengers. I would suggest if you are not a strong swimmer, do not book with this tour.
such a great time, super...
Mollie B,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00such a great time, super organized and everyone working there was great. the boat was kind of rocky / rough on the way there but overall 10/10 recommend!
Great experience with a...
Isak D,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience with a great crew! The dives were the best part! The tropical fish were very friendly!
Jinah makes a difference
Alexis O,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The sea is really choppy and a few folks were seasick but the team is very professional and helpful, tAs I am basic level in swimming and has never swam in the ocean, the rough waves seemed too intimidating , it was until Jinah came to my rescue and patiently guided me how to snorkel and pulled me and two other ladies to see the reef. She is very strong, reassuring and amiable. Thanks to her, I can have a glimpse of the reef despite the unfavourable weather. Kudos to her.
Great experience!
sdrolston,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience! Staff was plentiful, experienced and very informative and helpful. Given a windy day, they checked on passengers and assisted those who were sea sick.
Couldn't have been a better SCUBA dive experience!
bryce712,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an absolutely amazing dive experience with Down Under. First off, this boat does NOT try to nickel and dime you the way some of their competitors do. Picture prices are extremely reasonable, they installed lots of security cameras on the boat instead of lockers you have to pay for, and so on. Second, the boat is clean, has ample bathrooms, and is well sorted. Let's get to the diving. My dive master was Brianna (Bree), and Bree is the kind of person that can make your entire day better just by talking to her. As it turned out, I was the only certified diver on the boat, so I didn't just get a dive master, I got a person concierge to the Great Barrier Reef. Bree showed me ALL. THE. THINGS. that the GBR has to offer. We found Nemo and starfish and clams and nudibranchs and all kinds of different coral and IT WAS JUST AMAZING! We did three dives total, and I simply could not have been any more impressed with the experience of diving with Down Under, but especially diving with Bree. She found a juvenile Sweet Lips fish and we didn't have a sign for the particular type of fish, so she pointed and then started to dance underwater like a fan dancer to mimic the fish. I darn near spit out my regulator from laughing so hard... She taught me to blow bubble rings and find different kinds of sea cucumbers and look in the sand for skates and it was just incredible. I really hope to be able to come back someday and do this again, particularly with Down Under, and especially with Bree. The photographer is also particularly experienced - she got some awesome shots of me with lots of wildlife, and again, her prices to buy all the pics of me were very reasonable. She wears some of the most colorful stinger suits I have ever seen, so she is easy to find underwater. Thank you for a terrific experience!
Fantastic experience with top-notch crew!
Bianca G,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent crew, facilities and training! They welcomed us one by one to the boat and explained how the day was going to go very clearly, and the diving briefing was really good, as well as the support we had on our first dive, making us feel safe and supported all along. The only thing they can make better is the food (it had no taste at all :/ ).
Highly recommended
MariaAlejandra S,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience A must if you come to the Great Barrier Reef. I had chosen another experience at first but the read the fine print and changed for this one. I’m so grateful I did!!
What a fantastic experience. Exemplary customer service and outstanding personal.
Nichell M,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Must do in Cairns for a glorious Great Barrier Reef experience
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