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 (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
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.
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
One Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Reviews
3,765 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Brilliant from start to finish.
Steven S,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Exceptional. Maybe the largest boat going out to the Reef. But crewed by wonderful staff who really care for you from start to finish. We had a brilliant day 28/2/26. Two great stops on the Reef. Two hours plus at each location. Thoroughly recommended.
I was nervous to get in...
VERONICA T,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I was nervous to get in the water. I'm not a strong swimmer, so I started out with guides (shout out to Simon and Peyton!). It was absolutely the best time!
snorkeling off the Great Barrier Reef
779alistairm,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Can't fault it. Worth every cent. Staff are fantastic
Great diving and excellent crew!
alangordon97,,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant experience and the crew were excellent! My partner was a bit nervous about diving but they were patient and helpful and got her to complete it and gave her the time of her life! Special shout out to Aaron, Brianna, Dom, Brooke and Maurice!
Absolutely magical
Gemmiedodger,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Genuinely lovely, friendly crew who took great care of their boat, passengers and the reef. Experienced snorkel and scuba guides who show you all the best parts of the reef and associated marine life (there are many!) Catering is comprehensive & included; no need to bring any extras yourself. Plenty of extra activities (marine tour, glass bottomed boat, helicopter ride) available if being in the water isn’t your thing. One day wasn’t enough for me and I had the great pleasure of a return trip. All the crew are attentive, but special call out to Ella, snorkel guide extraordinaire and Amber who took great care of this very rusty diver! Could not recommend more highly. Absolute highlight of my Cairns trip.
FABULOUS day despite it raining!
Richard M,,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff were incredible. They were helpful, polite, knowledgeable and did multiple checks to make sure everyone was back on after snorkeling. We forgot to purchase a picture and notified them right away and they held on the the pictures until we could reach them at a later time to order it. (Shannon was our photographer). I 100% recommend this trip! Boat was clean, lunch included was really good and they really thought things out. I did purchase an underwater holder for my phone on the boat to take pics underwater and it works really well! I cannot say enough great things about this amazing excursion.
Wonderfully amazing experience
814catherinen,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Catherine and Katherine celebrated birthdays snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying vibrant reefs, a delicious healthy lunch, and an unforgettable experience.
A trip to remember
debbiewI263XQ,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved this experience! Down Under Great Barrier Reef Tours exceeded expectations from start to finish. The crew were exceptional — friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They made everyone feel comfortable and ensured the day ran seamlessly. The food provided was outstanding — fresh, plentiful, and far better than you’d expect on a tour. It really elevated the whole experience. The reef itself was breathtaking, and everything was well organised and stress-free. Highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting an unforgettable Great Barrier Reef adventure. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great day out on the Reef
Diane R,,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Great Barrier Reef tour was extremely well organized and just a great day overall. There were close to 100 people on the boat not including crew and you would have never known. It never felt crowded and we loved the 2 reefs we snorkeled at- lots of fish and ample time to snorkel and relax.
An Unforgettable Day at the Reef!
mapasern,,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day trip from Cairns! The boat was big, comfortable, and very clean throughout the journey. The crew was 10/10, professional and super friendly. We had two reef stops with ample snorkeling time, and the sights were breathtaking. An outstanding job by the Down Under team. Don’t hesitate to book this!
Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive