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, 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
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.
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 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
3,847 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Bucket list item, Great Barrier Reef
Sue H,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an absolutely amazing excursion. The staff were GREAT from the moment we boarded until we disembarked. A true bucket list item. Do the helicopter tour as well, you will NOT regret it!
Worth it!
Anonymous,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lunch is great and all you can eat, all supplies are provided for you, I would avoid the educational private tour guide fee they offer you on the boat. Not worth the money. The overall trip is worth it!!
Great day
Jennifer L,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Water was very rough and should be advised to pack seasickness meditation as appropriate. Snorkeling water was very rough and guidance should have been given for that to maximize the experience.
Trip was nice, weather...
Bruno V,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Trip was nice, weather even better. If you have a chance, this is definitely a thing to see! As a bonus, they have prescription scuba diving masks on the boat.
Trip of a lifetime
David C,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience. Great food too! Unbelievable water, great fish pics and reef pics. Can’t wait to go again!
Myself and two friends...
Eabha B,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Myself and two friends did this tour while in Cairns and could not rate it higher. They both did the intro to scuba diving while I did the certified dive and all of our experiences were incredible. We all ended up adding on an extra dive after our first one! It was so organised and all the crew made us feel so comfortable and safe while keeping it fun. We loved it!!
One of the seven natural wonders of the world!
Javier B,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A trip of a lifetime was made possible by these professional, friendly and amazing crew! Shoutout to Chayse for helping to guide us as we made lifelong memories. Highly recommend!
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.
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive