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 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 is required from all divers 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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Free lycra/stinger suit hire
5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
All Fees and Taxes
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)
Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
Use of snorkelling and scuba equipment
BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
Private transportation
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
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel 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
3,578 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely Amazing!!
Jackie Z,
Oct 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00I spent 2 weeks in Australia and THIS is the highlight of my time in Cairns. EVERY crew member was lovely, helpful, and willing to answer all questions. Both spots we stopped to dive/snorkel were perfect with lots of sea life to observe. As someone who hadn't dived in a bit, Mike (Dive guide) was thorough in his instruction meeting, being patient, and answering all questions. When in the water, Mike helped all of us navigate the area, pointing out/signaling various fish we had discussed previously and being overall attentive and helpful. Mike was on point the entire day. I would recommend diving with him every time. The rest of the crew on board I cannot say enough positive things about (wish I could name them all). VERY professional in all regards. The way they handed 100+ individuals (from on-boarding to handing out gear) and the safety procedures put in place, it was astonishing. BRAVO to Mike and Down Under for an amazing day at the Great Barrier Reef. Would rate this 5 stars and spend the money to have another day at the Great Barrier Reef with them easily!!
Fantastic way to spend a day!
Emma G,
Oct 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a brilliant day out. We were looked after really well by lovely enthusiastic guides. I would 100% recommend this to anyone visiting Cairns.
Great Barrier Reef
Chris L,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00A fantastic trip to the Great Barrier Reef, plenty of time in both stops to get off boat and snorkel. Get to see plenty of fish and the Coral. All the crew were fantastic, and the food was great. Definitely would recommend to anyone looking to snorkel or Scuba diving.
A new favourite...
Bram L,
Oct 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00A new favourite experience for us (2 adults with 4 kids(aged 10-15). The two sites were amazing, with plenty of time at each to snorkel around. Things were well organized from the get go, with a great welcome in the check-in line by one of the crew, gear all organized within a few minutes of getting on the boat so you got to utilize all the time at the site for snorkeling and an amazing lunch. Lots of crew around to assist with things and checking in to make sure everything was going well. Our youngest (10) loves to talk and they were amazing with him. Good, clean newer boat as well, with air conditioned cabin as well as plenty of space outside, both in the sun and shade.
Great trip. Lots of reef...
Lisa S,
Oct 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great trip. Lots of reef time at two amazing locations. All the staff was super helpful and friendly and we did an extra part where the marine biologist tells a little more. Definitely bring something to put your camera in as you will want to take it out for pictures. They do sell them. Lunch was amazing and a little breakfast and cheese and crackers later. Totally recommend!!!!
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive