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 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
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.
One Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory 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.
Reviews
3,627 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cairns Trip
Charles Y,
Nov 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Everything was well organized and explained. The time and activities were done efficiently and promptly. Prices are explained.
Must do!
Charmaine M,
Nov 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00This is a must do! The day was amazing, very well executed, great food, the staff are all so friendly and helpful throughout the whole experience. We would definitely do this again.
Brilliant
rebeccabQ3892LO,
Nov 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant day, amazing staff, great food and plenty of it. And we saw a turtle!!!! Conditions were great. High recommend.
Wonderful Day on the Great Barrier Reef
383ingridn,
Nov 2, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00This trip was part of a shore excursion on a cruise. This tour operator was very focused on safety and customer service, and we had a smooth ride to and from the reef and a wonderful time snorkeling. They did two roll calls by our safety numbers and two passenger counts during the time we were on the reef. They offered skin suits, pool noodles, life jackets and guided snorkel tours. We had a wonderful day on the reef and highly recommend this operator.
Awesome tour day!
Pat S,
Nov 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00All the staff were friendly and professional. We felt very safe and had a great day snorkeling on 2 reefs!
Bucket list experience
markcP8331EL,
Oct 31, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00I want to start this by saying this company is locally owned. To my knowledge, the money you spend is going to the right place. The admission fee was around $350 AUD for scuba, snorkeling, lunch, 1 glass of wine, unlimited coffee/pastries. If you just want to snorkel, it is roughly $100 cheaper. The trip started at 7:15 AM for check in and we were back at the pier by 4:45 PM. The atmosphere was amazing from the moment we arrived, the positivity of the gentleman named Eddie and other crew was very welcoming. This theme carried across the entire staff for the entire day. Even their interactions among each other were very positive and professional. They knew how to have fun but they could flip the professionalism switch on in an instant. In total there were about 170 people on the boat but it was relatively spacious. We were easily able to find space around the ship to look out as the boat traveled. Snorkelling was breathtaking. You can easily get a fantastic experience from just the snorkelling package (you can also drink alcohol immediately). We choose to do the scuba dive package. It was mind blowing. The guides did an excellent job of teaching the safety precautions and making you comfortable while diving. The first dive is significantly shorter than any other because the of the mandatory safety and skills briefing. You link arms with the guide and/or one other person as you dive in a group of 4 customers. This was perfect for my girlfriend because she was very scared of being under the water. So a controlled dive was the perfect bridge between comfort and experience. I enjoyed the first dive so much I decided to pay an extra $80 to complete a second dive. In this dive we got right into it, only holding onto the guide for approximately 5 minutes before he let us follow him on our own (total dive time 20 minutes). The freedom of independently exploring the Great Barrier Reef 10m deep was unforgettable. I am a fresh university grad and do not have loads of money but I still do not regret a dollar spent on this experience. I have explored the daintree, skydived and visited the waterfalls (student debt is piling) but nothing compares to this.
Professional Crew and an Unforgettable Day!
Asami B,
Oct 30, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00It was my first time joining Evolution today ☺️ The boat was very clean, well-equipped, and all the staff were incredibly professional. I joined the diving trip, and our first dive was at Norman Reef – my absolute favourite spot! The visibility was over 30 metres and it was just stunning. A huge thank you to my dive master, Amber, who explained everything so clearly during the briefing and made me feel safe and comfortable underwater. All the crew members on board were cheerful and friendly, and I had such a fun and memorable day. Thank you so much – I’ll definitely come back again🥰
The tour was fantastic....
Fabrizio M,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was fantastic. We got to see many fish either scuba diving or snorkeling. The staff and accommodations were top notch. Very knowledgeable and keeping us safe. The food was very delicious as well.
Amazing day out on the...
Wazifah B,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Amazing day out on the reef. The crew was fantastic and the service was amazing. They are super helpful and everything is easy to follow. Did the helicopter ride and the view was to die for.
The Best Crew Ever on the Evolution!
tchmum,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00My husband and I are seniors from Florida and took this beautiful experience in a retirement trip. The training, expertise and professionalism exhibited by the crew was splendid from beginning to end. The Down Under cruise team exhibited personal help and kindness to each of their passengers on the boat. The gorgeous Great Barrier Reef was a beautiful site to see and we are full of fond memories from this event at sea. I want to thank all the crew for making our day at sea the best ever! Indi and Mia made sure to complete my experience by their personal attention! Wow, under the sea was gorgeous! Craig was especially knowledgeable, helpful and so kind to make our helicopter experience the best ever. Henry our pilot gave us much history and added more fun to our best trip ever on the Great Barrier Reef!! Eddie, I hope I got your name correct, was so light hearted and fun! The girls at the front desk that helped me buy my souvenirs were very patient and sweet as I bought my shirts! Thank you, Down Under crew, for giving us all these special lasting memories on our Under the Sea experience in the land Down Under!
Related Experiences
Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive