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
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
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
3,788 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This. Is. It,
Claudia K,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you want to enjoy the best boat in the entire marina, with 1st-class amenities, and exceptionally experienced / friendly crew. This is your charter. My wife and I had never been diving before and decided the GBR was the place to give it a go. This charter made it easy and made us feel safe while providing the absolutely best experience we could have hoped for. The onboard photographer was next level. Dancing with the turtles and frolicking with the fish. She had a personal rapport with the most beautiful sea creatures. What did that mean? Stunning personal photos with turtles, exotic fish, and incredibly composed underwater shots of your party. She captured the memories that will last a lifetime. The reef locations we found were teaming with underwater sea life. The variety, colors, and accessibility left little to be desired. Lunch on board was good for ship-fare. Lots of options for various dietary options. Book this and you won’t be sorry. If you’re a little uneasy, rest assured you’re in great hands
Down Under is a great...
Joy H,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Down Under is a great company to do snorkeling and diving with. The crew was so helpful and fun. It was a great experience.
Thank you!!!
Ashley S,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely amazing! They made sure we were safe, comfortable and had everything we needed to be successful!
Must do
Brenda W,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience! My husband and I got seasick on the way to the reef, but I’m so glad I kept going and continued with my scuba diving. Wow 🤩 the peace and quietness underwater is beyond words, you truly have to experience it in person to understand how amazing it feels. A very special thank you to my instructor, little Philip, who was incredible, professional and patient throughout the dive. Also, the smiles from all the crew on the boat made us feel so welcome. I will definitely recommend this experience to my friends! ✨🐠
If you want to maximize...
Rich T,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00If you want to maximize your time at the reef snorkeling or scuba diving this is the right tour. Fast boat, good food and just the right amount of coaching to make the experience great. Would definitely go again. The reef was amazing!
Great experience! Staff...
Kelly L,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience! Staff was fun, informative, respectful and safety first! Would highly recommend this adventure!
Definitely recommend!!
Bethany S,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day, fabulous crew, beautiful corals and fish like nothing you’ve ever seen before! Lovely food, perfect amount of time in the water and out, highly recommend!
Great Barrier Reef
Vedhire R,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I t was a good experience even for a first timer, never snorkeled before. The guides were excellent, and they explain clearly all safety procedures.Evolution is a big boat, close to 100 passengers. Reef locations are great, can see a lot variety of fish and flora fauna. It was a fun experience.
Great experience....
Bryan J,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Snorkeling and scuba intro dive were both amazing. Bring medical clearance or check in advance if you have asthma or if over 65. I used scopolamine purchased when I got on the boat and didn’t need any for the ride back.
Staff made novice divers...
Sam W,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Staff made novice divers very comfortable. Big, stable boat (considering sea state was choppy). Great lunch.
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