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
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.
One Certified Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified 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 Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Reviews
3,731 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Easy booking process....
ROBERT C,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Easy booking process. Friendly staff with no hard sell pressures. Knowledgeable staff. All round very enjoyable day & certainly did not disappoint
Amazing 😍
Darren D,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience and extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff! Marine biologist was fantastic and so knowledgeable
Amazing Experience
JuanSebastian S,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fancy boat that goes really fast, nice crew and good food; great reef locations. Amazing experience!!
Amazing day out, so glad we did it!
Leona H,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a wonderful experience! This is an amazing day from start to finish! The welcome from the team was great, throughout the day the team were always cheery, helpful, informative and making us laugh! They really helped us get the most out of the trip! We did an intro dive and the detail out into health and safety was great, instructors lovely! Indie was amazing explaining the marine biology on the added snorkel trip! Food awesome! All round good vibes and wish I had time to do it again!
Review of trip to the Great Barrier Reef.
David H,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a wonderful experience scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. From start to end you could not want any more from the staff, they was unbelievable helpful with safety paramount at all times. The food was great and plenty of it. You had more than enough time on the two dives to get whatever you wanted from your day. First class service, don't miss out and book with this company.
Great Barrier Reef
ILY S,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat was very nice, the entire crew were very sweet and friendly. The food was great and the diving was amazing, Mike was the best , can’t wait to go back and do it again next Monday! It is by far the best experience here in Australia! 🥳🥰😘🇦🇺
Family adventures
Ashley N,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Awesome day out on the water and Great Barrier Reef. We did the snorkeling and helicopter ride. Just wish we had more time to snorkel at second location. It was kind of cut short due to the helicopter ride (which was amazing). Had my three yeas old with us and was very accommodating with her and the helicopter ride
10/10
Amanda B,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010/10 experience. The crew was fantastic and so kind and fun while also keeping everyone safe and the reefs were so incredible highly recommend
Everyone on board was...
Farez L,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everyone on board was very friendly. Very lovely cruise to two spots of barrier reefs. Amazing experience
Perfect Way to experience the Great Barrier Reef
Sean M,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an AWESOME way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The ENTIRE crew should be commended for how organized and efficient they are while dealing with such a variety of people with varying desires/expectations of what they hoped to accomplish. The food and drinks exceeded expectations as well. Being able to obtain pictures of our experience was icing on an already incredible cake.
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive