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
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Reef Fleet Terminal
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 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.
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel 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
Reviews
3,560 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Locally owed!
Tiffani N,
Aug 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00We had such a fun time snorkeling on one of the 7 natural wonders of the world! The staff was helpful, nice and professional. The food was good! We also got to ride in the helicopter which will be the memory of a life time!
This was a great day out...
Sally H,
Aug 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great day out snorkeling. There were a lot of people on the boat but because of the size of the boat it wasn't an issue. The staff were all really friendly and the whole day was really well organised. The two reefs weren't far apart so we were able to spend a lot of time on the water and there were options for people who weren't sure about snorkeling to get an easier start. The lunch was tasty and there was a small snack on the way out and cheese and crackers on the way back. The whole family had a great day.
Stunning experience
Gavin C,
Aug 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00Stunning stunning stunning really worth it. Much better than expected. Not really a tour type couple but this exceeded expectations.
Choose this over any other Great Barrier Reef Tour!!! Amazing time, do it!!!
Samantha W,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a wonderful day out on the water! Staff was amazing, funny, caring, involved fully. Great Barrier Reef was surreal. We didn’t do the helicopter tour or scuba the snorkeling alone was perfect! You’ll still see and hear the helicopter landing which was fun to watch. I’d imagine you can always upgrade to add these on the boat if you want. My husband decided he wanted to scuba on the boat.
The spot
PAOLA D,
Aug 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Awesome !! I loved the experience, qualified staff with good vibes, excellent places to see the coral reef
Related Experiences
Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive