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
Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
Use of snorkelling and scuba equipment
All Fees and Taxes
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)
10-minute Scenic Flight (if selected)
Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
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.
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.
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.
Reviews
3,479 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Day at the GBR
Lyle B,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00Tremendous day of snorkeling at the GBR. No trip to Australia would be complete unless you do this. Highly recommended.
Reef
Georgina P,
Jun 21, 2025
- Viator
3.00Overall a decent experience with good staff. The food was okay but could be improved, and the wine selection could be better. Some aspects of the service were a bit frustrating.
Amazing Introductory dive
James B,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00Nic is an amazing dive instructor, very clear easy to follow simple directions. Took us on an exciting route along the reef with varying depths allowing us to see a great deal of abundant sea life!
The crew was very nice...
Meredith W,
Jun 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00The crew was very nice and easy to talk to. Make sure to follow their instructions to keep everyone safe. The reefs they took us to were beautiful. Plenty of food to go around.
Boat not maintained and an engine broke.
Ryan G,
Jun 12, 2025
- Viator
1.00Do not recommend. We were so excited. The boat seemed nice. After about 40 minutes from leaving the dock, the boat came to a stop. Soon they made us go inside and they told us we were heading back to the dock and there would be no tours. What a complete waist of our expensive vacation day in Australia. This is solely on the captain. He should ensure the boat is properly maintained, which it evidently was not. The captain did not even have the courage to tell everyone. They sent some poor sap from the crew to tell us. The captain of that boat is a coward and should be fired. We did get one free glass of wine because of it, so I almost gave 2 stars, but then realized we paid for an uber that went to waist. Supposedly, we will get a refund. There are many options for scuba and snorkeling, highly recommend going with anyone but this company.
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive