Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Overview
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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, doctor's signature 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
No refunds for voluntary uncompleted or attempted dives.
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 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
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 Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel gear.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3,836 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent!
Georgia41111,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great excursion! The boat is very big, modern, and plenty of room. We had a beautiful calm day so I know that helped, but we felt little movement. The time flew by to get to the first reef stop. Snorkeling was beyond amazing! The staff was very safety oriented and helpful. The second stop was equally good but I chose to do the semi submersible instead. It was good. Not amazing and the windows weren’t the clearest for viewing but it was informative and a way to see the reef from a different perspective. Lunch was also good with plenty to go around. This is a very well run excursion and I felt very safe and in good hands.
Book this one!
Ashleigh F,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Would 110% recommend, crew were super friendly and the experience overall was perfect! Facility’s and equipment were all in good condition also.
Fantastic Snorkel Day!
Belynda H,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day on the reef with a super helpful and friendly crew. We loved every bit of our time snorkeling!
The crew were the best!
Raymond W,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was amazing! Simon, Frankie, Jack, Elin, Maja, Ayumi, Ruben, Amber and so many more were absolutely amazing! They were exceptionally helpful, kind and knowledgeable
Don’t miss this tour!
Kaitlin D,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had so much fun! It was my first time snorkeling but the friendly staff made it so easy. The views were incredible. (And get the wet suit if you get cold easily. It made the experience even more comfortable.)
Beautiful wildlife and great crew
Monica S,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a trip of a life time. We saw so many different fish in the locations we were taken to. The crew was very friendly and getting the photo package was extremely worth it for us. We highly suggest taking the opportunity to go out with this tour!
Highly recommend for divers
Michael M,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The scuba dive team, especially Phil, were top notch and made the experience fantastic. They were so patient with everyone and knowledgeable about everything related to diving and the reef itself.
Great Barrier Reef, Greater Crew
Y1949OBkristinar,May 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Down Under Cruise and Dive was excellent! The staff were friendly, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable about everything they were teaching. The boat itself was clean, comfortable, and stylish. The snorkel spots were amazing, and there were staff members in the water making sure everyone was safe and having a memorable experience. The food was phenomenal as well. What really stood out, though, was the crew—they genuinely seemed to love their jobs and enjoyed working together, which created such a positive atmosphere throughout the day. I also did an introductory scuba dive and felt safe and comfortable the entire time. I ended up doing a second intro dive, which allowed us to explore a bit more independently in a controlled environment with the instructor. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone even slightly interested in scuba diving. The instructors meet you at your comfort level and provide a fantastic experience. Being on the Great Barrier Reef was surreal. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone!
Fantastic experience...
Sarah A,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience aboard the Evolution! The crew was exceptional. Incredibly helpful and attentive
Awesome day on the reef
Chris B,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A must do experience in life! The crew and dive team are amazing and did a fantastic job. If you have the interest and abilities, do the scuba dives with this trip. There is an opportunity for up to 3 dives between 12-15 meters and the underwater environment and wildlife are very worth the bit of extra expense. The dive master Ajnumi was excellent with my daughter on her dives. The entire crew was excellent with learning names (much better than I for them - sorry) and made us all feel important. Would recommend for families or as a side day trip if here on business!
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