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.
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
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.
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 Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Reviews
3,823 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Marika R,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best well organized snorkeling experiences I’ve had. Everyone was helpful and the communication on board was fantastic.
It's beautiful, but caution is needed
768satoshiu,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It was really interesting. I rarely get to see what’s under the sea, so I was truly moved by its beauty. However, I do have two complaints. ・The ferry ride there was very rocky, and I got seasick. I recommend that those prone to seasickness bring medication. ・At the first dive site, I was stung by a jellyfish, which was extremely painful. About three other people were stung as well, so this is something to watch out for. 非常に面白かったです。 海の中を見ることなどほとんどなく、その美しさに感動しました。 ただし、不満な点が2つあります。 ・行きのフェリーでは舟が非常に揺れ、船酔いしました。弱い人は薬などを持っていくといいと思います。 ・一箇所目のポイントではクラゲに刺されて非常に痛かったです。私以外にも3人程度刺されていたのでこれは注意が必要です。
The day trip is awesome! The staffs are amazing!
Diana L,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our Great Barrier Reef day trip was amazing—everything was so well organised, even with a full schedule. The staff were all friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful throughout the day. A special thank you to Jack and Nic, who were incredibly professional and kind. They really made our experience extra memorable. We truly appreciated everything and would love to come back and join another trip for our next vacation.
Awesome adventure on the...
Kathryn J,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome adventure on the reef, the staff is super friendly and amazing at making sure you are comfortable. The boat is newer and clean- safety is the crews number one priority which made me feel safe out in the ocean - Both stops were great snorkeling Would def go again!
Amazing
jonathanmarino17,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing experience. I was a bit nervous about being sea sick but as long as you take it the night prior and before you board you should be good, it was a bit choppy at first but once you get to your destination its perfect. The staff was extremely helpful, friendly and respectful. The food was delicious and the diving was amazing. Definitely recommended the Helicopter tour! Once an a life time experience! Thank you!
Well organized. Good...
Kevin M,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organized. Good guidance for snorkling. Would recommend. Great opportunity to see the Great Barrier Reef.
Great tour with professional staff
amymT4796KS,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everyone was friendly and the snorkeling was so fun. The professional photographer does a great job. This boat holds several people so snorkeling is crowded. I didn’t read the part that you need a Dr note for any prescriptions. They do refund It’s right there so definitely my fault but I am putting it in the review for others. Everything was wonderful and we ended up doing the helicopter tour and it was awesome.
Details provided for this particular trip is incomplete and due to that we couldn't do scuba & helicopter. Later booking wasn't
DebyaniS,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Incomplete information ....
Very good services and tourt
Daniela A,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The service and crew from Down Under Dive were quite good and of good quality; they were very diligent and friendly.
Great adventure
T8243OV ,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was such a relaxing and memorable experience. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Queensland...perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and great service.
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive