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 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 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
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
Options
One Certified Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
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.
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
Reviews
3,674 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing trip
Scott B,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing day on the Endeavor on the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns. The reef was stunning and the crew was incredible—so friendly and attentive. They even surprised my husband by singing Happy Birthday, which made the day extra memorable. Highly recommend this trip!
Worth it
Aashma D,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00it was beautiful, definitely worth it. Must go . Only thing wish there were less people on the boat , be aware of getting sick. Take some motion sickness meds with you.
First class
Mike S,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00First class operation. Highly recommend.great dive, great food , very safety oriented. Top notch experience
Best reef trip by far!
Pioneer673978,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best reef tour I’ve been on by far. Super friendly and helpful crew. Very organised and enjoyable. Food was great and experience was fun!
The excursion was well...
Susan S,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The excursion was well organized and the staff was very friendly. The trip included a very good lunch. I would recommend this tour when you visit Cairns.
Great tour
John M,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sean, our tour guide did an amazing job! Extremely knowledgeable about the area as well as flora and fauna.
Amazing!
Jyotsnaa R,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is my second time with the same provider! Absolutely amazing experience! Must try. Highly recommended.
If I could give this 10...
Amanda M,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If I could give this 10 stars I would. From check in to leaving the boat the amount of professionalism, pride, and true love of the water was shown through each employee. They all were extremely helpful, enthusiastic, and really wanted to make sure you were not only having a good time but you were safe. We did the snorkel with the intro scuba dive and it was great. Had a great dive instructor who then brought us around the reef. Saw tons of fish and coral. You are also able to see tons of fish and coral from snorkeling as well. Stinger suits were provided. Nothing short of excellent. If you’re concerned about brining kids on, I would not be, this is one of the safest vessels I have ever been on. Lots of staff on board ready to answer questions or help in anyway, constantly doing a head count to ensure each passenger is on the boat, the snorkel/dive area is roped off so you cant swim into the abyss, there is also a staff member watching from the top deck to ensure all swimmers safety in the water, there is also staff members in the water with you with a raft bringing passengers around to snorkel and talk about the different wildlife. Really excellent and very well organized! Would recommend to anyone!
Great day out to Great Barrier Reef
Daniel C,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Very well organised, with safety being the number one priority. A great crew who were fantastic in looking after and out for everyone during the day. The catamaran is first class and the service on board was very good with tea/coffee available in the morning, a good lunch, then cheese and biscuits plus a glass of vino on the way back to Cairns. Two locations were visited on the Great Barrier Reef which were good for snorkelling, but perhaps a bit limited in terms of area you could explore, but I admit that this will depend on each person’s expectations. Saw plenty of fish, coral and swam alongside a turtle which was great, but didn’t quite have the “wow” factor I was personally expecting. This trip does not go to a floating platform which made the entrance area to the sea very congested as snorkellers got in/out the water and others waited either to dive or for helicopter rides at the second stop. However, that said despite my own views, this is a must do trip and I would do it again with no hesitation.
Exceptional Care & Incredible Experience with the Down Under team
Lavanya L,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing Great Barrier Reef experience thanks to the incredibly attentive and caring crew! As beginner divers, we felt completely supported — the team struck the perfect balance between guiding us gently and respecting those who were certified but still building confidence (me :)) . The safety briefings were clear, reassuring, and delivered with a uniquely Aussie sense of humour that my friend visiting from Dubai absolutely loved. Lunch was delicious, and the complimentary drink with cheese and crackers was such a thoughtful touch. A special thank you to Mike, Amber, Nick, Paton and the rest of the crew — our instructor, Mike & Amber made us feel confident underwater, reminding us that “we’ve got this.” During the second dive, when I felt uncomfortable, they swiftly arranged for a colleague to pick me up by boat and ensured I was completely okay and cared for. Truly outstanding service and an unforgettable day. Highly recommend! Will definitely be back with these guys!
From A$265.00
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive