Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy the most customer-oriented Great Barrier Reef tour aboard a fast travelling sleek, luxury catamaran from Cairns! Snorkel and dive 2 very different and unique Great Barrier Reef Sites. "Wonder Wall" on the outer edge Upolu Reef and Upolu Cay reef area - an aquarium style coral garden with the most beautiful clear blue azure waters. Spend six hours (more than any other reef tour) to snorkel or scuba dive (see options below) these Marine Park protected areas. Absolutely no rush in the day. Enjoy complimentary Glass- Bottom Boat tour and Adventure Drift Snorkel tours with your onboard marine naturalist. This cruise is limited to 75 guests, ensuring quality customer service and passenger comfort.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A maximum of 75 people ensures a unique and personalized experience
The order in which the snorkeling and dive sites are visited may changes as it is dependent on the conditions on the day
Please note: All DIVERS will be required to complete a medical questionnaire on board prior to diving. Please only book the diving options if you have no medical conditions or taking medication as some conditions/medication preclude you from diving
Guests come from many countries and many only have a small opportunity to visit the reef. The vessel will operate in all weather conditions (apart from gale force and severe weather warnings) and has extra procedures to make the day the best possible. If you are concerned about the weather, please visit www.bom.gov.au cairns coastal report - it will give you a 4 day forecast. 10-20 knots is a normal good day. Date of travel can be changed subject to availability and also full refund if cancelling with minimum 24hrs notice. Our vessels are open air with good boat movement so less likely to suffer seasickness than some other closed vessels however, if prone to motion sickness we recommend taking travel sickness tablets 20 minutes before boarding the vessel.
If intending to take part in diving all divers (whether certified or introductory diver) will be required to fill out a diving medical questionnaire on board. If diving is an important option for you, please advise if you have any medical issues (past or present) or taking any medications so we can advise if any QLD diving medical clearance is required. Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. It is imperative for your safety that you answer the questions on the form truthfully.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom
After check-in board the vessel, grab a coffee, a Danish pastry, fresh fruit & settle in. After just over an hour we arrive at our first Great Barrier Reef destination - the beautiful "Wonder Wall " on the outer edge of Upolu reef. Snorkel, SCUBA (extra) this stunning Great Barrier Reef site teaming with fish and marine life. Experience an informative complimentary Glass Bottom Boat & Adventure Drift Snorkel tour with our very attentive guides. After a morning of activities enjoy a large scrumptious lunch as we cruise to Upolu Cay. Snorkel this "coral garden" tropical oasis - look out for turtles & sting rays! When conditions allow you can even land on this glistening white coral Cay! Enjoy six hours of snorkelling, relaxing between these 2 uniquely different reef sites. After a magical day we return to Cairns serving fresh fruit, cheese and crackers and cake arriving back in Cairns by around 4.15 pm . We are thrilled to now have you as part of our ever growing Ocean Freedom family!
Great Barrier Reef
Our Marine Guides will enthrall you on a reef and marine life discovery on an a highly informative and engaging Adventure Snorkel Tour and Glass Bottom Boat Tour at our two unique Upolu Reef sites - "Wonder Wall" on the Outer Edge Upolu Reef and our "Aquarium" coral garden reef site amongst the beautiful shallow, azure coloured waters of Upolu Cay Reef. These sites are in Marine Park highly protected zones where no fishing is allowed, hence the abundance of fish and marine life. Come and find your favourite Hollywood Nemo character! With 6 hrs of actual un-rushed reef time you have plenty of time to do both complimentary activities and continue exploring yourself under the guidance of our attentive crew!
What‘s Included
Tea and coffee throughout the day
Luxury fast stylish catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef
Wetsuits or lycra suits (depending on season)
Large smorgasbord lunch with seafood
Platters of tropical fruit, cheese and crackers
Freshwater showers
Environment Management Charge (EMC) and port fees
Snorkeling instruction and in-water crew assistance if required
Six full hours on the Great Barrier Reef with stops at two uniquely different reef locations
Snorkeling tour with a marine naturalist in a highly protected Marine Park zone of the GBR
Snorkeling equipment (snorkel, marks, flippers, and buoyancy vests)
Guided interpretative Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour on Great Barrier Reef site
Informative Glass Bottom Boat Tour On Great Barrier Reef site
Confectionery, Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Only Pre-book diving if no medical conditions/taking medication - some may preclude you from diving
OPTIONAL Diving : x1 or x2 cert dives / x1 or x2 Intro dives
Options
Tour + One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + Two Certified Dives
Two Certified Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Snorkel Family Pack (2ad+2ch)
Snorkel only Family Pack: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise Family Pack from Cairns including snorkeling (2 adults + 2 children 4- 14 years)
Tour + Two Introductory Dives
Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Snorkel Tour
Snorkel only: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise from Cairns including snorkeling
Reviews
1,920 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best Great Barrier Reef Tour in Cairns
Greta H,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the most amazing experience! The staff were all so friendly and so happy to help us have the best time possible! 100% recommend, worth every penny!
Scuba diving and snorkeling experience
20shivanib,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this tour with the Ocean Freedom team, and I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are incredibly professional and attentive. The entire crew paid close attention to our needs throughout the trip. As someone who isn’t a confident swimmer, I was quite nervous about scuba diving. However, my instructor Ambrose guided me patiently, stayed by my side, and made sure I felt completely comfortable in the water. Thanks to him, I had an amazing experience. We also went snorkeling and saw sharks, turtles, and many other beautiful marine species. I was absolutely thrilled by the end of the trip. My friends and I loved every moment of it. They also thoughtfully accommodated my vegetarian meal request, which I really appreciated.
A friendly family firm. Responsible and professional.
Nicolie C,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Good boat. Incredibly friendly, professional and lovely staff. Superb food: breakfast, lunch, snacks and cake. Morning reef location was fantastic, with so much to see. Glass bottomed boat trip was good. Afternoon location seemed more limited. Great bar and selection of drinks to buy.
Family owned business with Great service
Karen-Eve B,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This family owned business provides more service, better food, more help, and support for diverse and snorkeling in any of the other tours which are all corporate owned! The staff are professional, well trained, kind, and helpful. Rees and all the staff were amazing. I was a nervous inexperienced snorkeler and Rees literally guided me around the entire snorkeling area and gave me a sense of Security and calm. The food, snacks, and service were terrific, and I have a high bar. The other snorkeling tours are owned by large companies and corporations, and my friends who used those told me that they were given their equipment and just told to jump in with no support or guidance. Choose this family owned business with a dedicated team of staff who make a lifetime experience very special.
Outstanding Experience - Highly Recommended
mapasern,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From start to finish, this tour with Ocean Freedom was absolutely incredible. The crew was welcoming, friendly, and professional, making us feel at ease the entire day. It was a small boat but also a small group of people which make the boat felt spacious and was kept spotless for the full 8+ hours. It was also a very customize experience. We had two stops at the reef with plenty of time for snorkeling, and glass boat! it truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re in Cairns, this is the company to go with. Absolutely worth it!
Sir rides a lot
Tom H,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew were fantastic. They were friendly, helpful, and gave easy to follow instructions. The food was also good and plentiful.
A must do in Cairns!
Diana M,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was great, a must do in Cairns. The team was very professional and well organized. The boat was spacious and not too crowded. There was a lot of food and drinks at the bar were priced fair. I wanna say a big thanks to Mia for helping me out with the certificate I asked. She was amazing and immediately went above and beyond to find a solution! I really appreciated that! Also, the dives are so worth it!!
Great Excursion
itsmecathy,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This crew was amazing and very attentive to us since it had been awhile since our last dive. We had a terrific experience diving and snorkeling at the reef. The boat had plenty of room, the lunch and snacks were perfect, and the equipment was good quality. I would highly recommend this excursion!!
This was an outstanding...
Jonathan K,Feb 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an outstanding experience. Snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef has been a bucket list item and what a great day we had! The crew was fantastic and very accommodating of my wife having had recent foot surgery. Nice atmosphere and friendly, knowledgeable crew.
One of the best days ever.
lindahL7251WK,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Locally owned company. Everyone was fantastic. Very professional and informative. The best snorkeling lesson I’ve had. Food was all day long and excellent. They filled every expectation and beyond.
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours