What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• Recommended snorkel tour company: ocean freedom

  103cliffs,Apr 9, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The check-in is at the terminal port check-in, which the address provided into Google maps didn't resolve and I spent a bit of time looking for it. You have to go in to check-in to get a boarding pass, otherwise you'll be turned around to go get it at the boat. Make sure you've read and agree to the liability as they will ask you again at the boat to make sure you did. There is Danish and coffee and tea as you're heading out which is good if you're cramped for time. The first stop they went through a comprehensive briefing and fitment of equipment. The first stop was really good for coral and fish, a ray, a turtle. I think it was better for overall snorkeling experience. I dive while snorkeling and it was very cool to see the coral fingers moving up close and the many fish that you'd swim through. Lunch was a great spread, note it's cold, not hot, which was fine for me. Precooked prawns (with the head on but still quite big like size 10 or so), smoked salmon, cold cuts of two types of ham, beef, and salami, quinoa salad (I think), rigatoni, stir fried vegetables and potatoes, green salad, barbeque chicken legs, and fresh bread with butter. After snorkeling this really was appreciated and was quite tasty to me. The second stop is a bit further out and apparently less deep, which was pretty hard to tell, except I could swim to sand on the bottom. The coral was a bit more spread out this time and not all in one area like the first spot. There was still a ton to see, including a ray, a turtle, a few different types of fish (is saw clown fish here, but didn't spot one at the first area), a cave, a giant clam (which I missed at the first area, sea cucumbers, and more fan coral. It was pretty big swells and the staff tied a rope to the coral to make it easier to get to, and that helped a lot. The staff at both locations would provide guidance on what they saw and point it out, including the turtles, giant clams, rays, squid and cuttle fish (I missed) and the cave that you wouldn't know unless they pointed it out. I was snorkeling for about 1½ hours and was one the last people back, I think the swells were tiring people out. After snorkeling they brought out fruit plates with cantaloupe, honey dew melon, pineapple, apple, orange, watermelon, banana, all which were great taste and quality. A little later they brought out cheese and cracker plates. And then as we slowed down entering the harbour area three type of cake, banana, carrot, (both tasty) and some tri-coloured one (didn't try). The staff were amazing. They were relaxed, yet very professional and made sure everything fit and often checked on you to make sure you were doing well. Great experience and would recommend to anyone that is looking to snorkel in Cairns.

• I would like to say that...

  stan m,Apr 7, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  1.00

  I would like to say that the crew were amazing without them I would have spent the day on board the vessel due to weather conditions.The equipment was sub standard the vessel smelt damp and personal belongings were not secure and the meals provided was not a seafood buffet.There is no luxury in this cruise . The two stops had minimal visibility no much fish to see and coral . This trip should have been cancelled was not worth the money

• The team was very...

  Monica W,Apr 7, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  The team was very organized, friendly and efficient. They multi tasked : taking us out in the reef to see the best of it; looking after our safety; serving us abundant lunch, fruits, cheese&crackers and desserts. They were nature lovers and reminded us to protect Australian marine environment. We enjoyed this excursion so much!

• Great trip and staff

  Curlymama5,Apr 6, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  The staff on this trip was amazing. Although the water was extremely rough, all of the staff was so attentive and helpful making sure everyone was safe and well taken care of. The food and service were also very good. Thank you for a wonderful trip even in rough seas.

• Very disappointing trip but good crew

  785clivem,Mar 30, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  1.00

  One of the reasons we booked this trip was the promise of a glass bottom boat. We spoke with 2 other couples who did the same, one of which went for the glass bottom boat only. All 3 couples were told only on the trip, and when they / we asked, that the glassbottom boat had been cancelled 'having been damaged by the effects of a cyclone' and that this was displayed on a notice at the registration desk. It most definitley had not, although it was there when we returned from the trip. One of the other couples were actually assured that the glass bottom boat part was on when they registered on the day. So that was very poor service. The sea was quite choppy and when my wife and I did some snorkling all we could see was murky seawater with occassional glimpses that there may be more. It also promised tea and coffee throughout the day whereas it was part of the day. The lunch was reasonable but not great. And it is not a lixury snorkel, many of the wet suits were ripped and the snorkels seemed like childrens kit. So a very poor return on £271 and as far as the glass bottom boat is concerned we feel deliberatelly mislead. However, the individual crew members were very helpful. In particular one member, a young man named Ollie, swam to my wife's aid when she got into difficulties and needed help. She is actually a very strong swimmer but the choppy sea caused her to be unable to clear the water from her snorkel and before she could recover her breath she was hit by the swell several times, swollowed seawater and became very dizzy as a result of being unable to breathe. This was frightening, but Ollie looked after her very professionally and with care. All in all we consider the whole trip was very disappointing.

• Overall a good experience with some things that could be improved

  Kristine A,Mar 30, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  We were originally booked on the Ocean Freedom boat, and then we were asked to switch over to the Ocean Free boat, which we informed ourselves about and agreed to. It just didn't end up being as amazing as expected. Pros: The staff was incredibly kind, helpful, and enthusiastic. They put in a lot of effort to check in with everyone to make sure we were all taken care of, and able to experience the things we wanted to do. The guests doing the dives seemed to have a great experience and only had positive things to say about that. I can tell the instructors are excellent at what they do and making sure guests experience a memory they'll always cherish. The snorkeling felt so safe, too; it was great being able to hold onto a rope while snorkeling for those who weren't as confident as swimmers. You can tell safety is a top priority. The apple danishes, cheese/crackers, and dessert cakes were delicious. Cons: We did think it would be a bit better of an experience considering the reduced number of people planned to be on the tour. While there were fewer than 20 people on the boat, which was nice, it still felt a bit cramped. Of course the rainy weather was under no ones control, but it was tough when it rained hard and there wasn't enough space for everyone to sit under the covered boat area. Additionally, the bathroom was rough. The toilet seat was broken and I think some passengers ended up just removing the seat since it wasn't functional. Lunch was fine. This boat probably isn't a sea-sick person's best friend. It's not for the weak. We appreciate the true sailing boat experience, but if you are considering this boat for the tour, just know it's not for folks who like glam and luxury (maybe the Ocean Freedom would be better for this). FInally, the wet suits provided were still damp (likely from being rained on the previous night?). Putting on a damp wet suit is a weird experience. Overall, a good experience with room for improvement in certain areas. Excellent and caring staff.

• Brilliant experience and friendly team

  amyw1572,Mar 21, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a brilliant day on this tour - a smaller group meant that the boat didn’t feel crowded and the crew were super friendly & helpful. The food was great and served at good intervals throughout the day. It’s clear that the team care about guests; taking time to support people with varying swimming abilities. Seeing the reef up close was amazing and can’t recommend the ocean freedom tour enough!

• Unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef!

  Rachel L,Mar 18, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Our Great Barrier Reef tour was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience with a fantastic, friendly crew who kept us fueled with regular, tasty snacks. The reef itself was breathtaking, and we loved seeing it from every angle by both snorkeling and taking the glass-bottom boat. A huge special shout-out to Maddie, who was incredible with my husband; he isn't the most confident swimmer, but she helped him feel completely comfortable and at ease in the water so he could fully enjoy the experience. It was a brilliant day from start to finish, and we would 100% recommend this tour to everyone!

• A fabulous day on the reef.

  Lednod,Mar 15, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  We had a fabulous day on our Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef snorkelling day. The crew were friendly, informative and professional. We were a small group of 21 and everyone was catered for - from snorkelling novices to experienced divers. The reef and wildlife were spectacular. Food was good quality and plentiful and we were surprised with snacks throughout the trip. Tea and coffee was available all day. It was definitely value for money.

• Just a fantastic...

  H R,Mar 13, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Just a fantastic experience all-around. Ollie was a superb dive instructor, working the equipment for me and helping me identify some awesome animal life. Snorkeling was also great, even in the strong current. Everything was on time, everyone was efficient and kind, and the equipment was all top-of-the-line (with prescription masks!).

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