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.
Snorkel Tour
Snorkel only: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise from Cairns including snorkeling
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.
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Reviews
1,893 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely worth every penny!
724lydiab,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the Ocean Free Tour today. It was absolutely fantastic! Like really worth the money, from start to finish every part was really well thought through and quality. We had the option to snorkel or dive, we had a fabulous lunch provided with snacks throughout the day like cheese and biscuits/cake/ fresh fruit platters. The team were SO accommodating and extremely knowledgable. We would highly recommend Ocean Free in Cairns. We were all super impressed.
It is a 5 Star tour....
LI Y,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It is a 5 Star tour. Small group, very friendly crew members, great food, wonderful snorkelling experience.
Super friendly and...
Caroline B,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Super friendly and helpful staff. I did two intro scuba dives and still had plenty of time for snorkeling.
Exceeded Expectations!
Paul M,,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had high expectations for this experience and it far exceeded them. Great team who were fun, attentive and knowledge. My husband and I can’t thank the crew enough! Made our trip to Cairns worth every second!!!
The most memorable experience, just a fantastic day with a fantastic crew!
ELAINE W,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We are not strong swimmers but wanted to experience the Great Barrier Reef and we are so happy we booked with this company (Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours, a family owned business) .. from the moment we arrived we were looked after so well. The crew amazing, young and very knowledgeable and just the best bunch of people. Having never swam in the ocean or snorkelled, we were very nervous but we were guided in by a lovely young man called Ollie (thank you Ollie, you were just the best!) he stayed with us on both dives and kept us informed, calm and happy. It was just the best experience of our lives! The GBR was so beautiful and we felt honoured to be witnessing. The boat (Ocean Freedom) was very comfortable and a delicious breakfast, lunch, afternoon cheese and biscuits served which was great. We met really lovely people and the atmosphere was friendly and fun. At the end of the trip the crew lined up and shook our hands, as I said just the best bunch of fine young people. I was in tears as it was really the most memorable and wonderful day! ❤️
Great trip!!
Liz S,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing group of knowledgeable guides who are friendly and accommodating. I couldn’t recommend this enough!
Perfect day with a great family-owned company.
DennisC W,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect day. Great knowledgeable staff. Small boat experience lead to lots of individualized attention. The guides were nearby the whole time in the water for safety and to spot for fish and provide information. The food was very good and plentiful. Danish and fruit when you board, great lunch buffet lunch and snacks through the day. Highly recommended.
Must try
Y7552QHclaudial,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed the trip very much. The staff are professional and friendly. Very helpful to guide us in snorkelling so we enjoyed our very first time . All necessary gears and equipment are provided. There are various shapes of coral and fishes are extraordinarily beautiful. The food are well prepared and served. Will definitely recommend it.
Great Barrier Reef experience
goldsmcfarlane,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had an absolutely amazing experience swimming in the coral reef. From the moment we arrived, the guides were incredibly supportive, patient, and reassuring, which made me feel completely relaxed and confident in the water. Their professionalism and kindness truly stood out. Everything was thoughtfully provided on board to ensure everyone had a comfortable and enjoyable day — including motion sickness tablets, drinks, and plenty of delicious food and snacks throughout the trip. We were treated to breakfast, lunch, cake, fresh fruit, and crackers with cheese, which was such a lovely touch and kept everyone well looked after. The views of the reef were absolutely breathtaking — vibrant, colorful, and unforgettable. Being able to experience this natural beauty in such a well-organized and friendly environment made the day even more special. Overall, this was an unforgettable experience. The tour guides and crew were fantastic, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. I couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough — truly a perfect day on the water!
Fun boat ride, but check visibility before going
Bruce M,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The staff was excellent. The food served was excellent. The one issue which I can’t blame them for, was the rough waters, which created poor visibility. Saw some coral and some fish(more at the second stop than the first), but not what I had imagined. They had to be aware of the conditions but I guess I can’t expect them to cancel the whole trip and loose all of that revenue. Had I been aware of the conditions ahead of time, I probably would have canceled.
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours