Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
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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‘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
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!
Options
Snorkel Tour
Snorkel only: Great Barrier Reef Catamaran Cruise from Cairns including snorkeling
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory 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 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 + One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Tour + Two Introductory Dives
Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Reviews
1,812 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Almost a super lux snorkel without the price tag!
julieoh212,
Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic day on the reef! The crew was super helpful, especially Kelly, Storm and ?Asher -- keeping us safe and well feed/snacked! The food was actually good -- I liked the potato salad too much, and I usually dont! The process to get us kitted out with snorkel gear was very efficient (and sanitary). The expectations for the travel and activities were well explained. The fellow guests were friendly and fun. It was almost a "very high end luxury experience" at a very reasonable price! (This is written without sarcasm, btw.)
Had plenty of time to snorkle and also good for first time scuba divers
Diana m,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The core was very friendly and helpful...We also has plenty to eat. It only mentioned lunch, but also provided breakfast, snack and dessert
Outstanding experience with Ocean Freedom diving
Robin W,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding experience with Ocean Freedom and their crew Ben Dan and Andros(sp?) to name a few. They were so helpful, excellent dive briefing, their operation was like a fine well oiled machine, there were divers and snorkeling as well as a glass bottom boat that came along side while we were diving to allow those guests to snorkel too. I did a two tank dive and saw some amazing sites. I found Nemo(lol) white tip reef shark, turtles, angel type fish and beautiful corals. They had fresh fruit and snacks for breakfast, a full lunch and even more snacks after everyone was back on board on our way back to the marina. There was a bar and soft drinks as well as unlimited fresh water. They were a professional operation. The boat was clean, organized, well maintained, roomy and comfortable five star white glove service from each crew member, they checked on me multiple times to be sure I had a great experience I had all my own gear but the rest rented and I didn’t see anyone have any issues with equipment which was all well maintained.I highly recommend this team if you want to have a great time. Wonderful diving can’t wait to return. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wonderful crew!
Judy S,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew were knowledgeable, friendly & super attentive to everyone’s needs! What a super day! Book with Ocean Freedom!
Ocean Freedom Snorkel Tour – Honest Review
Yasmin E,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The crew was friendly and very attentive, and safety is taken extremely seriously – which is exactly how it should be. However, once in the water, things felt quite strict. The swimming area around the reef was very limited, so there were always people in front, behind, and next to you, which made it difficult to move freely. It didn’t really feel like you could swim independently. The reef spots themselves were not quite what we had hoped for. We expected a colorful reef with plenty of fish, but the areas were mostly beige, sandy, and not very lively. That part was disappointing. That said, the crew truly did their best and were very professional – although understandably strict, especially with some tourists who needed clear instructions. We also spoke with other guests on board who felt the reef sites were underwhelming. The food on board was fine, nothing special. Although this tour advertises itself as a smaller, more personal experience, it still felt like mass tourism in the end – which was surprising given the higher price and the promise of a more exclusive outing. Overall, it was a pleasant day with lovely people and a dedicated crew, but unfortunately, the “wow” factor we were hoping for just wasn’t there.
Great day trip to the reef
Ahornef,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day trip to the reef, glass bottom boats on site at a dive site. Very nice crew, smooth procedures. Lots of information about the reef by the staff. Good help even for people who cannot swim or can only swim poorly
GBR Snorkeling
Susan M,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Friendly and helpful staff for both divers and snorkelers. Safety and security were well done. Food !
The staff was very...
Randall A,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff was very experienced and attentive. As a solo traveler they kept a closer eye on me and were extremely helpful.
The tour is fantastic,...
Hongbing D,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour is fantastic, definitely worth doing! We had both glass bottom boat tour that is great and informative, and also amazing snorkeling experience. It is my first time snorkeling, I am not a strong swimmer, they gave me personal attention, The staff Archie (hope this is correct spelling) guided me through the entire snorkeling in the sea, showed me the magnificent underwater coral, numerous colorful fishes, clams and more. With Archie’s guidance, I feel very safe and was able to enjoy the view of Great Barrier Reef! Thank you very very much Archie. I highly recommend this tour!
Experience of a lifetime
Jack C,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable experience with the Great Barrier Reef! I’ve never scuba dived before so decided to do the introductory dive here, I started off very shaky trying to get under the water but they were very patient with me and I managed to complete the dive which was for me an experience of a life time. It was very cool seeing the reef and turtles whilst snorkeling and the food was a good spread. All crew were very nice and helpful and I would highly recommend this tour!
From A$252.75
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours