Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise
Overview
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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 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.
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 + Two Introductory Dives
Two Introductory Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Reviews
1,926 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable day on the Great Barrier Reef!
Rachel L,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our 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
5.00We 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
5.00Just 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!).
Good outer reef tour
Kaleah P,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The staff were all fantastic and the first snorkel location was amazing. The second location was just okay but still overall amazing compared to the shorter day trips to nearby islands. Lunch was tasty and had something for everyone. Drinks you have to purchase. The Lycra suits stunk when given out but the rest of the equipment was fine.
Great crew, well equipped...
Susan R,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great crew, well equipped boat, great food throughout the day. They did their best to make sure everyone had a good experience.
One of the best experiences of my life
Tracew,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From start to finish it was just the most fantastic day. Great itinerary, amazing crew, super food and lots of lovely surprises. I had never snorkelled before but they were so helpful.. thank you guys - what an experience - I would do this again in a heartbeat. 👍
Great Experience in rough seas!
Bonnie M,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat and crew were amazing! So helpful, patient and friendly. Multiple times throughout the experience they checked on folks to make sure we were ok. They advised sea sickness pills because of rough seas and admitted they also took them, which i find endearing. The snorkeling was rough and not ideal. A storm went through the area several days earlier causing the water to be cloudy. Also, the water was very choppy with 4 (??) Foot waves. I say 4 for because that's how big they looked when I was in the water. So it was a battle to stay in one spot to see stuff. I think most folks stopped snorkeling before they typically would have because of the choppy water. Because of the water, the crew gave small group guides tours instead of free snorkeling for safety reasons. Completely understandable, but that meant a bunch of folks in a small location all at once. I got kicked in the face several times and I know I hit others as well. It is strongly advised you wear a lycra suit because of sun protection and jellyfish. I do wish they would have been more clear about that as a long sleeve swim shirt and pants would have worked and i could have brought my own to be more comfortable. They provided breakfast, lunch and several afternoon snacks. Everything was delicious! There was fruit, cheese and crackers, pasta, shrimp, chicken and cake throughout the day. We had a great time! I would definitely recommend this tour Ocean Freedom to anybody. They did a wonderful job making sure we had a great a time as possible. There wasn't anything the crew could have done to make the trip better! Thank you!
Great experience and friendly and helpful crew
Adam L,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked this experience with 2 young children and I cannot thank the crew enough for how helpful and friendly they all were. The captain even ensured our children got a set of cards to look at with all the fish they could potentially see. The organisation of all the equipment for snorkelling was very professional and ensured everyone knew exactly what equipment size they were before even getting to the reef. We had some rough weather and both children and myself were sea sick, the crew looked after us all very well, with drinks, and checking on us. When we got to the reef, they took our children out on an organised snorkel tour to show them around and support with the rough seas, they both really enjoyed this. The food provided was also very good, from the fruit and pastry on arrival to the lunch time buffet and afternoon cake on the way back. If you are looking to do a reef cruise, the Ocean Freedom team is the one to go with.
The staff was fantastic. The food was excellent, the snorkeling equipment in good shape & the reef location was superb.
Gerry U,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The weather was ideal. The reef location was wonderful. We saw beautiful coral, turtles, eels & loads of colorful fish.
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!
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