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‘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
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.
Tour + One Certified Dive
One Certified 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
1,835 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Lea Matea B,
Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an awesome experience. The staff was incredible friendl and helpful. The food was also so tasty. We had a wonderful time. Thank you for this unforgettably experience.
Really excellent trip....
Nicholas B,
Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Really excellent trip. Fantastic friendly & knowlegeable staff, very well informed. Food was tremendous !
Scared of diving?
Janelle J,
Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00If you’re scared to dive or even thinking “maybe this isn’t for me,” book with this crew. Every single person on board, Storm, Tori, Daniel, Archie and others created the safest, calmest, most encouraging environment I could’ve imagined. I came in genuinely terrified, and Tori and the team on the boat checked on me constantly, explained everything without judgment, and made me feel so supported before I even touched the water. When it was time to dive, the team was unbelievably patient, even when I held Daniel’s arm a bit too tight haha. They never rushed me, never made me feel silly, and talked me through every step until I felt confident enough to try. And then… I actually dove. And loved it. This experience went so far beyond what I expected - and I don’t write reviews - the whole crew works together like a family, and they treat you like one too. I’m already looking into getting my diving certificate because of how safe and empowered they made me feel. If you think you “can’t” dive… this is the team that will change your mind!!
The tour for you if you enjoy the attention to details and prefer a smaller group experience.
shihhsuank2017,
Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip started with pastries in the lower deck and ended with cakes being served right at where we sat, mix in between exploring and enjoying the Great Barrier Reef, one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World! The crew pays attention to the needs of people, from guiding non-swimmer to enjoy the reef to leading strong swimmers to more exciting locations, one thing we can all feel, was the care of safety of everyone and the surrounding environment. It’s a smaller boat, which means that the crew member to the passengers ratio is greater! Good news to all of us😆! The Wonder Wall of the Upolu Reef was fun and the waters are calm, which means you can really enjoy the snorkeling experience. On the way back, it was one surprise after another, started out with the fruits, then the cheese and crackers and finally a the cakes. Did I mention the lunch? Anyway, you are here for the reef experience, which is awesome, and all these food are just cherry on the top! Great job Ocean Freedom! And BTW, Happy Birthday to our Captain, Ryan, on the day we participated! Only downside, a group of people who are not considerate and occupied the stern as if they own it! Everything else was great!
Such cool sea life!
Kathie T,
Dec 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Had a great experience snorkeling with Ocean Freedom. Positives: staff are so welcoming and patient, they always made sure that you are safe. They supplied sunblock on board. The ride on the boat was quite breezy and refreshing despite heat warning. We saw a turtle, clams, so many different fishes with vibrant colors. Feedback: with the crowds of both divers and snorkelers, lot of the sea life were hiding in the reefs. The food was average as well but can’t complain as it did the job! Would go back on the Ocean Free next time with less people.
Fantastic.
Sonja S,
Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience where you can admire the reef and all the aquatic fauna, competent and friendly crew, highly recommended!
Wonderful
zxzxv,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day visiting the reef. Everything was top notch and the crew was a delight!! I would highly recommend it if you are wanting a wonderful day seeing the reef!!
Exceptional commitment to customer service
michaelgV6566LX,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was exceptional and looked after the tourers every need. The day started out rough and the water was very murky but the crew moved us around the reef looking for a better location. There efforts paid off and we experienced the wonders of the reef. Food was fresh and a good variety and the boat well equipped.
Great full day of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
S8293XNemmae,
Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome snorkeling experience on the Great Barrier Reef. We had plenty of time in the water without feeling bored as they had several options for seeing the reef. There was also plenty of food which we appreciated after a long day in the water and sun!
first time snorkeling
500pikm,
Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00the team was very friendly. as first time snorkeling couple, we find it very easy to learn. we have guided staff with us the whole time. saw many sea life!! there was also plenty of fruit and food for lunch and snacks on. thank you for helping us having great experience to the reefs
From A$252.75
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours