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.
The operation of the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour is subject to weather conditions and may not operate in rough seas.
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.
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 + 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.
Tour + One Introductory Dive
One Introductory 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
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)
Informative Glass Bottom Boat Tour On Great Barrier Reef site (Subject to weather conditions)
Guided interpretative Adventure Drift Snorkel Tour (Subject to weather conditions)
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,967 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Tour company
nickdG6871UJ,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Better than expected . Would rate a 5 star. The crew were all very helpful and went out of their way to make sure everyone on board go to have a great time . Reese , was amazing
Why Ocean Freedom should be your first choice!
Gaurav M,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Highly highly recommend Ocean Freedom as your chosen scuba diving instructors. They undertake their responsibility very seriously yet kindly. Ann, Mia, Amber, Mike and Archie deserve a special mention. My kids were very scared of scuba diving, and Mia patiently walked them through it. She helped them throughout with the dive ensuring a really really good experience for them, despite their anxieties. She was kind, patient and helpful. Ann and Amber also helped pacify my wife when she felt scared and ensured she completed her first snorkeling experience. We did the glass bottom tour, snorkeling and scuba diving. It gave us a great introduction to the flora and fauna at the reef. I was not able to do my pre booked dive experience due to a medical condition and they promptly refunded my cost of dive. Apart from being amazing instructors for the water activities, they went above and beyond in terms of service. We were served fresh fruit,danish, cheese crackers and cake and the heavy lunch. They were very accommodating of allergen requirements. Despite such a long day, they always wore smiles on their faces. Leaving at the end actually felt like saying goodbye to people we knew for a long time. Their warmth, their expertise and their patience made our journey to the Great Barrier reef so so memorable. We cannot thank them enough for their kindness. Highly recommend Ocean Freedom regardless of your group type or swimming knowledge. Be assured that you are in the best of the hands that are trained well and understand anxieties you might have if it's your first time.
A fabulous experience
Q1506MXangelal,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was fortunate to experience the most spectacular conditions for snorkeling. Staff were professional but extremely helpful and very knowledgeable. Lunch was beautiful and there was lots of food.. Would highly recommend Ocean Freedom and was very pleased to support a locally owned business.
Average experience not premier
damienrA3954LC,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Although a great experience I would not label this a premier or luxury experience .. the boat is not Modern , the food is average and the only Good Part is the small group size
FANTASTIC Experience
Kristen D,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience! We were first time snorkelers, ranging in age from 11 to 6-*mumble mumble*. The crew was so friendly and upbeat. They were helpful, and I truly felt like they kept a watchful eye on everyone's safety. One of the guides went out of his way to make sure my mom got to see the reef shark, and they all shared interesting tidbits or swam down to point out special fish. There was a ton of yummy food to enjoy. This was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so happy we did it!
Great experience
Paul W,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a fabulous day, they were great with us a rocky ocean day, tried to scuba dive, but couldn't relax enough, but the kids loved the scuba experience, I went snorkeling and they pointed out all the great fish
Best reef cruise around. Even better to support a family owned business! VC
Alison W,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the best experiences we have ever had. It was amazing to see the reef. Learned a lot about reef bleaching and how the fish all work together. Best crew around! 100% worth every cent
Very expensive and didn't wow us
spencecrop,May 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The water was so rough it was hard to enjoy. Our catamaran was small and I think it would have been better to be on a larger vessel. Crew was decent. First location had lots to see but second location did not. The coffee, tea and cocoa they served was unappealing. Hygiene is questionable but the food was plentiful.
Wonderful day trip
Sigrid R,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Early in the morning we came aboard the catamaran. The crew was super friendly. There was coffee, tea, fruit and particles for breakfast. Mary then very nicely instructed us in the boat. Then there was a round of pills for seasickness because the sea was a bit rougher that day. On the 1-hour drive to the outer reef, this was also useful. Nevertheless, this did not help everyone and so the crew took care of every seasick person very lovingly. The guys gave a very detailed introduction to diving and then it started. Always two beginners with a diving instructor disembarked. Underwater cameras were no problem, we have experienced this differently. Between dives you could get water, coffee and tea for free, other drinks you could buy. Lunch was plentiful and delicious. Cold buffet with chicken, shrimp, salads and bread. After that you could dive or snorkel again. Unfortunately, the water was a bit cloudy because of the weather but that's just nature. We still saw a lot of beautiful things in the reef. In the afternoon we had fresh fruit and cracker with cheese. The crew was always in a good mood and told a lot of interesting things along the way. An all-round successful day with great people! We would do this tour again and again and can highly recommend it!
Fantastic staff
Rachel R,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Amazing staff, they are really safety conscious which was comforting given the choppy conditions. Even though we had rough weather the reef was amazing and we saw heaps of fish Would definitely go with these again.
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours