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 Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive: 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.
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
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 Certified Dives
Two Certified Dives: Some medical conditions and medication may preclude you from diving. Please contact supplier.
Reviews
1,876 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
highly recommend
samjam801,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The water was a bit cold but there had just been a sudden decrease in temperatures. We all still went in and saw so much. This boat is very organized and very safe. I felt like there was enough staff to help no matter what your experience level was. You could just snorkel on your own or had a guided tour that was very fun and informative. I would highly recommend this experience.
We had a great time even...
Christian E,,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time even with bad weather! Lunch was great and the crew was very helpful and knowledgeable.
Snorkeling trip Jan 26
User135,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Weather was overcast and a little choppy so reef wasn't very bright or colorful. Saw a turtle and a stingray, tons of fish so very happy. Boat and crew were excellent, on board food was good, atmosphere friendly. Crew were knowledgeable and happy to help, all working together well. Snorkeling with us they held flotation rings and kept a good eye on everyone. 5 stars, would recommend
You can't go wrong with this tour!
SUSAN B,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew makes this experience the best! They ensure all gear fits correctly and helps snorkelers as needed to make them feel comfortable. Lots of excellent food as well - pastries for breakfast, A huge lunch, and snacks throughout the afternoon. Snorkel spots were also great.
They have very hospitable...
Nigar N,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00They have very hospitable and attentive staff. The activiare are very well planned and managed for a large group of over 70 clients at a time.
The best boat trip!
Suzannah G,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The best boat trip I've ever been on! Highly recommend! We opted for the 2 scubadives. Boarding 7:30 for 8am departure. Pastries, fruit and hot drinks were available on board. Lovely boat, clean and decent space for everyone. We had an intro talk for the scuba while we were making our way out to the first reef. The first dive lasted around 25 minutes. We had one instructor to 2 people and they linked arms and guided us around the reef. We saw a shark and various other fish. Then there was time for snorkeling and a glass bottom boat trip. Whilst snorkeling we saw a turtle and jellyfish. Lunch was a selection of prawns, salmon, meat, pasta, salad etc. it was delicious. We then headed to the 2nd dive site. Usually on the 2nd dive you may get chance to swim independently with instructor supervision but the current was so strong we stayed together same as the first dive. There wasn't as much to see here but we did see a stingray. Again lasted about 20 mins. There was more time for snorkeling before heading back. On the way back there was fruit, cheese and crackers and cake! The crew were all friendly, professional, organised and clearly take safety seriously. The sea did get a bit choppy but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting, for most of the day it was fairly flat but after lunch the waves picked up. This trip was the highlight of my holiday! Would highly recommend and would do again!
Staff was super nice and...
VICTORIA R,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Staff was super nice and everyone was super kind. Both snorkel sites were amazing and we saw a blue star fish and a few turtles. It was a memorable trip. However a few suggestions: (1) Boat was super crowded. If you prefer a small group, would suggest the ocean free (same company but smaller boat) which is a smaller 25 person total for the boat. It feels less luxurious when it is so crowded.. (2) Also was not a fan of the going, barefoot on the boat.. It was quite disgusting by the end of the trip. They should tell us to bring water shoes. (3) Just a suggestion, but the Boat should have hand sanitizer all over as the bathroom was quite disgusting by noon. (4) would also suggest bringing your own stinger skin and mask to use. Otherwise, crew was super nice and very knowledgeable.
It was an amazing day....
Zsofia C,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing day. All the crew members were very friendly and helpful all day, they had a solution for everybody in every situation.
Best boat trip, highly recommend
567suzieg,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best boat trip I've ever been on! Highly recommend! We opted for the 2 scubadives. Boarding 7:30 for 8am departure. Pastries, fruit and hot drinks were available on board. Lovely boat, clean and decent space for everyone. We had an intro talk for the scuba while we were making our way out to the first reef. The first dive lasted around 25 minutes. We had one instructor to 2 people and they linked arms and guided us around the reef. We saw a shark and various other fish. Then there was time for snorkeling and a glass bottom boat trip. Whilst snorkeling we saw a turtle and jellyfish. Lunch was a selection of prawns, salmon, meat, pasta, salad etc. it was delicious. We then headed to the 2nd dive site. Usually on the 2nd dive you may get chance to swim independently with instructor supervision but the current was so strong we stayed together same as the first dive. There wasn't as much to see here but we did see a stingray. Again lasted about 20 mins. There was more time for snorkeling before heading back. On the way back there was fruit, cheese and crackers and cake! The crew were all friendly, professional, organised and clearly take safety seriously. The sea did get a bit choppy but it wasn't as bad as I was expecting, for most of the day it was fairly flat but after lunch the waves picked up. This trip was the highlight of my holiday! Would highly recommend and would do again!
Don’t miss it
Dream56524701149,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It is a 10!!! Great experience, crew was wonderful, boat was great. So easy to get to snorkel even for me that was the first time! Super recommended
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Operated by Cairns Premier Reef & Island Tours