Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
Dive, snorkel and sail the Great Barrier Reef with an award-winning company with 30 years’ experience operating personalized day tours to the Great Barrier Reef. The 80-foot catamaran sails from Cairns to two unique locations where you can choose to dive or snorkel with colorful fish, turtles and an amazing array of coral. With a choice of 27 outer Great Barrier Reef destinations your friendly crew can select the location best suited to the weather offering you the best possible Great Barrier Reef experience on a luxury purpose built catamaran!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please bring swim wear, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat!
Check in will commence at 7.00am at the Reef Fleet Terminal and closes at 7:45am for an 8am departure
Please note: prescription medication and certain medical conditions, both past and present, will preclude you from scuba diving in Queensland without a Queensland Dive Medical. These conditions include, but are not limited to, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, lung problems, ear problems, high or low blood pressure, current cough, cold or flu, chronic sinus conditions, fainting or seizures, plus the use of prescription medication including those used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Please contact us directly to discuss your suitability for diving.
The minimum age for scuba diving in Queensland is 12 years
Scuba Diving in Queensland; prescription medication and certain medical conditions, both past and present, will preclude you from scuba diving in Queensland without a Queensland Dive Medical. These conditions include, but are not limited to, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, lung problems, ear problems, high or low blood pressure, current cough, cold or flu, chronic sinus conditions, fainting or seizures, plus the use of prescription medication including those used for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Scuba divers must allow 18 hours between their last dive and a flight. You cannot participate in scuba diving if you plan to travel by air within 24 hours of your trip. This includes participating in sky diving activities.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Great Barrier Reef
Passions of Paradise have access to over 26 destinations on the outer Great Barrier Reef. Each day you will visit 2 of these locations chosen for their suitability to the weather conditions. Snorkel or dive with our experienced crew and view an underwater world teeming with marine life and spectacular coral reefs.
What‘s Included
Complimentary Snorkel tour, tuition, and marine naturalist presentation
Winter Wet Suits/Summer Sun Suits/Prescription Masks/Snorkeling Equipment Available
Visit two exclusive Outer Reef locations for snorkeling and exploration
Cruise aboard a stylish, modern high-speed catamaran
All marine park fees and levies
Indulge in a hot and cold chef-prepared buffet lunch onboard
Enjoy tea/coffee on arrival, plus light snacks served during the day
Soft drinks and alcohol available at the bar (cash and credit cards accepted)
Return transfers; Cairns City $25p/p. Cairns Northern Beaches $40p/p - Must be booked in advance
Carbon offset - Offset your carbon foot print for only $1p/p
Options
One Introductory Dive
One Introductory Dive (12yrs+): One introductory dive - minimum age 12.
MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS: Prescription medication & certain medical conditions will preclude you from scuba diving without a Queensland Dive Medical.
One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Includes one certified dive
Certification Required : Proof of scuba diving certification is required prior to undertaking the experience
Cruise and Snorkel
Snorkel: Includes all snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel tour. No experience Required!
Reviews
2,613 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Top trip!
Beverley C,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous trip, crew exceptional, looked after us so well especially when the sea was choppy and we weren’t feeling great. Felt safe in water with guides available during snorkelling. Marine talk was brilliant but would have liked half of it on way out to reef - with look out for …. to look out for certain fish, coral etc during snorkel. Top trip!
Highly Recommend
Mary W,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I were here for our first visit to the Great Barrier Reef. I need to first preface that we took another excursion to the reef the previous day which yielded only 10 minutes in the water before we had to turn back because of the strong undercurrent and lack of assistance from the staff. David, one of the crew of the Passions 3 boat, spoke to us before we left the dock and made plans for an escorted swim to ensure we were able to see the reef and as many highlights during our snorkel. I would highly recommend this boat and staff for anyone who wants to see the Barrier Reef and is not a strong swimmer. The staff is very proactive in ensuring you have a positive experience with their boat.
Worthy of your Once in a Lifetime Adventure
965tonc,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I rarely write reviews but I have to make an exception this time due to my amazing experience with Passions of Paradise. Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef has been on my bucket list for the longest time and I’m so glad I did it with Passions. They took us to a beautiful section of the Hastings reef and if this is your first time to snorkel, I’m sorry to say everything else after this will pale in comparison. The beauty of the GBF is just amazing. Pictures will not do it justice. Experiencing it is the only way to really appreciate its grandeur. But what made the whole trip really great was the amazing crew! Simon and everyone on board was so helpful, friendly and accommodating and it really made a huge difference. They were very organized, efficient, and very attentive to the passengers needs and safety which inspires confidence in you. I need to give a special shout out to Justin who was my snorkel buddy. He had the unfortunate assignment to babysit me (aka high risk snorkeler haha) and other passengers around the reef. He gave us a tour around the reef pointing out various interesting sites and objects of interest. He was so patient, helpful and knowledgeable and without his assistance the whole experience on the reef would just not have been the same. Even the food on board was good! I was expecting just a so-so lunch but the lunch buffet was delicious. Everyone’s genuine friendliness and enthusiasm was just contagious and it really made this one of the best excursions I have ever done. 10 Stars! Antonio
The magic of the coral reef with the guidance of true enthusiasts.
Z9171PLrobertad,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Whether you are an expert in snorkeling and diving or just in love with the sea like me, I recommend the tour with this company. The points of the reef where they take you are rich in wonderful aquatic fauna and flora, the catamaran is comfortable, the food is great. There is great attention to the safety and well-being of customers. And last but not least, the staff is really great: competent, attentive, friendly and fun. Chapeau!
First-class snorkeling and diving provider on the Great Barrier Reef
michaelsW5769NI,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the Passions of Paradise rather randomly and were 101% convinced. A beautiful boat, a first-class, young, funny and dedicated team. I had booked the "trial dive" and was thrilled. My instructor "Simon" was awesome, fun, dedicated and friendly. A perfect experience, which we do not want to miss. After the first dive I had about 20 minutes left. Time to snorkel. Had then also the 2. Diving booked on the boat. This one did not require the introduction, which is why I had a net dive time of almost 45 min. at the 2. Gangway had...PERFECT! The dive time at the 1. Dive were 28 min. In between there was coffee, tea, fruit and a full lunch (very much vegetarian). At the end there was of course a diving certificate...:)) I can only recommend the trip with the Passions of Paradise! You will not be disappointed!
GBR Was Fantastic
Michael C,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very nice tour out to two snorkel/dive locations. Comfortable inside and out of the vessel. Nice plentiful buffet lunch. If Simon is on your boat, tag along with him to snorkel.
Great snorkel experience.
Leon K,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat hosts about 85 guests who all travel to the two dive/snorkel spots. The crew are friendly and we can highly recommend the guided eco snorkel tour with Leia. All in all a great experience.
Amazing experience
Matthew M,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day on the reef. The crew was knowledgeable, friendly, and seemed truly committed to ensuring a safe and fun excursion. We were traveling with our 8-year-old daughters and the crew engaged very well with them. Highly highly recommend this company!
Amazing experience, worth every penny
eleanorwL8239YS,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful beyond words! The fruit breakfast and lunch were delicious, the staff were so kind and friendly and welcoming, and made me feel super safe for the introductory scuba dive! One of the coolest things I have ever done, cannot reccomend enough!
A must do experience
DayTrip627935,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing day. A great crew made me feel safe at all times. Equipment was clean and good standard. Instruction was clear and thorough. Was very nervous snorkling bit the great guide Andi supported me and had a about an hour sesdion in the end. Great lunch snd refreshments through the day. Boat wss spotless and plenty of room
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