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‘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
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.
Options
Eco Discovery Snorkel Tour
Eco Discovery Snorkel Tour: Guided snorkel tour with Marine Biologist to discover the Coral Nurture Program and Eye on the Reef Research.
One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Includes one certified dive
Certification Required : Proof of scuba diving certification is required prior to undertaking the experience
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.
Cruise and Snorkel
Snorkel: Includes all snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel tour. No experience Required!
Reviews
2,520 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I would give this 6 stars if I could, would definitely recommend.
semeliee,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Could not recommend this boat tour enough. One of the last local family owned tours in Cairns and it was an amazing experience. Everything was excellent, from the boat itself to the food and to the scuba instructors. There is a marine biologist on the boat as well that gives a presentation about the reef and fish for anyone interested and I found it really interesting. You could just tell how much the team loves the ocean and cares about reef conservation and protecting the environment. I would give this 6 stars if I could, definitely recommend
I would give it 6 stars if I could, definitely recommend!
Myrsini T,
Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Could not recommend this boat tour enough. One of the last local family owned tours in Cairns and it was an amazing experience. Everything was excellent, from the boat itself to the food and to the scuba instructors. There is a marine biologist on the boat as well that gives a presentation about the reef and fish for anyone interested and I found it really interesting. You could just tell how much the team loves the ocean and cares about reef conservation and protecting the environment. I would give this 6 stars if I could, definitely recommend
Fantastic day, can’t recommend passions of paradise enough
KCMurray128,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fantastic day with passions of paradise, one of the few locally owned tour operators in the Cairns area. I did the snorkelling and an introductory scuba dive, my partner who is certified did the two certified scuba dives. The snorkelling was incredible, two absolutely stunning sites on the Great Barrier Reef with incredible colourful fish and corals. This has been on my bucket list for a while so was a dream come true. The staff were all amazing, so enthusiastic and friendly, and special shout out to my scuba instructor Renee: I was very nervous before going Scuba diving for the first time in my life and she was so helpful and positive she completely put my mind at ease and gave us an incredible dive. I will definitely be going scuba diving again and hope to become certified soon (to be clear the introductory dive is a great taster but does NOT mean you are a certified scuba diver: that usually take at least three days. So don’t just book passions of paradise because they’re one of the only locally owned tour operators and therefore you’re supporting local business: book them because they’re the best!
Trip to the great barrier reef
Mark G,
Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00I thought it was going to be a smaller catamaran with less people and more attention. The trip to the reef was worth it, though. The staffer is very friendly, but the boat is very crowded. If you don't mind the crowds and the non personalized service, it is a good trip. The sales were broken, so we were unable to sail.Which really is a highlight
Feeling great on every aspect thanks to a great team and crew
MarioCantero,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We chose this option because it was the best rated in this app. Great choice. The locations were great and I guess this does not make a difference anyhow. What makes a great difference is the feeling to be nicely taken care of, in terms of materials but also in terms of feeling secure. The teal sweet and orderly.
Highly highly recommend - great crew, ship, food, and once in a lifetime reef views from scuba or snorkel
Elizabeth M,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was all we could have asked for and more. The staff was fun, friendly, and knowledgeable. You could tell they cared about the reef and making sure we got the most out of our experience. The company and crew is involved in various conservation efforts and eco-tourism policies. The boat was gorgeous with some many areas to enjoy the ride out to the reef and back to Cairns. I had originally signed up to scuba and was unable to due to medical contraindications and the crew was reasonable and kind when letting me know. I had a guide (Lina) during my snorkel experience that was so knowledgeable and took the time to point out different fish. My partner did the scuba dives and said it was an unreal experience. We highly highly recommend this excursion - the crew, ship, food, and hospitality exceeded our expectations. They’re one of the few locally owned boats and it’s evident that everyone there cares deeply for the sea and land.
Great dive with outstanding service!
Laura P,
Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was amazingly organized and executed! The guides were very nice and informative about the reef! We got to do the introductory scuba dive and loved the experience The lunch they provided us was surprisingly delicious, tasted like a high quality restaurant meal and lots of options!
Amazing Experience
Katie S,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful day spent on the GBR with an enthusiastic, professional and organised crew. The reef snorkelling and scuba diving was so spectacular. Highly recommend this tour!
Great full day tour. ...
Janice D,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great full day tour. Good Food, helpful staff, large boat and awesome snorkeling. They did a great job.
Happy with this trip to the reef!
karenandjohnUK24,
Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were 3 of us and the crew looked after the equipment and instructions very well. Lunch was delicious and there were snacks also w coffee and tea. We got lots of time to snorkel and the reef was amazing. We saw lots of cool fish. The crew helps people with different comfort levels and keeps everybody safe. They sell seasickness tabs on board. Overall a beautiful experience.
From A$269.00
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Operated by Passions of Paradise