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.
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
Cruise and Snorkel
Snorkel: Includes all snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel tour. No experience Required!
Reviews
2,585 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Memorable experience with lovely guides
Y1251HLabigailm,,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guides were all lovely, even the lady at the desk when I was lost finding the boat. This was a highlight of my solo trip. I’ve been snorkeling a few times before, but this one felt very personalized to me. I was in a small group and the tour guide checked in with me several times, was attentive to my needs, offered to teach me to dive, and gave me special goggles for my bad eyes (never had that before). The boat is beautiful, the food was great, and I loved the marine life presentation at the end. Thank you for the memorable experience. The snorkeling picture they took of me is one I keep showing loved ones. I highly recommend this company.
An Amazing Day In The Water
Luca B,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a fantastic day we had! Everything was just perfect! The crew was incredible—caring, funny, and always ready to explain everything you need to know about diving and snorkeling. Most importantly, they prioritized everyone's safety on board. Plus, the food and drinks were absolutely amazing!
The best day trip of our lives
W3494LQnicolaw,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We specifically flew from Bali to Cairns to experience the Great Barrier Reef. We booked the trip to fall in between my birthday on the 31/01 and my husbands on the 08/02, we were also accompanied by my sister on-law and her husband. This was our trip of a lifetime but my number one on my bucket list, the other three came along for the ride. Firstly, the organisation was perfect. Here is a crew who know what they are doing. Secondly at no point did I feel unsafe, in particular, Simon, our instructor, ensured I felt secure in unfamiliar waters yet didn’t push me, he allowed me to take one step at a time. Finally the food was gorgeous and the presentation on the return journey was informative and perfectly executed. All four of us were blown away with the experience, it’s something none of us will ever forget. I felt like I’d shrunk to the size of a pencil and jumped in a ginormous exotic fish tank and came face to face with Nimo (plus many others including a majestic turtle). I can’t recommend this company or this experience enough.
Excellent.
Gabriel E,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was amazing, the staff were very helpful and seemed to know the best spots. They make you feel very comfortable as a first timer.
A Great Way to Snorkel!
natalie s,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was awesome and very knowledgeable about the ecosystems we were travelling through. The food and snacks provided were also great. The snorkeling experience in the Great Barrier Reef is a definite must if you are in either Cairns or Port Douglas as we have the largest reef in the world which is pretty spectacular!
The BEST tour—hands down!!
heatherbb2013,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a family owned business that truly cares about your experience and your safety! They had an amazing and knowledgeable crew taking care of everyone! Also, they served us a wonderful and healthy lunch with many fresh choices—we were all surprised by the many options they provided! The marine biologist on board was extremely knowledgeable and put on a great presentation. We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the trip. There are many operators that take groups out to the Great Barrier Reef but this is the only family run and hands on group that really made a difference and deserve 5-stars!!
Excellent experience... Highly recommend
Cailin1Galway,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an absolutely amazing day on the Reef with this company and crew. From the very beginning, they were friendly, professional and attentive to everyone on board. They took safety seriously but delivered their announcements in a humerous way. The food provided was excellent quality and there was plenty of it. Our family took part in the diving, snorkeling and eco snorkeling trips and all crew were brilliant. Lea, who gave a presentation on the Great Barrier Reef and held the Eco snorkeling was fantastic. Would highly recommend this family run business. Merci beaucoup to all the crew from Patricia, Michel, Aurelie and Dean..
Six Stars Are Warranted
Lee D,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We sailed with Psaions of Paradise in February 2026. The Crew was outstanding. They were very attentive toour safety and our needs and our dreams. Ande (Andi) was terrific helping my wife (who has a hearing loss and a hole in her eardrum and is not a confident swimmer) enjoy the excursion to the fullest. She spent both dives escorting her around and pointing out important fish, coral, and turtles. If you have the opportunity, Passions is highly recommended ! And Ande is unbelievable as a crew member.
INCREDIBLE day at the reef
mattsN5452TW,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We came from the US with hopes of seeing the reef and we were certainly not disappointed. The crew made the experience from the very beginning absolutely unforgettable. They went to 2 different locations to snorkel and it was incredible at each one. We are so grateful to have chosen passions or paradise because our trip to the reef could not have been better.
An amazing adventure with a crew who are truly passionate
85mandys,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went as a family of 3 to celebrate our daughters up and coming birthday . We were snorkelling and had booked the trip a few months ago. it was noted that our daughter would be due a birthday drink which she could have on the return journey. Unfortunately just 5 days before our visit I gained an injury which I thought would mean I was unable to snorkel. All the staff were amazing and ensured that I was able to safely snorkel, particular thanks to Caleb who steered me safely around the reef , showing me the beautiful coral and fish and ensured my safe return to the boat, he was amazing. The crew did an excellent job of catering for all our needs throughout the day. Another shout out to Justin who accompanied us back up to the waiting transport, carrying my bag as I dealt with crutches. Honestly there was not one member of crew who didn’t show true care and compassion. I definitely recommend booking this trip if you have the opportunity.
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Operated by Passions of Paradise