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 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!
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 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.
Reviews
2,589 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing barrier reef tour
drever123,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did snorkelling day trip out to the barrier reef. The reef is incredible and the staff lovey. Special mention to Melanie who was extremely kind and patient with a nervous swimmer. She made this trip special!
Passion of paradise snorkel cruise
melanieabaker,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Crew was amazing. They did a great job if making sure everyone felt comfortable. If your partner didn’t want to go out the second time they made sure you had a partner. Couldn’t ask for a better crew and the reef was amazing!
Unforgettable Experience!!
CarlSss,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything about this tour was perfect. With 90 passengers aboard, this large catamaran still seemed very spacious. Its a 2 hour sail to/from the reef. The crew keeps you occupied with briefings and lovely snacks. We went snorkelling. Both sites visited on the day were excellent. We were lucky to have a calm and sunny weather day too. Between the two stops a fabulous and tasty lunch was served. Safety is hugely important with so many guests out in open water. We were well briefed before snorkelling. There was a small craft in the water throughout to pick up guests if they needed help and also to shepherd wayward snorkelers back within a reasonable distance of the catamaran. All the kit issued for snorkelling was very good. Most importantly the sun/stinger suit. A professional underwater photographer takes great photos throughout which are available to purchase. There is an in depth presentation on the return journey from a marine expert, which really gives context to what you have seen. The bar opens too at that time and we enjoyed a cool beer whilst talking about our day with other guests and crew. What a fantastic day! A big thank you to all the crew.
Amazing experience
lizzyc69,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Took this trip for my birthday We had an issue parking as the open car park opposite only allows up to 10 hours and we would have been over thst so asked at the desk and a really friendly and helpful lady told me to park in the underground car park for the Shangri La as there wasn’t a limit on the hours The crew were very professional, friendly and helpful There was nearly 100 people on the boat but it never felt too crowded Water was readily available and alcohol, soft drinks , snacks to buy The first stop was a 2hr ride away which went quickly and we got in and saw many different fish, the crew got in and although the waves were quite big you felt safe as there were so many of them watching you , they were all very knowledgeable pointing out different things, those that aren’t confident were taken out with inflatable rings to hold on to Lunch was outstanding and very tasty, the highlight of the day on the second stop was seeing a white tip reef shark after I asked one of the crew if he could take me out to try spot one and we did , highly recommended
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!!
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Operated by Passions of Paradise