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)
Cairns City Transfers
Northern Beaches Transfers
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!
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
2,620 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exciting scuba diving and snorkeling experience!
S Sakib T,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Enjoyed the cruise to the reef throughout. Attempted snorkeling and scuba diving. Being a non-swimmer received a lot of assistance and guidance from the instructors. Especially 'Melani' was really helpful throughout my scuba diving, she took me to the diving spots and spent ample time underwater. I recommend the Passions of Paradise for people who don't just want to lay on the cruise but also like to actively participate in water activities.
The best day!!
JulesF6250,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best experience!! The staff is wonderful! The equipment was in good condition! The safety protocols were spot on. Best day n Australia!
Whitsunday sailing
Bac P,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fun and exciting. Snorkeling and sailing at 25-30 knt wind was super thrilled. The crews (George and Charlie)and captain (Gab) are so friendly and approachable!
Amazing day exploring the Great Barrier Reef
Janna W,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What a great day cruising out to the Great Barrier Reef for an intro to diving lesson, a short dive, hours of snorkeling and a great lunch and snacks! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and our interactions with all the staff on board and in the water were super positive. Truly will be a top highlight of our Australia adventure! Just need to put up those sails!
Amazing! Couldn’t fault.
9louisee,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent crew, excellent gear to use, 2 great sites. The intro to scuba diving lesson was well run and gave a good taste of the activity. Roberto, Andi, Joss and Justin were amazing.
Great experience with friendly crew
anchalc2026,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Staff were caring, friendly and proactive. We did guided tours, which were amazing. Mavelli was patient and supportive, as were all staff. Overall a great experience despite sea sickness (not anyone’s fault). If you get sea sick perhaps take a tablet 15-30 mins before the trip.
Passions - Snorkel trip family 4 from the UK / DK. We are a family with kids of 12 and 14 that can snorkel comfortably.
Daniel F,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff on this trip were very helpful, motivated, happy and knowledgeable. They were constantly checking that the boat was clean. The announcements were regular and informative and gave us all the detail we required before entering the ocean. The snorkelling was amazing, so many fish and colourful coral, we felt safe as there was staff looking from the boat and also in the water. The food, wow, delicious salads and good quality meat veggie options, tbh my expectations were low, so was so impressed with the grub. I’d highly recommend this trip, you get a lot of bang for your buck. I’ve not reviewed before but felt it was necessary. Congratulations Passions, keep it up. Dan 50, Rigmor 46, kids 12/14.
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
Related Experiences
Operated by Passions of Paradise