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
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.
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
2,561 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enjoyable snorkeling with happy crew!
Lee V,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The entire trip was enjoyable from the experienced crew, the catamaran ride, the incredible snorkeling and the friendly atmosphere. They were a happy and helpful crew, leaving space to explore everything on your own,or snorkeling and diving alongside if desired.
Better than expected!
Diana W,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It didn’t hurt that we had near perfect weather, but our excursion was incredible. The staff was friendly, funny, and super knowledgeable about the GBR. They made it easy to understand instructions, dangers, and highlights of the reef. Lunch was great (completely unexpected) which added to the perfect day.
Snorkel trip Great Barrier Reef! Would highly recommend!
Sophie J,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really lovely crew, smooth sailing 2 hour boat ride out to first snorkel spot, only 10 minute ride to second snorkel spot. Saw a variety of fish, a turtle, jellyfish and a small shark! In the middle of the 2 snorkel spots you are provided with a very delicious lunch as well as biscuits when you board and before you disembark the boat including a cheese board as a snack! Amazing day trip out would highly recommend!
Wonderful experience
AadityaK38,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were couple from India and visited crains just for Great Barrier Reef, which was in our bucket list. The staff at Passions of Paradise was very much supportive and well trained. Phoebe who was our snorkeling guide was very kind. She guided us very well throughout the two sessions during which we saw various kind of fishes and sea creatures, she also helped me with my floating belt while it got twisted while snorkeling. Overall it was a great trip.
Wonderful day on and in the water
Antony Kristian M,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Super experience. Great staff. Order of things. Great security. All in all a lovely experience in fine weather with good guests.
Exceptional! Do not hesitate.
Debbie H,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed our two dives with Passions of Paradise. David was great, easing our anxiety right away. Made the experience so rewarding in our small group of only 4 divers. Thankful too that they could accommodate my non certified husband and provide a great day for him as well. Highly Recommend!
The best!!!
U9174EMmaryw,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect! Staff was so knowledgeable and helpful!!! Skilled, and friendly!! Admission fee and length of tour was awesome!
Absolutely phenomenal!
hollygI5838GK,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best experience, more than I could have asked for. I tried scuba diving for the first time, and our instructor Simon was amazing. He made me feel completely safe, and his guided tour through the reef turned this bucket-list experience into everything I hoped for and more. The marine presentation on the way back to the dock was also phenomena, it was inspiring to hear about all the incredible work the company does to give back to the reef and protect this natural wonder. 100/10 experience, couldn’t recommend it more highly!
Passions is Perfect!
613dantez,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Passions has an outstanding team, every single person was attentive, helpful, and so kind. Our experience with them was our favourite part about Cairns! The food on board was also great!! And hearing about the reef conservation from the marine biologist Lily on board was amazing. She taught us so much that we didn’t already know. They’re the most sustainable boat in that port. Only good things to say about this boat and crew!!
No complaints. Phoebe was...
Katie M,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00No complaints. Phoebe was very good and helpful in rough seas. Food was good. Safety review good. All crew friendly.
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