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.
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
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2,624 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing boat trip to the Great Barrier Reef
James B,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow, what an amazing trip this was, we had a great time visiting the Barrier Reef and the boat trip was lovely. Would recommend to anyone.
The Best Day on the Great Barrier Reef
CatArmy15,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The most amazing day on the Great Barrier Reef! Our day started with an easy check-in in the center of Cairns, then a quick walk to the ship to board. We were welcomed with coffee, tea, and fruit to enjoy for our two hour ride to the outer reef. The ride was smooth and calm, and I appreciated the slow pace of the boat. Once at the reef, David was wonderful in showing us around both dive sites and pointing out cool things. He also constantly checked on my air pressure and made both my certified dives the best I have done. The wildlife was unmatched, as we saw parrotfish, giant clams, and a shark, among countless clownfish and other beautiful animals. The other members of my family did the snorkel eco-tour with Le’a, and she was absolutely wonderful. They learned so much, and even though they were nervous about snorkeling, Le’a did a wonderful job of making them feel secure while also pointing out the abundance of wildlife spotted along the reef. They had a wonderful time. The lunch food was delicious, and tea and coffee was offered on the cruise back. The amount of safety protocols was amazing. Passengers were counted multiple times during the day, and both the overall safety briefing and scuba/snorkel briefings were great. Overall, Passions of Paradise was a wonderful full-day reef experience. I would not have chosen any other tour company, as they made my day so special, fun, and safe. It would be a blessing to come back to dive with Passions in the future. Definitely choose Passions of Paradise for a full-day snorkel or dive!!
Excellent trip and great service
Catherine P,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Passions vessel was undergoing maintenance so they arranged for us to go on the Down Under catamaran It was absolutely brilliant. The crew were so friendly, gave good advice and instructions, ensured we had the right equipment and put everyone's safety and fun in the heart of everything they did. Food was great and snorkeling in the great barrier reef was awesome. Thanks to all involved, we thoroughly had a good time.
All ages welcome
Wander799051,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Paying attention, they understood pre visit requests, welcomed the birthday girl with a celebratory whoop. 3 ladies travelling to celebrate our respective 6 decade birthdays, from UK from SAfrica and an Australian. We booked the Eco tour option and had a wonderful marine biologist helping with educating us, getting us into our diving gear, ensuring we had the correct snorkel masks and technique. All day she didn't leave us. The staff we friendly and professional. This Cairns activity is not to be missed.
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.
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Operated by Passions of Paradise