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.
Cruise and Snorkel
Snorkel: Includes all snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel tour. No experience Required!
One Certified Dive
One Certified Dive: Includes one certified dive
Certification Required : Proof of scuba diving certification is required prior to undertaking the experience
Reviews
2,533 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommendable!
Arne H,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfect day at GBR👌 Staff giving their all to ensure max value and a safe experience for all participants. Eco guide very knowledgeable. Snorkling at two gorgeous locations with healthy coralls, lots of fish, giant clams and even a couple of sharks and turtles... highly recommendable!!
Wonderful experience. ...
Jennifer Z,,Dec 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful experience. Awesome staff. Very organized amd thorough paperwork for intro scuba and snorkel. Definitely recommend.
Better than I ever expected
Brian C,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Food served was excellent. Two mains and about 5 sides to choose from. Plenty of food for seconds. Food served throughout the day. Crew was very attentive always asking if everything was okay. There was a reef fauna and flora presentation after the dive which wrapped up the whole experience. The boat was larger than I expected and we had plenty of room to move around the two decks. I wholeheartedly recommend Passions.
Amazing magical day
633agathav,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best day discovering the reef. We were so well looked after the boat had everything we needed and I felt safe at all times would highly recommend this trip.
Unforgettable experience at the Great Barrier Reef!
alitE2619HP,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Passions of Paradise made our day at the Great Barrier Reef absolutely amazing and unforgettable. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, everything was very well planned and the crew were really nice and helpful. We were delighted with the activities and could not think of an activity better than sailing to the reef, snorkeling, and scuba diving for the first time. There were six of us, and none of us were competent swimmers, but the crew was excellent to the point of being extraordinarily patient and reassuring, which made a huge difference to our confidence and enjoyment. Great team work, guys! Besides Simon, Parker, and Jules, please extend a big thank you to a fourth crew member whose name we regret not remembering. They all went to great lengths to ensure that we were safe and comfortable. One element that impressed a lot with the crew’s thoughtfulness. Simon even went to the extent of checking if my wife, a Muslim, would be more comfortable with a female diver. Although we did not require it, the fact that he considered it made a lot of difference and really reflected the team's friendly and inclusive spirit. We are very lucky to have had such an experience and would be the last to dare contradict the family-run company. We assure you that if you want to see the reef with a professional, friendly and supportive crew, this is the right place. Thank you again!
This full day trip is...
Fahad Q,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This full day trip is seriously amazing and so worth it, you'll totally lose track of time. The whole crew was super helpful and really wanted to make sure you were comfy. Huge thanks to Parker, Darcy, Simon, and the team for taking such good care of me, especially since I'm a nervous swimmer. The vibe, the boat, the crew, the food, and especially their knowledge of the reef, timing, and water safety, I mean really hats off to Passions of Paradise. I'd totally do it again with these guys. Highly recommend!
Great time! Highly recommend.
Sean H,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible experience. Big shout out to the enthusiastic and dedicated Passions III crew, especially Ben, who, on learning that my partner was an anxious swimmer, stuck by his side for the entire swim and made sure he was comfortable, confident and safe. Highly recommend the Passions experience to anyone, even first time ocean swimmers. It's an adventure we won't soon forget.
Best snorkellling & diving experience ever in great barrier reef by locally owned business! Must Try
srishti2,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best snorkelling and diving experience. Great Barrier Reef is better than we thought 1. Crew was amazing, extreme care was taken to make every activity feel safe and they are one of the few locally owned businesses in the area. 2. Scuba diving instructor was great. We managed to see a turtle. As first time divers we felt very safe and prepared 3. We even had a snorkelling instructor to show us around pretty corals. We also saw a reef shark and some pretty fish 4. Food was tasty too, lot of vegan options 5. There was a presentation by marine biologist to educate us about what we saw. Very informative
Stunning Reef, Stellar Crew
monique1071,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The crew was incredibly friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even better. The snorkeling sites at Hastings Reef had stunning coral and an amazing variety of fish. They also gave an interesting talk on the Great Barrier Reef that covered a variety of topics including its overall health. And the lunch was very good with a great selection of fresh salads and two hot options. Such a wonderful day out!
Beautiful day on the reef
Gero S,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The friendly and professional crew has given us a wonderful day on the reef. The cat maran is very well maintained. Everyone has enough space and there are not too many people on board. Unfortunately, the reef is no longer very colorful, but we could still observe a lot of beautiful fish while snorkeling.
From A$269.00
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