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
2,555 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Fantastic experience...
RashmiBala V,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic experience which was very well organised by super friendly crew and a delicious lunch. The snorkelling was phenomenal.
Wonderful experience, well worth the trip!
R6824CMlaurenh,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such an incredible experience! The staff really goes the extra mile to make sure that you feel safe and comfortable the entire time, and it really is the perfect length of a tour. Our group was ~50-60 people, but it didn't feel crowded or overwhelming at all. The one thing that I really thought stood out was that not only did they emphasize their role as one of the only local tour companies left, they also took time to share about the conservation efforts of the reef and the work they have done to preserve it. Definitely one of those things that makes you feel like your money is going to the right place. Couldn't recommend it more, they did a stellar stellar job!
The crew was great taking...
ShihYin C,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The crew was great taking care of us with a wide range of snorkeling/diving experiences making sure everyone had a good time. Our 8 year old son is the youngest in the water and our family went into the water with a guide. Our guide Harry was great keeping us safe and comparable and take us around to explore the reef. The ride to Great Barrier Reef was long for 2 hours but the reef was the best I’ve seen so it’s worth the ride! The snorkeling gears were in great condition and plenty of snacks, water/coffee/tea and lunch. I’d recommend taking your tour with Passions!
The Passion Crew were...
Derrick H,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The Passion Crew were accommodating, courteous and lots of fun to be around. Harry was very patient with me as inexperienced snorkler
The best reef trips - locally owned.
Flyer47803023892,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family had an amazing trip on the passions of paradise. We found the tour itself to be incredible, first class, and full of wonderful staff working on the boat. From the incredibly capable captain, to the super attentive dive masters, snorkel instructors, pursers and cooks. The meals and snacks were first class and well presented. The entire staff came around regularly to check on us to make sure we were doing OK. They discussed what was going on next, and taught us how to use the right equipment set up in the right way. They really made our trip. Their experience, customer service, and happy nature made everyone happy on our trip. The staff treated us like family, particularly Parker, Lenah, and Ben for the amazing amount of time that they spent with us. Their knowledge about the reef and the city of Cairns made the trip even better. Parker really stood out to us, even though we come from cities with rival football teams. He helped us out with every thing we needed and wasn’t shy to strike up a conversation. It is one of the last locally owned boat which made all the difference - go with the locals - it makes a difference! Thank you for the trip of a lifetime!
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