Snorkel & Dive the Reef: Sustainable, Scientific & Cultural Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
On this 8-hour tour from Cairns, cruise out to an activity platform on the outer Great Barrier Reef for a day of exploring this natural wonder in different ways.
Reef Magic's location is selected for its water clarity, coral quality, and diversity of marine life, which you can see while snorkeling or taking a tour by glass-bottom boat or semi-submersible vessel.
Learn about the wildlife from on-board marine biologists, and choose to participate in more activities, if you wish, like scuba diving or a helicopter ride (additional expense). All ages and swimming abilities are welcome. Buffet lunch is included as well as morning and afternoon tea.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring a swimsuit, hat, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash or credit card for any on-board purchases
All diving is subject to the completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (such as asthma, epilepsy, and high blood pressure) and medications may exclude individuals from diving. Minimum age to dive is 12 years with parent/guardian permission required for those under 18 years. Certified divers must produce their certification cards. After diving, intervals of 12-24 hours are recommended prior to flying in any type of aircraft dependent on depth of dives and total accrued dive time
Helicopter flights: Route flown and type of aircraft used are subject to weather, air traffic control, aircraft availability and, ultimately, the pilot's discretion. Maximum of 1 infant allowed per flight. Maximum combined passenger weight limits apply
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Hot/cold buffet lunch
Snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, wetsuit/lycra)
Marine biologist presentations
Morning and afternoon tea (coffee, tea, filtered water)
Taxes and fees
Glass-bottom boat and underwater observatory access
Transfers from Cairns and Northern Beaches
Optional scuba diving, helmet diving, and helicopter flights
Prescription snorkel/dive masks available for rental
What To Expect
Depart Cairns on a fast catamaran, which provides a smooth 1.5-hour to the outer Great Barrier Reef. When you arrive at the pontoon, begin your exploration of the reef, a complex and diverse ecosystem home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 200 types of birds, and 20 types of reptiles. Snorkel in the sheltered coral lagoon, go scuba diving with a certified dive or introductory session (no experience necessary), or join the on-board marine biologist for a guided snorkeling safari (diving and guided snorkeling at your own expense). Our marine biologists conduct a presentation in the only science lab on the reef. You can also enjoy a session with our marine biologist, who points out resident fish like "Wally," the Maori wrasse. You can even stay dry and view the marine life from the semi-submersible reef viewer, glass-bottom boat, or underwater observatory. Other optional activities (own expense) include a helmet dive for a scuba-style experience up to 3 m deep, or a scenic helicopter flight for an aerial adventure over the reef. Or, simply relax and enjoy the tropical weather on the sundeck.
Options
Cruise & Coral Gardens Snorkel
Coral Gardens Snorkel Tour: No snorkel experience required - great for beginners
Cruise & Snorkelling
Cruise & Scenic Heli
10 minute Scenic Heli Flight: Departing from the Reef Magic platform, view the reef from above in this 10 minute scenic helicopter flight.
Cruise & Snorkel Safari
Cruise & Snorkel Safari: Snorkel experience required for this option
Cruise & Certified Diving
1 Certified Dive: Explore the Great Barrier Reef with a certified dive from the Reef Magic pontoon Min age 12yrs
Cruise & Introductory Diving
1 Introductory Dive: No experience necessary to go scuba diving from the Reef Magic pontoon Min age 12yrs
Reviews
832 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome, easy to access option for visiting the reef
Alex S,
Sep 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00Well organized and provides options for everyone from novices to pretty skilled divers. We really enjoyed the snorkeling and the diving helmets. All the staff was super friendly and helpful. Only complaint is that they do push a lot of add-ons sales so just be prepared to say ‘no thanks’ to a lot of extras.
Once in a lifetime experience
Jessica F,
Sep 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00Had an unforgettable day! The staff was incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable—they went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing and safe experience. I still can't believe we swam in the Great Barrier Reef and actually saw Nemo! 🐠❤️ Truly a surreal moment. I can’t recommend this group highly enough. The Indigenous cultural presentation was powerful and beautifully done, and the farewell greeting from the entire staff was the perfect finishing touch to an already incredible day.
You're missing out if you don't go here!!🎉
Ravali P,
Aug 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Going snorkeling was amazing! I highly recommend it. My experience was a bit different than most experiences, because, for most of the time, my mask wasn't working. It let in too much saltwater, making my eyes sting. That made me unable to go in the water to dip my head a lot. It was really difficult, because snorkeling is all about looking in the water! But I rated this experience five stars, because the snorkel supervisors were really kind, helping me to fit my mask correctly, and giving me new ones when one didn't fit. Once you have your mask on correctly, you can see AMAZING coral ecosystems, and SO.MUCH.FISH! If you go snorkeling, go here!
very helpful with...
Jonathan T,
Jun 24, 2025
- Viator
5.00very helpful with snorkeling - safety and comfort were prioritized. Omar and Amber were extremely helpful on the way back home - strong winds caused waves/swells which in turn causes sea-sickness.
Everything we did...
Will M,
May 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Everything we did (semi-sub, snorkeling, glass bottom boat, and the educational opportunities) was excellent! We weren’t bored for a second, always had something to do and learn and see. Great for all ages!
Related Experiences
Operated by Reef Magic