Liveaboard Cairns on the Great Barrier Reef
Liveaboard Cairns is a floating hotel surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef. This liveaboard is one of the most unique holiday escapes in Australia.
Staying on the Great Barrier Reef
Our floating hotel is cruising on the Great Barrier Reef. Daily transfers are operated by our sister boat, Reef Experience, allowing guests the freedom to start their trip on the day that suits them and stay for as long as they like.
Also, helicopter transfers are an option, landing directly onboard Reef Encounter’s onboard helipad.
Consistently rated ‘number one scuba diving and snorkelling liveaboard by both industry professionals and independent reviewers such as Google Reviews,
Reef Encounter is large enough to provide all the cruise ship comforts yet small enough to access spectacular Reef locations not accessible to other vessels.
Our passion is to deliver Australia’s best liveaboard with family-owned and operated (and all scuba enthusiasts).
We take extreme pride in our products, boats, crew, and, most importantly, our guests!
We believe that Reef Encounter is unbeatable in service and value.
Stay for as many nights as you like in superbly appointed staterooms, or choose to upgrade to the Top Deck Club for that extra bit of VIP luxury.
Reef Encounter is an excellent alternative to a resort-based holiday with daily transfers from Cairns by boat or helicopter.
Reef Encounter Highlights
- The best crew
- The latest snorkelling and scuba diving equipment (wetsuits are a small additional charge)
- Glass bottom boat tour upon request
- On the voyage to Reef Encounter, you will have the option to listen to an informative Marine Biology presentation about the coral Reef and marine animals. A barbeque buffet breakfast on the outbound voyage.
- Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, cheese, and fruit platter on your return to Cairns.
- Free luggage storage facility available at their offices in the Cairns City
- Reef Experience transfers guests to and from Reef Encounter daily.
Helicopter Transfers
- Scenic Great Barrier Reef helicopter transfers to or from your liveaboard tour are an optional extra.
Great Barrier Reef Accommodation
- A fully air-conditioned 35-metre catamaran hotel, designed for the utmost stability and comfort at sea
- Large dining saloon
- TV and lounge area
- Outdoor, freshwater hot-tub
- Spacious sundeck with sun loungers
- Fully licenced bar
- Large, easy-access dive and snorkel platforms
- Helicopter pad on the roof for low-flying scenic helicopter tours over the coral Reef as your transfer to/from Reef Encounter (optional extra)
- Reef Encounter is one of few Great Barrier Reef liveaboards with ensuite facilities.
- All staterooms have their ensuite toilet and shower.
- Check-in time: 10 am (approximately) Check-out time: 8 am (approximately)*
- Spacious, air-conditioned staterooms, all ensuite bathrooms and spectacular Reef views.
- Towels and toiletries provided (soap, shampoo)
- All staterooms have Australian power outlets.
- Double bed or twin-single bed Stateroom are available
Please note, this itinerary is based on a 3-day /2-night stay with Reef Encounter
First Day
Arrive
Unlimited in water sessions
7:30am
Board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' at Cairns Marlin Marina for breakfast, check-in and your journey to Reef Encounter
9:30am
Arrive onboard Reef Encounter for your 'Welcome & Safety Talk' before being shown to your room to settle in and relax
10:30am
Water Session: Time to snorkel for all guests before lunch
12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13.00
Water Briefings: Certified Diver Briefings / Try Scuba Diving Briefings / Snorkel Adventure Briefings
13.30
Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time
15:00
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
15:30
Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
Summer
18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
18:45
Night Dive Briefings
19:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
Winter
17:30
Night Dive Briefings
18:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon
Full Day
On the Reef
Unlimited in water sessions
6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
8:00am
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13:30
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
15:00
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
15:30
Water Session: Scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
Summer
18:00
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
18:45
Night Dive Briefings
19:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
Winter
17:30
Night Dive Briefings
18:00
Night dive commences for all those scuba diving
19:15
Dinner is served in the dining saloon
20:00
Dessert is served in the dining saloon
Last Day
Return
Unlimited in water sessions
6:00am
Wake-up call for the early morning dive and snorkel session
6:30am
Water Session: Sunrise scuba dive or snorkel time. Glass bottom boat tour available upon request
7:30am
Breakfast is served in the dining saloon
8:00am
Room Checkout
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
8:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
10:30am
Water Session: Scuba Dive or Snorkel Time
12:00
Lunch is served in the dining saloon
13:30
Water Session: Snorkel only session available to passengers before departure
14:45
Departing passengers board the transfer vessel 'Reef Experience' for the journey back to Cairns. Complimentary wine, cheese and biscuits served on the return journey
15:00
Reef Encounter moves to another spectacular outer barrier reef location
16:30
Approximate arrival time to the Cairns Marlin Marina
*Please note, this itinerary does not apply to 'Great Barrier Reef Deal' bookings.
*Stateroom Check-In time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 8.00am on the morning of departure (access to a shared transfer/baggage room with bathroom is available along with all other boat facilities)
*Top Deck Club Check-in time is 10.00am with Check-Out time 2.00pm on the day of departure>
*This itinerary may vary due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
Next, see our Top Deck Club liveaboard and enjoy a late checkout.
Highlights
Explore the Great Barrier Reef
Dive and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish.
Comfortable Onboard Accommodation
Stay in practical, air-conditioned staterooms with en-suite bathrooms.
Freshly Cooked Meals
Savour hearty, freshly prepared meals catering to a variety of dietary needs.
Friendly and Professional Crew
Learn and explore under the guidance of experienced dive instructors and a welcoming crew.
Amazing Wildlife Encounters
Spot iconic reef species like clownfish, giant clams, turtles and rays. You can learn all about these incredible creatures from the on board Marine Biologist.
Included
Included in Reef Encounter Stateroom packages
- Ensuite Cabins, either Twin share or Double. (Rollaway beds for children available)
- A variety of spectacular outer Great Barrier Reef locations during your stay
- All gear and equipment – excluding wetsuits which are available for hire (stinger suits provided from November to May)
- Snorkelling
- Marine Biologist Presentation
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Breakfast and lunch is served in a buffet format. Dinner is plated. Fruit is available throughout the day, along with tea and coffee.
- Filtered Water
- All dietary requirements will be catered for – please advise us of these when booking.
Optional Extras
- Scuba Diving – Resort or Certified
- SSI Scuba Diving Courses
- Nitrox (subject to availability)
- Guided Dives
- Merchandise
- Photos
- Camera Hire
- Wetsuit Hire (Please note stinger suits are provided during wet season/summer from November to May)
- Prescription Masks
- Snacks
- Barista Coffee
- Soft Drinks
- Alcohol
What to bring
What to bring
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Light jacket
- Refillable Water Bottle
- An extra quickdry towel
- Australian electrical outlet plugs/adaptors
- Travel Voucher
- Certification card and logbook for certified divers
- Cash or credit card (VISA/Mastercard) for onboard extras
Reef Encounter is a barefoot experience. It is recommended to bring carry on sized luggage, any excess or oversized luggage can be stored securely at the Reef Encounter Office.
How to get there
Getting to Reef Encounter
The vessel Reef Encounter stays out on the Great Barrier Reef.
By Boat (included in price)
Our sister vessel Reef Experience operates daily transfers meeting up with Reef Encounter.
Boarding starts at 7:30 am on Finger A on the Marlin Jetty, Cairns.
Reef Experience will bring you back to the same destination around 4:30 pm on your final day.
Helicopter Transfers (optional extra)
Reef Encounter has a helipad on board for guests looking at adding some magic to their stay. You may choose to take a spectacular scenic flight. Please confirm availability with Reef Encounter prior to booking.
Important Information
Cabin Share Advisory: Please note that the allocation of same-gender cabin shares in twin-share cabins cannot be guaranteed.
Important Information for Scuba Divers
This information is for all guests participating in scuba diving activities.
Australia has the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. Therefore you must understand Queensland’s scuba diving laws. Great Barrier Reef liveaboard boats are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules, including the requirements for a dive medical, where applicable, as required by law.
Please complete our dive medical questionnaire , as some medical conditions, age and medications may prevent you from scuba diving. A certificate from your doctor stating that you are “Fit to Scuba Dive” or a Queensland dive medical may be required.
Flying after Scuba Diving
Plan your travel itinerary. On the final day of your Reef Encounter stay, your last dive will be completed by 1 pm.
Do not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after scuba diving for a single no decompression scuba dive. You should not fly for 24 hours after your last scuba diving in multiple dives.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive. We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.
Shelly
5"The crew are exceptional...so helpful & friendly. The meals and accommodation provided are outstanding. Thank you all for the great time."
John
5"Amazing. Jackson was great, not only as a dive instructor and guide but as a friend. Travelling alone 1/2 way across the world away from family, the value of a friend and a great experience with every other member of the crew simply cannot be put into words. I will definitely recommend y'all to my friends and colleagues. The room was great, far better than expected and larger. The meals were great, I was very happy that my dietary needs were met easily. Adding additional dive training into an already great diving experience gave me a feeling of accomplishment and added immeasurably to my dive vacation. I would recommend this to any level diver traveling."