Great Barrier Reef Tour Cairns, the Best way to see the Reef
Join us onboard our high-speed Catamaran “Reef Experience” for an unforgettable day visiting two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef tour locations and discovering the breathtaking wonder of this World Heritage environment.
Reef Experience is Cairn’s only ALL-inclusive Great Barrier Reef tour, offering a FREE Scuba Dive for certified divers and/or introductory divers.
Catering for all Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving levels, everyone will find the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
Experienced Swimmer or Snorkeler? Our crew will show you the best patches of coral and can tell you where to find the marine marvels that call the reef their home.
Never Snorkelled before or can’t Swim? Our friendly and professional Crew are always ready to jump in and assist everybody who needs help to ensure that you are comfortable with your equipment and introduce you to some of our friendly fish! We are passionate about our guests having fun and experiencing the magic of our Great Barrier Reef Tour.
A day on the Great Barrier Reef tour will be one of the most memorable days in your life.
See our Luxury Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest Tour.
Highlights
Reef Experience is an all-inclusive Great Barrier Reef adventure, featuring a FREE introductory scuba dive*, unlimited snorkelling at two pristine outer Reef locations, and a comfortable high-speed catamaran experience—all guided by expert crew members to ensure an unforgettable day on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.
Itinerary
- 07:30 – Firstly, check-in at Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’
- 08:00 – Approximate departure and Safety Talk with snorkel briefing
- 08:30 – Marine Biology presentation,
- 09:00 – Scuba diving briefing
- 09:30 – Arrive at our first spectacular reef site, snorkel and/or scuba diving.
- 12:30 – Lunch
- 13:00 – Cruise to our second location to explore forests of coral, large sea fans and black coral trees in its shallow lagoons
- 15:00 – Depart the Great Barrier Reef
- 15:30 – Glass of wine, tropical fruits, cheese and biscuits
- 16:30 – Arrive back in Cairns
Included
Reef Experience is Cairns’ only all-inclusive
- Return transfers to Cairns Marlin Marina from your Cairns City Accommodations
- Breakfast (BBQ bacon and agg roll), lunch (Buffet style BBQ lunch), wine cheese and crackers – all prepared daily by our onboard cook
- Marine Biology Presentation on your way to the Reef
- 1 x Free Beginner and/or Certified Scuba Dive (Subject to medical clearance, minimum 12 years old, and/or holds a certification card)
- Snorkeling equipment
- Sunscreens
- Reef levies
Optional Extras
- Second Scuba Dive
- Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
- Underwater Digital Camera Hire
- Snack Bar Purchases: Soft drinks, chocolate, chips, alcohol etc.
- Marine Biologist Guided Snorkel Tour of the reef: Snorkel with an experienced Marine Biologist and learn about the marine life you see on an educational and interactive tour
- Great Barrier Reef souvenirs – T-shirts, hats etc
- Prescription Mask Hire
- Bus transfers from accommodations outside of the Cairns Business Area
What to bring
- Cash and/or credit card for purchases
- Swimming Clothes
- Towel
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Proof of qualification if you’re a Certified Diver
This is a barefoot tour. Once onboard, no one wears shoes.
How to get there
Reef Experience departs from
Cairns Marina: ‘A-Finger’ View map
Boarding commences at 7:30 am for check-in directly on the vessel ‘Reef Experience.’
Arrive back at Cairns Marina at approximately 4:30 pm
Where Can I Park?
Several parking stations throughout Cairns are within walking distance of the Marina.
Click here to see where
Important Information
Scuba diving Information
Queensland, Australia, has some of the strictest scuba diving rules globally and the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all regulations, including medical as is the law.
To avoid disappointment on your day of travel, we strongly recommend that all of our passengers complete our dive medical questionnaire before booking as some medical conditions, age and/or medications may prevent you from scuba diving. It is always our mission to provide our passengers with the very best Great Barrier Reef experience.
Reef Experience Medical Questionnaire
Flying after Scuba Diving
It would be best if you did not fly or go to altitude for at least 18 hours after a scuba dive for a single no decompression scuba dive. For multiple dives, you should not fly for 24 hours after your last dive.
If Skydiving or Hot Air Ballooning, you must wait 24 hours after your dive.
We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours whenever possible.
Add your review for Great Barrier Reef Tour, Reef Experience
Hayley
5“The crew were very helpful and friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The best part of the day was Scuba diving for the first time”
Juan
5"The crew were attentive, approachable, and knowledgeable. The best part of the day was the marine bio tour and the length of time you have to snorkel!"
Chelsea & Brittney
5"The crew were amazing & friendly. The best part of the day was scuba diving!"
Colt & Rachel
5"The crew were very good; both friendly and helpful! The best part of the day was the intro scuba dive. The staff made things easy and fun! The lunch was also very good, we would definitely recommend this tour to others."
Michael
5"The crew were excellent. Friendly and obliging. The best part of the day was snorkeling. We had a fantastic day!"
Leah
5"The crew were great! The best part of the day was snorkeling. The staff were helpful, great, friendly and we will be back"
Julia
5"Brilliant service, very friendly, very understanding. Thank you for a great day!"
Sara
0"Absolutely fantastic!"
Jayne
5"Terrific... great interaction & presentations"
Lydia
5"Fabulous. I would definitely recommend to everyone"
Chris
5"Outstanding. Keep up the good work!"
Linzy
5"Awesome! Great experience!"
Will
5"Thank you for the day! Crew were great, and had a very good day overall"