Great Barrier Reef Tours 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 discover the breath-taking wonder of this World Heritage environment.
Reef Experience is Cairn’s only ALL inclusive Great Barrier Reef tour, including a FREEScuba Dive and Glass-bottom boat tour.
Catering for all Swimming, Snorkeling and Scuba Diving levels, everyone will find the perfect way to experience the Great Barrier Reef.
First, we will pick you up from your Cairns accommodation. Next, we will start the day with our famous BBQ bacon and egg burgers and some tropical fruit.
While we are on our way to the outer barrier reef, we will introduce what your day will look like. During the trip, our Marine Biologists will give you an informative marine presentation.
When we reach the reef, there will be opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving, even if you can not swim.
Experienced Swimmer or Snorkeler?
Our crew will show you the best patches of coral and tell you where to find the marine marvels that call the Great Barrier Reef their home.
Never Snorkelled before or can’t Swim?
Our friendly and professional crew is always ready to jump in and assist everybody who needs help. In the water is the best place to introduce you to some of our brightly coloured tropical fish.
We are passionate about our guests having the best day experiencing the magic that is Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
A day on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Tour will be one of the most memorable days in your life.
Highlights
About your day at the Great Barrier Reef
Up to 6 hours at two pristine Outer Great Barrier Reef Tour locations
Unlimited Snorkeling at morning and afternoon locations. All equipment, including wetsuit hire.
Scuba Diving (Certified Dive qualified OR Resort Dive no-experience necessary at the first reef location for everyone over age 12 and medically fit scuba) Medical Conditions apply.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour (weather permitting)
Pick up and Return to Cairns City Accommodation
Marine Biology Presentation
Breakfast consisting of barbecue bacon and egg rolls and also coffee, tea and fruit platters
Lunch delicious bbq with an assortment of fresh salads
Cheese, fruit platter and complimentary wine on the return journey
All dietary requirements catered for. (Vegetarian/gluten-free etc.: please advise upon booking).
All food is locally sourced where possible and prepared fresh by the onboard Chef.
FREE Crew assistance for non-confident snorkelers (flotation aids available). Friendly and professional crew are ready to jump with everyone who requires assistance to have fun and experience the reef’s magic!
Large Sun Deck with padded loungers and air-conditioned indoor areas
Reef tax, fuel levy and national park fees. Unlike other operators, mandatory levies for visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are included in this trip cost, so there won’t be extra charges on the day.
No hidden costs
Itinerary
07:30 – Board Reef Experience boat at the Cairns Marina ‘A-Finger’ for check-in
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 scuba diving.
10:30 – Glass Bottom Boat tour (approximately 20-minute tour)
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
Shuttle Bus
For those staying in the Cairns Business District area, bus transfers to and from your accommodation to the boat are included on your day trip.
Breakfast
BBQ bacon and egg rolls are served.
Your dietary requirements will be met; please advise upon booking. All food is locally sourced and prepared fresh by our onboard chef.
Marine Biology Presentation
is a great way to learn about the marine life on the Great Barrier Reef from our resident onboard expert as you journey to your first reef destination.
Free scuba dive
All scuba dive equipment hire is included in your trip along with one free scuba dive (certified or resort dive)!*
Everybody over 12 can have a go who meets medical requirements. See the ‘Important Information’ page.
Glass bottom boat tours
are a great way to witness life beneath the waves comfortably and have it all explained by our marine experts.
(weather permitting)
Lunch
Buffet style lunch is served with a wide variety of meal options with healthy salads on the side.
Your dietary requirements will be met; please advise upon booking. All food is locally sourced and prepared fresh by our onboard chef.
Snorkelling
Unlimited morning and afternoon snorkelling at two reef locations. Non-swimmer snorkel tours are also included throughout the day for those who require assistance in the water.
Wine, cheese and crackers
Enjoy a light snack with wine on the journey back to Cairns.
Refreshments
Tea and coffee are served throughout the day except when the boat is moving.
Sunscreen
A reef-friendly sunscreen is provided onboard free of charge.
Reef Levy
We include mandatory reef tax and fuel levies for visiting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in the trip cost, so there won’t be extra hidden charges on the day.
Optional Extras
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
Dive Guides for already qualified ‘Certified’ scuba divers (dive guides included for beginner divers)
Prescription Mask Hire if you require stronger lenses to see (contact lenses can be worn in most circumstances)
Bus transfers from accommodation outside of the Cairns Business Area
Second Scuba Dive at our beautiful afternoon reef location
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.
Boarding commences at7:30 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
We have a passion for showing you Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so please make sure you understand the scuba diving laws.
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.
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.
We accept Visa Card or Mastercard, or EWay. All pricing is in AUD.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
A minimum of 48 hours’ notice is required to re-schedule, alter a reservation, or make any amendments to prepaid tour components, such as equipment hire, guided tours, or course fees.
Cancellation fees are as follows:
20% cancellation fee 30 days or more prior to departure
50% cancellation fee if within 30 days prior to departure
100% cancellation fee within 14 days prior to departure
There will be no refund of any part of your tour costs should you fail to arrive at a scheduled tour departure time. Tour departures may not be delayed due to passenger circumstances - including events beyond your control, medical problems, airline delays, weather etc.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. No refund or compensation will be issued for unused equipment, prepaid/pre-booked courses and/or Scuba dives, or guides if you cannot complete the entire tour. Please see Scuba Diving – Important Information below.
Please refer to Trade Practices Act 1974.
Terms And Conditions
This website acts as a booking agent only for the tours advertised herein. Although we endeavor to provide accurate information, we are not liable for inaccurate information concerning services.
Check-in: If you are Making your own way (no return transfers booked), please check-in and board at 7.30 am. Reef Experience is located on A Finger, at Cairns Marlin Marina.
Terms and Conditions:
Please call to confirm your trip 48 hours in advance at +61 7 4037 2700.
No alcohol may be consumed before in-water activities.
Children’s prices are from 4 to 11 years of age. If booking as a certified diver, adult rates apply.
Reef levies are included in the cost.
Locations, vessels and itineraries are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, but with full consideration of your safety and enjoyment. We are not liable for changes to tours, pricing or itineraries, all of which are subject to change without notice. We accept no liability for any loss or out-of-pocket costs incurred as a result of the cancellation or change in the itinerary, however caused (direct or indirect).
The glass-bottom boat tour is weather-dependent, and if canceled for safety reasons or any other unforeseen circumstances, no refunds will be issued, prioritizing passenger safety.
Neither this site nor any associated company or agent advertised through this site is responsible for your costs or losses resulting from alterations, cancellations, any loss, any damage, delays, deaths or personal injury.
All passengers are strongly advised to purchase Comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers personal injury and the events, including but not limited to your cancellation for any reason and the cancellation or alteration to the scheduled itinerary for reasons involving weather or passenger, crew or vessel safety. Please read your insurance policy's wording carefully and ensure it covers you for all potential activities. Please be aware that scuba diving and other in-water activities are not covered by all travel insurance companies. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Encounter taking photographs or video recordings during the course of this activity / tour. The passenger acknowledges and consents to Reef Encounter receiving and using images of the passenger from third parties and using these images for marketing and promoting its services.
Please inform us of any special requirements 48 hours before your travel date, such as dietary requirements, allergies, mobility and disability issues. This can be done in the ‘Booking Message’ section of your online reservation or by contacting our friendly reservations team.
Scuba Diving – Important Information:
All Certified Divers must present a valid Certification Card. Failure to present a Certification Card may result in the customer being unable to participate in scuba diving. They can enjoy snorkelling activities instead. No refunds would be offered.
Minimum age for Introductory Diving is 12 years old. Minimum age for certified diving and Open Water Course is 10 years old. All junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or must dive with a dive professional at an additional charge. If the diver is under the age of 18 years, parental or guardian consent is required for that diver to undertake a dive. The parent or guardian should sign the medical declaration as witness.
Upon arriving at our vessel and before commencing any dive activities, all passengers must complete our liability forms. All information provided must be strictly accurate. If during the tour, it becomes apparent that a form has been incorrectly completed, either by omission or false statement, we reserve the right to prevent any customer from undertaking any scuba diving or snorkelling activities while on board our vessel. Any decision made in this regard will be at the absolute discretion of the Dive Crew aboard the vessel.
The dangers and risks associated with scuba diving in an open ocean environment under variable conditions apply to our tours. We reserve the right to prevent any customer from participating in scuba diving if we determine that they are physically or medically unsuitable to do so or if it is in the best interests of our crew or other scuba divers. Our crew are trained professionals, and it is up to their sole discretion who they take diving and/or snorkelling. No refunds would apply.
Please remember you must allow 24 hours from your last dive before flying.
Medical Conditions & Medications:
Queensland, Australia has some of the strictest scuba diving rules in the world but also the safest scuba diving record. We are regulated by the Queensland Government Code of Practice and comply with all rules including medical as is the law.
All passengers participating in any Scuba activities must complete a Medical Questionnaire. If you are unsure of a particular medical condition or medication, please complete our ‘CAN I GO DIVING’ questionnaire on our website. If you’ve answered yes to any questions or take any prescribed medication, you will need further medical clearance. This must be arranged prior
to your day of departure.
Medication: DO NOT presume that by taking medication is controlling your medical conditions, and you should be fine to scuba dive, as it is the medication that can be the problem when scuba diving. Particularly prescribed medication may require a medical clearance.
The medical certification should be provided in English, preferably by a medical practitioner with experience in diving medicine, within 90 days prior to the scuba dive. The certificate must state that the person is medically fit to dive.
No refunds on uncompleted dives due to medical conditions and/or prescribed medications or change of mind.
If you do have any pre-existing/existing medical conditions or are taking any medication whatsoever and are not sure whether you will be deemed medically fit to Scuba Dive, please get in touch with our Office at 07 4037 2700 or email us at [email protected], we will be only too happy to help you if we can. Alternatively, the best thing to do is to consult your own Doctor for a medical clearance to scuba dive.
Public Holidays Surcharge
➢ A Surcharge of $100 per person applies to 25 December 2023 & 2024 – Christmas Day
➢ A Surcharge of $50 per person applies to all other Queensland public holidays listed:
