Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns, Cairns & the Tropical North

About this activity

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. This 35-metre luxury fast superyacht departs Cairns with 5 hours spent exploring 2 spectacular and exclusive outer Great Barrier Reef locations for an adventure-filled day.

Visit two different outer reef locations on the Great Barrier Reef for the chance to see tropical marine life. Delicious fresh BBQ lunch, tea, coffee, light snack and glass of wine on the return journey is included. Upgrade to include additional water adventures such as introductory or certified scuba dive or a scenic helicopter flight. Top quality equipment and instruction provided by friendly and professional instructors.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Private and Luxury Water Tours Excellent Quality Adventure Tours Best Conversion

At a glance

Duration: 8 h 30 min
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 160 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: German, Chinese, Japanese, English
Operated by: Down Under Cruise and Dive

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–16 years) · Adults (17–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Free lycra/stinger suit hire
Included: 5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
Included: 1 pre-booked dive (if dive package is selected. Additional dives can be added once onboard)
Included: Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
Included: 10-minute Scenic Flight (if selected)
Included: All Fees and Taxes
Included: Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
Included: BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
Included: Use of snorkeling and scuba equipment

Not included

Not included: Transportation to the meeting point

Itinerary

Stop 1

one hour

Check-in at Reef Fleet Terminal between 7.15am - 7.45am. Once checked in, you can make your way down to the boat, Evolution. Be greeted by your friendly crew, who will provide you with masks and snorkel, and then enjoy arrival tea, coffee and muffins before departure.
Great Barrier Reef

3 hours

Evolution departs Cairns at 8 am with a safety briefing on your way to your first reef location. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive at the first reef location. This will either be Saxon Reef or Norman Reef based on weather conditions and water clarity, to ensure the best experience for all activities.
Great Barrier Reef

one hour

Enjoy a BBQ lunch onboard (special dietary requirements catered for). The spread features an Australian barbecue with fresh fish, steak, prawns, and a variety of salads, and breads.
Stop 4

one hour

Evolution arrives at the second reef location for more snorkelling and/or scuba diving. Marvel at the incredible richness and diversity of marine life as you snorkel at another Outer Reef location.

If you prefer to stay dry, sit back and enjoy the views with our three deck spaces available for lounging. Dial up the adventure and choose the package with the 10-minute scenic helicopter flight to experience the Great Barrier Reef from above!
Stop 5

1 h 30 min

As you return to the mainland after a full day in paradise, enjoy complimentary afternoon tea of cheese, biscuits and a glass of wine as you toast to a great day visiting the Great Barrier Reef.

Evolution arrives back to Cairns at approximately 4.30pm.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Check-in is from 7.15am to 7.45am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Evolution departs 8.00am sharp. Return transfers are available for an additional cost. You must contact Down Under Dive to book.

End point

Check-in is from 7.15am to 7.45am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Evolution departs 8.00am sharp. Return transfers are available for an additional cost. You must contact Down Under Dive to book.

Using your ticket

CHECK-IN: from 7.15am - 7.45am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please make your way to the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter to check-in. Boat departs 8.00am sharp.

TRANSFERS: return transfers can be booked directly with the tour operator's reservations. Additional costs apply. Email: [email protected]

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: confirm special dietary requirements 24 hours before travel.

DIVE MEDICALS: All divers are required to complete a Medical Questionnaire. In our commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years must have a medical clearance with a physician who confirms they are Fit To Dive. Your Dive Instructor will conduct their own risk assessment on the day. The instructor has the authority to cancel a dive if they believe there is any risk, regardless of prior medical documentation.

SCUBA DIVING: Diving within 24 hours of flying is not recommended. Certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, the doctor's signature and their practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operator's Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.

CERTIFIED DIVERS: must provide a Diving certification document (usually a wallet-sized plastic card) recognising that they are authorised to perform a solo scuba dive, with the dive certificate indicating that they have successfully completed an open-water dive course as a minimum requirement. Without showing your certification, you may not be able to participate in SCUBA diving activities.

HELICOPTER: Due to the comfort, weight, and balance of the aircraft, passengers weighing over 130kg will be required to pay an additional fee. Contact the operator to check before travel if you are unsure.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Check-in is from 7.15am at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns. Please make your way to the Down Under Cruise and Dive counter to check-in. Boat departs 8.00am.
All divers are required to complete a Medical Questionnaire. In a commitment to the safety of our guests, divers over 65 years must have a medical clearance with a physician the confirms they are Fit To Dive. Please be aware that certain medical conditions (e.g. asthma, heart disease, diabetes) and ANY prescription medications will require a letter or email from a doctor clearing you to dive. This clearance must state your full name, the doctor's name, doctor's signature and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel. Please note your Dive Instructor will conduct their own risk assessment on the day of travel to ensure the safety of all divers. This means the instructor has the authority to cancel a dive if they feel there is any risk involved, regardless of prior medical documentation.
Children aged and under 12 years (introductory) and 10 years (certified divers) are not permitted to participate in onboard diving activities as per Queensland Australian Law.
Children under the age of 18 must be in the immediate company of a parent or legal guardian.
For Certified Diving, evidence of dive certification (PADI, SSI, etc.) is required from all divers day of wishing to participate in a certified dive.
Diving within 24 hours before your flight is not permitted.
Due to comfort, weight and balance of the aircraft, the weight limit for helicopters is 130kg. Please contact the supplier directly for further information.
Special dietary requirements must be confirmed at least 24 hours prior to travel directly with the tour operator. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free options are available.
If you chose a package with a dive, this includes 1 pre-booked dive only (note: dives are not included with snorkel-only packages). Additional dives can be purchased onboard on the day or direct with the operator prior to travel.
For the intro dive, no experience is needed
No refunds for voluntary uncompleted or attempted dives.

Options

One Introductory Dive

5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
One Certified Dive

5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Snorkeling and Heli Flight

5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef including a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight and free time to snorkel
Snorkeling Only

5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel gear.
Cruise, Intro Dive and Heli

Cruise, Dive and Heli Flight: Outer Barrier Reef Cruise including 1 introductory, a 10-minute scenic helicopter flight, and buffet lunch.