Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Overview
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8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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 and practice and the clearance to dive for the specific medications/condition. Please review the operators Medical Questionnaire and Terms & Conditions prior to travel.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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
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.
What‘s Included
Free lycra/stinger suit hire
5 hours reef time at 2 spectacular outer reef locations
1 pre-booked dive (if dive package is selected. Additional dives can be added once onboard)
Personal flotation aids - life jackets and noodles
10-minute Scenic Flight (if selected)
All Fees and Taxes
Glass of wine and a snack on return journey
BBQ lunch prepared onboard with fresh fish, prawns, steak, salads (Veg, GF, DF & Vegan options)
Use of snorkeling and scuba equipment
Transportation to the meeting point
Options
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.
One Certified Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 certified dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
One Introductory Dive
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Includes 1 introductory dive, buffet lunch, snorkel & dive gear.
Snorkeling Only
5 hrs on the Outer Great Barrier Reef, visiting 2 sites. Free time for snorkeling and swimming. Includes buffet lunch, snorkel 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
Reviews
3,719 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Barrier Reef
ILY S,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat was very nice, the entire crew were very sweet and friendly. The food was great and the diving was amazing, Mike was the best , can’t wait to go back and do it again next Monday! It is by far the best experience here in Australia! 🥳🥰😘🇦🇺
Family adventures
Ashley N,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Awesome day out on the water and Great Barrier Reef. We did the snorkeling and helicopter ride. Just wish we had more time to snorkel at second location. It was kind of cut short due to the helicopter ride (which was amazing). Had my three yeas old with us and was very accommodating with her and the helicopter ride
10/10
Amanda B,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010/10 experience. The crew was fantastic and so kind and fun while also keeping everyone safe and the reefs were so incredible highly recommend
Everyone on board was...
Farez L,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Everyone on board was very friendly. Very lovely cruise to two spots of barrier reefs. Amazing experience
Perfect Way to experience the Great Barrier Reef
Sean M,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an AWESOME way to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The ENTIRE crew should be commended for how organized and efficient they are while dealing with such a variety of people with varying desires/expectations of what they hoped to accomplish. The food and drinks exceeded expectations as well. Being able to obtain pictures of our experience was icing on an already incredible cake.
Great crew! Friendly,...
Samantha B,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great crew! Friendly, informative and thorough. Perfect day on the water with lots of optional add on excursions.
Great day out
James K,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very friendly staff and a great day out! Food and drink on arrival and a wide selection of seafood, meat and veggie options for lunch.
Very well organized....
Brandon T,,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very well organized. Weather wasn’t ideal but the crew made the most of it and we got to enjoy the experience.
Amazing!
Hannah K,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip was SO well organised, even though there is a lot of people on the boat, you don’t even realise because everything runs so smoothly. The reefs we were taken to were absolutely amazing & the staff were especially friendly and helpful all the time. I would 100% reccomend this trip if you want to go to the barrier reef.
The trip was very well...
Shekhar D,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The trip was very well organized. 170 people on board including staff, but it did not feel crowded or chaotic. Great crew! Good food! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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Operated by Down Under Cruise and Dive