• Half day Great Barrier Reef tour dedicated to Cairns cruise ship passengers.
• Small group only with a maximum of 25 guests.
• Two hours of snorkelling time on the Great Barrier Reef at Upolu Reef.
• Flexible departure time to fit your cruise ship schedule, departs either 10.00am or 11.00am.

Half day Great Barrier Reef excursion to fit your Cairns cruise ship schedule. Bring your sense of adventure for an exhilarating half day snorkelling tour to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, where you'll snorkel the stunning Upolu Reef from Cairns

What to Expect

This is a specially crafted for cruise ship guests stopping in Cairns for the day or overnight. Your half day Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour starts at Cairns Marlin Marina, where you'll board our vessel, 'Mad Max,' for an exciting trip to Upolu Reef. Enjoy two hours of underwater reef exploration with our snorkelling tour guide.

You will reach your destination on the reef in an exhilarating 50 minute boat ride. Your destination is Upolu Reef, part of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef.

You will love this intimate, small group only half-day snorkelling tour from Cairns which accommodates up to 25 guests, ensuring a tailored, crowd-free experience.

Features and Highlights

• Our 13.5-meter aluminum-hulled inflatable tour boat is equipped with two powerful 325 hp Suzuki engines, allowing you to explore the wonders of the natural world efficiently and swiftly during our signature Cairns half-day Great Barrier Reef tour experience.

Cairns Half Day Great Barrier Reef Tour Itinerary

• Please meet at the Reef Adventure office located inside the Pier Shopping Centre 30 minutes prior to departure. Board the 'Mad Max' and prepare for a thrilling ride to Upolu Reef.
• This tour departs either at 10.00am or 11.00am depending on your cruise ship schedule on the day.
• 11.00am or 12.00am: Enjoy morning tea on board with drinks available for purchase. After a 50 minute journey, arrive at Upolu Reef. Spend two hours exploring the reefs, with crew assistance for gear and a free snorkelling briefing to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
• 1.00pm or 2.00pm: Depart the Great Barrier Reef and return to Cairns.
• 2.00pm or 3.00pm: Disembark at Cairns Marlin Marina

Snacks (delicious lamingtons) are provided, and drinks are available for purchase on board.

Available on board to purchase:

• Wetsuit
• Drinks
• Prescription Mask

Snorkelling and Marine Life

• Visiting Upolu Reef offers an unforgettable opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most remarkable marine environments on the planet.
• Upolu Reef is a stunning part of the Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. It is renowned for its vibrant marine life, clear waters, and diverse coral formations, making it a popular spot for snorkeling.

See all half day tours to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns and Port Douglas.

See all full day snorkelling tours in Cairns, Port Douglas, Mission Beach, Townsville, Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island. 

Learn more on Great Barrier Reef Blog.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

10.00am or 11.00am depending on cruise ship schedule

Departure Instructions

Please meet at the Reef Adventure office located inside the Pier Shopping Centre 30 minutes prior to departure.

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Upolu Reef

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

This tour will operate on Cruise Ship days only

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium

Restrictions

• A moderate level of fitness and mobility is required to enjoy the Reef Adventures product, particularly surrounding the entry and exit into the vessel at the Great Barrier Reef. Travellers who have had recent surgical procedures have back issues/problems or that have respiratory or heart conditions should reconsider their participation in the Reef Adventures product.
• Pregnant women are welcome onboard as long as they are cleared by their doctor.

• Swimmers
• Towel
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Credit card for onboard purchases
• Sense of adventure

• Minimum age 6
• Not suitable for children under 6